Hello, aspiring braiders! Have you been trying to master the art of the French braid, but find that it's just not coming together? Today, we're going to tackle the perfect pull through French braid, a stylish and unique twist on the classic French braid. By the end of this guide, you'll be crafting beautiful pull through braids in no time. Let's dive in!
First things first, let's understand the basic difference between a French braid and a pull through French braid. While a French braid requires you to pick up new strands of hair as you braid, a pull through French braid uses a trick with rubber bands to create the illusion of a French braid. It's easier, quicker, and produces stunning results. So, let's get started!
The Basics of Pull Through French Braid
The pull through French braid is all about the technique. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to create these gorgeous braids in a breeze. So, let's break down the technique step by step.
Before we start, you'll need:
- A hairbrush or comb
- Rubber bands (preferably clear)
- Bobby pins (optional, for styling)
Preparing Your Hair
Start by detangling your hair with a hairbrush or comb. This is especially important if you have long or thick hair. Then, gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a rubber band. This section will serve as the base for your braid.
For a sleek look, you can smooth out the hair on top with a comb or your fingers. If you want a more textured, bohemian style, you can incorporate some teasing or create slight waves before you start braiding.
Creating the Braid
Now, for the magical part! Start by dividing the hair you've gathered into three equal sections. It doesn't have to be perfect; this is just to give you a starting point. Then, follow these steps:
- Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. It should now be the new middle section.
- Next, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section (which was originally the right section).
- Now, take the rubber band at the top of your hair and pull it down to the newly created braid.
- Remove the rubber band. It should slide down easily now that the hair has been twisted.
- Repeat steps 1-4 all the way down your hair until you reach the ends.
- Secure the end of your braid with another rubber band and give your braid a gentle tug to loosen it up.
And there you have it! A beautiful, intricate pull through French braid. Isn't that easy?
Styling Your Pull Through French Braid
Now that you've mastered the technique, let's talk about styling. One of the best things about the pull through French braid is that it's incredibly versatile.
For a sleek, formal look, you can keep the braid tight and smooth. You can even part your hair down the middle and create two pull through French braids, one on each side of your head. Secure any loose strands with bobby pins and you're ready for a night out.
Loose and Wavy
For a more casual, bohemian style, start by teasing your hair slightly before you braid. This will give your braid a voluminous, messy look. Once you've finished braiding, gently pull on the outside edges of the braid to loosen it up even more. You can also use your fingers to create some soft waves in your hair before you braid. This will give your braid a beachy, windblown look.
Accessories
Don't forget, braids are the perfect opportunity to add some flair with accessories! You can weavearium or flower crown into your braid, or even add some colorful ribbons or strings of beads. The possibilities are endless!
And there you have it! With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a pull through French braid master. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying and pretty soon you'll be braiding like a pro. Happy braiding!