To do anna’s braid from frozen 2, create a soft, slightly undone side braid and add a small twist across the crown. The look is recognizable without needing complicated techniques or costume-specific accessories.
This tutorial walks you through preparing your hair, making the crown detail, braiding evenly, and securing the style so it lasts. You’ll also find adjustments for short, fine, or thick hair, plus simple fixes for loose sections and uneven tension. The film shows Anna with different hair arrangements in different scenes, so this method focuses on a practical, wearable version inspired by her braided look.
How to do anna’s braid from frozen 2
For a recognizable everyday version, sweep the hair to one side, twist a small section from each temple toward the back, and incorporate those sections into a loose three-strand braid. Keep the braid relaxed rather than tight and polished. A few soft pieces around the face and a little lift at the crown give the finished style its storybook feel.
Anna’s hair changes across scenes in Frozen 2, and styling details can look different depending on the outfit and moment. This tutorial is an inspired recreation, not a claim that one braid matches every frame. The steps work on long hair, and the adjustment section explains what to do if your hair is shorter or layered.
Choose the braid shape that suits your hair
There is more than one way to get a similar effect. Choose a braid shape based on your hair length, how much time you have, and whether you want a softer or more defined finish.
| Style | How it looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Loose side braid with crown twists | Two small twists meet a relaxed braid over one shoulder. | A soft, recognizable look on medium or long hair. |
| Side braid without twists | Hair is swept across and braided from around ear level. | Quick styling, beginners, or hair with lots of short layers. |
| French braid along the side | Hair is added into the braid as it moves down the head. | Keeping hair secure during active wear. |
| Two braids joined into one | Small braids from each side meet at the back, then continue as one. | Creating a more detailed style or working with uneven layers. |
The first option is a useful starting point because it combines a simple braid with a small detail at the crown. If you are new to braiding, skip the twists at first. You can add them once the basic side braid feels comfortable.
Gather your tools and prepare your hair
You do not need specialist equipment. Set out a brush or wide-tooth comb, two small clear elastics, a few bobby pins, and a mirror. A light styling cream or flexible-hold hairspray can help control flyaways, but both are optional.
Start with dry hair that is brushed free of knots. Slightly textured hair often holds a braid more easily than very silky hair, but freshly washed hair can still work. If it feels slippery, add a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots and through the lengths. Use only enough to give the hair grip; too much product can make strands stiff and difficult to separate.
Detangle from the ends upward. Hold each section above the knot you are brushing to reduce pulling on your scalp. This small habit matters especially with long or thick hair, because a tangle near the ends can tighten as you braid and make the finished style uncomfortable.
Decide where the braid will sit
Choose the shoulder you want the braid to rest on. A braid over your left shoulder, for example, usually means you will direct the hair toward the left as you work. Check the direction in a mirror before you begin. Switching shoulders halfway through can loosen the crown twists and make the braid sit awkwardly.
Make a natural part, or keep your usual part if you prefer. There is no need for a perfectly straight line. A slightly off-center part can make the style look softer and leave enough hair on both sides for the twists.
Make the crown twists
The twists are small, but they frame the face and help the braid feel more intentional. Work gently and keep the sections similar in size. If one twist is much thicker than the other, the style may pull unevenly across the crown.
- Separate the first section. Near one temple, take a section about an inch wide. Keep it close to the hairline so the twist is visible from the front.
- Twist it away from your face. Divide that section into two strands. Cross the strand closest to your face over the other, then add a little hair from beside the twist before crossing again. Continue for a few inches toward the back of your head.
- Secure the twist temporarily. Use a clip or hold the end while you repeat the process on the other side. Do not pull so tightly that the scalp feels strained.
- Bring both sides together. Direct the twists toward the side where your braid will sit. Pin them together near the back of your head, behind the ear on the braid side.
If adding hair into each twist feels tricky, make two simple rope twists instead. Twist each section away from your face, then pin the ends together at the back. This shortcut is easier to manage and still creates a clear crown detail.
Braid the hair over your shoulder
Once the twists are pinned, gather the remaining hair and bring it over your chosen shoulder. Include the ends of the twists in the gathered hair so they blend into the braid. Run your fingers through the bundle once to remove any tangles, then divide it into three sections of roughly equal thickness.
- Cross the outer section over the middle. Start with the section closest to your face and move it over the center section. The outer section now becomes the middle.
- Cross the other outer section over the new middle. Keep the braid close to the shoulder and follow the same over-the-middle motion.
- Repeat down the length. Alternate sides, crossing one outer section and then the other over the middle. Keep the sections relaxed and the braid resting naturally against your shoulder.
- Check the tension as you go. Hold the braid near its newest crossing rather than pulling only at the ends. This gives you better control and reduces sudden tight spots.
- Stop before the ends. Leave a few inches loose, or stop where the hair begins to look too short for comfortable braiding.
- Secure with an elastic. Wrap a small elastic around the end without crushing the braid. A clear elastic blends in; a ribbon or fabric tie can add a decorative finish.
For a side French braid, add a small piece of loose hair to the outer section before each crossing. Continue adding hair only from the side closest to the head. This keeps the braid attached along the side as it moves toward your shoulder. If that technique is unfamiliar, use the basic three-strand braid first. A tidy, comfortable braid looks better than a complicated one that keeps coming loose.
