Learn How to Do a Waterfall Braid, Step-by-Step

See how easy it is to style your hair with a waterfall braid.

Maritza Buelvas

Updated on May 13, 2024

Knowing how to do a waterfall braid style for your hair can come in handy. As huge fans of the prettiest hair hacks and braiding techniques, we asked hairstylist Tatum Wetzel to share tips for elevating your next romantic occasion. A cascading waterfall braid with curls is easy to recreate and helps show off those long locks in a whimsical, flirty way. Follow our step-by-step waterfall braid tutorial (complete with a secret stylist tip) for gorgeous results.

What Is a Waterfall Braid?

You've probably heard of a French braid, crown braid, and maybe even a fishtail braid—but what is a waterfall braid? Simply put, a waterfall braid uses the French braid technique to braid half (or a part) of the hair, leaving the remainder down in a cascading style that resembles a waterfall. It's a beautiful style that works for casual, business, or dressy occasions and is easy to do on various hair types and textures. Here's what you'll need to do.

If you don't have naturally curly hair, it's best to curl it before braiding for best results.

What You Need

Brush and comb
Small elastic bands
Hairpins
Texture powder
Hairspray

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Add Volume

Stylist adding hair sections for waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Consider adding extensions if you have fine hair or wish to have added volume. We discreetly added very tiny clip-in extensions near the root to give our braid added thickness and volume at the sides.

This is a professional stylist tip for getting a thicker waterfall braid, without compromising fullness and length (especially at the sides). Measure and trim your clip-in pieces as needed. We used about a 1-inch section of hidden clip-ins per side.

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Section Hair

Sectioning hair for waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Create a deep side part, then grab a section of hair on one side and divide it into three pieces. Try to make each of the three pieces as close in size to each other as possible, for easier braiding and a smoother look.

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Cross the Sections

Crossing sections for waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Take the top piece of hair closest to your hairline and cross it over the middle. Allow the middle section to hang.

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Create the Waterfall

Creating a waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Take the bottom piece and cross it over the new middle piece. Instead of crossing the hanging piece as you would with a traditional French braid, leave it hanging to create the waterfall effect. Then, take your top and bottom pieces and cross them over each other once.

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Repeat Steps

Finishing up waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Repeat this sequence by doing steps 3 and 4 over and over until you've reached your desired braid length. Remember: Grab a new piece of hair from above the braid that's forming, place it in the middle, and drop it down. This is how the waterfall effect begins to take shape.

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Elevate Your Braid

Applying texture powder to waterfall braid — Tatum Wetzel (@tatumraewetzel)

Finish the braid by twisting the remaining two pieces together and holding it in place with an elastic band. Tuck the end of your braid under the rest of your hair and pin it in place by crossing two bobby pins in an X shape.

This last step helps securely hold your braid in place. Sprinkle a little texture powder all over the braid and pull it apart slightly to give your braid a more lived-in, fuller appearance.

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