Make a braid hairstyle!
Practice making a three-strand braid on yourself or a friend, learning sectioning, even tension, and finishing with elastic bands for a neat hairstyle.
About this activity
Practice making a three-strand braid on yourself or a friend, learning sectioning, even tension, and finishing with elastic bands for a neat hairstyle.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Decide whether you will braid your own hair or a friend's hair.
- 2
Step 2
Have the person sit or stand facing the mirror and remove any hair accessories.
- 3
Step 3
Brush the hair from roots to ends until it is smooth and tangle-free.
- 4
Step 4
Gather the hair where you want the braid to start and hold it steady with one hand.
- 5
Step 5
Use the comb or your fingers to split the gathered hair into three even sections.
- 6
Step 6
Cross the right section over the middle section so the right becomes the new middle.
- 7
Step 7
Cross the left section over the new middle section so the left becomes the new middle.
- 8
Step 8
Continue braiding by repeating right-over-middle then left-over-middle until you reach near the ends of the hair.
- 9
Step 9
Slide your fingers down the sections as you braid to keep the tension even and neat.
- 10
Step 10
Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band so it won’t come undone.
- 11
Step 11
Smooth or tuck any loose hairs with your fingers or a bobby pin to make the braid look neat.
- 12
Step 12
Take a photo and share your finished braid creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I teach my child to make a three-strand braid step-by-step?
Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Divide the hair into three equal sections (left, middle, right). Cross the right section over the middle so it becomes the new middle, then cross the left section over the new middle. Repeat, keeping even tension so the braid looks smooth. Braid until near the ends and secure with a small elastic. Practice short sessions and switch roles so your child learns both doing and receiving the braid.
What materials do I need to practice three-strand braids?
You’ll need a brush or wide-tooth comb, detangling spray or conditioner for slippery, manageable strands, small snag-free elastics, and a few hair clips to hold sections. A handheld mirror helps when braiding the back of your own head. Optional extras: a spray bottle with water for touch-ups, decorative ribbons or barrettes for finishing, and a soft towel or cape to keep clothing clean during practice.
What ages are three-strand braid practice suitable for?
Simple three-strand braids are great for children aged around 4 and up with supervision; younger children can enjoy being styled while building patience. Around ages 6–8, many kids start practicing basic braids themselves or on friends. Older children and tweens can refine tension, speed, and variations. Adjust expectations to each child’s fine motor skills and attention span rather than a strict age cutoff.
What safety tips and fun variations can parents use when teaching braids?
Safety: avoid very tight braids that pull the scalp, use elastic bands without metal, detangle first, and stop if the child feels pain. Supervise small kids with accessories. Variations: add ribbons, make two side braids, try a half-up braid, or progress later to French or Dutch braids and fishtail braids for a challenge. Praise practice and keep sessions short to stay fun.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a small elastic band or comb if I don't have them?
If you don't have a small elastic band, use a hair tie, ribbon, or a gently wrapped clean rubber band to secure the braid, and if you lack a comb use your fingers or a wide-tooth brush to split the gathered hair into three even sections.
My braid keeps coming undone or looks lumpy—what step am I doing wrong and how do I fix it?
If the braid is loose or uneven, re-brush the hair from roots to ends to remove tangles, make sure to split the gathered hair into three even sections, slide your fingers down the sections while repeating right-over-middle and left-over-middle to keep tension even, and finish by securing the end with a small elastic band and tucking loose hairs with a bobby pin.
How can I adapt this braid activity for different age groups?
For toddlers sit them facing the mirror and braid larger sections using your fingers and a soft elastic, for school-age kids let them follow the comb and section steps with your guidance on the first few crosses, and for older kids encourage practicing tighter three-section braids while sliding your fingers down the sections and finishing neatly with a small elastic before taking a photo for DIY.org.
How can we make the braid more creative or turn this into a bigger project?
Personalize the braid by weaving a ribbon into one of the three sections as you braid, make multiple braids and join them into a bun pinned with bobby pins, or swap the small elastic for a colorful scrunchie and then take a photo to share on DIY.org.