Beginner's Guide: How to Create the Perfect Waterfall Braid

Hey there, beauty lover! If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and marveled at those dreamy, romantic braids that look like cascading waves, chances are you’ve spotted a waterfall braid. It’s one of those hairstyles that looks super intricate, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be braiding like a pro in no time. Ready for a stunning transformation? Let's begin!

What is a Waterfall Braid?

Source: Pinterest

A waterfall braid is a semi-French braid named for its cascading effect. Using French braiding techniques, it braids only a portion of the hair, allowing the rest to flow freely like a waterfall. It is versatile and suitable for most hair types and lengths, and adds a bohemian touch to any style.

How to Do a Waterfall Braid: Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need

Before you start braiding, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

✅ A brush or wide-tooth comb

✅ Small clear elastics

✅ Hair clips (optional, for sectioning)

✅ A mirror (or a helpful friend!)

✅ Optional: hairspray or texturizing spray for grip and hold

How to Do a Waterfall Braid?

1️⃣ Prep Your Hair

Begin with clean, dry hair. For silky hair, add dry shampoo or texturizing spray to improve grip and hold the braid.

2️⃣ Choose Your Starting Point

Begin your braid at the front hairline, typically near the temple. Take a small, one-inch section of hair and divide it into three strands, as you would for a French braid.

3️⃣ Begin Braiding

Start a normal braid by crossing the top strand over the middle, then the bottom strand over the middle.

4️⃣ Drop a Strand

After crossing the top strand, release the bottom strand without pulling it into the braid, allowing it to fall naturally. This creates your first waterfall strand.

5️⃣ Add New Hair

After dropping a strand, pick up a new section of hair from near your part and add it to the braid in place of the one you dropped. Continue braiding: top over middle, drop the bottom, add a new piece. Repeat.

6️⃣ Keep Going

Braid across the back of your head, stopping midway for a half-up style or continuing fully. For a full braid, add and drop strands until reaching the opposite side, then finish with a regular braid and secure behind your ear or tuck it under your hair.

4 Captivating Waterfall Braids to Try

Once you’ve nailed the basics, experiment with these stunning twists:

Waterfall Braid with Curls

Source: Pinterest

Waterfall braids and loose curls offer a romantic, soft hairstyle. The braid provides structure, complemented by the curls' bounce and movement, perfect for date night or weddings.

Waterfall Braid Short Hair

Source: Pinterest

Think you need long locks to pull off a waterfall braid? Nope! This style looks just as adorable on bobs and lobs. It adds flair without overpowering your look.

Waterfall Mermaid Braid

Source: Pinterest

This enchanting style combines a waterfall braid with a fishtail or mermaid braid, creating a more complex yet rewarding red carpet-worthy look.

Read More: Mermaid Braids: The Ultimate Guide to Trendy and Magical Hairstyles

Half-Up Waterfall Braid

Source: Pinterest

Keep it casual yet chic by braiding only the top half of your hair. Pair with a high ponytail or let the rest flow freely for a relaxed, coffee-run-ready style.

Conclusion

The waterfall braid is less about perfection and more about embracing that carefree, “I woke up like this” energy. Messy drops? Cool. A few flyaways? Even better. Grab your tools, blast your favorite playlist, and remember: practice makes progress. Now go make that hair flow!