French braid. Where am I going wrong?

**pixi_stix** · July 30th, 2011, 06:16 PM

Hi guys. Hoping someone can give me a clue to where I keep going wrong with my french braids. The bit near the nape is always loose no matter how tight I pull it when braiding

It isn't as wonky as this picture shows. It is reasonably central.

Sorry about the poor quality of photo

**Coan-Teen** · July 30th, 2011, 06:19 PM

I don't know but mine do the same thing. I'd be interested in the answers if anyone has any. Just know you're not alone!

**pixi_stix** · July 30th, 2011, 06:28 PM

I wish I could work it out because this has happened for years

**MissManda** · July 30th, 2011, 06:30 PM

Perhaps this video will be of some use to you?

I know the tip she gives at the end of the video really helps make my French Braids look nicer.

**pixi_stix** · July 30th, 2011, 06:40 PM

Thank you for the link that explains a lot. Hopefully with a bit more practice and that amazing tip, it will work out

**spidermom** · July 30th, 2011, 06:51 PM

The same thing happens to me from time to time. I get a better result if I work my way down in horizontal stripes rather than lifting strands to a higher position at the braid. To me it looks like you start taking hair from a lower position, and then lift to a higher position in the center back, so it goes more in slanted stripes.

As for the link, I really can't get on board with the adding hair to each side before continuing the braid. That's a lot of to me unnecessary extra switching hair from hand to hand. I like to add-braid-switch hands-add-braid (and so forth).

I think your braid is pretty. It doesn't look too poofy at the nape to me.

**pixi_stix** · July 30th, 2011, 06:55 PM

How would I do the horizontal stripes

**lindaton** · July 30th, 2011, 07:08 PM

I think you have very pretty hair and did a great job. Wish I could do that good. I dont really see the poofiness you are talking about.

**WritingPrincess** · July 30th, 2011, 07:10 PM

As to the horizontal stripes, I'd suggest taking smaller sections, so that as you work your way down you head, the braid advances at the same pace as the lack of hair. Does that make any sense?

**spidermom** · July 30th, 2011, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by pixi_stix

How would I do the horizontal stripes

Start the braid a little lower on the back of your head and pick up hair in even horizontal sections that stay at the same level as where you're going to braid them in. So instead of lifting to a high position in the back, like this / \ (yours is not as steep, of course), you're coming in from each side more like this - - .

Sorry ...... that looks like a really bad explanation of what I'm trying to say, and I can't be sure it would be as helpful to you as to me.