How to Create a Waterfall Braid

A waterfall braid is a french braid where you drop the bottom strand and pick up new hair, creating cascading sections.

The waterfall braid looks complicated but follows one simple rule: always drop the bottom strand. Master that and you master the whole thing.

1. Start with the right texture. Work with day-old hair or add texturizing spray to clean hair. The slight grip prevents slipping and makes the braid hold better. Start at your temple on the side you prefer to part.
2. Begin your base braid. Take a two-inch section at your hairline and divide into three strands. Cross the top strand over the middle, then the bottom over the new middle. This creates your first stitch.
3. Create the waterfall effect. Instead of continuing with the bottom strand, drop it completely and pick up a new section of hair from above. This dropped strand becomes your first cascade.
4. Continue the pattern. Keep adding hair to the top strand, crossing over, then dropping the bottom strand and replacing it with new hair. Work horizontally across your head, maintaining consistent tension.
5. Finish and secure. When you reach behind your ear, finish with a regular three-strand braid for a few stitches and secure with a clear elastic. Gently tug at the braid edges to add volume.