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Weave a ribbon into a braid

Add a ribbon to a reachable side braid without changing the basic three-section pattern. Anchor it to the base tie and keep it paired with the same section until you fasten the end.

Step by step

  1. An adult pairs an anchored ribbon with one of three sections in a side ponytail.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Anchor the ribbon to a side ponytail

    • Start with dry manageable hair in a comfortable low side ponytail. Have a second tie and a soft smooth ribbon ready; prepare its length away from your hair.
    • Tie one ribbon end to the base hair tie with an undoable knot and a short tail. Divide the ponytail into three sections, pairing the long ribbon with one section.
  2. An adult crosses a hair section with its ribbon kept flat beside it.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Keep ribbon with its hair section

    • Cross the right hair section over the middle, then the left over the new middle. Whenever the ribbon’s section moves, move the ribbon with it as one unit.
    • Keep the ribbon flat and visible rather than twisted into a cord. Continue the three-section braid without pulling at the base or using ribbon tension to tighten hair.
  3. An adult holds the fully removed ribbon beside loose hair and two removed ties.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Fasten and later unweave

    • Secure the end around hair and ribbon with the second tie. Tuck a short extra ribbon tail under that tie; avoid a long dangling loop or tail.
    • For removal, release the end tie and open the braid from bottom to top, freeing the ribbon at every crossing. Do not drag the ribbon through intact crossings.
    • Untie its base knot, then remove the ponytail tie. Put the ribbon away and check the loose hair for tangles. Remove the decoration before sleep or snag-prone activity.

One reachable braid including setup and later takedown; learning the pattern may take longer.

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 ribbon lies flat alongside one section through the braid, both ends are secured without tension, and later the ribbon is unwoven before its base knot is untied.