how to do anna from frozen hair: easy braids

To do Anna’s hair from Frozen, part the hair down the middle, leave out a soft fringe, and make two low braids with ribbons or elastics. A little texture and a few loose strands help create the familiar storybook look.

This guide walks you through the classic braided style, from preparing the hair to securing the ends. You’ll also find simple adjustments for short, fine, curly, or slippery hair, plus tips for choosing between Anna’s everyday braids and her more formal coronation look.

How to do anna from frozen hair: choose the right look

Anna has more than one hairstyle in the Frozen films. The most recognizable everyday version has a center part, soft pieces around the face, and two braids hanging over the shoulders. It is the easiest style to recreate and works for dress-up, school events, or a themed party.

Her coronation look is different: the hair is pinned up in a formal style. If you want a quick, recognizable Anna look, start with the two-braid version. If you are making a costume for a special event, you can adapt the braids into a pinned-up style after following the basic braiding steps below.

The film’s exact styling can vary between scenes, so treat these as practical recreations rather than strict replicas. For most people, the two braids and loose front pieces make the character recognizable without requiring complicated pins or extensions.

What you need before you start

Gather your tools before parting the hair. This keeps the process calm, especially if you are styling a child who may not want to sit still for long.

• A comb or brush for detangling
• A pointed-tail comb for a clean center part
• Two small hair elastics that match the hair color
• Ribbon, costume ties, or decorative clips, if desired
• A few bobby pins for flyaways or an updo
• A small amount of leave-in conditioner or styling cream, if needed

Use only a small amount of product. Too much can make braids look stiff or greasy, and it may make the hair harder to separate. For a child, skip products that sting the eyes or have a strong scent, and keep small accessories away from very young children who might put them in their mouths.

Prepare the hair for smooth, even braids

Start with dry or slightly damp hair that is fully detangled. Very wet hair can stretch while you braid and may feel tighter as it dries. If the hair is freshly washed and slippery, a light mist of water or a tiny amount of styling cream can help the sections hold together.

1. Brush out tangles. Work from the ends upward, holding each section above the tangle so you do not pull hard at the scalp.
2. Make a center part. Use the pointed end of a comb from the forehead toward the crown. It does not need to be perfectly straight; a clear part is enough to balance the two sides.
3. Set aside face-framing pieces. Leave out a small amount of hair beside the forehead if you want Anna’s soft fringe effect. Keep it modest so the loose hair does not fall into the eyes.
4. Divide the rest into two sections. Bring one section over each shoulder and check that the part continues evenly down the back.

If the hair has a strong natural part, do not fight it with repeated tight combing. A gentle part that follows the hair’s natural direction is more comfortable and often stays in place better.

Step-by-step: make Anna’s two braids

A standard three-strand braid is the simplest option. Keep the sections even and use steady, gentle tension. The braid should stay secure without pulling painfully at the roots.

1. Start on one side. Divide that side’s hair into three sections of similar thickness, just below the ear or near the nape.
2. Cross an outside section over the middle. Take the right section across the center, then take the left section across the new center.
3. Repeat the pattern. Continue alternating sides until you reach the ends. Keep your hands close to the braid so the sections do not loosen between crossings.
4. Secure the end. Tie it with a small elastic, leaving a little length loose if the hair allows. Avoid wrapping the elastic so tightly that it dents or breaks the hair.
5. Braid the other side. Repeat with the same number of crossings and similar tension. Compare the two braids before adjusting them.

For the most recognizable shape, start the braids low rather than high on the crown. A little unevenness can look natural, but aim for similar placement and thickness on both sides. If one braid looks much tighter, gently loosen it by pulling the outer edges of the braid a tiny bit at a time.

Optional: add a soft twist near the temples

If you want more detail without making a full French braid, take a small section near one temple, twist it backward once or twice, and pin it above the ear. Repeat on the other side. This keeps loose front hair out of the face while preserving the simple double-braid outline.

Do not add too many twists or pins. A few details are easier to wear and less likely to snag on a costume collar. Check that every pin lies flat and does not press against the scalp.

Make the braids look more like Anna’s

Small finishing touches give the style a costume feel without changing the basic braid. The goal is soft, storybook hair, not a perfectly slick competition braid.

• Leave a light fringe. Sweep the loose front pieces gently to the sides. Use a pin only if they keep falling over the eyes.
• Add simple color. Tie a narrow ribbon around each braid end or use discreet colored elastics. Secure ribbon in a bow that will not drag or catch.
• Keep the finish soft. Smooth only obvious flyaways with your fingertips. A few natural wisps around the face make the style feel less rigid.
• Balance the braids. Check their length and fullness from the front and back. If one looks thinner, loosen it slightly rather than pulling the other braid tight.

