How to braid hair with simple step-by-step instructions — plus a list of helpful tools to have on hand (2024)

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• Braiding hair may seem simple enough, but it takes a lot of fast finger work and can be difficult to do on yourself.
• Depending on the type of braid you want to create, there are a handful of products you'll want to stock up on, like a Wet Brush and some hair ties.
• For step-by-step instructions, as well as product recommendations for the perfect braid, I chatted with celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein.

Braids are one of those hairstyles that seem deceptively easy but can be a real challenge to actually get right. Not only do they require pretty nimble fingers, but they're also difficult to do on yourself. Do anyone's arms bend correctly to get a perfect, down-the-middle braid on their own head?

That said, there's just something incredibly cool about a braid —be it a side braid, pigtail braids, or a high ponytail braid. It's a style that works as well on the red carpet as it does on your couch at home. If you ask me, it's time that those of us who are braiding inept finally get their comeuppance. So, I tapped celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein to give me the rundown of how to accomplish a basic braid.

Products that help to have on hand

Depending on the type of braid you're looking to pull off, there are different types of products that you should have on hand before you get to plaiting. The most important tool is a detangling brush to prep the hair and make sure it's knot-free. "I like a Sheila Stotts brush and the Wet Brush," Rubenstein says. "My favorite for smoothing the hair first is a boar bristle Mason Pearson brush." A tail comb for parting is another great tool to have on hand —especially if you're interested in a sleek part or multiple braids.

As for hair ties, Rubenstein likes Scunci for regular ones. "There are also tiny, clear, disposable elastics from Goody you can get online or at drugstores that are invisible at the end of the braid," she says.

For a sleeker, tighter braid, Rubenstein suggests Gorilla Snot. "It's a super-strong gel which will create a more severe look," she says. To tame flyaways, Rubenstein likes Ticky Light by Unite. "I give the hair a light mist before beginning the braid," she says. Interested in something more textured? Rubenstein reaches for Oribe Dry Texture Spray before and after braiding.

Sounds like a lot? Don't be discouraged! "Once you master the rhythm of a basic braid, you can move on to more intricate styles," Rubenstein says. And she's sharing her step-by-step for a basic braid just below. You can also follow the videos below if you prefer a more visual guide.

Tips and techniques for the perfect braid

While almost every length of hair can, in theory, pull off a braid, Rubenstein says that it's much easier to braid on shoulder-length hair or longer. She also says that it's important to keep your sections as clean as possible to avoid getting overwhelmed. "It's a good idea to practice on someone else a lot before attempting to braid on yourself," she says.

If you're just learning, and if the hair you're braiding is long enough, it may help to start with a low ponytail and braid the hair from there. This approach ensures that you won't end up with uneven hair around the crown of the head, which can happen when braiders aren't practiced at maintaining even tension or clean sections. You can even remove the elastic at the base of the head afterward.

But the number one way to get better at braiding is just to practice constantly. "There is a lot of technique involved in braiding, especially when you get into the more complex styles," she says. "However, there is a certain rhythm to braiding that comes from experience and confidence."

How to braid hair

1. Start by brushing the hair and making sure it's completely free of tangles. It can be wet or dry. If you choose to, spritz the hair with some of your texture spray or flyaway-taming spray. You can also add a nickel-sized dollop of gel to the hair for a sleeker look.

2. Divide hair into three equal sections at the nape of the neck.

3. Turning the wrist in an overhand motion, cross the right section over the middle section. The right section has now become the middle section.

4. Now, cross the left section over the middle section. The left section has now become the middle section.

5. Continue this motion, alternating right and left sides, always bringing the side section up and over the middle.

6. When you have reached the end of your braid, secure with your choice of hair tie. You can go back over the crown of your hair with a dab of gel if you choose. Voila!

Helpful videos for learning how to braid:

How to do a simple braid:

How to French braid your own hair:

How to French braid someone else's hair: