How to Do a Gorgeous Lace & French Braid Updo for a Special Occasion

Tools and materials:

• Hair elastics
• Bobby pins
• Topsy tail (optional)
• Curling iron - 1 inch (optional)

1. Section your hair

Section your hair into 3 parts. The first two parts are on the front on either side of your head.

Leave at least 3 inches of your hair in the front on either side. You can make a middle or side part but just make sure to leave at least 3 inches of hair on either side.

You’ll be using the hair in the back to make a braid. 

2. Braid the back of your hair

Twist the hair to give some volume and add bobby pins to secure.

Use an elastic to make a ponytail from the back section. Remove any bobby pins.

Make a regular three-strand braid all the way down. Secure with an elastic. 

Pinch and pull the hair (also called pancaking) on both sides of the braid to give more texture and volume.

Then, twist it into a bun, wrapping it around itself, making it as flat as possible. Bobby pin into place and tuck the ends inside it.

3. Lace braid your front sections

Divide your hair on one of the front sections into 3 sections towards the back of the section. Lace braids are done like a regular three-strand braid with one difference.

You add a small section of hair only to the front piece each time you use the front section in the braid. When you’re using the front section, pull additional hair only to the front section as you cross it over.

The back and middle sections of the braid remain the same and you don’t add any more hair. Each time you’re using the front section, add a small section of hair, combine them, and cross over to the middle.

Make sure to angle the front hairs toward the back of your head to achieve a lace braid effect.

This takes some time. Continue to do so all the way down the length of your hair. If you want to have some wisps in the front, make sure to leave out some hair.

In this tutorial I didn’t, so I have a completely pulled back effect, which is also very pretty. If you want both sides to have even lace braids, make a middle part. 

Once you reach the end of the braid, secure with a clear elastic. Pancake the lace braid on both sides of the braid, along the length of the braid. Pick and pull to make the braid fluffy.

You may need to readjust the braid and the elastic as the pancaking may cause the braid to shrink.  

4. Secure the lace braids to the bun

Once one lace braid is done, drape it across the back bun. Wrap it around and secure it into place with bobby pins. Make it as flat as possible.

Add bobby pins all along the braid to keep it close to your head.

Make the second lace French braid on the other side, using the same technique.

Once it’s done, drape it over the back bun.

I used a topsy tool to help me wrap the second lace French braid but you can just use your hands. Use bobby pins to keep all the braids flat.

For more information on this handy tool, you can see my previous tutorial on making ponytails with a topsy tail.

5. Add texture and volume

Once the braids are wrapped around the bun, pinch and pull the top of the hair for more texture and volume.

6. Curl the wispy front pieces

I like to use a 1 inch curling iron to the front pieces to make them look loose, soft, and wispy.

French braid updo tutorial

I hope you give this gorgeous French braid updo hairstyle a try. It's perfect for weddings, the holidays, or any special occasion where you want to look your best.

It's easy to achieve once you have your braiding skills down, but you may need to practice your technique first. Or, if you struggle to braid your hair, have someone else help you.

Let me know in the comments if you tried it or even better, share photos of you looking gorgeous with this French lace braid hairstyle!