Mastering Two-Sided French Braids on Yourself
French braids remain one of the most elegant and versatile hairstyles for any occasion. Weaving a neat plait along each side of your head makes a particularly pretty look. Yet maneuvering all the strand crossing behind your head proves tricky. Thankfully a few handy tricks and the right tools let you french braid your own hair in flattering two-sided fashion.
Read on as we break down simple step-by-step methods for neatly styling two french braids yourself. Learn tips professional stylists use for keeping strands tidy as you cross and add hair. With some handy gadgets plus practice, you’ll be expertly incorporating hair into symmetrical plaits just like a pro!
Sectioning is Key To French Braids
Framing your face with two french braids starts by mapping out clean parts first. Use clips to mark the division line from your forehead’s center back over the crown. Then create a deep side part on one side, clipping up the other side temporarily. Work on braiding one side at a time for easier strand manipulation behind your head. Having hair neatly sectioned into three starting strands per braid makes incorporations far simpler.
Use point cutting shears when first separating front pieces to define side partings with precision. This specialized scissor shape helps grab exactly the hair you want without disrupting surrounding strands. Mirror your sections on both sides for braids that match beautifully. Take your time here for a flawless foundation.
Styling Product Preps Perfectly
The products your coat hair with before braiding impact hold and ease of plaiting tremendously. Skip heavy oils or creams that load strands down and make them slippery. Lightweight styling sprays add texture and grip so hair stays put as you cross and add new pieces.
Misting strands with a bit of sea salt spray works wonders by allowing braids to form yet stay soft once set. The beachy, lived-in look also appears purposefully tousled. Finish with a brushable working spray for extra hold and shine. Prep products prevent messy flyaways so braids look neat longer.
Braid Tight By Hand First
Whether you incorporate hair behind your neck or above the ear, always complete the initial sequence by hand. Keep first stitches very taut by maintaining tension as you cross under strands from the outer sections. Pull firmly when picking up new hair to join the braid also. Setting a tight foundation ultimately allows the rest of your plait to form smoothly without sagging.
Once comfortable with the basic three-strand technique, try practicing next by watching in a mirror rather than feeling behind your head. Develop that hand-eye coordination now before going hands-free with tools. Good form established earlier gets refined through eye monitoring later.
Hands-Free Styling Tools Finish Fast
Completing french braids yourself relies hugely on clever gadgets that lend extra “hands”. Clips, clamps, even small brushes all assist with neatly adding and crossing hair once hand reach stops short behind your head. Sectioning clamps grasp hair for easy transportation between strands while pins temporarily anchor tricky spots.
Hands-free styler tools resembling oddly-shaped pronged forks excel at quickly “scooping” exactly the right hair pieces into forming braids. Their unique shapes grab strands for instant accurate crossing without disruption. Dedicated styling gadgets build confidence and efficiency when braiding tougher sections solo. Don’t be afraid to utilize clips liberally while learning either – keeping things stable as you build muscle memory.
With the right tools and techniques in your arsenal, skillfully french braiding both sides of your hair is very achievable. Section meticulously, prep strands properly, then refine form using handy gadgets. Master this elegant look through practice and discover your inner stylist!