Hi! I’m Allison—a full-time working mom of two little girls who adore cute hairstyles, especially french braid hairstyles for toddlers. Between school drop-offs, work meetings, and endless to-do lists, mornings in our house are chaotic. But I’ve learned one thing: a good hairstyle can boost my girls’ confidence and kick-start their day on a high note. That’s why I love the French braid—it’s simple, elegant, and practical for busy mornings.
This post includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep providing high-quality content on this site for free. Rest assured, I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will be helpful for my readers.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of braiding, trust me, I’ve been there. I want to walk you through how to French braid your little girl’s hair step by step. This guide will help you master the basics, tackle different hair types, and even experiment with more advanced styles when you have extra time.
Let’s get started!
Tools You’ll Need (and Probably Already Have)
You don’t need fancy tools. Most of these are probably already in your bathroom drawer:
- Rubber bands – Small, clear ones work best for securing the braid.
- Bobby pins – To tuck in flyaways or baby hairs.
- Comb or brush – For parting and detangling.
- Hair accessories – Jewel clips, hair bows, or fun rubber bands for a cute finish.
- Spray bottle with water – Helps manage frizz, especially for curly hair.
I like to set everything out the night before when I know we have an early start. It saves precious minutes in the morning.
Step-by-Step: How to French Braid Girls’ Hair
1. Prep the Hair (5 minutes)
Start with clean, detangled hair. If your daughter has curly hair, mist it lightly with water or apply a bit of leave-in conditioner. For straight or fine hair, a little texture spray can help the braid hold better.
2. Part and Section (3 minutes)
- Use a comb to part the hair down the center or off to the side for a more playful look.
- Grab a section of hair from the crown of the head—right where a headband would sit. This is your starting point.
3. Begin the Braid (5 minutes)
- Split this top section into three equal strands.
- Cross the right strand over the middle.
- Then, cross the left strand over the middle.
This is the basic braiding motion.
4. Add Hair to the Braid (5-7 minutes)
Here’s where the French braid magic happens.
- As you cross each side over the middle, grab a small section of loose hair and add it to that strand.
- Keep your hands close to the scalp for a tight, clean look.
- Continue this pattern down to the nape of the neck.
Tip: Use your left hand to hold the middle strand and your right-hand index finger to grab the next section of hair. It takes practice, but this grip makes the process easier.
5. Finish the Braid (3 minutes)
- Once you’ve added all the hair, continue with a regular three-strand braid.
- Secure it with a rubber band.
- Add a jewel clip or bow for a fun touch.
@simplekidshairsty 5 simple steps to pigtail french braids!! Step-by-Step Guide Section the Hair: Divide the hair on the left side into three equal sections. Begin Braiding: Cross the right-hand section over the middle, then the left hand section over the new middle. Add Hair: As you braid, add small sections of hair to each strand before crossing it over the middle. Continue Braiding: Repeat the process, adding hair from the left and right sides, until you reach the nape of the neck. Secure the Braid: Use a rubber band to secure the braid at the nape of the neck or continue with a basic French braid down the length of the hair. Repeat on the Other Side: Follow the same steps on the right side.
Tips for Different Hair Types
Every child’s hair is unique. Here’s how I adjust for different hair types:
- Curly Hair: Keep it damp and use a leave-in conditioner. Braiding while wet minimizes frizz and flyaways.
- Fine Hair: Add a little mousse or texture spray to give grip.
- Thick Hair: Work in small sections and pull tightly for a secure braid.
If your daughter has baby hairs around her forehead, use a tiny dab of edge control or gently secure them with a bobby pin.
Advanced Styles for Extra Time
Double French Braids
This style is perfect for sports or busy school days.
- Part the hair down the middle.
- French braid each side separately.
Dutch Braid (Inside-Out Braid)
For a braid that pops, reverse the braiding pattern: cross the side strands under the middle instead of over. It’s a fun twist when you want a more bold look.
Side French Braid
Start from one side of the head and braid diagonally. Finish it off in a top knot or high ponytail for an elegant look.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Uneven Sections: Take your time parting the hair. Small sections make a cleaner braid.
- Loose Braids: Keep your hands close to the scalp and pull hair tight after each crossover.
