A step-by-step guide on how to braid layered hair
No more tangling, no more twisting– here are five styles of braids for those choppy layers
Mastering the art of braiding layered hair may seem like you’re training for a hairstyling diploma, but it isn’t as hard as one would think. When you get to grips with it, you’ll want to learn about the progression from the elementary three-strand braid to the classic and slightly trickier French braid.
Much like the timeless act of tying shoelaces, braiding embodies an age-old tradition that has traveled through many generations. From ancient mythological times to Taylor Swift's album cover (what a journey), the French braid's enduring appeal has certainly had its history—and its DIY simplicity is something we all take for granted.
We’ve all been there. You know, sat in the hairstylist’s chair asking for the chunkiest of layers—only for you to get home and barely be able to tie it up. Aless-than-fondd memory for some, but a reality for the rest that are living with the ghost of layers present. All it needs is a touch of knowledge and you too can embrace the infamous braid.
Before you begin that journey, we have a couple of mini steps for you to remember when starting a braid—because you know, by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. And we don’t have time for bad hair days––so get ready to prepare.
Small steps before you start to braid
Before you get going on your braiding journey, consider the following small steps to set yourself up for success.
- Dirty hair: Most braids thrive on a slightly dirty canvas. The extra grit in unwashed hair offers enhanced texture, reducing slip and allowing for a more secure braid. Like we needed an excuse to skip hair wash day?
- Brush those tresses: Grab a wide-tooth comb and brush out any tangles or knots from your hair. This initial step ensures easy weaving and prevents hair from becoming entangled or knotty during the braiding process.
- Product perfection: As hairstylists, we know a thing or two about a good product, but when it comes to braids, they’re super important. To create a polished look and keep flyaways at bay, we recommend using a smoothing cream or gel. This pre-braiding prep adds sleekness to the overall look that you’re going for.
With these steps as your foundation, let's take it from the top, in a step-by-step guide to mastering some effortlessly cool braids at home.
Have some patience—it might not be as easy as tying a bow or using a claw clip, but it’s worth it in the end.
Let’s start with the beginner’s braid
The best way to start with anything is to divide and conquer, which is *literally* what we’re going to do.
- Divide your hair into three sections: Begin by dividing your hair into three equal sections.
- Cross the right strand over the middle: Start by taking the right strand and crossing it over the middle section.
- Apply gel or cream: For enhanced control over the layered strands, apply a small amount of styling gel or cream before initiating the braiding process.
- Cross the left strand over the middle: Next, take the left strand and cross it over the middle section. This creates the initial weave of the basic three-strand braid.
- Repeat the weaving: Continue the weaving process, alternating between the right and left strands. Maintain a consistent tension to keep it straight and neat, or a loose hand for a messy braid.
- Secure with an elastic band: Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the basic braid with an elastic band. Pull at the end of your plait to slacken it and make it look thicker.
Now, that wasn’t so hard was it? Remember, practice makes perfect and once you’ve nailed this, you can experiment with all the other braids out there.
Step-by-step guide to a French braid with layers
- Section your hair: Begin by parting your hair at the crown, creating three distinct sections – left, right, and middle.
- Initiate the weaving: Start the braid by crossing the right strand over the middle, followed by the left strand crossing over the middle piece.
- Keep incorporating additional hair: With each successive cross, incorporate additional hair from each side into the braid. This gradual incorporation creates the signature woven pattern. When you get to the shorter parts of your braid—that’s when it’s time for extra strong styling gel. You’d never know the layers were there when it’s slicked back well.
- Continue the weaving: Repeat the weaving process, moving downward towards your neck. Ensure you have a steady and consistent tension to maintain the braids perfect shape.
- Secure with an elastic band: Once you reach the end of the available hair, secure the French braid with an elastic band. Adjust the tension as needed for a comfortable yet secure hold. The end will look slightly thinner because you have layered hair, so gently pull out on the secured plait to make it thicker in appearance—and voila.
Congratulations! You've successfully made your first French braid from home AND with layers—now that was no easy feat. Let’s take it up a notch.