Loosen and shape the finished style
Once the braid is secured, use your fingertips to gently widen it. Starting near the top, tug each outer loop outward a little at a time. Work down the braid in small, even adjustments. Pulling too hard can make the braid unravel, so keep one hand around the elastic or lower part of the braid while you loosen it.
Check the crown from the front and the side. If it looks flat, gently lift the hair at the crown with your fingertips. If a twist has slipped, tuck its end under the gathered hair and pin it in place. Place bobby pins with their wavy side toward the scalp so they grip the hair more securely.
Let a couple of fine strands fall near your face if you want a softer finish. Use your fingers to pull them free rather than brushing them out. A small amount of hairspray can hold the shape, but spray from a distance and use a light hand. Heavy product can make the braid stiff and erase the relaxed texture.
Adjust the braid for different hair lengths and textures
Short hair
Shoulder-length hair can still work if the strands reach far enough to cross comfortably. Begin the braid lower, around the nape or just below the ear, and keep the crown detail small. If the ends are too short to hold a full braid, make a short braid and secure it with a tiny elastic. Pin the short end discreetly behind the shoulder or let it sit naturally.
For a bob, create the crown twists and pin them back, then braid only the hair that reaches over the shoulder. You can also make two small braids near the temples and pin them into the rest of the hair. Do not force short pieces into a long braid; pins and a simpler shape will usually hold better.
Fine or slippery hair
Fine hair can slide out of a braid, especially when it is freshly washed. Add a small amount of dry shampoo or texturizing product before styling, then make the sections a little smaller. Secure the top of the braid with a pin if the twists begin to loosen. After tying off the end, gently widen each braid loop to create the appearance of more fullness.
Avoid applying oil or smoothing serum before braiding. Those products can make fine hair feel sleek but may reduce grip. If you want shine, smooth a tiny amount over the finished braid instead of coating the strands before you start.
Thick or curly hair
Thick hair is easier to control when divided into manageable sections. Detangle carefully, then use a strong but comfortable elastic and pins that can hold the weight of the twists. You may find it easier to braid while the hair is slightly damp, but avoid pulling wet hair tightly because it is more vulnerable to stretching and breakage.
For naturally curly hair, keep the curls intact if you like their texture. Detangle with conditioner or a suitable leave-in product before styling, then braid gently. Curly hair may make the braid look fuller and shorter than a braid made on straight hair, so leave more length below the elastic than you think you need.
Common problems and simple fixes
- The braid looks tight and narrow: Relax your grip on the sections and widen the loops slightly after securing the end. The braid should feel secure, not pulled against your scalp.
- The twists do not meet evenly: Make each twist from a similarly sized section, and pin them together at the back before gathering the rest of the hair. If they still look uneven, loosen the thicker twist a little.
- Short layers stick out: Smooth them with a small amount of styling cream, then tuck them into the braid or secure them with a discreet pin. Do not use a large amount of product to flatten every strand.
- The braid slips off the shoulder: Move the starting point slightly higher and pin the gathered hair near the nape or behind the ear. Check that the braid begins in the direction you want it to fall.
- The elastic shows: Wrap a thin strand of hair around the elastic and pin the end underneath. This works best if the end of the braid is long enough to cover the tie without pulling it loose.
- The style looks too neat: Gently loosen the braid and pull a couple of small face-framing pieces free. Keep the changes subtle so the style remains secure.
Keep the style comfortable and secure
A braid should not hurt. If you feel pulling, pressure, or a headache, loosen the twists and start again with less tension. Tight hairstyles worn for long periods can stress the hairline, so prioritize comfort over making every strand perfectly smooth.
For a full day of wear, check the pins and elastic after finishing. Add a pin where a twist meets the braid, not randomly across the hair. If you are styling a child, use blunt-ended pins carefully and avoid leaving loose pins where they could be swallowed or stepped on. Remove the elastic and pins gently at the end of the day, then undo the braid from the bottom upward.
One detail people often miss is that a braid can look fuller without being tightly packed. Pulling hard while braiding may seem like a way to make the style last, but it can flatten the crown and make the hair uncomfortable. Start with steady, moderate tension, secure the braid, and then widen the loops gradually. That approach gives you a soft shape while keeping the style stable.
Optional finishing details
You can leave the braid simple or add a small accessory that suits the occasion. A narrow ribbon tied over the elastic, a small bow, or a few discreet pins can add color without distracting from the hairstyle. Choose lightweight accessories so they do not pull the braid down.
If you are dressing for a costume or themed event, match the accessory to the outfit rather than adding several competing details. For an everyday version, no accessory is needed. The crown twists, side placement, and loose braid provide the main visual effect.
Before you finish, turn your head and check the braid from the front, side, and back. Make sure the end is secure, the pins are hidden, and no section feels tight. A final small adjustment is easier than rebuilding the style after it has been worn for several hours.
To do anna’s braid from frozen 2, combine two soft crown twists with a relaxed side braid, then loosen the braid slightly for a fuller finish. The exact look can vary, so focus on comfortable tension and a shape that suits your hair.
For your first attempt, try the basic three-strand version with dry, detangled hair. Once it holds comfortably, add the twists or a French-braid technique for more detail.