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Make a lace braid

Gather a small side section while leaving the hairline edge loose. This one-sided braid works best where both hands can reach comfortably.

Step by step

  1. A woman separates three small starting strands beside her part for a lace braid.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Start a small side braid

    • Start with dry detangled hair and a smooth tie nearby. Choose a short reachable path from your part down beside your face.
    • Take a small section near the part and divide it into three. Cross one outer strand over the middle, then the other over the new middle.
  2. A woman adds hair only from the back-facing edge of her own side lace braid.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Add hair from one side only

    • Before crossing the outer strand nearest the back of your head, add a small nearby slice of loose hair to it. Cross the combined strand over the middle.
    • Cross the hairline-side outer strand over the new middle without adding hair. Leave the hairline pieces outside the braid.
    • Repeat these two crossings down your chosen side path. Keep the working braid supported and the roots comfortable; stop adding before your reach becomes awkward.
  3. A woman supports a completed short side lace braid while loosening its end tie.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Tie and release gently

    • Finish the remaining three strands as a free braid: alternate each outer strand over the middle. Secure its end with the smooth tie.
    • Lower your hands and check for pulling. Take the style down rather than gathering distant hair more tightly.
    • For removal, support the braid and unwind the tie. Open the crossings from the ends upward and gently release each fed-in slice. Put the tie away.

One short side lace braid including preparation and later release; detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The braid gathers hair along one edge while the hairline side stays free, with a comfortable base and a removable end tie.