How to Draw a Braid: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Ready to add some style to your character drawings? This tutorial is perfect for ages 6+ and requires only a pencil, eraser, and paper. By following these simple steps, you will learn how to structure a braid using basic shapes and flowing lines to create a professional-looking hairstyle.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished illustration of a girl with a detailed braided hairstyle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head Guide

A light pencil sketch of a circle used as a head guide for drawing hair.

Start by drawing a light circle to represent the head. Teacher's Tip: Keep this circle about the size of a coin; it’s just a guide, so don't press too hard with your pencil!

Step 2: Establishing the Braid Path

Two curved lines extending from the head guide to define the shape of the braid.

Draw a long, graceful curved line starting from the side of the circle. Add a shorter curved line on the opposite side to define the width of the braid. Think of these as the 'tracks' for your braid.

Step 3: Creating the Braid Segments

Drawing the first interlocking curved segments of the braid.

Start the weaving pattern by drawing curved lines that reach toward each other. Tip: Make sure the lines almost touch in the middle to create that 'interlocked' look.

Step 4: Continuing the Weave

Continuing the braid pattern by adding overlapping curved lines.

Keep adding pairs of overlapping curved lines down the length of the braid. As you reach the bottom, let the lines meet at a sharp point to close the shape.

Step 5: Adding the Hair Tie and Ends

Adding a hair tie and loose hair strands at the bottom of the braid.

Draw a small rounded rectangle at the bottom to represent a hair tie. Then, add a few loose, curved lines below it to show the ends of the hair. Tip: Keep these lines soft to make the hair look natural.

Step 6: Cleaning Up Your Sketch

Erasing the initial guide lines to reveal the clean braid outline.

Gently erase the original circle guide lines. You should now have a clean, clear outline of the braid and the head shape.

Step 7: Defining the Face and Neck

Drawing the chin, neck, and ear to frame the face.

Draw the chin and neck line using a long, smooth curve. Add a small 'C' shape on the side of the head to represent the ear.

Step 8: Refining the Hairline

Refining the hairline near the forehead and ear.

Erase any remaining guide lines near the forehead. Add a short, curved line between the brow and the ear to show where the hair sits against the face.

Step 9: Adding Texture Details

Adding texture lines to the braid segments for a realistic look.

Add short, curved lines down the middle of each braid segment. This creates the illusion of woven strands. Tip: Keep these lines light to maintain the braid's volume.

Step 10: Bringing Your Braid to Life

The final colored drawing of a person with a braided hairstyle.

Time to color! Use your favorite shades to fill in the hair. Whether it's a bright fantasy color or a natural tone, have fun making this character your own.