They’re everywhere. Starlets, fashion bloggers, runway models, and average Joe’s alike are going postal for plaits. And with good reason – braids are easy, versatile, instant style. Have you gone one day too long without washing? A braid can fix that. Got a wedding out of town, far far away from your stylist? A DIY braided up-do will save the day. Are you too busy for a blow out, but you don’t want to look like a slob? Weave a braid into that mop and you’re good to go!
Have you been dying to try this trend, but don’t know where to begin? It’s true, some of the gorgeous braid photos you see on Pinterest are a bit too complicated to pull off with only two hands. So we’ve collected a few totally do-able braids for you to try on yourself at home.
Fast, easy, and feminine, an over-the-shoulder braid will pull your look together in a time crunch. Going to an Olympic watch party? Try a tight, athletic Katniss-inspired rope. Want to look effortless while running errands? Pull on the plaits to make a softer, thicker braid. And if you’ve got a layered cut, like Minka Kelly below, allow the ends to stick out for an artfully disheveled look.
Looking for a quick way to pull your hair up? Try a braided bun. It’s so simple: pull your hair into a ponytail, then braid the length and coil into a bun. Secure with bobby pins, spritz on a little hairspray, and you’re done! For a more dressed-up take, try coiling an over-the-shoulder braid into a bun to one side of your head, and tug on the pieces to soften.
Braiding small sections throughout your hair creates a youthful, boho vibe. Dab pomade on the ends to help hold loose braids together, or pin strands into place for a little more control. To put you pretty complexion on display, braid a section next to your face and tuck it behind your ear.
Pin a plait across your crown like a headband. Create a braid that starts behind your ear, work in the direction that you want the braid to lay, and pin into place. If you’re feeling experimental, replace the traditional weave with a rope braid (it’s as simple as twisting two sections together).
Adding a braided detail to a do-it-yourself updo will turn a simple style into something special. Draw attention toward your face by choosing a section along your hairline. Create two braids on either side of a center part, or part to the side and make one braided strand. And if your hair is long enough, try wrapping the braids into the back of your style.
Ready for something more challenging? Experiment by dividing hair into braided sections, and pinning them around your crown. For Ashely Olsen’s milkmaid braid, secure pieces on top of your head. Or take a cue from Nicole Ritchie’s self-styled look and create something artfully careless. As with any braid, tugging pieces loose will create a deliberately messy look and camouflage mistakes.
Don’t forget the bonus of braiding: those pretty, natural-looking day after waves. Sleep in your style, and spritz on a lightweight product like John Masters Organics Sea Spray for texture without the weight.
And for more ideas, check out our Pinterest board Bangs Braids Brows, which we’ve loaded up with idea photos to inspire your style.
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If you’re looking for a tutorial on braiding, or just want to be styled by a pro, come see us at Moko on First Friday, August 3rd from 6:30-8:30PM. We’ll be demonstrating braids on site all evening, as well as offering bang trims and brow consultations (all for free!). So grab your girls and head on over – we’ll braid your crew and send you out to gallery-hop the night away in a chic new braided style!