- Frizz and Flyaways: Use a spray bottle or a bit of gel for control.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to French braid my child’s hair?
It usually takes me 10-15 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, it’s faster.
2. Can I French braid my own hair?
Yes! Start practicing with the basic braid. Use a mirror to watch your hands.
3. How can I make the braid last all day?
Braid on slightly damp hair and use rubber bands and bobby pins to secure it.
4. How do I make the braid look fuller?
Gently pull on the sides of the braid (pancaking) to loosen it for a fuller look.
5. What are some ways to decorate the braid?
Add jewel clips, colorful hair ties, or a cute bow at the end.
15 Tips for French Braiding Toddlers’ Hair for Beginners
1. Start with Clean, Detangled Hair
Clean, smooth hair makes braiding easier and neater. Gently brush out any knots to avoid pulling on your toddler’s scalp. For long hair, use a detangling spray to smooth the strands of hair.
2. Use Slightly Damp Hair
Braiding slightly damp hair helps reduce frizz and flyaways. It gives you more control over the sections, especially for a simple braided hairstyle. Mist the hair lightly with water before starting.
3. Create a Clear Part
Use a comb to part the hair down the middle or on the right side for a more playful look. A clean part makes the braid more even and structured. This is a key step in any basic French braid.
4. Divide Hair into Three Equal Sections
Start with a small section at the crown and divide it into three even pieces. Uneven sections make the braid look messy. This is one of the most important simple steps for beginners.
5. Keep Hands Close to the Scalp
Holding the hair close to the scalp ensures the braid is tight and secure. This prevents the braid from falling apart during play. It’s essential for achieving a classic style.
6. Add Small Sections of Hair Gradually
When adding hair to each side, take small, even pieces. This keeps the braid smooth and even. It’s the foundation of every easy French braid tutorial.
7. Use Rubber Bands That Hold Well
Secure the braid with a small, tight rubber band. Loose bands will make the braid unravel quickly. Clear bands blend well with most hair colors.
8. Work with Hair Texture
For silky hair, use a little mousse or texturizing spray for grip. For thick or long hair, work in small sections to stay neat. Adjust products to your child’s hair type for better results.
9. Practice with Basic Styles First
Start with a single, straight-down braid before trying side or double braids. Mastering the basic French braid builds confidence. Once comfortable, move on to more advanced looks.
10. Keep Your Movements Slow and Steady
Rushing can lead to uneven braids and frustrated toddlers. Focus on slow, controlled movements. Follow each step carefully for a clean result.
11. Use Clips to Manage Loose Hair
Clip back sections you’re not braiding to stay organized. This prevents mixing up sections, especially with thick hair. It makes completing a simple braided hairstyle much easier.
12. Smooth Baby Hairs with a Toothbrush
Use a soft toothbrush with a bit of gel to smooth down baby hairs. This creates a polished, finished look. It’s a small step that elevates the classic style.
13. Try Side Braids for Variety
Once you’ve mastered the basic braid, try starting on the right side for a fun twist. Side braids are playful and stylish. They’re perfect for casual days or special occasions.
14. Use Fun Hair Accessories
Add bows, clips, or colorful bands for extra flair. Accessories make a simple braided hairstyle look more fun and festive. They also help distract fidgety toddlers during the process.
15. Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t worry if the first few braids aren’t perfect. Braiding takes time to master. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon create beautiful styles to share on your favorite hair blog.
If you’re a busy mom like me, mastering the French braid is a game-changer. It’s quick, versatile, and makes my girls feel like little princesses heading off to school. It took me a few tries to get it right, but once I did, it became part of our morning routine.
Don’t worry about making it perfect. The good thing is that practice makes progress. Grab a comb, a few rubber bands, and start braiding!
Suggested Articles to Check Out
Ready to Try?
Now that you know how to French braid, which style will you try first? Single braid, double braid, or maybe a fun Dutch braid?
Let me know how it goes!
—Allison
And don’t forget to add a touch of sparkle with Lollipop Friday Glitter Hair Gel—it’s the best part!
So, if you’re looking for french braid hairstyle for toddlers give these cute kids twist hairstyle a try. It’s a win-win for moms and kids on holiday! Don’t forget to share your own tips and favorite hairstyles on Tiktok, Instagram or Pinterest.
