Types of Braids & How to Do Them

intro

When it comes to styling hair with a braid, you have a number of options. In addition to making a single braid, two braids or many small braids to cover your head, you can choose between the basic three-strand braid and more elaborate braids such as the fishtail or French braids.

English Braid

The most simple braid, the English braid, involves weaving three strands of hair together. To make a basic braid, divide all of a person's hair into three equally sized sections. You'll have a middle section and sections to the right and left of the center. Start the braid by bringing the left section over the middle section, so that the left is now in the middle and what was the middle section is now on the left. Bring the right section of hair over the middle section, so that it is now in the middle and the middle section is now on the right. Bring the left section over the middle, then the right section over the middle. Continue braiding until only about 2 or 3 inches of hair remains, then tie off the braid with a hair elastic or ribbon.

Divide hair into two sections and divide each section into three equally sized sections to make braided pigtails.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid earns its name because the finished style resembles the texture of a fish's scales. Unlike the basic braid, the fishtail only uses two sections of hair. Split your hair into two sections, parting it down the center. At the nape of your neck, bring a small amount of hair, no thicker than a 1/2 inch, from the right section over to the left. Bring a 1/2 inch section of hair over from the left to the right. Continue to bring 1/2 inch sections of hair over from right to left and left to right until you have only a few inches of hair left at the bottom. Secure the ends of the braid with a hair elastic