Regardless of where this style originated, its popularity has remained intact for generations.

First, determine whether you want a single or a double braid and divide your hair accordingly.

Next, you’ll need to split the hair into three separate sections at the crown of your head.

Woman wearing her red hair in a French braid

Then you’ll cross the right strand over the center before crossing the left strand over the center.

Repeat this motion a few times while maintaining the outside-strand-over-center pattern as you descend down your strands.

You’ve got a French braid.

Woman with red hair styled into a loose French braid

Woman with blonde hair having it styled into French braids

Blonde hair styled into a Dutch braid