It’s time to say a big bye-bye to perky ponytails and a big hullo to braids! Long hair or short, messy or coiffed, day or night, this is one versatile grooming trend that is caught on like wildfire. Easy to replicate and upping your style ante instantly, braids are a complete DIY fashion fad! Here are a few pointers on how to rock this look.
The Messy Braid
Underdressed and casual, this is just the solution for your bad hair days. A do that suits most textures of hair, it works really well with medium length hair. The best thing about it? The messier the better!
How to Work It
- This style is just as low maintenance as it sounds. Works well with washed hair but you can even carry it off on the odd lazy day when shampooing feels like too much work.
- Apply a bit of texturizer or mousse on the bottom third of dry hair.
- Pull the entire hair to one side and make a loose braid. Don’t worry about hair escaping out the sides.
- Tie the braid with about an inch still free from the braid.
- Pull out a few strands out the crown to give it that careless, free spirited look.
- This style works really well with layers that will fall out of the braid automatically.
The Halo Braid
A more sophisticated look than its messier cousin, the halo is all about looking great from every angle. Feminine and delicate, this is a look designed to showcase the face. Like the name suggests, the halo braid lends an angelic perfection to your look.
How to Work It
- Works best with medium to long hair. Shampoo and condition hair.
- Rub on a daily shine lotion or any styling gel you are fond of. Comb out your tresses into a smooth neat body.
- Pull out a neat bunch of hair from behind each ear. Braid each lock into a neat, thin braid.
- Now pull both braids to the back of your head along the sides. Cross the braids across the back of your head and secure them with two bobby pins.
The Poufy Braid
This ultra glamorous look is perfect for a night on the town or a special occasion. This style is a hybrid between sexy pouffing and a sweet braiding.
How to Work It
- On shampooed and conditioned hair, rub a voulumizing mousse. You could also use a volumizing spray on the roots of your hair.
- Flip your head upside down and blow dry while coming out the hair in front with a big round brush.
- Now standing straight, use your palms to gently shape the crown of your hair into a big bump. Without disturbing the pouf, gently pull your hair back into a loose pony.
- Set it by combing any stray hair into a perfect pouf and spray with a styling product. Use pins to secure, if necessary.
- Now braid the ponytail into a neat plait and secure with an elastic band.
The French Headband
A style that works beautifully also with bangs, this is one style that gives you an instant girly look. This cute hairdo requires some skill to pull off so be sure to try it out a couple of times before deciding to wear it to an event. But a headband made of your own hair is such a style statement.
- The first thing to do is to master the French braid. If you have trouble nailing it, scout out a friend who is good at it.
- Make a partition down the centre of your head. Section off about two inches from your hairline. Pull the rest of the hair back into a clutch to keep it out of your way.
- Grab a small lock of hair near the temple. Start braiding this hair into a French braid sideways along the top of your head.
- Keep pulling hair from the front into the braid as you go from one side of your head to the other.
- Once you get to the opposite side of your head (right to left), tuck the plait behind your temple and secure with bobby pins. Style the rest of our hair around the headband as you wish. Or you could just leave it down and spray on a styling mist.
The Fishtail Braid
The fishtail or the mermaid braid as it is often called is a sophisticated updo. This style involves dividing the hair into two sections instead of three, and goes very well with formals and evening wear. It was called the ‘Grecian Braid’ in the 19th century.
How to Work It
- This hairdo works perfectly with slightly limp hair too. Use a leave on conditioner and then brush out your hair till it is knot-free.
- Pull the entire hair to one side. Divide the entire hair into two sections. Now from each extreme side of your hair, pull out a long lock of hair and criss-cross them so that they reach the opposite side. Pull the strands tightly.
- Move down and repeat, taking thin strands from the outside and bringing them to the opposite side and pulling.
- Make sure you keep the tightness uniform from top to bottom to avoid the plait from bending.
- Tie the end with an elastic band.