Once considered a childish hairstyle, braiding has recently gained popularity among stylish women everywhere. Designer Alexander Wang's Spring 2010 fashion show featured messy side braids that drew rave reviews. Braids have also been popping up on red carpets for several years, worn by stylish stars like Jennifer Aniston and Blake Lively. There are a variety of hip braiding styles that range from casual to dressy. Does this Spark an idea?
Messy Side Braid
Messy, slightly undone side braids are easy to create and have an effortlessly modern sexy look. Because braids can weigh hair down, create volume at your roots before braiding by applying a volumizing mousse to wet hair and lifting roots as you dry. If you are short on time, spraying dry shampoo on roots will also add volume.
Gather hair into a ponytail and pull it over one shoulder. Start the braid at the nape of the neck and secure it with a hair elastic one inch from the end. The key to keeping this look hip and modern is letting it be messy. Allow stray hairs to fall as they will from the braid. Let shorter layers around your face hang loose, sweeping any bangs to the side just over your eye. Spray with hairspray to set the look.
Braided Chignon
The braided chignon, worn by such stars as Hilary Duff, is a modern update of a classic updo style. Height at the crown and loose face-framing pieces are key to keeping this look flattering and modern. To create height, mix styling cream and gel in your hands and rake it through dry hair. For added height, backcomb hair slightly at the top of your head. Pull hair back into a low ponytail and create a basic braid. Wrap the braid into a bun shape at the nape of the neck and secure with hair pins. To keep the style from looking too done, let stray pieces of hair fall around the face.
Braided High Ponytail
For a fashion-forward look that works well with long hair, try a super-high ponytail braid like those worn by Blake Lively to several red carpet events. Using a natural bristled brush, smooth hair into a tight ponytail that sits high at the crown. Leave a two-inch section of hair free underneath the ponytail and secure the rest of your hair with an elastic. Wrap the two-inch section of hair around the elastic and secure with hairpins underneath. Braid the entire ponytail, but keep the braid looser in the middle to achieve the messier modern spin on this look. Secure with an elastic one inch from the ends of hair.
Braided Headband
The braided headband look is an update on Heidi's milkmaid style worn frequently by style-setters Sienna Miller and Nicole Ritchie. To get the look, braid a ponytail hair extension that matches your hair color. Secure one end of the extension at the nape of your neck and wrap it around your crown as you would a headband. Secure the other end at the nape of your neck. You can leave hair loose or wrap it into a messy bun and secure with pins at the nape of your neck.
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