How to Achieve a Bomb Waterfall Braid in 11 Steps

Waterfall braids are fit for fairy tales, but that doesn't mean they need to be confined to your dreams. Follow celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa's easy-peasy tutorial to achieve soft and magical locks of your own. See the full video above and step-by-step instructions below. 

​1. After brushing your hair, apply mousse. ​It'll prep your locks for smooth and clean-cut sectioning. 

2. Grab hold of some of your hair at the side of your head, and section it off. Like a regular braid, you'll need three even strands.

​3. Begin braiding by placing the right strand over the middle, followed by the left. ​At the start, it's just like any old French braid.

4. Then, let the lowermost strand fall. ​Here's where the style starts to take shape.

​5. Replace the strand you left behind. ​Grab a new right section, starting from the roots.

6. Make your way around the head, continuing with the same technique. ​Be sure to add hair to the left section (as you would a French braid) each time you braid it in. 

​7. Once you reach the other side, grab hold of any remaining hair. ​Fuse it with the rest of your look by building a basic three-strand braid.

8. Continue until the braid comes to an end. Secure with a clear hair elastic.

9. Tuck the braid beneath the waterfall. Fasten it in place with two bobby pins.

10. Curl the falling strands for texture. Potempa recommends curling away from the face for a softer look.

11. Once the strands have cooled completely, spritz in some hairspray. To achieve beach waves, follow up with light tousling. 

There you have it. Just look at that dreamy finish. ?