Double French Braid Ponytail Tutorial

The double French braid ponytail is such a pretty and versatile hairstyle that combines the elegance of French braids with the convenience of a ponytail. This style is perfect for casual outings or formal events like prom and is the perfect way to upgrade your ponytail.

In this double French braid ponytail tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of creating this beautiful hairstyle step by step. It’s really not that hard! With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the double French braid ponytail. So, let’s gather our supplies (we’ll only need a few) and get started!

What you’ll need:

• Hair brush or comb
• Hair ties
• Bobby pins (optional)
• Hairspray or Texturizing Spray (optional)
• Decorative hair accessories (optional)

Step 1: Brush and Part Your Hair

Before we begin, please note that braids work best with second day hair, but if your hair is freshly washed, you can apply some texturizing spray for grip. This will make it easier to braid and help create a neater final result.

Begin by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles and create a smooth, manageable texture.

Once your hair is tangle-free, use the end of a comb or your fingers to part it down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, divide it into two equal sections, one on the left and one on the right.

Step 2: Start the French Braid on the Right Side

Take the right section of hair and start your French braid. To begin, separate a small subsection of hair (about 1-2 inches wide) at the front of your hairline into three equal parts. Hold the right strand in your right hand, the middle strand between your thumbs, and the left strand in your left hand.

Cross the right strand over the middle strand, allowing the right strand to become the new middle strand. Then, cross the left strand over the new middle strand, keeping the braid tight against your scalp. Continue this criss-cross pattern, adding small sections of hair from the right and left sides of your head to the corresponding strands as you braid.

Step 3: Secure the Right Braid

Continue French braiding the right section of your hair until you reach the nape of your neck. At this point, you should have incorporated all the hair from the right side of your head into the braid. To secure the braid, use a small, elastic hair tie to fasten the end of the braid, ensuring it stays tight and neat.

If you have longer hair, you may want to braid a little further past the nape of your neck before securing the braid. This will help create a more balanced look when you combine both braids into a ponytail later.

Remember to keep the tension consistent throughout the braid to ensure an even and polished final result. Once you’ve secured the right braid, you can move on to braiding the left section of your hair.

Step 4: Braid and Secure the Left Section

Begin French braiding the left side, starting at the front of your hairline, just as you did with the right side.

As you braid, you may find it helpful to tilt your head slightly to the left to keep the braid tight and to make it easier to see what you’re doing.

Once you’ve reached the nape of your neck with the left braid, secure it with a small, clear elastic hair tie, just as you did with the right braid. Make sure the elastic is tight enough to hold the braid securely but not so tight that it hurts or pulls on your hair.

Continue braiding the left section until you reach the nape of your neck, incorporating all the hair from the left side of your head into the braid. Use a small, elastic hair tie to tie the end of the braid, just like you did on the right side.

Step 5: Join Braids Into A Ponytail

Now that both braids are complete, you can combine them into a ponytail. If desired, you can gently tug on the edges of each braid to loosen them slightly and create a fuller appearance.

Bring both braids together at the back of your head, holding them in place with one hand. With your free hand, wrap a larger hair elastic around the base of the braids to create a ponytail.

You may need to adjust the braids and the elastic to ensure the ponytail sits at your desired height and looks neat and even.

Once you’re happy with the placement and appearance of your double French braid ponytail, mist it with a light-hold hairspray to help keep everything in place throughout the day.

Finishing Tips

• For a more formal or sleek look, you can use a shine serum or oil on the finished braids and ponytail to add extra glossiness and tame any remaining flyaways.
• If you have shorter layers or bangs, you can either incorporate them into the braids or leave them out to frame your face, depending on your desired final look.
• For a more polished look, take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic to conceal it. Secure the wrapped hair with a bobby pin underneath the ponytail.

This versatile hairstyle can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. You can add accessories like a fancy hair clip or a bow to make it more suitable for formal events or keep it simple for a casual, everyday look.

Again, don’t worry about it looking perfect. You’ll get better at it the more you re-create this look! With practice, this hairstyle will become easier and quicker to achieve, and you can experiment with variations to make it your own.

That’s it! You’ve just created the double French braid ponytail!