Follow these steps to learn to create a simple three-strand braid. If you don’t have someone with long straight hair to practice on, try using three ribbons or strings. (Start with three strings to learn a simple braid or ten to fifteen when learning to create a French Braid.) Tie them together at one end and secure the knot to a corkboard so that the ends are free. When you have mastered this simple braid, turn the page for instructions for a simple French Braid.

# One ___ # Two ___ # Three ___ # Four ___ # Five

Figure One:
Start your braid by parting off a strand of hair measuring about one inch wide. Comb the strand smooth. With your fingers, divide that strand into three equal strands.

Figure Two:
Hold strand A in your left hand and strand C in your right hand. Take strand A and put it over the top of strand B so that it is between Strands B and C. Adjust your hands to hold it there. I hold strand A and B with one hand, placing a finger in between to separate them. My other hand is free to pick up Strand C.

Figure Three:
While holding Strands A and B in place, take Strand C over Strand A and place it between B and A. Now Strand C is in the center. You have to adjust your grip, letting go of Strand B and holding on to C and A.

Figure Four:
Strand B now is taken over the top of strand C so that it is in the center between C and A.

Figure Five:
Return to strand A which is on the opposite from where it began. Take it over the top of strand B so that A is between C and B.

Continue braiding the three strand in this manner, picking up the outside strand and placing it in the middle. You will make your braid tighter than the illustrations show. Practice this basic braid until you get used to the motions and the feel of braiding and until you understand it thoroughly.

Turn the Page for instructions for a French Braid.