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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Hairstyles
Braids
How to Plait Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Creating a Basic Plait 2 Doing a French Plait 3 Creating a Plaited Headband Other Sections Comments Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Candice Ayers
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved
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This article was co-authored by Candice Ayers. Candice Ayers is a Hairstylist and the manager of Bespoke Hair Studio in San Diego, California. Candice has been manager at Bespoke Hair for six years, working both behind the chair and behind the scenes. In addition to managing the business side of Bespoke Hair, Candice's specialty is creating lived-in blended looks that enhance each client's unique head of hair. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 621,139 times.
Plaits are a great basic hairstyle. Functional as well as pretty, plaits are easy to learn and come in a wide variety of styles that will let you express your personal tastes. In this article, you'll learn how to make different types of plait, each useful for different occasions.
Note: If you were looking for decorative plaiting, see this entry.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Creating a Basic Plait
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1 Brush out all of the hair. Your hair will need to be smooth and without knots so brush or comb it out to remove all the tangles. It might also help to use some dry shampoo on your hair as you brush it to remove any excess oil from your hair, since this can make your hair slippery when you are braiding it.[1]XResearch source
2 Divide the hair. You can part your hair if you’d like and gather the hair so that the braid will fall in a specific area, such as the back or side of your head. Take all of your hair and divide it into 3 equal-sized sections: left, middle and right. Advertisement
3 Cross the right section. Carefully holding all three strands, cross the right section over the top of the middle section. Now it should look like the right section is the middle section and the middle section is the right section.[2]XResearch source
4 Cross the left section. Next, cross the left section over the new middle section. They should now be switched, as they were with the previous section.[3]XResearch source
5 Repeat the process. Alternate the right and left sections over the center, repeating until you get to the ends of your hair.[4]XResearch source
6 Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait.
If you want double braids, part your hair down the middle and repeat this process on both sides.
Reader Poll: We asked 207 wikiHow readers which braid style they prefer, and 82% of them said I like double braids. They’re unique! [Take Poll]
Sam Tomlinson
Aug 13, 2017
"Like the way it tells you which strand to cross first. I always start with the left section. However this shows that the one that begins with the right section is most beautiful."more comments..." more
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Doing a French Plait
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1 Brush out all of the hair. Have smooth hair for this hairstyle, so brush it out before you start. You might also want to spray on a bit of dry shampoo to remove any excess oils from your hair while you brush it.
2 Separate the top section of your hair. Using your hands or a hair pick, separate the top section of your hair from the top of the front hairline.
3 Divide the hair into 3 even sections. Each section should be about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Make the sections as even as possible.
4 Cross over the left and right sections. Start by crossing the left section over the center and then cross the right section over the new center section. Continue to alternate crossing the right section and left section over the center section, but pick up a small amount of new hair from beneath each of the side sections before each new crossover. Keep doing this until you have incorporated all of the hair into the braid.
5 Continue with a 3-strand braid to the ends. After all of the hair has been incorporated, finish the braid by continuing with a regular 3-strand braid all the way to the ends of the hair.
6 Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Creating a Plaited Headband
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1 Start with smooth tangle-free hair. Brush or comb all of your hair well. You might also want to use some dry shampoo to remove excess oils and add a bit of texture.
2 Separate the hair to plait. Using a hair pick or pencil, separate the hair you will use to make the headband. Pull out a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wide section of hair from the area that is just behind your ear.[5]XResearch source
3 Plait as normal. Hold the section straight out to the side of your head and begin braiding it loosely as a regular 3-strand braid. Keep braiding all the way to the end of the section and then use an elastic band to secure the end of the braid.[6]XResearch source
Don’t make the braid too tight or it might be hard to get it to lay flat against your head.
4 Secure the braid over the top of your head like a headband. Wrap the braid up and over the top of your head and then bring it down behind your other ear. Pin the braid behind your ear with a couple of bobby pins to secure it.[7]XResearch source
If desired, you can create 2 braids (1 on each side) and cross them over each other once on top of your head.
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Comments
Simeng Wang
Dec 21, 2016
"I always struggle with plaits and I really want to do the little plaits. With the basic method, I can easily remember how to do them."..." more
Manahil Khalid
Jul 25, 2017
"It helps when you need to do a last minute hairstyle for a formal or a casual party." Rated this article:
Anonymous
Dec 31, 2016
"All of it was amazing I can't say what one helped me more."
Riley Marks
Aug 28, 2017
"I learned how to make ice cream, thank you very much!!" Rated this article:
Layla
Mar 23, 2022
"In explaining how to do a braid myself, thanks."
