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Byrdie

There’s just something about a French braid, isn’t there?

(Call it a certainje ne sais quoi.)

A rear view of a model as she French braids her hair

Byrdie

The enduring hairstyle is elegant and casual all at once.

Andtrust us on this oneit’s easy to replicate at home despite appearing incredibly intricate.

Ahead, hairstylist andByrdiecontributor Ashley Rubell has provided the ultimate step-by-step guide to creating theclassic braided hairstyleat home.

step by step tutorial for creating a french braid

Design by Zackary Angeline

Keep scrolling to learn how to French braid your hair in six easy steps.

Design by Zackary Angeline

What You’ll Need

All of these supplies are optionalexcept for the elastic.

(Wet hair will shift as it dries, so braiding wet hair could yield a less-than-perfect braid).

Model combing her hair in preparation for French braiding

Dee Mills / Byrdie

If your hair is thicker, you might want to opt for a comb.

it’s possible for you to start wherever you like.

It’s easy to grab the side sections above the ear as if you were doing a half-up style.

Model viewed from the back, holding three sections of hair

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Begin by taking the left section of your hair and bringing it over the center section.

Your left section should now be on top and has taken the spot of your center section.

Then, bring your right section over the center section of your hair.

Model begins French braiding her hair

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Again, pull these sections into their new placement.

Keep the hair taut as you go.

Every time you pull a side piece over, it becomes your new center section.

Woman adds hair to her French braid

Dee Mills / Byrdie

That being said, your right side should take center stage among your three sections of hair.

Essentially, you’re thickening the section before bringing it over to the center.

Repeat the same thing here on the right side.

Woman braids her French braid to the nape of her neck

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Hair ties tend to unravel easily, so for that reason, I recommend using a small elastic tie.

At this point, I recommend using a dry texturizing spray for extra hold.

To loosen things up a bit, gently pull apart the braid.

Model securing her French braid

Dee Mills / Byrdie

This will thicken it up and bring out face-framing pieces for a more romantic, “undone” vibe.

The R+CoBleu Featherlight Hairspray($46) is aByrdiefavorite (browse our entire list ofbest hairsprays here).

If you want to elevate your look further, go for French braid pigtails.

Model with a completed French braid

Dee Mills / Byrdie