How to Do Two French Braids at Home in 6 Easy Steps

woman wearing two french braids

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Anyone who’s ever rocked two French braids will surely agree with us when we say: they’re pretty much the Superwoman of hairstyles. Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, it’s a look that every girl should have up her sleeve.

Now, we know that braids can be a little intimidating if you’re a beginner, but don’t be put off. They’re nowhere near as intricate as they look and, as with anything, practice makes perfect. We’ve broken the process down into six simple steps to show you how to make two French braids like a pro! So, grab your comb and your hair ties, and let’s get braiding.

Step 1. Prep Your Hair

Woman using hairspray
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

It’s not often we say this, but this is one style that actually calls for dirty locks! Hair that’s freshly washed can often be too soft and smooth to hold a braid in place, so it’s best to weave with hair that’s a little more lived-in.

Editor’s tip: Ladies with naturally coily, curly or wavy hair out there looking to learn how to do French braids should skip the texturising spray. Instead, apply a nourishing oil through your ends before styling. We’re fans of the TRESemmé Pro Collection Keratin Smooth with Keratin and Marula oil Shine Oil  as it’s formulated to help hydrate your strands and fend off frizz.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil Front

Step 2. Create a Centre Parting

Woman clipping a section of hair
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Using the end of a tail comb, divide your hair into two right down the centre of your head. Clipping one section away to one side will stop you from accidentally pulling in any hair from the other side.

Step 3. Divide your Hair into 3 Sections

Woman holding up a section of hair
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Right, now it’s time to learn how to French braid your hair! Taking a piece of hair around 3-4 inches from just above your temples, divide it into 3 equal sections.

Step 4. Begin French Braiding

Woman making a french braid
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Start by creating a standard 3-strand plait, weaving left over middle, right over the middle.

From here, all you need to do is take up more hair from the surrounding area, pulling it into the braid as you go.

Psst! Love our model’s rings? Steal the look by buying your own stackable rings.*

Step 5. Complete Your Plait

Person creating two french braids
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Once you’ve reached the nape of your neck, you should find that you’ve run out of extra hair to bring into your braid. At this point, the hard work is over (phew!) and you can finish up the rest of your braid using the 3-strand method again.

Now repeat on the other half of your hair and secure your two French braids in place with a hairband. Using a hair tie that’s clear or matches your hair colour will help to give a cleaner look.

Editor’s tip: We suggest finishing your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. Not only will this stop the bottom of your braids from looking straggly, but it will also help it stay secure all day (or night!) long.

Step 6. A Flawless Finish

Woman spritzing hairspray on two french braids
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

And that’s it, you’re officially the master of double French braids! Now all that’s left to do is to give your ‘do a spritz of hairspray. We’ve found that TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray works particularly well for this style, as it means your style won’t budge.

TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray Front

Editor’s tip: If you’ve got layered hair, spray some hairspray onto your fingers and use it to set down any flyaways that may have escaped from your braid.

Found this ‘how to do French braids’ tutorial helpful, and now need more styles to try your hand at? Then head over to our Braids page pronto. There you’ll find an abundance of style guides, including this gorgeous half-up French fishtail braid.

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  1. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil
  2. TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray

*At All Things Hair, we want to help you navigate our modern world with ease. All our market picks are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 

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