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The French braids hairstyle has always been in demand among ladies with average hair length.
The French braids are very elegant and stylish, as well as an excellent option for styling your hair on your own at home instead of going to a professional stylist.
But how can you select the most fashionable French braids styles? What French braids hairstyles will be trending this year?
Let us tell you more about the French braids hairstyle and share with you some tips on how to maintain it properly.
How to French braid your own hair on both sides?
Want to learn how to do a French braid on your own? No problem!
Here are instructions for doing a French braid that will definitely get you the results you want:
Step 1. Brush your hair
Firstly, brush your hair in order to straighten it and make it smooth.
Step 2. Split your hair
After that, locate the place where the hair starts growing and collect the hair in three even portions: the right one, the left one, and the middle one.
Step 3. Braid your hair
To begin braiding, cross the right portion over the middle one, and then the left one. Smooth the hair and braid tightly.
Step 4. Repeat
Add more hair as you continue the process until you've used up all the extra strands of hair in braids. Please note that while doing French braids, you have to braid over, not under.
Step 5. Tie your hair
Take the last strand of hair in the braid and tie it securely using a hair tie. Ensure you tie the hair tightly with the hair tie and may even use some spray on the braids for security.
The difference between Dutch braid and French braid
There is no significant difference between Dutch braids and French braids; however, there are some aspects which should be considered.
First of all, in French braids, hair strands are moved over the middle part of the braids.
In turn, in Dutch braids, hair strands are placed under the middle part of the braids. That is why French braids can be defined as overhand braids, while Dutch braids are underhand braids.
Both types of braids are rather popular and look almost identically to an untrained eye. However, knowing the difference between them now, you will easily choose the most suitable one for you.
4 French braid hairstyles for this year
Now that you know how to get started with the French braid style, check out four fantastic French braid hairstyles you can do this year:
1. French braid ponytail
There are many French braid ponytail hairstyles that you could try out. One great option to consider would be a fabulous French braid updo hairstyle with some curls. You will need to tie your hair in a high updo so that you can get things done.
2. French braid with fishtail
Another great idea would be to add a fishtail on your French braids for more of a lengthened style. Though fishtails tend to look best when they are not so neat and perfect, this is because the fishtail braids keep your braids neat and tied all the way down to your shoulders.
3. French braid half up half down
If you want to keep it casual, then half up half down French braids will be just perfect for you. It looks simply amazing on women who have shoulder-length blonde hair especially. It is the perfect choice to create loose braids fast and look unique at the same time.
4. French braids for short hair
Even though French braids are mostly recommended to medium and long hair ladies, it does not mean that you cannot try French braids even if you have short hair. To make your short hair French braids a little bit fuller, you can tousle the ends a little bit.
French braids maintenance tips
Being aware of how you can keep your French braids up is the only way that you will get the right braids throughout the entire year. Some of the tips include:
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Think about shampooing and conditioning your hair prior to braiding your hair. Use an ionic dryer like the Laifen Air Hair Dryer so that there won’t be any frizz, making your braids long and silky flowing.
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In case you are afraid about your braids staying put, use a strong hairspray right after you tie your braids.
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Try to experiment with your look. Consider doing a French braids look by choosing a fishtail or ponytail so that you could make your look truly yours.
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Take care of your hair so that your braids wouldn’t dry out. You should use leave-in conditioner which includes ingredients like argan oil or avocado oil to renew your braids.
Recap
French braids are extremely popular and are a great style to try in 2026. Note the difference between French braids and Dutch braids, and consider which style to opt for, choosing from classic braids to those with a ponytail or fishtail.
You should also bear in mind our top tips for looking after French braids, so that you can keep your hair healthy and hydrated while wearing your hair in this impressive style.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to learn how to make a French braid?
It usually takes several attempts for beginners to learn how to braid using this method. However, achieving even and perfect braiding requires lots of practice.
2. How is a French braid different from a Dutch braid?
The main difference lies in how the sections cross; the French braid creates a flat effect while the Dutch one raises the braid.
3. Is it possible to make French braids on short hair?
Yes, provided that the hair length allows dividing it into sections. Special styling products can be used to create a French braid even if the hair is not that long.
4. How can I make French braids stay longer?
French braids will last longer if you use clean hair, braid it tightly, use an elastic band at the end of the braid, use light hairspray and have regular treatments with leave-in conditioner.
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