How to Style a Beautiful Crown Braid and Half Crown Braid

Whether you need a chic, eye-catching hairstyle for a special occasion or simply want to keep your hair out of your face while running errands, a graceful crown braid or a charming half-crown braid is the perfect solution. This effortlessly polished look can be enhanced with some decorative pins and can also serve as a reliable updo for activities like ballet, gymnastics, or soccer. Follow our simple steps to create a crown braid or a half-crown braid using your own hair.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Starting

For fuller braids—and if you have a bit of extra time—curl several large sections of your hair in advance and lightly mist with a texturizing spray for added texture.

What You'll Need

Required Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Create a Beautiful Crown Braid

Divide Your Hair into Two Sections

Part your hair evenly down the middle to create two equal sections. A rat tail comb is ideal for this, but use whatever tool you have available.

Braid Each Section into Three-Strands

Braid each section of hair into a three-strand braid (French or Dutch style), ensuring they stay to the sides of your head, not behind, and secure them with a clear elastic, such as Goody Ouchless mini elastics.

Secure the Braids in Place

Lift one of the braids and place it over the top of your head, positioning it a few inches from your forehead, then use bobby pins to secure it across your head.

Repeat the process on the other side, tucking the ends of both braids under the larger sections to hide them.

Mist for a Firm Hold

Spray with a texturizing spray to keep everything in place.

How to Style a Half Crown Braid

A half crown braid begins just above one ear and wraps across your forehead, leaving the rest of your hair to flow freely behind the braid.

Section the Hair for Braiding

Divide the portion of your hair you'll be braiding. Typically, create a part just above one ear and extend it across the top of your head to the other ear. Pull this section forward to braid.

Unsure how much hair to section off for your braid? It depends on the thickness of the braid you desire. For finer hair, consider sectioning a bit deeper behind the ear. For thicker hair, section more forward.

For the rest of your hair, tie or clip it out of the way to avoid interfering with the braiding process.

Brush Through Your Hair

Brush the hair you plan to braid in the direction you wish the braid to follow, whether that’s from left to right or the other way around.

After detangling and smoothing out any knots, pull the hair tight and apply a texturizing spray to keep everything in place (optional).

Begin a French Braid

Starting just above one ear, divide your hair into three sections and begin braiding. Continue braiding across your head, above your hairline, to form the crown braid.

Complete the Braid

As your braid reaches the other ear, guide it behind the ear and continue braiding straight down to the ends of your hair.

Secure the Braid in Place

Tie off the end of the braid with a clear mini elastic and style the rest of your hair as you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the difference between a French braid and a Dutch braid?

  In a French braid, you cross the hair strands over one another, while in a Dutch braid—also called a reverse braid or reverse French braid—you cross the strands underneath each other.

• Can I sleep with a crown braid?

  Yes, you can keep your crown braid intact overnight, as long as it’s not too tight or secured with uncomfortable accessories. To maintain your hairstyle and prevent frizz, try wrapping it with a headscarf or hair wrap before bed.

• What hair type is best for a crown braid?

  Any hair type—straight, wavy, or curly—can work for a crown braid, but hair with more texture is easier to work with since it grips better, ensuring the braid holds longer. If you have straight hair, using texturizing products or hairspray can help keep your braid in place.