Ready to rock this look? Read on to check out how to pull through braid in two fun ways.
**
Essentially just two ponytails lying on top of each other, the magic happens when the bottom ponytail is pulled through the top pony, creating a woven effect when continued till the ends. Takes some practice—we’ve found working sideways or with a back, a mirror helps the first few tries—but once you’ve mastered the pull through braid, you’ll never look at plaiting hair the same way again. To inspire you to get in on the French pull through braid, we are sharing two ways to style this look. The first way is a traditional pony and the second is a side pull through braid that features a part bohemian and part festival flower child look (with a bit of ’80s prepster thrown in). The side pull-through braid also has the wow power of a Dutch braid and the swag of a high ponytail combined.
**
Step 1: Start on clean, freshly washed hair.
A side pull-through braid, like most built-in braids, may put your roots on display, so it’s best to start with clean, non-greasy hair.
Step 2: Apply a thermal protectant, then blow-dry.
Prep hair with a heat protectant—we like Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner—to protect hair from hot tool styling. Follow up with a blowdryer and a paddle brush, working until hair is completely dry.
Step 3: Create a high-side ponytail.
Working on hair that’s been thoroughly brushed and detangled, pinch off the leftmost section you can manage and create a small, high side ponytail directly above your left ear. Tie off with a clear or neutral-colored elastic.
Step 4: Split your first ponytail.
Flip your first ponytail over and clip it so it’s out of the way (for now). Then take small strips of hair under each side of that first section, and gather those into a ponytail directly underneath, and tie off with an elastic. Unclip your first ponytail and split it into two parts.
Step 5: Clip your second ponytail up.
Clip your second ponytail on top and out of the way (in between your split-up first ponytail).
Step 6: Make a third ponytail by incorporating your first pony with new hair from each side.
Take hair from each side of your head for your third segment, and, together with the hair from your first pony, gather it all into a new ponytail. Split that new ponytail into two, and unclip your second pony and have it fall in between.
Step 7: Continue the pattern until you reach your other ear.
Continue your side pull-through braid, incorporating new hair each time so it has a built-in effect, like a Dutch or French braid. Stop when you reach the opposite ear.
Step 8: Work with your existing ponytails.
When you run out of hair from your head, repeat the pattern with your existing ponytails. Simply split the previous ponytail in half, bring both strips under and around the lower pony, and tie it off with an elastic. Continue until the ends.
Step 9: Pull the chains apart.
For the final touch, pull each chain apart, or pancake it, to make it fatter and fuller-looking. Don’t stress about this—the more textured, the better!
Step 10: Finish with hairspray.
Tame any flyaways and frizz with a hairspray, like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Extend Hold Level 4 Hair Spray. You’re done! Are you thinking about trying out this style? Be sure to take a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!
