Style Hair How to Create a Pretty Crown Braid and a Half Crown Braid Why buy a headband when you can make one using your own hair? By Hana Hong Hana Hong Hana Hong is the beauty & fashion editor at RealSimple.com. She has been a writer and editor in the beauty and fashion industry for more than six years, sharing her expansive knowledge on skincare, hair care, makeup, fashion, and more. In addition to her broad network of beauty experts, she uses her family's background and training in skin science and cosmetic chemistry to differentiate between effective skincare formulations and marketing jargon. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 03, 2023 Whether you need a quick, dramatic hairstyle for an event or simply want your hair out of your face for weekend errands, an elegant crown braid or a pretty half-crown braid does the trick. This easy pulled-together style can be dressed up with a few studded pins and can double as a new go-to updo for ballet, gymnastics, or soccer. To create a hairband using your own hair, follow our easy steps for doing a crown braid or a half-crown braid. Considerations Before You Get Started For fuller braids—and if you have spare time—curl several large sections of hair beforehand and spritz with a lightweight texturizing spray. What You'll Need Materials Rat tail comb (optional) Texturizing spray Clear mini elastics Bobby pins Instructions How to Create a Crown Braid Create Two Sections Divide your hair down the center, creating two equal sections. A rat tail comb works best for this, or use what you have. Make 2 Three-Strand Braids Create a three-strand braid with each section (French- or Dutch-style), making sure to keep them on the side of your head (not behind) and secure with a clear elastic, like Goody Ouchless mini elastics ($5, amazon.com). Secure Braids Pull one of the braids on top of your head, keeping it several inches away from your forehead, and use bobby pins to secure it across your head. Do the same with the other side, tucking the tails of both braids underneath the larger sections to conceal them. Don't try to loosen up the braids, as this happens naturally as you wear them. Spritz to Hold Spritz with texturizing spray to lock everything in place. How to Create a Half Crown Braid A half crown braid starts just above one ear and then travels across your forehead. This style allows the rest of your hair to flow naturally behind the crown. Section Hair to be Braided Section off the part of your hair you plan to braid. Generally, you'll create a part just above one ear and across the top of your head to the other ear. Pull that section of hair forward to work with. Wondering how much hair to section off for the braid? That depends on how thick of a braid you want. For thinner, finer hair, you may want to section a bit deeper behind the ear. For thicker hair, section off a bit more forward, As for the rest of your hair, tie it off or clip it so it doesn't get in the way of your braiding. Brush Brush the hair to be braided in the direction you want the braid to go, whether that's left-to-right or the opposite. After brushing out bumps and knots, pull the hair taught and use texturing spray to keep it in place (if desired). French-Braid Starting just above one ear, create three strands and start braiding. Continue to braid up and over your head, just above your hairline, to form the crown. Finish the Braid As your braid approaches the opposite ear, direct it behind your ear and continue braiding straight down to the ends. Secure the Braid Secure the end of the braid with a clear elastic mini band and style the rest of your hair as desired. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a French braid and a Dutch braid? When French-braiding, you cross strands of hair over one another. Dutch braiding—also known as a reverse braid or a reverse French braid—is the opposite in that you cross strands under each other. Can I sleep wearing a crown braid? Yes, you can keep your crown braid intact overnight, provided it's not too tight and not secured with uncomfortable accessories. To help protect your hairstyle and prevent frizz, consider covering it with a headscarf or hair wrap overnight. What type of hair works best for a crown braid? While any hair type—straight, wavy, or curly—can work for a crown braid, hair with a bit more texture tends to be easier to work with because it grips better, making the braid last longer. For those with straighter hair, texturing products or hair spray can help keep the braid more secure.