Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Achieve Belle’s Iconic Braided Hairstyle

February 25, 2026

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Achieve Belle’s Iconic Braided Hairstyle

There’s an unmistakable allure to Belle’s character from Disney’s classic animated film, *Beauty and the Beast*. Beyond her charming personality and love for reading, it’s her appearance that has captured the hearts of countless fans for generations. Perhaps one of the most recognizable aspects of Belle’s iconic look is her intricate braided hairstyle, often referred to as **belle from beauty and the beast hair**. This elegant, somewhat complex updo requires patience and precision but yields a truly enchanting result that channels the spirit of the beloved heroine.

Whether you’re a fan of the original 1991 animated film or the 2017 live-action adaptation starring Emma Watson, recreating Belle’s signature braids is a fun and rewarding project. This tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve the classic **belle from beauty and the beast hair** look, suitable for various hair types and lengths. We’ll break down the process into manageable sections, covering preparation, braiding techniques, and styling, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful Belle-inspired hairstyle.

Part 1: Preparation is Key

Before diving into the braiding process, it’s crucial to prepare your hair and gather the necessary tools. This preparation ensures that the braids hold well, the hair remains comfortable throughout the styling process, and the final look is polished and enduring.

Gather Your Tools and Products

To successfully recreate belle from beauty and the beast hair, you’ll need the following items readily available:

Bobby pins: Essential for securing the braids and creating an invisible hold.

Non-sticky hair elastic: Used to gather hair sections for braiding. Avoid elastics that can damage hair.

Hair ties or small scrunchies: Useful for sectioning hair or creating temporary updos.

Light hairspray: To set braids in place and prevent flyaways. Use sparingly at first.

Hairbrush or fine-tooth comb: For detangling and ensuring smooth braiding.

Tampon or small ball of cotton: Optional, but helpful for creating smooth edges or covering pin ends.

Optional: Hairspray color filter: For a Belle look that matches the enchanted castle aesthetic.

Note: For the Emma Watson version seen in the live-action film, her hair is significantly longer. This tutorial focuses primarily on the technique adaptable for lengths similar to or longer than shoulder-length, but we’ll touch on variations for different lengths.

Prepare Your Hair

The condition and state of your hair significantly impact the final result:

Wash and Condition: Start with clean, dry hair. Clean hair braids more smoothly and holds style better. Ensure your hair is completely dry before starting, as braiding wet or damp hair can lead to messy results and breakage.

Detangle Thoroughly: Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up. This prevents knots and pulls during braiding.

Protect Your Hair: Applying a light layer of heat protectant serum or oil (like coconut oil or argan oil) can help reduce friction and make braiding easier and more comfortable. This is especially beneficial for longer hair or sensitive scalps.

Part 2: The Braiding Technique

The core of achieving the classic Belle look lies in the braiding technique itself. While there are variations, the general idea involves creating two prominent braids that meet at the crown or back of the head.

Starting the Braids: The Single Braid Foundation Learn How to Recreate Belle’s Iconic Hair Styles from Beauty and the Beast

The foundation for Belle’s hairstyle often begins with creating two separate braids along the sides or back of the head.

Section and Gather Hair: Divide your hair into two large sections. You can do this by parting your hair down the middle or slightly off-center, depending on your preference and hair length. Use hair ties to separate these two sections. Alternatively, gather one side of your hair (say, your left side) onto a small bun or ponytail at the crown or nape of your neck, securing it with a small scrunchie or bobby pins. Repeat for the opposite side.

Create a Base Braid (Optional but Recommended): Take the first section of hair and create a standard three-strand braid. Keep the braid relatively loose initially, as you’ll need to tighten it later. Continue braiding this section down towards the nape or side of your neck. Secure the end with a small bobby pin. Repeat the process with the second section of hair.

Positioning the Braids: Once you have two separate braids (either as two side braids or two back braids), position them according to your desired look. For the classic Belle style, often one braid is placed on the left side/back, and the other on the right side/back.

Merging the Braids: The Heart of the Style

This is where the iconic Belle hairstyle begins to take shape. The braids need to be brought together and twisted to create the signature double braid or twisted rope effect.

Bring Braids Together: Gently bring the two braided sections towards the center or back of your head. For a front-to-back style (similar to the 1991 animation), bring the braids from your sides towards the nape of your neck. For a side-parted look (closer to the live-action), bring the braids from the sides towards the crown.

Twist the Braids: Once the two braids are brought together or close to each other (depending on the style), you need to twist them. The key is to twist the ends of the two braids together, creating a rope-like structure. Think of taking two separate ropes and twisting them together. You can twist them clockwise or counterclockwise; choose one direction and stick to it for a neat finish.

Secure the Twist: As you twist the braids together, continue twisting them upwards towards the desired position (crown, nape). Keep the twist relatively tight to maintain shape but not so tight as to cause discomfort or dig into your scalp. Secure the twisted section firmly with several strong bobby pins angled for better hold. Insert pins horizontally into the twist for maximum security.

Refine the Twist: Once the main twist is secured, you can gently smooth the rope with your fingers or a light touch of hairspray to ensure it lies smoothly against the head. Ensure the twist is centered and symmetrical.

Part 3: Styling and Finishing Touches

With the braids twisted and secured, it’s time to refine the look, conceal any pin ends, and add the final touches that complete the **belle from beauty and the Beast hair** style.