Hair-Braiding How-To

Braids have a timeless appeal -- and they’re easier than you think. Just three simple weaves go into even the most elaborate of braided creations. Learn them and your hairstyling options are endless.

It's easiest to braid a ponytail; once you catch on, try braiding loose hair.

For an extra-polished look, wrap a piece of the hair that you don't braid around the elastic, then tuck the last little bit into the elastic but on the back side.

1. Gather hair, then separate into two equal sections.

2. Isolate a thin cluster of hair from the back of the right-hand section (A), and cross over to the left side.

3. Isolate a thin cluster of hair from the back of the left-hand section (B), and cross over to the right side. 4. Tighten the crossovers by gently pulling the two sections outward. 5. Repeat step 2 (C). 6. Repeat steps 3 (D) and

4. Continue steps 2 (E), 3, and 4 down the length. Secure with a hair elastic.

This process results in two scalp-hugging braids.

1. Part hair all the way to nape of neck. Starting at forehead and front of part, make three sections (A, B, C) of hair.

2. Cross front-most section (A) over middle section (B).

3. Cross rear-most section (C) over middle section (A).

4. Grasp the now front-most section, and pull another bit of loose hair into it (B becomes D).

5. Cross that new section (D) over other sections. Grasp more hair into rear-most section (A becomes E).

6. Continue process, grasping hair from along the hairline and the part. Secure with a hair elastic. Repeat on other side of head.

The simplest, but who couldn't use a refresher from a pro? If you're doing one down your back, don't use a mirror -- it will only confuse you!

1. Divide hair into three equal sections (A, B, C).

2. Cross left-most section (A) over middle section (B).

3. Cross right-most section (C) over middle section (A).

4. Repeat step 2. Gently tug sections as needed to tighten braid.

5. Repeat step 3. Continue process down length of hair. Secure with a hair elastic.

While not technically a braid, this easy style evokes a similar vibe in a unique way.

1. Divide hair into two equal sections.

2. Take left-hand section and twist it to the right (A). When completed, continue grasping end to hold twist in place.

3. With free hand, hold right-hand section and twist to the right (B). Grasp end to hold twist in place.

4. Cross right-hand section (B) over left-hand section (A).

5. Wrap sections around each other, twisting to the left. Secure with a hair elastic.

If locks are too clean and slick, weaving strands can prove tricky. These products lend texture and hold.

Bumble and Bumble hair powder, from $19, bumbleandbumble.com.

Shu Uemura Frame wax, $38, shuuemura artofhair-usa.com.

John Barrett Be in Control hair spray, $24, johnbarrettstore.com.