I think French braided hair is so beautiful. And once you know how to French braid, there are a variety of different ways that you can utilize the braid to pull off a myriad of looks. But what if your hair is a little thin… and short?
Well, friends, I’m Bianca, and I am an extension-wearing hair-obsessed human, and have been for the last 15 years! I am here to help you learn how to French braid with extensions, so you can add that skill to your hairstyle repertoire.
In this article, we are going to discuss 2 types of ways to French braid with extensions. Firstly, using human hair clip-in extensions. And secondly, using synthetic hair that’s just braided in and not actually attached to your head.
Excited to learn how to French braid your extensions? Well, let’s get started!
2 Best Methods to French Braid Hair with Extensions
Here are the detailed steps of my most recommended methods to French braid hair with extensions.
Method 1: Using Human Hair Clip-In Extensions
Get these tools prepared before your French braiding session:
Tools Needed
- A rat-tail comb
- Clip-in set of extensions around 20 – 22 inches long
- Section clip
- Hair elastic
- Hairspray
Detailed Steps
Follow the steps below, and you will create a stunning French braid easily:
Step 1: Start by brushing your natural hair out and getting it tangle-free.
Step 2: Next, start to backcomb your hair at the roots to start to build a bit of volume at the roots. Brush the hair back with a little hairspray.
Step 3: Split your hair down the middle (where you want the braid to go) and backcomb each side. Take a clip in extension and clip it vertically down the parting with the weft in the middle and the hair falling as your natural hair does. Place a 2 clip weft onto the 3 clip weft or underneath.
Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Take three small pieces of hair where you want to start your braid (usually the top of the head), and start braiding by crossing the two outer pieces into the middle.
Step 5: Pick up two pieces of hair from around your face and incorporate them into the two outer pieces of your braid. Pull the two outer two pieces into the middle and repeat, incorporating new hair as you go.
Step 6: When you have incorporated all the hair, move to a simple three-strand braid and secure the end with a clear hairband and hairspray.
Step 7: Tug on the braid sections to make the raid seem thicker, and et voilà! You are done!
Method 2: Using Synthetic Braiding Extensions
Get these tools prepared before your French braiding session:
Tools Needed
- A rat-tail comb
- Braiding synthetic 22 inches long
- Section clips
- Hair elastic
- Hairspray
Detailed Steps
Follow the steps below, and you can have a long and luscious French braid quickly:
Step 1: Start by brushing your hair out to make sure there are no tangles.
Step 2: Take the braiding hair and keep two-thirds in one hand, take about a third into the other hand, and fold the smaller piece in half around the thicker piece, so you have 3 equal pieces attached.
Step 3: Next, you want to get three pieces of natural hair to start your braid off. Slide the knot of the synthetic hair underneath the natural hair and assign one piece of natural hair to each strand of synthetic hair, like in this video below.
Step 4: Then, you take the two outer pieces and pull them into the middle. Incorporate more hair from the outside and repeat the process. Make sure to smooth the hair out and keep the knot hidden under your natural hair.
Step 5: Once you cannot incorporate any more hair into your braid, continue with a three-strand braid until you reach your desired length. Put an elastic band over the end of the braiding hair and trim accordingly.
Top Tip: Since this is braiding hair, you can dip the hair in hot water to set it like that or apply a little heat with a hairdryer. You have more options for finishing with synthetic hair, so get creative!
Remember, synthetic hair is basically plastic, so when you add gentle heat to it, you can mold the hair into a new shape.
FAQs
Check out the below sections to help you French braid like a pro! Oui, oui!
Can You Braid any Type of Braid with Extensions?
Yes, once you have the basic pattern down of where to put your extensions, you can then try out box braids or Dutch braids too.
You can also try French braids in different styles such as diagonal or even two braids to bring an edge to your look.
Are There Other Types of Extensions I Could Use?
Yes, you could probably use a halo weft or two for a very successful French braid. I wouldn’t try sew-in wefts, though, as they might be a little tricky to take out.
Depending on the skill level and freshness of your tape-ins, you could have a very successful French braid with tape in extensions too.
Wrapping Up
From double French braids to single French braids and diagonal French braids, these hairstyles are perfect for weddings, events, summer days, an edgy look and so much more!
The versatility of the humble French braid is amazing and is only limited by your imagination. Learning to French braid with hair extensions opens up a world of possibilities, such as adding in colored highlights, length, and va-va-volume!
Adding to that, once learn how to French braid with extensions, it makes learning other types of braiding techniques infinitely easier and this is definitely a skill worth acquiring to up your hair game!
Did you try a French braid? Send me a pic in the comments below! I would love to see your efforts!