How to Do Viking Braids

Co-authored by Laura Martin

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

If you're a fan of braided hairstyles, try the Viking braid! This trendy style, popularized by the television show Vikings, consists of 2 braids on each side of the head and a French braid in the middle. We've found that the easiest way to get sleek Viking braids is to texturize and section your hair before you begin braiding. Then, all you have to do is braid the side sections, followed by the top section, to complete the look. Now, you and your trendy Viking braids are ready for adventure!

Things You Should Know

Create texture in your hair by skipping shampoo for 2-4 days, adding texturizing spray, or spritzing dry shampoo.
Make multiple rope braids around your head in the lower section of your hair and tease the ends to create more texture.
French braid one single, big braid down the top of your head, tease the end of the braid, and then, finish off with some hairspray.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Texturizing and Sectioning Your Hair

1
Skip the shower. Viking braids are not perfectly neat or sleek, and it's easiest to create this look in second (or third or fourth) day hair. The oils in your hair will give it a bit of natural hold and texture. Remember, this look is supposed to look a bit messy and rugged!^{[1]
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2
Spray with texturizing spray or dry shampoo. If you have very fine, smooth hair (or if you showered recently), you'll want to add a bit of texture. There are a few ways you can do this. You can buy a texturizing spray at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store, and this will add a bit of grit to your locks. A dry shampoo can do exactly the same thing. Spritz it all over your hair, and then run your fingers through it.^{[2]
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3
Section the top of your hair. You'll be creating multiple braids for this look, so sectioning out your hair is key. You can use claw clips, duckbill clips, or any sort of hair clip that you have handy. First, gather the hair on the very top of your head. Put your fingers on either side of your forehead and trace your fingers back, scooping up all of the hair on the top of your head going back. Clip this very top section up and out of the way with your hair clip of choice.
4
Create sections on the sides of your head. Once the top section is clipped up, you need to section out the hair on both sides of your head. You will be creating 2 braids on each side of your head, for a total of 4. First, gather up all of your hair on 1 side of your head, starting at your hairline. Then, create a part extending back from your hairline, evenly splitting the side section of hair into a top and bottom section. Clip up the top section so you can work with the bottom section of hair first.
- Do exactly the same thing on the other side of your head.
- When you are finished, you will have five total sections along the top of your head: the top section and 2 sections on either side.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating the Side Braids

1
Begin creating a rope braid. Split the section of hair into 2 pieces for the rope braid. Twist 1 section clockwise and the other section counterclockwise a few times and then cross them over each other. Keep repeating this movement while keeping them close to your head. You want the finished effect to be tight against your head, like a cornrow, so make sure you are holding the hair taut as you work.^{[3]
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2
Finish the section with a traditional 3-strand braid. Once you've created a tight rope braid against your head and behind your ear, switch from the rope braid to a 3-strand braid by dividing the 2 sections at the end of the rope into 3 sections. Don't worry if it isn't a perfectly smooth transition, because these braids are supposed to look imperfect.^{[4]
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- Braid to the end of your hair, and then secure it with a clear elastic.
- Tease the tail of your braid so that the elastic is concealed and the end of the braid has a lot of volume and texture.
3
Repeat this process on all of the side sections. Once you've created your first braid, do it again on the other side. Then, do exactly the same process with the upper sections on the sides. Note that the very top of your hair is still clipped up – this is just to finish the cornrow side braids. When you are done repeating the process, you will have 2 braids on either side.^{[5]
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4
Slide your braids up. This is optional. If you want to leave your 2 side braids as is, you certainly can. For some added interest, you can turn these into “snake” braids. To do this, untie the braid and firmly grasp the middle strand. Combine the 2 outer strands and push them upwards along the braid. This will cause the plaits to slide up and bunch at the top, creating a really intricate effect.^{[6]
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- Pushing your braid up like this might create frizz, but that fits perfectly with the look of a Viking.
- Tie your hair off at the bottom of the snake braid.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Braiding the Top Section

1
French braid your hair to the crown. Once you've completed and tied off your side cornrows, it's time to work with the very top section. Unclip it and smooth out any huge tangles with your fingers. Then, French braid it to the crown of your head. It's okay if you aren't an expert at French braiding – the messier, the better.^{[7]
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- If you have shorter hair, you can end the top braid in a small bun. In fact, the Vikings character Ragnar Lothbrok often rocks a version of the "man bun" at the end of his braid.
2
End your braid wherever you like. You can braid until the ends of your hair, or you can do it about halfway down the strands. The important thing is that the very top of your head is braided, and the length of your braid is up to you. Tie it off with a clear hair elastic.^{[8]
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3
Tease the end of the braid. The finishing touch for this braid is the backcombing, just like with the rest of your braids. After you've tied off the end, use a teasing comb to backcomb whatever hair is left. You can also carefully loosen or mess up your braid to give it a more tousled, authentically Viking look.
4
Spray your Viking braids with hairspray. Once you've finished braiding, teasing, and securing your braids, spritz the entire hairstyle with hairspray. This will help hold all of your handiwork in place and make sure your braids last throughout the day. The beauty of this style, however, is that flyaways and loose pieces are welcome. This style is meant to look a bit messy, so don't worry about making sure everything is perfectly placed.
- If you are worried about your braids lasting throughout the day, bring a comb and some extra hair ties along with you. You can always re-braid sections of your hair as needed!

Community Q&A

Question

How long do the braids last?

Community Answer

They could last for a week if you're super careful and wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night, maybe more if you have African-American hair. But they are only meant to last a day.