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.
Step-by-step guide to make a braid hairstyle
Step 1
Decide whether you will braid your own hair or a friend's hair.
Step 2
Have the person sit or stand facing the mirror and remove any hair accessories.
Step 3
Brush the hair from roots to ends until it is smooth and tangle-free.
Step 4
Gather the hair where you want the braid to start and hold it steady with one hand.
Step 5
Use the comb or your fingers to split the gathered hair into three even sections.
Step 6
Cross the right section over the middle section so the right becomes the new middle.
Step 7
Cross the left section over the new middle section so the left becomes the new middle.
Step 8
Continue braiding by repeating right-over-middle then left-over-middle until you reach near the ends of the hair.
Step 9
Slide your fingers down the sections as you braid to keep the tension even and neat.
Step 10
Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band so it won’t come undone.
Step 11
Smooth or tuck any loose hairs with your fingers or a bobby pin to make the braid look neat.
Step 12
Take a photo and share your finished braid creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
Watch videos on how to make a braid hairstyle
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Facts about hairstyling for kids
⏱️ With practice many kids can do a tidy three-strand braid in under 3 minutes—try timing yourself and beat your best!
🧠 A three-strand braid is built from a simple sequence: move the outer sections over the middle, left then right.
🤝 Even tension is the secret to neat braids — practice keeping the same pressure so the braid looks smooth.
🪢 Finish braids with a small elastic or ribbon; clear elastics help the braid look seamless.
💇♀️ Braids are one of the oldest hairstyles — people around the world have worn them for thousands of years.
How do I teach my child to make a three-strand braid step-by-step?
What materials do I need to practice three-strand braids?
What ages are three-strand braid practice suitable for?
What safety tips and fun variations can parents use when teaching braids?
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