We have all been incredibly excited to get a layered hairstyle, but braids are tricky with layers.

Before you begin that journey, we have a couple of mini steps for you to remember when starting a braid. By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. We don’t have time for bad hair days––so get ready to prepare.

Small steps before you braid layered hair

1. Dirty hair:  The extra grit in unwashed hair offers enhanced texture, reducing slip.
2. Brush those tresses: This initial step ensures easy weaving and prevents hair from becoming entangled or knotty.
3. Product perfection: To create a polished look and keep flyaways at bay, we recommend using a smoothing cream or gel.

Continue reading for our step-by-step guide to mastering some effortlessly cool braids at home. Have some patience—learning how to braid long layered hair (or hair extensions) is hard, but worth it! You’ll have mermaid hair in no time.

Putting layered hair in a braid (for beginners)

1. Divide your hair into three sections
2. Cross the right strand over the middle
3. Apply gel or cream
4. Cross the left strand over the middle
5. Repeat the weaving: Continue the weaving process, alternating between the right and left strands. Maintain a consistent tension to keep it straight and neat.
6. Secure with an elastic band

French braid with layers

1. Section your hair: Begin by parting your hair at the crown, creating three sections.
2. Initiate the weaving: Start the braid by crossing the right strand over the middle, followed by the left strand crossing over the middle piece.
3. Keep incorporating additional hair: With each successive cross, incorporate additional hair from each side into the braid. This gradual incorporation creates the signature woven pattern. When you get to the shorter parts of your braid—that’s when it’s time for extra strong styling gel.
4. Continue the weaving: Repeat the weaving process, moving downward towards your neck. Ensure you have a steady and consistent tension.
5. Secure with an elastic band

Dutch braids for layered hair

1. Section your hair: Divide your hair into three sections.
2. Underhand weaving: Unlike the overhand technique of the French braid, begin the Dutch braid by crossing the right strand under the middle. Follow this by crossing the left strand under the middle.
3. Incorporate additional hair:  Like the French braid, incorporate additional hair from each side with every underhand cross. This technique creates the distinctive Dutch braid look, where the strands appear woven beneath the hair.
4. Apply gel or cream
5. Continue the weaving: Progress downward, consistently adding hair to the braid. The Dutch braid's charm lies in its inverted appearance, creating a raised effect on the layered hair.
6. Secure with an elastic band

Milkmaid braids for layered hair

1. Part your hair down the middle
2. Braid each section: French or Dutch braid each section individually. Start from the crown of your head and progress toward the nape of your neck. A Milkmaid braid has one on each side, so it’s perfect to keep layers at bay.
3. Apply gel or cream
4. Secure the braids: Once both braids are complete, cross them over the top of your head, positioning them like a crown. Secure each end with bobby pins, creating the classic milkmaid braid style.
5. Loosen the braids: Gently pull at sections of the braids to loosen them, achieving a softer and more relaxed look.
6. Secure any loose ends

Fishtail braid for layered hair

1. Divide your hair into two sections
2. Take a thin strand from the outer edge: From the outer edge of the left section, take a thin strand and cross it over to the right section.
3. Apply gel or cream
4. Repeat on the other side
5. Continue alternating sides: Continue this alternating process, pulling tight to create the distinctive fishtail pattern. Make sure to smooth out at every twist, because those layers are harder to hide at the end.
6. Secure with an elastic band

Mastering braiding hair with layers

Practice makes perfect and if you can’t brush up on your skills in time for your next soiree—then there’s always the bubble braid. This “braid” is the low maintenance cousin of the classic braid and it looks just as great.

Lastly, are you’re here because we’re self-proclaimed extension pros? Know that you can also use these tips to braid with hair extensions! Braided hair toppers look super cute, too. Hello mermaid hair, the Oscars are calling!