How to Braid Your Hair: Basic English Braids

Take it from Sienna Miller and Blake Lively: braids are back! This will be the first in a series of posts on braiding techniques and hairstyles. We’ll start with a guide on how to braid your hair into the most simple style: the basic English three-stranded braid.

How-to: English (Basic) Braid

The English braid is the most basic and common hair braiding technique. Hair is divided into three sections and braided with a simple weaving technique. Left, Kate Hudson sported the classic style in a simple single braid. Since text instructions can be tough to follow on this kind of thing, I’ve created the diagram below to help you out:

Here are some step-by-step instructions to plait this playful hairstyle into your own hair:

1. Separate hair into three sections.
2. Grip the left section of hair with the palm of your left hand, leaving your thumb and index finger free.
3. Grip the right section of hair with the palm of your right hand, leaving your thumb and index finger free.
4. Use your free index fingers to widen the space between the right and middle sections. Use your right hand’s thumb and index finger to move the left section of hair into the space and hold it there.
5. Pull the middle (now left section) aside with your left hand, then move the right section of hair into the space between the middle and left sections.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5, alternating between the left and right sections of hair, until hair is braided. Secure with a ponytail holder.

Photo: Solarpix / PR Photos