5 Tips for braiding your own hair

For a lot of people, braiding your own hair can seem like a daunting task. But all it really takes is breaking it down into easy steps and then practice, practice, practice! And we have just the tips to give you that perfect look all on your own.

OK, it's time to end the fear of braiding your own hair. While it's definitely sometimes easier to get it looking right on someone else, there is a way to create adorable braids on your very own hair using your very own hands!

How to make a fish-tail braid

Supplies:

To begin, make sure you're working with well brushed-out hair to keep it from getting tangled in the braiding process. Grab two clear elastic bands, a clip-in flower or bow and a mirror, and then get ready to amaze yourself with some serious talent you didn't know you had.

Instructions:

Pull your hair to the side in a low ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic band. Pull out any little hairs you want to spill down in the front, and then split your hair in half above the ponytail holder, creating a little hole.

With one hand holding the split, use the other hand to take the bottom half of your ponytail up and through the hole, pulling it back down behind to create a fun little twist for the beginning of your braid.

Next, using both hands, split your ponytail into two equal halves, each hand holding a half.

Now it's time to get busy with the fish tail, which you will be surprised to find is actually pretty easy! Just be sure to keep a tight grip on the two strands, which will help keep things in place. To begin, take an outside piece of hair from the right side and take it across the front and over to the other side. Hold that piece of hair with its new section. Next, take an outside piece from the left side, and take it across and over to the right. Blend it into its new side, and keep repeating this process until you get to the very bottom. Finally, use another clear elastic band to secure the braid at the bottom.

With this particular braid, sometimes it's super cute to make it just a little bit messy. To get this look, use both hands to pull on either side of the braid. Start at the top, and work your way down. How much pulling and tugging you do completely depends on what style you're going for.

More hair tips and trends

5-minute hairstyle for busy moms
5 Easy ways to fancy up a ponytail
How to get the Hollywood power bun