How to French Twist Hair

Last Updated: March 20, 2023 References Tested

When you're in need of an elegant hairstyle, try the classic French twist. This gorgeous look is a common sight at proms and weddings, but you can create a looser, more casual version for everyday wear. Read on to learn how to do a simple French twist or a classic twist with a slight bouffant on top.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

A Simple French Twist

1
Sweep all your hair to one side. If you want the finished look to twist from left to right, brush it to the left side; if you want it to twist from right to left, brush it to the right. Hold your hair in place with your hand.^{[1]
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2
Use grips or pins at the back of your hair to hold it in place. This will keep the hair pulled to one side. If your hair is long, thick, and heavy, using pins will help to keep it up all day long. Otherwise, you'll find that strands come loose throughout the day.
- You can create several criss crosses going vertically up the back of your head for maximum hold.
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3
Apply hairspray. Spray it lightly all over your hair at this stage if you'd like to keep all stray hairs in place.^{[2]
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Research source} This can make the style look a little stiff, but it also helps to hold it all day long.
4
Place your hand underneath the hair and brush it very gently. Make sure to brush it to the side so as to keep it in position and not dislodge the pins.
5
Twist your hair up. Lightly grasp the hair and twist in the opposite direction that you swept it. If you swept it from left to right, twist it the other way. Tuck then ends into the tunnel created by the twist, or leave them loose for a more casual look.
- When you’re done, the hair should form a downward-pointing cone; for now, the excess hair will hang off to one side.
6
Insert pins to hold the hair in place. Feed the tip of the pin into the hair curling through the twist and pin it to the hair along your scalp. Make sure to place the pins so that they’re hidden beneath the twist.^{[3]
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7
Smooth it out. Use a bristle brush or a fine-toothed comb to neaten the style, then use hairspray to hold the twist together.
8
Tuck the loose ends of the hair inside the twist. Use pins as needed to hold the ends in place, out of sight.
9
Finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

A Classic French Twist

1
Comb your hair back. Start with all of your hair combed back, without a part.
2
Separate a 3-inch section of hair on top. Use a fine-toothed comb to separate a 3-inch section of hair from your forehead to the crown of your head, almost like a mohawk. Lift it above your head to keep it separated.
3
Divide the separated section into 3 sections. One section should be in the front, one in the middle, and one at the crown of your head.
4
Backcomb the sections. Take each of the 3 sections individually and backcomb them by running a fine-toothed comb from the tips to the roots. Tease each section gently, then drop them down toward your face to hold them out of the way for the time being.
5
Gather and twist the back of your hair. Hold it as if you are making a ponytail, then twist it until you've reached 3/4 way to the roots.
6
Twist the hair up against your head. Now it's starting to look like a French twist! Twist it against your head, then use pins to hold the twist in place.
7
Secure the tips of the hair in a small knot. Make a little bun and pin it in place just below the first section of teased hair.
8
Incorporate the front sections into the twist. Pull the front sections of hair that you teased back to the twist, and wrap the ends around the twist. Tuck them into the twist where it meets your head, and use pins to hold them in place.
9
Pin down any remaining loose pieces. Your hair should now look like a classic French twist, with a slight lift on top where the hair is teased.
10
Smooth your hair and neaten the look. Use a comb to lightly smooth the top and sides of your hair. Spray your hair with strong-hold hairspray to keep it in place.
11
Finished.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

A French Twist Secured With a Comb

1
Gather all your hair into a low down ponytail. Tie it about an inch (2.5cm) from your neck.
2
Twist the ponytail up. Rest it on our head. If you need to, you can bring the twist up and down as many times as you need to until all your hair is on your head. Hold it in place with your hand.
3
Starting alongside your face, take the comb and comb your hair back. As you do so, gather up hair.
4
When you reach the twist, lift the comb a little, bringing the hair from the side over the twist. Insert the comb into the twist, gently but firmly.
- If you have very long or thick hair, you may need to use two combs: one on top and one on the bottom.
5
Done. The hair will now stay neatly in place.

Community Q&A

Question

Where do I find a brush cone to make a French twist?

Community Answer

You can find it at a hair/cosmetics/beauty shop, if not, you could order online.
Question

What size bobby pins do I need?

Community Answer

The thicker your hair, the bigger bobby pins you may need. If you have thin hair, use small bobby pins.
Question

How do you put a French twist into short hair?

Community Answer

Your hair would need to be long enough to put into a low ponytail. Create the ponytail, then pull the hair tie out just a little bit so the ponytail is loose. Next, flip the ponytail through the base, behind the hair tie. Use bobby pins to hold loose sections in place if necessary.