Learn How to Draw Three Different Types of Braids: Three-Strand, French, and Fishtail

Alexia Young 02/09/2023

4 4 minutes read

The hairstyles we choose can say a lot about our personality and sense of style. This is also true when it comes to drawing characters in illustrations. Drawing unique and distinctive hairstyles for your characters can help them stand out in a crowd. If you feel intimidated by drawing hair, don’t worry. Like any new artistic subject, the key is to take it step by step.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to draw three different types of braids: the three-strand braid, the French braid, and the fishtail braid. All you need to get started is some reference photos of these hairstyles, a pencil, an eraser, a pen, and paper. Are you ready to begin? Let’s dive into the world of braided hairstyles!

Table of Contents

Learn How to Draw Three Types of Braids Step by Step

How to Draw a Three-Strand Braid

Step 1: Sketch three sections of hair

To begin drawing a three-strand braid, start by dividing the hair into three sections. Starting above the ears, create three equal sections. Then, merge the two side sections at the back.

Step 2: Continue intertwining sections of hair

Next, add two more sections below the initial three sections. Make sure the sections intersect with one another.

Step 3: Continue drawing sections of the braid

Keep adding sections to the braid to make it longer. As you move further down, the sections should gradually become smaller.

Step 4: Finish off the braid

Once you reach the end of the braid, tie it off with a hairband. You can also add a small wisp of hair popping out of the braid for added detail.

Step 5: Add detail to the hair

To make the braid look more realistic, add some texture by sketching lines in the same direction as the hair is being pulled. Take your time with this step to achieve the desired naturalistic effect.

Step 6: Go over the drawing in ink

When you’re satisfied with your pencil sketch, go over it with ink. Use a pen of your choice to slowly trace over the pencil lines. To avoid smearing the ink, place a scrap piece of paper under your drawing hand. Once the ink has dried, erase any remaining pencil marks.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a three-strand braid.

How to Draw a French Braid

Step 1: Sketch three sections of hair

Begin by lightly sketching three sections of hair at the top of the head. Merge the two side sections at the center.

Step 2: Add more sections of hair

Next, add two intersecting sections of hair below the initial three sections, following the same style as the three-strand braid. Then, pull two more sections of hair from the sides, similar to Step 1. Continue this process until you reach the end of the hairline.

Step 3: Continue building the braid

Once you have finished pulling hair from the head, create a braid by drawing two thick sections of hair intersecting near the center.

Step 4: Finish the hairstyle

When you reach the end of the braid, tie it off with a hairband. Add a small wisp of hair popping out of the braid for added detail.

Step 5: Add detail to the hair

To make the braid look more realistic, add texture by sketching lines in the same direction as the hair is being pulled. Spend time on this step to achieve the desired naturalistic effect.

Step 6: Go over the drawing in ink

Once you are satisfied with your pencil sketch, go over it with ink. Use your preferred pen to trace over the pencil lines. To avoid smudging the ink, place a scrap piece of paper under your drawing hand. After the ink has dried, erase any remaining pencil marks.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a French braid.

How to Draw a Fishtail Braid

Step 1: Draw two sections of hair

Start by sketching two thin sections of hair above the ears. Merge these sections together at the center.

Step 2: Continue adding sections of hair

Using the hairline as a guide, continue creating thin sections that unite at the center.

Step 3: Build the braid

Continue adding sections to the braid to make it longer. As you move further down, the sections should gradually become smaller.

Step 4: Finish the hairstyle

Once you reach the end of the braid, tie it off with a hairband. Add a small wisp of hair popping out of the braid for added detail.

Step 5: Add detail to the braid

To make the braid look more realistic, add texture by sketching lines in the same direction as the hair is being pulled. Spend time on this step to achieve the desired naturalistic effect.