Now that you've got the basics, let's work some small braids into a basic hairstyle!

This Instructable is part of my beginner braids series. If you like this lesson, try the rest!

Supplies

To get started learning to braid, you really just need some hair, a mirror, and dexterity in both hands. Everything else here just enhances your results!

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Step 1: Make Two Sections

Start with a center part. Section two roughly symmetrical pieces of hair at the front, and tie the rest back with a hair band.

Put one section away for now by twisting and clipping it aside.

Sweep the working section away from your face and divide it into three sections (just like in the last lesson), imagining the dividing lines to be parallel to the direction in which the braid will travel. It helps to tilt your head towards your hands so you don't have to lift your arms so high.

Step 2: Braid First Section

Using the skills you learned in the beginner braid tutorial, braid the working section down and back, towards the base of the neck.

I find it useful to turn my head over my shoulder as the braid grows. Be careful not to catch any hair from the main ponytail as you braid, and tie off the end with a tiny elastic band.

Step 3: Braid Second Section

Unclip the second section and braid it the same way you did the first.

Pay attention to the angle at which you sweep the section, direction and position of dividing lines, and centering of the first few stitches. If they don't turn out symmetrical, just take the braid out and try again. This is great practice, keep it up!

Are your arms tired yet? Braids give you toned arms, no yoga class required. If you've got long hair, it's ok to bring the braid forward and finish it with a more relaxed posture, since the direction of the braid was established by the first 10 stitches or so. Finish off with a tiny elastic band.

Step 4: Tie Braids Together

Each strand of your hair is a slightly different length. This is particularly noticeable in a section near your face, where hairs tend to break more often because they interact more frequently with your hands, styling tools, and pillow. Compare the end of your braids to the beginnings. See the difference in thickness? At the end, only the longest hairs remain. All braids share this characteristic to some degree, and it's good to keep it in mind as you practice braided styles on your own unique locks.

To finish up this style, use another small elastic to tie the two braids together at the back of your head, being careful not to grab any of the loose hairs nearby. Adjust the braids to center their union.

Step 5: Personalize It

You can optionally remove the bands from the constituent braids and unbraid the lower section, which will encourage it to blend in more with the rest of your hair.

You can go another step further and braid this lower section, then remove the last elastic and retie at the end of the new braid. You could even add another pair of braids from the front of your head and go for a style inspired by Game of Thrones. How would you make this braid your own?

This Instructable is part of my beginner braids series. If you liked this lesson, try the rest!