How to Braid a Crown Braid, an Easy Technique
Instructions for the Lace Braiding Method for Crown Braids
Jun 28, 2009
Traditionally, the crown braid is performed French-braiding style, with the hair radiating out from a centre point on the back of the head. This look is very attractive; however, some people find it difficult. A simpler alternative is to use a lace braiding technique, in which hair is added to only one side of the braid. This gives a slightly different look – a centre part is visible on the back of the head – but is considerably easier to manage, especially when self-braiding.
These instructions are given for a Dutch crown braid, which stands out more strongly from the head, accentuating the “crown” look. A French crown braid can easily be made instead by crossing the strands of hair over into the middle, rather than under into the middle.
Always start a crown braid with thoroughly detangled hair – slightly dirty is okay, as greasy hair tends to hold braids better. If you're unfamiliar with Dutch braiding, practice making a Dutch braid first.
How to Lace Braid a Dutch Crown Braid
- Part your hair down the centre.
- Brush the left-hand half of your hair forward, so it hangs over your face. Some people find it easier to tie or clip the other half of the hair out of the way during this step. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair forward so it sits sleekly against the scalp.
- Bending forward from the waist so your head is “upside down” and the hair over your face is hanging downwards, take a fairly large section of hair closest to the nape of your neck and divide it into three.
- Braid the left strand under the middle, then the right under the middle.
- Take a strip of hair that runs from the centre part to the outside hairline and add it to the left-hand strand. Braid under the middle. Braid the right strand under the middle without adding any hair.
- Continue to braid up the side of your head in this manner, adding new hair to the braid only on the left (outside) side.
- As you approach the forehead, curve the braid so it follows the contours of your head around, rather than heading for your eyebrow. You may need to make the strips of new hair wider towards the hairline, like a wedge.
- When you reach the centre of your forehead, unclip the other half of your hair and keep braiding across, adding the new hair to the outside strand as before. Switch hands at this point (using a mirror helps!).
- Keep braiding down the right-hand side of your head. Now the outside strand will be the right-hand strand.
- As you approach the nape of your neck, gently curve the braid around so it starts to travel left, following the contours of your head rather than falling down your back.
- As soon as you comfortably can, move your hands so you are braiding over your opposite (left) shoulder. This helps to keep the braid tight against your head.
- When all the hair on your head has been added to the braid, braid out to the end and secure with a hair elastic.
- Pick up the loose braid and wind around your head, positioning it in front of the fixed braid. You can lie the braid flat or set it on edge – the latter makes the braid stand out more.
- Use bobby pins to secure the loose braid. Tuck the end under the fixed braid (or under itself for shorter hair) to hide the elastic.
Variations
- Leave bangs out of the braid (clip or tie them out of the way while braiding to avoid accidentally incorporating them into the crown braid).
- Experiment with using a zigzag or diagonal part
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