Anna’s hair is commonly shown as red or auburn, but you do not need to color hair to make the style work. A red wig, temporary color spray, or costume accessory can add color if appropriate. Follow the product directions and test temporary color on a small hidden section first, especially if the hair is light or chemically treated.

Adapt the style for different hair lengths and textures

Short hair

Hair that reaches the shoulders or just below may still make two small braids. If the ends slip out, braid only as far as the hair allows and secure each braid with a soft elastic. You can also make two low ponytails and braid the visible lengths. This keeps the silhouette without forcing short layers into a braid they cannot hold.

For very short hair, use two small side braids or twists near the temples and pin them back. The center part and soft fringe can still suggest Anna’s look. Avoid adding heavy extensions to a child’s natural hair; they can tug at the roots and make the style uncomfortable.

Fine or slippery hair

Fine hair can slide out of a braid. A small amount of texturizing product or dry shampoo made for the hair type can add grip, but use it sparingly and according to its label. Another option is to braid slightly damp hair and let it dry before loosening the braid gently.

Use small, non-metal elastics that grip without sharp edges. If the ends are too fine for a standard elastic, wrap a narrow ribbon around the braid end and tie it gently. Check that it does not loosen during wear.

Thick, curly, or coily hair

Work in manageable sections and detangle with care. For curls or coils, styling on dry, stretched hair can make the part and braids easier to form, but it is not necessary to straighten the hair. You can braid the natural texture as it is, using a moisturizing product that suits the hair.

Curly or coily hair may shrink as it dries, so leave extra length when estimating where the braid will end. Keep the braid tension comfortable, especially at the hairline. If a braid feels sore or gives you a headache, take it out and redo it more loosely.

Turn the braids into a coronation-inspired updo

For a more formal Anna-inspired look, make the two braids first, then pin them up. This method is easier to control than trying to create a complex updo from loose hair, and it lets you adjust the shape before adding accessories.

1. Make two secure braids. Keep them neat but not tight. Use elastics at the ends so they do not unravel while you work.
2. Bring one braid up and across the back of the head. Lay it against the crown or upper back of the head, depending on the length and shape you want.
3. Pin it in place. Slide bobby pins through the braid and into the hair beneath it. Place pins where the braid crosses or turns, rather than at one exposed point.
4. Repeat with the second braid. Tuck the ends under the first braid or behind the ear area, then pin them securely.
5. Check comfort and stability. Gently shake the head and check for loose ends. Add a pin only where the style moves.

This is a wearable interpretation, not a requirement for an exact film replica. If the hair is heavy or the updo keeps falling, use a low braided bun instead. It is often more comfortable and needs fewer pins.

Common mistakes that make the style harder

• Starting with tangled hair: Knots tighten as you braid and can cause pulling. Detangle first, especially at the nape.
• Making the part too wide or uneven: The two sides may look mismatched. Check the part from the forehead and crown before braiding.
• Pulling too tightly: A tight braid can hurt and may stress the hairline. Keep the braid secure but comfortable, and loosen it if the scalp feels sore.
• Using too much product: Heavy product can make hair sticky and difficult to braid. Add a little only where the hair slips.
• Adding bulky accessories: Large clips can weigh down braids or snag on clothing. Choose light pieces and secure them away from moving parts of a costume.
• Expecting short layers to stay woven in: Loose layers may escape even with careful braiding. Pin a few pieces lightly or leave them as face-framing strands.

One practical detail often missed: check the braid ends after the costume is on. Collars, scarves, and capes can rub against the elastics and loosen them. Secure the ends first, then put on the costume and make a quick final check.

Help the hairstyle last comfortably

For a short event, two braids usually hold without hairspray. For longer wear, smooth a small amount of flexible-hold product over the surface and keep spare elastics and pins nearby. Avoid spraying near the face, and follow the label, particularly when styling a child.

Make sure the style does not interfere with glasses, hearing aids, or costume headwear. A braid that presses under a hat or rubs against a collar can become uncomfortable. Adjust its position before securing the rest of the costume.

Take the hairstyle down gently. Remove pins and elastics first, then undo the braids from the ends upward. If an elastic is tangled, do not yank it through the hair; cut it carefully with small scissors only if you can do so safely, keeping the blades away from the hair and skin. Brush out knots after the braid is fully undone.

For a recognizable Anna look, make a center part, leave a soft fringe, and braid the hair into two low sections. Gentle tension, balanced braids, and simple ribbons or elastics are usually all you need.

Before styling, detangle the hair and choose the version that fits the occasion. Try the basic braids first, then pin them up if you want a more formal finish.