How to Create a Snake Braid in Under 5 Minutes

The zigzagging snake braid is one of those gorgeously intricate hairstyles that looks like it took a full beauty team to accomplish when it's really just a five-step kind of 'do. Some snake braids S-shape all the way down the length of your hair, but if you're pressed for time, bookmark this handy guide for how to perfect a subtly sophisticated side version.

Begin braiding the way you would with any other style, pulling a section of hair from the side of your head and weaving three strands together.

Step 2.

Once you're almost all the way down the length of the section of hair (about three-quarters of the way down), separate the three strands.

Step 3.

Holding tightly to the middle strand with one hand, push the length of hair all the way up to the top of the braid until your hair is tightly coiled by your roots.

Step 4.

Here's where you get to adjust the braid for tightness. Slightly tug at the individual sections of the braid until the S-shaped coils are more spread out. The more you lengthen out the braid, the more visible the "snake" shape will appear.

Step 5.

Secure the braid with a bobby pin and sweep the surrounding hair over it to cover the pin.

Voilà

Your side snake braid is ready to go!

Follow along with the full video from start to finish (that you can pause and rewind as much as you need to).

GIFs by Katja Cho.

Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.