If you love a hairstyle that feels both bold and beautifully feminine, the Mohawk Pull-Through Braid is one of those looks that instantly elevates your everyday routine. I personally love a good mohawk braid. A polished version for special events, and the looser, messier version for running errands when I want something stylish without the effort.
Today’s hair tutorial comes from Annie Patton, Hairstylist at Tangerine Salon, who walks you step-by-step through creating this fun and surprisingly wearable braid. Tangerine Salon is a family of four Aveda Lifestyle Salons in Dallas, Texas, and they are proudly known as the Trusted Salon of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders — so yes, you’re learning from the best of the best.
Below, you’ll find Annie’s full technique, plus a few tips to help you achieve the volume, security, and texture that give this braid its signature look.
Video Credit: Tangerine Salon. Stylist: Annie Patton. Visit them at TangerineSalon.net
Watch the Full Tutorial
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Mohawk Pull-Through Braid
1. Start with the Crown Section
Annie begins by sectioning the hair from temple to temple.
Split this top section in half, comb it forward, and begin backcombing to build height and volume.
Once the lift looks right, gently smooth the outer layer without removing the teasing beneath it. Secure the section with an elastic, but don’t tie it too tight. A looser base makes the rest of the braid easier to work with.
2. Create Your First Ponytail
Split the hair underneath the elastic into two pieces.
Pull small sections outward to shape your height and structure.
If it feels loose, tug gently from underneath to tighten the base without losing volume.
Wrap a small strand from your ponytail around the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin to keep your band concealed.
3. Section, Clip, and Pull Through
Here’s where the “pull-through” magic happens.
• Use a duckbill clip to hold your first ponytail forward.
• Gather the next section of hair underneath and secure it into a second ponytail with an elastic.
• Release the first ponytail, split it in half, and pull the second ponytail upward through the center.
• Clip that second ponytail out of the way.
This creates the linked, stacked effect that defines the Mohawk Pull-Through Braid.
4. Continue the Pattern
Annie repeats this process down the head:
• Create a new ponytail
• Add in the two halves of the previous ponytail
• Secure with an elastic
• Split, pull through, and clip away
You’ll keep going until you run out of hair to gather and by now, the style will already look beautifully dimensional.
5. Shape the Braid
With the remaining hair at the bottom:
• Tie it with an elastic
• Gently pull the sides outward to create fullness
• Use bobby pins (crossed in an X for better grip) to secure any pieces that lift or poke out
This is where you can personalize the look: pull more for a loose, boho vibe… or keep it tighter for a sleeker, more editorial finish.
6. Lock It In
Annie finishes with Aveda Air Control Hairspray, which adds hold without stiffness.
It’s perfect for keeping flyaways in place while still allowing movement. Especially important with a braid that has volume and texture at the crown.
Why I Love This Hairstyle
The Mohawk Pull-Through Braid is one of those rare styles that works for everything:
• Polished enough for special events
• Sporty enough for game day
• Fun for date night
• Perfectly imperfect for weekend errands
It’s one part braid, one part ponytail stack, and one part stylist wizardry, but as Annie shows, it’s totally achievable at home with just:
• A few clear elastics
• Bobby pins
• A duckbill clip
• Your favorite flexible hairspray
Final Thoughts
For more inspiring hair tutorials, beauty reviews, and lifestyle tips, be sure to follow Tangerine Salon — their creativity and expertise make learning new styles so fun and approachable. I truly enjoy this look, and I’m so glad they shared this tutorial for all of us to learn from.
I hope you found this helpful and feel inspired to try something new with your hair this week. If you ever have a tutorial you’d love to see featured, feel free to email me or leave a comment below.
