[edit] Steps

1. Use the wide-tooth comb to comb out all the hair. Make sure that there are no tangles. The comb should move easily through all the hair. Make sure all hair is smooth and entirely free of even the smallest tangles.
2. Divide hair into small sections and use the fine-tooth comb to comb the sections to make sure that all the knots have been removed. Even small knots will cause problems down the road.
3. 

   

   I have taken all the hair - make sure you keep a firm grip on the hair.
   Select section of hair that you wish to braid. It can be on any part of the scalp and can be any amount of hair. If you're starting out, it might be easier to work with a smaller strand of hair because they'll be easier to control.
4. 

   

   Here are the three sections - numbered for easy reference!
   Divide the hair into three even sections. Separate the sections with your hands and make sure they don't mix together at any time.
5. 

   
   Cross the left hand section over the middle section. The original left hand section is now the middle section.
6. Still keep the sections seperately and tightening the plait by pulling all the sections away from each other.
7. 

   
   Cross the right hand section over the middle section. The original right hand section is now the middle section.
8. Tighten the plait again.
9. 

   
   Continue with this process alternating left and right sections over the middle section, tightening each plait as you make it.
10. 

    

    A completed braid.
    Repeat until you run out of room, leave about an inch of unbraided hair at the end.
11. 

    

    An elastic bobble is used to secure the braid
    Secure the end of the braid with a hair-friendly ponytail holder.
12. If you choose to put hair stray on the hair to hold it. This would be the step where I would add that before the ribbon. So you don't mess up the ribbon or this would be the last step.
13. 

    

    Add a pretty ribbon to your completed braid!
    Add a ribbon. (optional)
    
    

[edit] Video

This video demonstrates a four-stranded braid, which uses a slightly different technique than a typical three-stranded braid.

[edit] Tips

• You may wish to use a hair tie to hold the section of hair you wish to braid all together. You may also spray hair spray or use gel on the section of hair before you start to enable the three parts to stay together better.
• If you've never braided before, learn the pattern with thick yarn or ribbon before you start on somebody's hair. It takes some practice to get the feel of it.
• Gentle tension on the braid, pulling down on the strands, will keep the braid snug.
• Take the braid out by unbraiding it from the bottom, the opposite of braiding it.
• Many people find it easier to braid wet hair.
• If you have short hair it could be harder to do with dry hair so dampen your hair before you start!
• You can also do the same process with more than two strands. Four and five strands are done almost exactly like the three strand ordinary braid (see video for more details)

[edit] Warnings

• To avoid damaging your hair, do not pull excessively hard.
• Do not use rubber bands on your hair. Towards the ends, this isn't as bad, but should still be avoided if possible.

[edit] Things You'll Need

• Hair to work with (either your own or someone else's) of reasonable length
• Hair spray or gel (optional)
• A comb
• Ribbon (optional)