We’re always looking for a quick and simple hair DIY for the weekend! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we’re opting for a reverse french braid.  We asked our studio hair stylist, Julie M. to give us the inside scoop. Follow her tips below to learn how to style a reverse french braid like a pro in no time!

Step 1: Untangle any knots to make braiding easier.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid
How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 2: Divide a section on top of your head into 3 equal strands.  You can start at the very top or if you have bangs or front pieces you want out, start a little further back leaving those out.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 3: To establish a secure braid, start by taking right section and go underneath the center strand and pull it to the middle.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 4: Now take the other end strand and go underneath to the middle.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 5: Do this one more time with the other end strand, going underneath to the middle.

Step 6: Now it’s time to start pulling additional hair from the sides. Like a typical french braid, start pulling equal slices of hair on each side of the head, adding it to the outer strand and taking it to the center…but instead of going overtop the center strand, take everything underneath.

Keep repeating from side to side, taking equal sections of hair from sides of head and taking it underneath the center strand.  This creates a braid that sits on top of the head rather than underneath.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid
How To Make A Reverse French Braid
How To Make A Reverse French Braid
How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 7: When you reach the nape of the neck, do a traditional three strand braid to the bottom.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 8: Secure with elastic.

How To Make A Reverse French Braid

Step 9: Viola!  Looking for other great hair DIYs? Check out how to make a waterfall braid or learn how to make a fishtail braid!

xoxo,

Aerie

See more

Woman in fall loungewear.
Style & Trends

The Fall Edit: Fall Fashion Trends 2026 Made for Cozy Days & Everyday Plans

There’s something about fall: the first cool morning, the warm coffee, the excuse to bring…

Two women wearing baggy pants with pockets.
Style & Trends

Pockets, Please: Why We’re Never Going Back

Let’s talk about one of fashion’s most underrated power moves: pockets. Not the tiny, decorative…

Woman in a preppy stripe shirt and bottoms.
Style & Trends

The New Ivy: How to Master Playful Preppy Styling

Prep has officially loosened its tie and classic campus staples get a fresh, playful remix.…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thanks for sharing! Your comment will post soon. We double check first to make sure #AerieREAL Life is always a safe, positive space.