We had to include a simple hair lesson for understanding how to do a waterfall braid because we are major fans of the loveliest hair hacks and braiding methods. This waterfall braid tutorial is simple to follow and produces stunning results.
To boost your next romantic event, we invited hairdresser Tatum Wetzel to provide a game-changing waterfall braid method (complete with a secret stylist tip). This curl-filled cascading waterfall braid is simple to do and shows off those long locks in a whimsical, playful way. Continue reading to learn how to do the waterfall braid for good!
What are waterfall braids?
A waterfall braid is a half French braid in which part of the hair is braided and the remainder cascades down like a waterfall. Because you’re used to braiding big braids, the waterfall braid may appear intricate or difficult, but it’s really only a few simple steps! For step-by-step instructions on how to do a waterfall braid, keep reading.
What You Need
- Elastic bands
- Hair pins
- Texture powder
- Hairspray
- Brush and comb
- Related Items
Procedure to make Waterfall Braids
Step 1: Section and spray hair
To assist retain the braid you’re going to do, rub a mousse or style gel into dry strands. (If you just got out of the shower, make sure your hair is completely dry before you start.) Separate your hair, then spray a piece of hair on the heavier side of the part with hairspray. Because this hair will sit naturally, you won’t need to spray the opposite side of the part. “Using hairspray on the side you’re braiding gives the hair more grip and control when you style it, and it’s the most crucial component of making it simple to do at home.” To put it another way, if you want to DIY without catastrophe, you’ll need to do some prep work first.
Step 2: Begin braiding
As though you were starting a conventional braid, separate the hair on the heavier side of the part into three smaller 1-inch portions. Begin by crossing the strand closest to your portion over the center strand, then the bottom strand over the middle strand. This is the same method you’d use to begin a conventional French braid.
Step 3: Drop the middle strand
Continue crossing, but this time, instead of crossing the top strand over the current middle thread, drop the center strand down (like a waterfall) so that it blends in with the remainder of your unbraided hair.
Step 4: Pick up a new middle strand
Take your next component from a location that is closer to your part now. This strand will take the place of the one you dropped as your new top part. Continue braiding pattern by crossing this piece across the center.
Step 5: Drop the front strand
Now, twist the back thread over and tuck in hair per normal. Drop the front strand and bring in a replacement strand for the next cross-over. Continue weaving in this manner until you reach the back of your head.
Step 6: Finish the braid
Continue braiding the three strands into a normal braid and pinning it to the back of the head. For a more current style and feel, lay hair over the top of the pin to disguise it, then spray the midshaft and ends with extra hairspray. To keep it in place, we recommend finishing with Volumizing Hair Spray.
Step 7: Enjoy the compliments
The waterfall braid’s casual elegance can take you anywhere in style, from the beach to an outdoor wedding. Don’t forget to take a lot of selfies!
Inspiration for Waterfall Braided Hairstyles (15 LOOKS)
1. The Reverse Waterfall Braid Hairstyle
The braids in this hairstyle are done from the left in a reverse manner, which gives it a distinctive look. The rest of the hair, which is the braid’s loose end, is knotted in a three-strand hairdo. The style may be worn with hair of any length. This is one style that works for all hair lengths, whether short, medium, or long. Furthermore, regardless of the occasion, this is one style that will undoubtedly be appropriate. So, if you have an event coming up, this style will undoubtedly be a wise choice from the selection.
2. Chunky Braided Waterfall
A half-down hairstyle is usually a good choice for a casual look that isn’t too casual. However, a braided waterfall may be used to spice things up a little. It keeps your hair out of your face while allowing your wavy strands to flow naturally. The style is romantic and appropriate for a date night, but it’s also laid-back enough for a night out with friends.
3. Beautiful Bridesmaid Waterfall Hairstyle
There are several braiding alternatives for bridal party hairstyles; waterfall braids are a fun variant to try. The braids are named from their aesthetic impact, which is a cascading impression created by the hair falling down wonderfully from the braid structure. Curl the hair into beachy waves from there for a relaxed-yet-complicated look.
4. Dutch and Waterfall Half-Updo
If you want volume, a waterfall half-up hairstyle will give you all the body you could want. The braids provide a lot of texture on their own, especially when there are two rows of them. Tease around the crown of the head to add height. You will have a full-bodied evening hairstyle. Even if your hair is just shoulder length, you should not lose out on interesting hairstyles. If your hair is thick enough, a waterfall braid with curls may be just as effective for medium length locks as it is for long hair. When you need some texture to break up dense black strands, this style is ideal.
5. Greek waterfall braid
It is a fun fact that Greek women could only wear their hair down when they were unmarried, and they generally curled their hair rather than leaving it straight. Take inspiration from this Greek heritage and combine it with a modern-day trend. Make a waterfall braid in your hair, then curl the ends for a fun twist on the appearance. There is no way to run out of new hairdo ideas to experiment with. If you’re tired of wearing the same fashions and trends, look to different habits and countries for inspiration.
6. The Left To Right Waterfall Braid
This hairdo is really classy and lovely. The only difference is that the style indentation is from left to right this time. This type of haircut is ideal for college-bound females or young people. All you need for this look is a few minutes to arrange your hair. If you think it’s becoming a little tangled, that’s OK. It contributes to a carefree appearance.
