How to French Braid Your Own Hair

Start at your crown, cross side sections over the middle while continuously adding new hair from each side until you reach your nape.

Perfect French braids are a myth perpetuated by people who don't do their own hair.

1. Set up your sections. Take a triangle section at your crown about three inches wide. Divide this into three equal strands. Position your hands so your palms face down and your fingers can easily grab new hair.
2. Start the base braid. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle. Do this twice to establish your pattern before adding new hair.
3. Add hair as you go. Before crossing the right strand over, pick up a small section of loose hair from the right side and add it to your right strand. Cross over the middle, then repeat on the left side.
4. Continue to your nape. Keep adding hair to each side strand before crossing over the middle. Keep your grip firm but not tight, and maintain even tension throughout.
5. Finish with a regular braid. Once you've incorporated all your loose hair at the nape, continue with a regular three-strand braid to the ends. Secure with an elastic.