Step-by-step guide to Dutch braids for layered hair
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into three sections, similar to the starting point of a French braid. See, not too hard…
- Underhand weaving: Unlike the overhand technique of the French braid, begin the Dutch braid by crossing the right strand under the middle, followed by the left strand under the middle.
- Incorporate additional hair: Similar to the French braid, incorporate additional hair from each side with every underhand cross. This technique creates the distinctive Dutch braid look, where the strands appear woven beneath the hair. It’s basically just the opposite version of the French, so it’s fairly easy to master if your braiding for French is on point.
- Apply gel or cream: Given the layered nature of your hair, apply a small amount of styling gel or cream to keep the strands in place while braiding. This, like with all braiding, stops those short choppy bits from flying in your face.
- Continue the weaving: Progress downward, consistently adding hair to the braid. The Dutch braid's charm lies in its inverted appearance, creating a raised effect on the layered hair. This one may be harder with those layers, so keep reapplying product and potentially slotting in a hair pin to hold.
- Secure with an elastic band: Once you reach the end of your hair, or where your layers start to show, secure the Dutch braid with an elastic band. Adjust the tension for a secure hold without making it hurt. Smooth down any flyaways with pins and gel, then you’re good to go.
Step-by-step guide to Milkmaid braids for layered hair
- Part your hair down the middle: Begin by parting your hair down the middle, creating two even sections. Middle parting girlies—this one’s for you.
- Braid each section: French or Dutch braid each section individually, starting from the crown of your head and progressing toward the nape of your neck. A Milkmaid braid has one on each side, so it’s perfect to keep layers at bay because your hair doesn’t have to stretch over to one place.
- Apply gel or cream: Before braiding, we recommend applying a styling gel or cream to both of the sections. This helps to maintain control over the layered strands and reduces flyaways.
- Secure the braids: Once both braids are complete, cross them over the top of your head, positioning them like a crown. Secure each end with bobby pins, creating the classic milkmaid braid style.
- Loosen the braids: Gently pull at sections of the braids to loosen them, achieving a softer and more relaxed look.
- Secure any loose ends: Your hair is layered, so we’re not surprised that there are spikes sticking out left, right and center. Ensure that all loose ends are tucked in and secured with bobby pins and hairspray to complete your Milkmaid braid.
Step-by-step guide to fishtail braid for layered hair
- 1. Divide your hair into two sections: Begin by splitting your hair into two equal sections.
- Take a thin strand from the outer edge: From the outer edge of the left section, take a thin strand and cross it over to the right section.
- Apply gel or cream: Given the layered nature of your hair, apply a small amount of styling gel or cream to the thin strands. This helps to keep them together during the fishtail braiding process.
- Repeat on the other side: Repeat the process on the right side, taking a thin strand from the outer edge and crossing it over to the left section.
- Continue alternating sides: Continue this alternating process, pulling tight to create the distinctive fishtail pattern—make sure to smooth out at every twist, because those layers are harder to hide at the end.
- Secure with an elastic band: Once you reach the end of your hair (or the layers are just saying no), secure the fishtail braid with an elastic band. Optionally, gently pull at sections of the braid to create a more relaxed and voluminous look—but be careful
Still can't grasp the way of the layered braid styles?
Don’t fret, practice makes perfect and if you can’t brush up on your skills in time for your next soiree—then there’s always the bubble braid. It’s the low maintenance cousin of the classic braid and it looks just as great (if not better).
Not all of us have the time, patience or effort and that’s okay. It’s 2024 and us girlies are out here making moves, instead of sitting at home brushing up on our braiding ability—though, it is lowkey fun when you have all your girls with you.
Whichever braiding technique you’ve managed to do to keep your flyaways from acting out, there will always be something for you. And if you’re here because we’re self-proclaimed extension pros and you’ve been wondering ‘how to braid hair with extensions?’—it’s simple. You do it exactly the same way as per our steps and it looks super glam. Hello mermaid hair, the Oscars are calling.
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