Braids are nothing new in the world of hair but, right now, they are hot. From Youtubers to Rihanna’s ID Magazine cover, we can’t get enough of them. They’re a great way to give yourself perfect next day hair and to have an easy updo that can go from the office to a night out.
I’ve been wearing braids since I was just a kiddo and love them for myself and others. As in any styling situation, product options abound and it really comes down to the results you’re looking for. So, here are some top tips!
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Easy “Day Two” Hair
Try a little hair potion at your roots and a deep side part with a French braid resting on your shoulder. It emits a poised and understated elegance rather than a ‘no time to style’ vibe.
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Commuter Hair
A super easy option is to wash your hair and add your favorite prep or leave in conditioner. I’m a big fan of Aveda’s BeCurly Style Prep. Add to damp hair and dry it about 80%. Now you can add a little Texturizing Crème or a hold product, part your hair down the center, and braid into two buns. Let your hair air dry while you do your make up or commute, etc. When you take out your braids, you’ll have perfect beachy waves!
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Fun Updo
This is a fun option if you have more time and are happy to put in a little more work: start similarly to “Commuter Hair” but dry hair completely, substituting Smoothing Fluid for Texturizing Crème. This will help control fly-aways and leave your hair silky and smooth. Section your hair into a top and bottom half. Curl the bottom and leave it untouched. Begin a french braid where you normally part your hair and wrap it around so that you have a braid crown with romantic curls flowing beneath. Use a few bobby pins to hold it in place, spritz a little hair control, and you have a hairstyle that will break Pinterest!
