Braids are all the rage this season. Whether it be a fishtail braid, a waterfall braid, or just your everyday three-strand braid, this little touch of flair can be added to almost any style to give it an updated look. Check out these braided updos and learn how to change an ordinary upstyle into an extra trendy and chic look!
THE SIMPLE AND SWEET BRAID
Begin with your hair down. Take a section of your hair from the thicker side of your part, and braid it all the way down. It will lie flat on your head best if you angle it back as you're braiding it. Next, slightly tug all along the braid, making it appear thicker. Once the braid is complete, pin it on the back/far side of your head underneath the top layer of your hair, covering the bobby pins. Next, braid the rest of your hair into a side braid. Continue with the same process as the first braid, slightly tugging along the whole thing. If it's really windy that day, add a spritz of hairspray to keep it place.
THE FOXY FISHTAIL
This braided style is incredibly simple and it is a great way to keep your hair out of your face without losing style points.
Begin by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a ponytail holder. Begin your fishtail braid by separating the ponytail into two sections and grabbing small pieces from the outside of each section and bringing them to meet in the middle. Proceed until the whole ponytail is braided. Secure the bottom with a ponytail holder. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.
THE CHIC HIPPY BRAID
Here’s a great way to create face framing and still keep a good portion of hair out of your face!
Use a medium-sized curling iron or wand to curl each section of your hair. When hair is curled, take a small section around your hairline that goes back about two inches. This section should be roughly span the distance between your eyebrows, or a little bit less. Separate this section into two pieces and begin a fishtail braid. You can also separate it into three sections and begin a regular French braid. Once you have completed the braid, use a bobby pin to secure it in the crown section of your head. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.
THE BOMBSHELL BRAID
This combination of messy and manicured is a great way to modernize your everyday French braid.
Begin by using a small curling iron to curl your hair. When everything is curled, use a backcombing brush to create volume and body at the roots in the back of your head. Loosely complete a French braid starting on one side of your head in the middle back area, and ending on the opposite side at the nape of your neck. Leave out your bangs if you so desire. Use a rat tail comb or your fingers to gently loosen the braid and pull out some pieces to give a messier look. Use bobby pins to place curls that have fallen out of the braid if you feel this is necessary. Spray everything with a light hold finishing spray.