A waterfall braid is a beautiful hairstyle, but it can be tricky. So here is an easier alternative that will give you 99% of the same look and is much easier and beginner-friendly!
This post is all about how to faux waterfall braid!
Normal waterfall braid vs. Faux waterfall braid
In a normal waterfall braid, you use almost the same technique as a french braid, instead of adding hair to both sides, you just let go of the bottom strand and pick up a new one, next to the one you just let go. The french braid technique can be tricky to do, so that’s why the faux waterfall braid is a great option if you struggle with the french braid technique.
The only braid you need to know to create the faux version is a basic 3 strand braid. Then to get the cascading effect you simply pull hair through the braid, so it gives the illusion that you have added hair to the top and let some strands go at the bottom.
The perfect half-up half half-down hairstyle
A fake waterfall braid is the perfect braid for a half-up half-down hairstyle. You simply have to follow the tutorial 2 times, so you end up with a braid on each side of the head. Then tie both braids together in the middle.
To elevate this hairstyle even more, leave your bangs down and style them when you are down braiding. You can even curl the hair hanging down to get a very feminine hairstyle!
What styling products do you need to fake a waterfall braid?
- Topsy tail tool – To pull the hair through the braid, you can also just use your fingers, but this tool makes it 100 times easier!
- Texturizing powder – If your hair is fine or slippery, this powder will help to keep the braid and hair in place
- Hairspray – To lock the braid into place, so it hopefully won’t move around too much
- Tiny elastics – to tie off the braids, you can also use bobby pins, but they don’t last as great as these elastics
You don’t need that many things to do lots of hairstyles, but there are a few basic items, that you need. Most you probably already have, but if you don’t then these are 6 items I would recommend having!
The links above are affiliate links. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase – Read more on my disclosure page – click here to read.
Fake waterfall braid step-by-step
Before you begin braiding, brush your hair to get rid of any tangles, that can make braiding even more difficult! And if you want to leave your bangs out, section them off before you start step 1.
- Take a small section of hair at the front and split it into 3 equal sections.
- Then braid the hair into a basic 3-strand braid and tie it off at the end with an elastic.
- Now take a topsy tail tool and place it through the bottom loop of the braid.
- Then grab a new section of hair and pull it through the topsy tail tool.
- Then hold onto the braid while pulling the topsy tail tool through the braid and bringing the new hair through.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until you reach the back of the head.
- Now lift up the braid and take a tiny section of hair from underneath.
- Now take an elastic and tie the braid and the tiny section from step 7 together, so the braid doesn’t fall.
This post was all about how to fake a waterfall braid for beginners!
Related Articles
You may also find the following articles helpful:
How To Waterfall Braid Your Own Hair – With Step By Step Video
How To Braid Your Hair – 25+ Easy Hairstyles
Easy Hairstyles For Beginners – 1 Braid 6 Hairstyles (Basic 3 Strand Braid)
Easy Twisted Braid – Rope Braid For Beginners!
