If you’ve ever looked at a beautiful braid and thought, “I could never do that,” then you’re in the right place. Because today, I’m going to teach you exactly how to three strand braid hair step by step — even if you’re a total beginner!
Whether you’re a parent trying to braid your child’s hair before school, someone learning to style your own hair, or just curious how all those intricate braids come together, this guide is for you.
Let’s break down the process into easy, bite-sized steps — no stress, no fancy salon tricks, just real, practical braiding you can master at home.
Who Is This Video For
This video is for anyone who wants to learn how to braid hair — quickly, simply, and confidently. You don’t need professional skills or fancy tools — just a bit of time, patience, and curiosity.
It’s especially perfect for:
- Parents who want to braid their child’s hair before school, sports, or special occasions without tears or tangles.
- Beginners who have never braided before and want clear, visual, step-by-step guidance.
- Teens learning to style their own hair and looking for an easy place to start.
- Anyone short on time and needs a hairstyle, because this method takes less than a few minutes once you get the hang of it.
- People who love simple, neat hairstyles that stay in place all day.
If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t braid,” this video will prove you absolutely can — and it’ll be your go-to guide whenever you need a quick, pretty hairstyle.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy tools to start braiding, but having a few essentials makes the process smoother:
- A brush or wide-tooth comb – to detangle the hair first.
- Hair ties or elastics – small ones work best for securing braids neatly.
- Spray bottle with water or a leave-in conditioner – to tame flyaways and make sectioning easier.
- A mirror – especially if you’re braiding your own hair.
Optional but helpful:
- A bit of styling cream or gel if you’re dealing with frizz or very smooth hair that slips.
- Hair clips to hold bangs out of the way if you need it.
That’s it — you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Classic Three-Strand Braid
Let’s start with the foundation — the classic three-strand braid. Once you understand this basic three strand braid, every other braid (French, Dutch, fishtail, waterfall) becomes much easier to learn.
Step 1: Brush and Prep the Hair
Begin by brushing the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
If the hair is clean and dry, lightly mist it with water or apply a bit of leave-in conditioner.
Smooth hair is easier to separate and helps the braid look neat.
Step 2: Divide Hair into Three Equal Sections
Take all the hair and split the hair into three equal strands.
Think of them as right, middle, and left.
Step 3: Cross the Right Section Over the Middle
Take the right strand and move it over the middle strand.
Now, the right strand becomes the new middle one.
Step 4: Cross the Left Section Over the Middle
Next, take the left strand and move it over the middle strand.
Now, the left strand becomes the middle.
And that’s the basic motion — right over middle, left over middle, repeat!
Step 5: Keep Repeating
Keep crossing right and left strands over the middle, alternating each time.
As you go, use your fingers to keep even tension — not too tight (that can pull the scalp) and not too loose (that can unravel).
Continue until you reach the desired braid length.
Step 6: Secure the End
Once you reach the end of the hair, secure the your three strand braid with a small hair tie or elastic.
If you want a softer, more casual look, gently tug on the sides of the braid to “pancake” it — this loosens the braid and makes it look fuller.
How to Braid Someone Else’s Hair vs. Your Own
There’s a big difference between braiding someone else’s hair and braiding your own, so let’s look at both.
Braiding Someone Else’s Hair
This is easier for beginners because you can see the whole head and use both hands freely.
Make sure the person sits still, and keep communicating — ask if the braid feels too tight or if you’re pulling any hair.
Braiding Your Own Hair
This takes practice — mainly because you’re working backwards and often by feel.
Don’t get discouraged if your first few tries look messy. You’ll quickly learn how to “feel” the braid without seeing every strand.
Blogpost – Learn how to braid your hair for beginners (IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES)
Common Braiding Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
1. Uneven Sections
If your three sections aren’t equal, one strand will end up too short.
→ Fix: Re-section before starting, or redistribute hair as you go.
2. Too Loose
A loose braid can fall apart easily.
→ Fix: Maintain steady, even tension with your fingers.
3. Too Tight
Tight braids can cause scalp pain or breakage.
→ Fix: Loosen your grip slightly and ask for feedback if you’re braiding someone else.
4. Frizz or Flyaways
Stray hairs can make a braid look messy.
→ Fix: Use a light mist of water or a dab of smoothing cream before starting.
5. Unraveling Ends
If the braid loosens at the bottom, the tie might be slipping.
→ Fix: Use a tighter elastic and add hairspray for more hold.
Once You’ve Mastered the Basic Braid…
Congratulations — now you can start exploring fun variations! Each of these builds on the same rhythm and structure as the classic braid. Once you’ve nailed one, the rest come naturally.
Here are a few easy ones to try next:
French Braid – Add small sections of hair each time you cross strands for a braid that starts at the crown.
Dutch Braid – Similar to a French braid, but cross strands under the middle instead of over, for a raised effect.
This post is all about how to three strand braid as a complete beginner, with zero braiding experience!