Emma Bickerstaff
Jun 13, 2017
"It works so well, it's a big help." Rated this article:
Beca Russell-Diaz
Nov 11, 2016
"I thank this article."
Anonymous
Oct 29, 2016
"Nice, very helpful."
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Expert Q&A
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Question How do you braid string? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You can braid string using the same method you use to braid hair. Cross the outer strings over the center one, alternating sides. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
Question Is it good for your hair to braid it? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Braiding can protect the hair from environmental factors and minimize tangles. It's also a heat-free style, so it's a great way to give hair a break from styling tools. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
Question How do you do a Dutch braid? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Follow the steps for a classic French braid, but cross the outer strands under the center instead of over. This will create the 3-D effect. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 11
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Tips
Try asking your hairstylist to show you how to do a specific type of braid that you want to try if you are having trouble getting it right. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
"To do a fishtail braid/plait, split your hair into two sections and take a small piece of hair from the outside of one of the sections, and cross it over to the other section. Repeat this going back and forth between sections until you've braided all of your hair." - Fumiko A.
"When you are plaiting/braiding, make sure to hold your hair tightly so the final braid doesn't look loose and messy. It's better to strategically loosen your braid after braiding it to give it a looser look." - Finnegan M.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
A hair tie (or multiple depending on the number if plaits you do)
Medium to long hair
Two hands
For fun or special occasions, tie your plaits with ribbons. You can also match the ribbon colour with your outfit if desired (optional)
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plaits, check out our in-depth interview with Candice Ayers.
Co-authored by: Candice Ayers Hairstylist This article was co-authored by Candice Ayers. Candice Ayers is a Hairstylist and the manager of Bespoke Hair Studio in San Diego, California. Candice has been manager at Bespoke Hair for six years, working both behind the chair and behind the scenes. In addition to managing the business side of Bespoke Hair, Candice's specialty is creating lived-in blended looks that enhance each client's unique head of hair. This article has been viewed 621,139 times. 76 votes - 74% Co-authors: 43Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 621,139 Categories: BraidsArticle SummaryX
To do a basic plait, start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots or tangles. Once your hair’s smooth, divide it into 3 equal sections with 1 on the left side of your head, 1 in the middle, and 1 on the right. While carefully holding all 3 strands, cross the right section over the top of the middle section so it’s in the middle. Then, cross the left section over the new middle one so they switch places. Keep alternating the right and left sections over the center until you get to the end of your hair. To finish your plait, tie it off with your favorite hair band, ribbon, or clip. For more tips from our Hair and Beauty co-author, including how to do a French plait, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Candice Ayers Hairstylist 76 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 43Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 621,139
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Creating a Basic Plait 2 Doing a French Plait 3 Creating a Plaited Headband Other Sections Comments Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Candice Ayers 
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Co-authored by: Candice Ayers Hairstylist This article was co-authored by Candice Ayers. Candice Ayers is a Hairstylist and the manager of Bespoke Hair Studio in San Diego, California. Candice has been manager at Bespoke Hair for six years, working both behind the chair and behind the scenes. In addition to managing the business side of Bespoke Hair, Candice's specialty is creating lived-in blended looks that enhance each client's unique head of hair. This article has been viewed 621,139 times. 76 votes - 74% Co-authors: 43 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 621,139 Categories: Braids Article SummaryX
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1 Brush out all of the hair. Your hair will need to be smooth and without knots so brush or comb it out to remove all the tangles. It might also help to use some dry shampoo on your hair as you brush it to remove any excess oil from your hair, since this can make your hair slippery when you are braiding it.[1] 
2 Divide the hair. You can part your hair if you’d like and gather the hair so that the braid will fall in a specific area, such as the back or side of your head. Take all of your hair and divide it into 3 equal-sized sections: left, middle and right. Advertisement 
3 Cross the right section. Carefully holding all three strands, cross the right section over the top of the middle section. Now it should look like the right section is the middle section and the middle section is the right section.[2] 
6 Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait. 
1 Brush out all of the hair. Have smooth hair for this hairstyle, so brush it out before you start. You might also want to spray on a bit of dry shampoo to remove any excess oils from your hair while you brush it. 
2 Separate the top section of your hair. Using your hands or a hair pick, separate the top section of your hair from the top of the front hairline. 
5 Continue with a 3-strand braid to the ends. After all of the hair has been incorporated, finish the braid by continuing with a regular 3-strand braid all the way to the ends of the hair. 
6 Tie off the hair. Using a hair band, ribbon, clip or other styling choice, tie the hair off at the end, where the hairs become too short to fit in the plait. Advertisement 
1 Start with smooth tangle-free hair. Brush or comb all of your hair well. You might also want to use some dry shampoo to remove excess oils and add a bit of texture. 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 