Start with clean, detangled hair
Lightly dampen hair or apply a small amount of styling cream
Part the hair where you want the braid to begin
Separate the hair into three small sections
Cross the right section over the middle section
Cross the left section over the new middle section
Repeat alternating sides until you reach the end
Hold the braid firmly as you work to keep short strands in place
Add small amounts of hair from each side if doing a French braid
Use bobby pins to secure loose pieces
Tie the end with a small elastic
Spray lightly with hairspray if needed