Once all the prep work is done, it’s time to start styling your hair - read on and learn how to braid hair, four ways!

How to French Braid

Besides the three-strand braid, the French braid is one of the most classic braiding styles and a great one to start with if you’re a beginner. Gorgeous, versatile and super comfortable to wear, you can never go wrong with a French braid.

You’ll need:

• A hair elastic
• Hairspray (optional)

French braid tutorial:

1. Create three equal sections of hair, starting at the top of your head for a tight braid, or above your ears for a looser look.
2. Take your left section over the centre section, gently pulling the latter to the left.
3. Then, take your right section over the centre one.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, adding more hair from the sides to each section you move.
5. Once you run out of hair to add, carry on with a classic three-strand braid until you reach the ends of your hair.
6. Secure the braid with your elastic.
7. To make sure your French braid stays flawless all day long, apply some hairspray. We recommend our witch hazel hair spray, a light hold spray suitable for all hair types, that minimises static and eliminates flyaways.

How to Dutch Braid

A Dutch braid is like a reverse French braid: instead of crossing your hair sections over, you do the opposite, placing them underneath each other and achieving a unique 3D effect. If you have already mastered the art of French braiding, the next step is learning how to do a dutch braid.

You’ll need:

• A hair elastic
• Hairspray (optional)

Dutch braid tutorial:

1. Split your hair into three equal sections, starting above the crown of your head.
2. Start Dutch braiding your hair by crossing the left strand under the middle section, followed by the right strand under the new middle section, and so on, adding more hair from the sides as you go.
3. Once your braid reaches the nape of your neck, continue with a classic braid through the length of your hair.
4. Secure your braid with a hair tie and hairspray, if desired.
5. If you want to add a bit more volume to your Dutch braid, use the pancaking technique and carefully pull your braid apart to make it look fuller, wider and flatter.

How to Do a Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids may look intricate at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll realise they’re actually quite simple to create. When fishtail braiding your hair, you’ll be working with two hair strands, which in itself makes the process a lot less confusing. Make sure your hair sections are even, place your braid well, and you’ll master this braiding styling in no time.

You’ll need:

• Two hair elastics
• Hairspray (optional)

Fishtail braid tutorial:

1. Tie your hair into a low ponytail and split it into two sections.
2. Take a small strand from the back of your left section, cross it over and add it to your right section.
3. Then, take a small strand from the back of your right section and cross it over to the left section.
4. Repeat until you reach the ends of your hair and secure the braid with an elastic.
5. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut off the hair elastic at the top of the braid.
6. Finish off your fishtail braid with some hairspray.

How to Do a Waterfall Braid

This one is for the braiding veterans. The waterfall braid is a lovely, romantic hairstyle, perfect if you want to keep your hair down, but add a different touch to it. However, it is one of those braiding hairstyles that usually requires a few tries to nail. Up for a challenge? Learn how to do a waterfall braid in 8 steps.

You’ll need:

• Bobby pins

Waterfall braid tutorial:

1. Grab a section of your hair on either side of your head, starting near your hairline.
2. Split it into three strands.
3. Take the strand closest to the top of your head and cross it over the middle section, letting the latter hang.
4. Then, take the bottom strand and cross it over the new centre section.
5. Leave the hanging section as it is so it blends with the rest of your hair, to start creating the waterfall effect.
6. Cross your new top strand over the centre section, then cross the bottom section over the middle, and repeat the process.
7. Once you get near your opposite ear, continue braiding using the classic three-strand style.
8. Use one or two bobby pins and secure your waterfall braid in place.

Hair braiding is a great way of changing up your look for the day or turning a bad hair day into a great one, so which of these braiding hairstyles are you going to try first? Follow our easy step-by-step tutorials and learn how to do braids like a pro!