The 3 strand braid is the most basic braid, and it’s usually the first one people learn.

Step 1

Start with 3 strands of hair.

Step 2

Cross the far right strand over the middle strand of hair.

Now the far-right strand of hair becomes the middle strand of hair.

Step 3

Cross the left strand of hair over the middle strand of hair.

Continue this criss-crossing pattern all the way down until you run out of hair.

That’s it, the 3-strand braid is pretty simple. The more you practice with it, the faster you will get. This braid is the basis for more complex braid structures, and can also be incorporated into other types of braids.