How to Do a French Braid Bang

Braids are having a major moment. They’re the perfect way to add a little something extra to a routine down ’do. This tousled style features a strategically placed French braid around the hairline, which serves as decoration and holds your mane away from your face. It’s ideal for anyone in that growing-out-your-bangs phase that seems to last longer than Law & Order’s television run.

Plump It up

Prep by adding mousse to damp hair at the roots and add leave-in conditioner or a frizz serum from mid-shaft to the ends. Blow-dry the hair to add volume, pulling strands vertically from the roots with a round brush to infuse fullness.

Make Waves

Starting about 5 inches away from your scalp, wrap 1-inch sections around an extra-large curling iron. Hold in place for a few seconds to set the curl, then release. Repeat, alternating directions of the curl until all hair is wavy. Run your fingers through your hair to break up the sections and create fullness.

Braid It Back

Separate a half-inch section of hair along your part at the front of your head and create a French braid. To do this, divide the section into three small pieces and start braiding, pulling in even tinier sections of hair to the two outer pieces of the braid as you go. Keep adding more hair to the braid until you get to just above the ear, then continue to braid normally.

Finishing Touches

Secure the braid with a clear plastic band that won’t show. Pin the plait with a bobby pin behind the ear.