How did you learn to braid? If you were anything like me, it was probably with your American Girl dolls (I couldn’t decide whether I liked Samantha or Molly better) and at slumber parties–and to be honest, I never really came out a pro. If I needed my hair french braided, my mom would take care of it for me. Obviously I can handle a simple three-piece braid, but my fingers become all sorts of twisted when trying to fancy up my own hair.
Luckily, I have my friend Carolyn. I swear, name a braid and she’s mastered it; crown braids, fishtail braids, waterfall braids, reverse braids…there’s no end to her braid talent (amongst other talents, obviously!). When I told her how smitten I was with soft looks like this one, she offered to show me an easy way to pull it off myself. Never one to keep fun knowledge to myself, I had to share!
Start with your hair parted down the middle (or slightly to either side, depending on your part). The great thing about this braid is that it works for any length hair. Carolyn’s is just past her shoulders!
Tie hair off to one side and brush out the other until smooth.
Begin by pulling up the front-most section of your hair and dividing it into two pieces. Twist over each other, like shown, and then gather hair from the top and bottom respectively (as you would with a french braid) and twist again. Keep gathering and twisting, maintaining an even amount of hair in each of the two sections.
Continue until you reach the base of your neck, then gather the remaining hair and secure with a ponytail holder.
Repeat the same process with the opposite side of your head. Use the goldilocks strategy when doing these braids; too lose, and you’ll just look sloppy, but too tight and your face will look like it’s attended one too many Real Housewives reunions. When you reach the base of your neck and are satisfied with the briad, gather all the hair from both sides into your hand and create a messy bun.
There you have it! I absolutely love pretty, simple styles like this (I bet it would look great with a piece of hair jewelry added for a night out!). Do you have any styles you’re dying to master? Fill me in–I’m always looking for new inspiration to pin!
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