7. The Ombre Shaded Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is an elegant technique with a wide range of variations. One example is tying the hair in a round off style. Because of the color tint, the hairdo seems even more gorgeous. The hair is a deep chocolate brown with a golden yellow undertone. Both of these opposing hues work extremely well together in the waterfall braid and increase the attraction of the hairdo tenfold.
8. Waterfall Braids with waves
When you have a particular occasion to attend, you might wear your hair crimped with a waterfall braid. By the way, do you know what events such haircuts would be most suited for? Bridesmaids adore this look because it not only looks gorgeous but also incorporates crimped hair, which may add volume. There are also several ways to arrange this braid, ranging from simple hippie hairstyles to intricate camera-ready appearances. You could, for example, do a waterfall braid and curl the remainder of your hair.
9. Vintage Waterfall braids
There are alternatives for every hair type and style. Hair is sometimes placed on the back burner for mothers. We’re attempting to get everyone out the door and to various locations on time. You might now appear to have spent all morning getting ready when it really only took a few minutes. A vintage-inspired pattern that works well with diamonds, squares, and circles. Dealing with lengthy hair is a difficult chore. Waterfall braids are an enticing technique to arrange lengthy hair that will make black girls feel like princesses. Ombre Chestnut clip-in Luxy Hair extensions, developed to add length and volume to medium thickness hair, quickly give you longer, thicker hair.
10. Short Side Waterfall Braid
Are you always rushing? Have an incredibly tight schedule? If this is the case, you’ll require quick-fix hairstyles. Hairstyles that need no such forced effort are ideal for ladies who are always running errands and staying active. This hairstyle is regarded as one of the greatest since it can be completed in a short period of time. Takes hair from the side and braids it in a horizontal fashion. Instead of leaving it out, draw out the three narrow strands to end with a braid after the waterfall.
11. Waterfall Braid Bun
There are many other styles that may be attached to the waterfall braid hairdo. This Waterfall braid bun is a new addition to the range of combo styles. The waterfall braid hairstyle is combined with the bun hairdo in this photo. The bun is more informal, and the hairdo is rather adaptable. The haircut may be used for a professional conference with suits or for a more casual holiday with jumpsuits.
12. Braided half up half down
This style is simple to modify based on your hair texture and style. You may braid just enough to get the top out of the way and leave as much hair as you like flowing. The concept is so lovely and straightforward. We offer a number of pretty lovely hairstyles for when you need something a bit different. Even on hectic mornings, these half-up, half-down hairstyles are very simple. Give these a shot if you want something that will look great without taking up a lot of time!
13. Diamond waterfall braid
Diamond waterfall braids are one of the most adaptable ways to wear your hair, aside from never going out of style. There’s a style for any occasion, whether it’s a classic French braid for church or a modern double fishtail. While a conventional three-strand braid is always a safe bet, it never hurts to experiment with this Southern staple. Waterfall braids combine the finest of both worlds and serve it to you on a silver platter. For important events, a waterfall braid is ideal. The nicest thing about them is that they are appropriate for everyone. You may have a wonderful curling cascade from an easy braid regardless of your hair type, as long as it is at least shoulder-length.
14. Simple Waterfall Braids
This is one of the nicest hairstyles, especially if you’re looking for designs for longer strands and require the appropriate style to assess the stylish quotient. The waterfall braids add a simple extra step to produce the loops in the design. The hair looks clean and abundant since three distinct portions of hair were crossed to create the style. To make the style suitable for everyone, make sure the braids are nicely formed and joined at the spots. That seems cool, doesn’t it?
15. Waterfall braid hairstyle for long hair
Yes, this is one of the attractive braided hairstyles for long hair that takes a little more effort than the others but looks like something out of a fairy tale when done properly. You can wear the look all day without seeming out of place. Begin with a waterfall braid that runs straight down the middle of your crown, and then begin sliding waterfall strands down both sides of your head. This technique would then be utilized to French braid the rest of your hair. When finished, the hairdo will make you seem bright and lovely.
Bonus tips on braiding the waterfall style
Finally, here are a few fast-styling techniques to ensure you appear like the hair diva you are.
- Do you have thin or ultra-fine hair? In such a situation, styling mousse is absolutely essential. When applied mid-length and down before braiding, it will provide you with a rapid boost of volume and body. Giving you hair that seems thicker than it is without weighing it down.
- Adding texture to your hair is another method to achieve hair pleasure with this braid. Especially if you’re looking for beachy waves. A little salt or texturizing spray helps liven up the cascading waves that fall from this braid.
- Alternatively, before braiding, a few minutes with a curling iron to produce some loose, swirling curls might be time well spent.
- Want to increase the wow factor even more? Some people believe that integrating ribbon into the braid is a fantastic method to do so.
- Long hair is especially glammed up by a waterfall, folks with shorter locks may always use hair extensions to get the desired appearance.
- Keep it simple! A simple braid may make you seem a thousand times more put together. If that’s what you’re after, this all-eyes-on-you haircut is for you.
Ending thoughts on Waterfall braided hairdos
The waterfall braid is an easy-to-do update that’s both beautiful and fashionable, whether you’re wanting to tame your wild bedhead or add volume to flat, unclean hair. It also keeps bothersome flyaway smooth and out of sight, which is very useful in the summer heat. We went to our celebrity stylist for step-by-step instructions on how to get this boho-luxe style without the aid of a pro. Good luck!