How To Do a Snake Braid in 7 Easy Steps
Bored of your classic braided styles? Looking to inject a little jazz into your everyday ‘do? Then look no further than the snake braid! Okay, we know that snake braid hairstyles conjure up images of Medusa’s wild serpent mane, but hear us out.
This look boasts an intricate braided pattern that’s perfect for an evening of glitz and glam. And although it may look difficult, it’s actually pretty easy to achieve! So, if you want to learn how to do a snake braid, simply read on for our easy-peasy step-by-step guide.
Snake braid tutorial
Refresh hair.
By absorbing oil in between washes, dry shampoo is a convenient, quick way to instantly cleanse and revitalise hair. So, start off by spritzing your hair (paying particular attention to the roots), with TRESemmé Instant Refresh Translucent Dry Shampoo.
Section your hair.
From your crown create a diagonal down to your ear on one side.
Tip: If you have lots of hair, clip the back section so it doesn’t get in your way.
Plait your hair.
Create a regular three strand braid by crossing the outer sections either under or over the centre strand, weaving until about three-quarters of the way down the hair.
#HairHack: Keep the braid loose as this will allow the snake pattern to form easier.
Slide your braid.
Now for the fun part. Slide two strands up towards the start of the braid while holding the third strand in place.
Then gently pull these strands away from the root to form the snake pattern
Secure & repeat.
Pin your snake braid behind your ear using bobby pins and repeat this process on the other side.
Spray hairspray.
Keep your hair looking perfect and finish with some hairspray.
We love the ultrafine VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray for keeping hair in place all day, and its 24-hour humidity protection helps to prevent frizz too!
Final look.
And there you have it: one flawless and unique style in a matter of minutes.
Snake braid hairstyles: How to do a snake braid-inspired bun
Begin with clean hair.
Before you begin your snake braid, wash your hair with a shine-enhancing wash and care set. We particularly love the TONI&GUY Intense Softness Shampoo and Conditioner.
Now blowdry your mane and brush it through to remove any knots.
Section your hair
Once you’ve prepped your locks, start dividing your hair into 5 equal sections: there should be one either side at the front, one either side in the middle, and a section at the back.
Tip: Snake braid hairstyles can be a little tricky, so we recommend using sectioning clips to separate each portion of hair, as this will aid the braiding process.
Plait the sections.
Begin plaiting the 2 front sections of hair using the traditional 3-strand braiding technique (left over middle, right over middle). Repeat this process until you have braided the whole length of your hair, securing it with a clear elastic hairband.
Tip: For the front 2 sections, you can start braiding your hair from eyebrow height.
Plait the middle and back sections.
You’re now half way through this snake braid tutorial – go you!
Once you’ve plaited the front sections, you can move onto the middle and back ones. Unlike the front sections where you started braiding from around eyebrow height, you can begin braiding these sections from just above the nape of your neck.
Create a mini bun.
To create the bun part of this updo, take the braided ponytail that sits at the back of your head and wrap the tail around the base to form a bun shape. Secure this in place with some bobby pins.
Wrap the braided sections over the bun.
Now take one of the braided ponytails next to your bun and wrap it around to make your bun appear larger. Secure the braid in place with more pins, before repeating the same process with the braided ponytail on the other side of your bun.
It’s now time to move on to your front sections. Working on one side at a time, take the braid and wrap it over the top of the bun, before securing it in place. Then repeat the same process on the other side.
Final look: Secure with hairspray.
For the finishing touches to your snake braid hair bun, spray some TRESemmé Ultimate Shine Hold Hairspray over your updo. This will help tame any flyaways, as well as give it plenty of hold.
