The side braid
April 3rd 2010 02:31
Relaxed, feminine and just a little bit retro, the side braid also happens to be one of the hottest hairstyles of the year so far. There are no products and no heat styling involved, it takes about three minutes to do, and you'll usually get it right the first time you try - what's not to love? It's the ideal style for those of us who want their hair to look up-to-the-minute, but still enjoy their morning lie-in. Read on for tips on how to create the effortlessly chic style that is the side braid.
Your hair will need to be at least three inches past your shoulders, and straight or wavy for this style to work. Because it's meant to be worn quite loose, you'll want to be working with freshly shampooed hair, or hair that has been washed the night before.
Run your fingers through your hair to detangle it (brushing will make the finished style look too 'perfect') and create a side part. Pull your hair over the opposite shoulder, and begin braiding, all the while keeping it pulled forward. Don't begin the braid too close to your head, as this style is meant to be casual and carefree. No need for military precision here!
Once the braid has begun, I tend to look away from the mirror as it can be confusing seeing your hands working 'backwards'. Continue tugging the braid forward as you go, don't work the strands too tightly together, and finish it off with a soft elastic band. That's it. You're done!
While the side braid is usually worn as an everyday style - that is, during the day, in a casual context - you can also dress it up by making the braid more complex. A French side braid requires practice to get right, but by using the same techniques as you would to create a regular French braid you can create a more polished and eye-catching style.
If you've got a major event to go to, such as your school formal or prom, you can ask your hairstylist to create an even more elaborate side braid, like Diane Kruger's below. I absolutely love her hairstyle, but wouldn't dream of trying to do it myself before a big night: as always, getting a professional to take over will reduce your stress levels considerably! In the meantime, give the basic side braid a go, because it really is one of the simplest and most flattering hairstyles of 2010.
Loving it.
Your hair will need to be at least three inches past your shoulders, and straight or wavy for this style to work. Because it's meant to be worn quite loose, you'll want to be working with freshly shampooed hair, or hair that has been washed the night before.
Run your fingers through your hair to detangle it (brushing will make the finished style look too 'perfect') and create a side part. Pull your hair over the opposite shoulder, and begin braiding, all the while keeping it pulled forward. Don't begin the braid too close to your head, as this style is meant to be casual and carefree. No need for military precision here!
Isabel Lucas
Audrina Patridge
Once the braid has begun, I tend to look away from the mirror as it can be confusing seeing your hands working 'backwards'. Continue tugging the braid forward as you go, don't work the strands too tightly together, and finish it off with a soft elastic band. That's it. You're done!
Vanessa Hudgens adds a headband
Rebecca Romijn
While the side braid is usually worn as an everyday style - that is, during the day, in a casual context - you can also dress it up by making the braid more complex. A French side braid requires practice to get right, but by using the same techniques as you would to create a regular French braid you can create a more polished and eye-catching style.
If you've got a major event to go to, such as your school formal or prom, you can ask your hairstylist to create an even more elaborate side braid, like Diane Kruger's below. I absolutely love her hairstyle, but wouldn't dream of trying to do it myself before a big night: as always, getting a professional to take over will reduce your stress levels considerably! In the meantime, give the basic side braid a go, because it really is one of the simplest and most flattering hairstyles of 2010.
Diane Kruger's gorgeous side braid looks simple from the front...
... but from the back we can see that it's one for the hairdresser to achieve!
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