If you’ve ever been on the hunt for the perfect crossover between your natural curls & a long-lasting protective style, look no further—French curl braids have entered the chat.
A fresh twist on a classic ‘do, French curl braiding is a chic way to care for your tresses & highlight your beautiful, bouncy texture. But what exactly is this look (& how can you recreate it yourself)?
Keep reading to get the 411 on French curl braids, including what they are, how to prepare your natural strands for this styling method, & tips for crafting this elegant look all on your own (or with the help of a hairstylist).
What Are French Curl Braids?
So you’re familiar with the ever-so-iconic tight cornrow braids & you’ve dabbled with eye-catching Bantu knots, but you want to explore other easy protective styles that support your natural texture. Next up: French curl braids.
They feature braids that begin at the roots of your tresses but end with a few inches of loops to create a dynamic & silky style. The contrast of thin, sleep braids with voluminous & luscious curls at the end creates a versatile & feminine flair (while making sure to care for your hair).
As with any other protective style, French curl braids put your natural texture first, keeping your coils neatly in place so they’re able to avoid friction & natural hair breakage until your next wash day. If you have long strands to begin with, you’ll be able to craft this look using only your natural tresses. For some added length, you or your stylist can add either synthetic or real hair to your natural locks.
Preparing Your Natural Hair for French Curl Braids
To craft the show-stopping look you're after, start by prepping your tresses. This helps your hair hold the style for longer. Here’s how you can ensure your strands are ready for French curls before you get to braiding:
Wash & Nourish Your Tresses
As every curly knows, your strands thrive when they’re treated with care. Before using any protective styling technique, ensure your hair & scalp are clean & hydrated with the right shampoo & conditioner combo, like the PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner.
Prioritize Scalp Health
If you’re a fan of protective styles or want to ensure your strands are nourished & hydrated, that all starts at the scalp. Using the PATTERN scalp care products can ensure you remove any buildup & hydrate your roots for stellar styling results & healthy strands.
Lather Your Strands with a Nourishing Leave-In
To give your curls an added boost of protection, make sure to lather them with a hydrating leave-in before braiding. Look for conditioners containing nourishing ingredients like Honey, Aloe, & Jojoba Oil (all found in our moisture-rich Leave-In Conditioner).
How To Create French Curl Braids
When you’re ready to embrace this fun & fabulous look, you (or your hairstylist) can follow these four steps:
Step 1: Separate & Clip Your Strands
Once your hair is washed & hydrated, you’ll want to start by separating your hair into sections that you’ll braid later. Part the section you want to style first & use PATTERN Sectioning Clips to keep the other strands out of your way.
For super sleek sections, use a product like the PATTERN Curl Gel along the parts to lock in the style & create a clear separation between your braids.
Step 2: Start Braiding
Take the first sectioned-off portion of your curls & begin to braid. Make sure to create three even sections, & braid by bringing one of the three sections in toward the center & across the middle section. Switch sides & repeat to keep crafting a neat & tight braid.
Step 3: Add-In Extensions for Your French Curl
If you want to amp up the length & volume, add in extensions—either synthetic or real hair—once you’re about halfway finished braiding the first section of your natural strands.
Cross the right side of your natural tresses, adding the extension in behind the middle section of your braid. You can then cross the left portion behind the middle section & repeat this step a few more times to integrate the extension in with your own curls.
Step 4: Keep Braiding & Secure the Look
The signature curled, unbraided ends are what sets this look apart from other protective styles. That means it’s important to stop braiding a few inches before you reach the bottom of your strands or extensions so you can finish the look with loose, romantic loops at your ends.
Once you’ve braided your section & have three to four inches of hair remaining, secure the braid with a dab of nail glue or other hair-safe adhesive. (Trust us, a little goes a long way.) Repeat these four steps across all sections of your hair to complete your chic braids with French curls.
How To Keep Your French Curl Braids Fresh
If you’re absolutely obsessed with your French curls (& let’s be real, why wouldn’t you be) it’s important to know how to keep them looking fresh. Here are some tips to help you maintain the smooth appearance of your French curl strands until your next wash day:
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase & bonnet for added overnight protection.
- Apply small amounts of leave-in to your braids & French curls for a lasting sleek & elegant vibe.
- Use your fingers to gently detangle any loose knots between the ends of your tresses to avoid breakage & help your loose curls maintain their shape.
With these overnight tips, you can make the most of your style & extend the time between wash days.
Rock French Curl Braids with Help From PATTERN
One of the (many) benefits of tighter curl patterns is their versatility, allowing you to express your individuality & transform your strands with elegant protective styles. From the boardwalk to the boardroom, we believe your natural texture deserves to take center stage.
That’s why we’ve created a line of products to nourish & celebrate all natural hair types, from beachy waves to sky-high coils, & every texture in between. Explore our line of curly hair stylers today!
Sources:
Byrdie. French Curl Braids Are a Fun Twist On the Classic Protective Style. https://www.byrdie.com/french-curl-braids-8407597#:~:text=As%20we've%20mentioned%2C%20French,bouncy%20curls%2C%22%20Ovensehi%20says.
