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A NEW POSSIBILITY
French braid
A single braid starts at the crown, incorporating side sections as it runs toward the nape.
- Talk to your stylist about
- Show the stylist where you want the braid to begin and how loose the sides should feel.
- Living with the look
- Short front layers may need pins to stay in the braid.
- A helpful reality check
- A preview cannot predict how your hair will fall, feel or grow. Use it to discuss length and shape, alongside your texture and routine.
What defines French braid?
A French braid incorporates side sections as it travels from the crown toward the nape. The woven pattern continues into the free tail.
What to look for from the front, side and back
Check how smoothly the front sweeps back. In profile, see where the braid starts and, from behind, where side sections stop joining it.
What to confirm with your stylist
Choose the starting height and how closely you want the braid held to the head. Ask how the shorter pieces can be worked in.
Compare French braid with nearby styles
- Dutch braid
A French braid sits closer to the surface. A Dutch braid shows a more prominent raised ridge along the center.
- Fishtail braid
Fishtail braiding creates fine chevrons in the tail. A French braid draws side sections into a broader pattern from the crown.
Questions about French braid
Can I wear it with pieces left loose?
Show which pieces you want beside the face and ask to check that the braid still feels secure around those sections.
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