Wearing different braid styles s is a great way to keep your hair under control and looking great. There are several different braids you can choose to vary your look. Some braid styles are more complicated than others, but they are all easy to master with a bit of practice.
English Braid
Everyone is familiar with the English braid. This is the standard, tri-strand braiding you often see on both women and men, from ages 2 to 92. The English braid is made by dividing the hair into 3 even sections and crossing the right section over the center, followed by crossing the left section over the center and alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair.
French Braid
Another type of braiding women often wear is French braids. The French braid is similar to the English braid, but rather than braiding all of the hair into the original braid, you start with only the center of your hair. Lift the center piece and divide it into three sections. Cross right over middle, left over middle like a regular braid. Starting with the second plait, however, you incorporate a small bit of extra hair from the side you are crossing into that section each time, before making the cross-over. The French braid adds a bit of elegance to your braids.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid is very similar to the French braid. It differs because it is inverted. Rather than crossing the hair over the center section, you cross it underneath instead. Try this for a beautiful variation on the French braid.
Swiss Braid
With a Swiss braid, you divide the hair in half. Braid each half into a simple three strand English braid and finish off with an elastic ponytail holder. Then coil the left braid to the left side of the head, around by the right ear and back to the left side, forming a crown. Repeat with the right braid.
You can also create a Swiss braid by braiding around the head in a French braid style of braiding - adding new sections of hair with each plait - but pulling the braids tight to the head and forcing it to move along the back of the head with each plait. This type of Swiss braid is rather complicated and takes a lot of practice.
 | Little girls always want to learn how to braid hair. If you have a little one to teach - or missed the lesson the first time around - here's your chance to master the technique. |
 | Learning |
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Learning how to braid your own hair requires patience and coordination, but having the ability to form an even and smooth braid whenever you like is more than worth the initial time commitment. |
Learning how to make a round braid is much easier than most people expect. |
