rench-braiding is one of those things in life that seems more confusing and intimidating than it actually is (kinda like doing your taxes). No, you don’t have to ask your one friend who’s really good at hair to do yours every single time, because all you need is the right products, some patience, and a little (okay, more than a little) practice. 

So if you’re looking for another heatless way to style your hair, and a French braid has been on your unofficial bucket list forever, try following one of these YouTube tutorials, below. Regardless of your skill level, each of these how-tos will answer all your burning braiding questions so you’ll never again have to wonder, Wait, what the #^%* am I supposed to do with my fingers?!

How to French-braid your own hair

What sets a French braid apart from, say, a Dutch braid is that you’re crossing the pieces over the middle section instead of taking them under, which makes the braid appear flatter and not raised. Easy to explain, but how TF do you actually do it?

If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. Then take a two-inch section of hair from either side of your part, separate it into three equal pieces, and start braiding your hair as you usually would: Cross the right piece over the middle piece, then cross the left piece over the middle piece.

But here’s where the ~French~ part comes in—once you’ve started your braid, begin adding a small sliver of hair to each section every time you cross it over the middle. Keep adding little sections as you braid until you reach the ends, then tie it off with an elastic. Congrats! You did it, boo.