French Braid request

**Lara Croft** · April 15th, 2012, 08:02 AM

Hello everybody

I joined the forums a while back but have only just become interested in really looking after my hair. At some point I will post up a picture of my hair right now. Its not in a great state. I have layers that are not level, my hair is very dry at the ends but otherwise fairly ok. Its shoulder length

I'm not sure if its important but im indian and my hair is black

I want to be able to plait up a nice long french braid much like my username suggests--just like lara croft from the tomb raider games. But i don't know how long it needs to be for this.

I've read from other users that the french braid really eats up alot of length. So please users of the long hair community help me out ^^ how long should i set my final goal. how long will it take and how long should it be.

Also if you yourself have REALLY long hair if you could, please please do a french braid for me and post a pic so I can build up some french braid inspiration too

thnx in advance everybody!!

**Renate** · April 15th, 2012, 08:12 AM

A braid on my hair eats up 8 cm

So just add about that to the lenght of the braid you want to have and that is your goal. I'm guessing tailbone lenght.

**Yozhik** · April 15th, 2012, 08:24 AM

I think a lot depends on the thickness of your hair -- the thicker it is, the more braids (and other updos) eat up length.

I have around waist+ hair, and my french braids go to around BSL, for a reference point.

Hope that helps!

**rock007junkie** · April 15th, 2012, 08:50 AM

You might want to look at this thread for an insane amount of pictures of different braids. Welcome!
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...ad.php?t=45350

**Phalaenopsis** · April 15th, 2012, 09:13 AM

Oh no, your hair doesn't need to be that long to be able to do it

Shoulder length will already do

**heidi w.** · April 15th, 2012, 09:19 AM

Actually hair around midback to tailbone length is a really nice length for french braiding. If it's uber long as mine is, most of the french braid ends up being regular braiding anyway.

There are a ton of youtube videos that demonstrate how to french braid hair. Having a person here post a picture will not help you create one for yourself. While finished results are nice to look at, it isn't helpful information if you want to learn how to do it yourself.

French braiding is very easy: it's simply a 3 strand braid begun and then you pull in hair at each portion of the weaving and proceed. Repeat, repeat, repeat til all your hair is in a braid. You can tuck the length under and pin if you like.

heidi w.

**heidi w.** · April 15th, 2012, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Phalaenopsis

Oh no, your hair doesn't need to be that long to be able to do it

Shoulder length will already do

I saw a youtube video earlier this week of a super short, layered gal french braiding her hair. She got it done.

heidi w.

**spidermom** · April 15th, 2012, 09:22 AM

You can start french braiding now.

**Phalaenopsis** · April 15th, 2012, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by heidi w.

I saw a youtube video earlier this week of a super short, layered gal french braiding her hair. She got it done.

heidi w.

I've braided other people's heads an entire day from short till long and shoulder length is the most comfortable length to start trying it, especially when you've never done a French braid on yourself before.

**bunzfan** · April 15th, 2012, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Phalaenopsis

I've braided other people's heads an entire day from short till long and shoulder length is the most comfortable length to start trying it, especially when you've never done a French braid on yourself before.

I agree and Phalaenopsis ^ also has a great video on French braiding

this lady also does the front a bit like Lara croft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?