Those of you addicted to braids may recall the eight unique styles I featured here last summer. Back then, I was at the onset of a new infatuation. Now, six months later, I'm totally and utterly obsessed.
Seems I'm not alone. Braids -- and various permutations thereof -- are everywhere. These new braids run the gamut from sweet and sensible to wild and elaborate. Some are best worn with accessories, while others are so intricate they look like accessories themselves. From the fan favorite waterfall braid to the eight styles featured here, these ain't your grandma's Pippi Longstocking braids -- and they've given me a whole new reason to crave long, wavy, ombr� hair.
Here are my current picks for the most copycat-worthy styles -- along with the steps to recreate them. Caveat: Most of these styles take some time, but the results far outweigh the effort.
Step 1: Spray hair with texturizer. (Try FEKKAI COIFF Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel, $23).
Step 2: Part hair in the center; then clip up the top section so it's out of the way.
Step 3: Separate the rest of hair into two pigtails just below your ears. (Optional: Secure each pigtail with a clear elastic.)
Step 4: Split one pigtail into two equal sections. Grab a thin piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over the front to join the other section. Repeat with the other section. Continue braiding from the outside in, pulling hair taught as you go.
Step 5: Secure the braid at the bottom with another clear elastic. (If desired, carefully remove or cut off the top elastic.)
Step 6: Repeat on the other pigtail. Set both braids with strong-hold hairspray.
Equestrian Chic
Level: Easy
Step 1: Prep detangled, damp hair with smoother and volumizer. (Try PANTENE Pro-V Medium to Thick Hair Solutions Straighten and Smooth Creme, $5.99, and Flowing Body Mousse, $3.99.)
Step 2: Blow dry hair straight with a paddle brush and part it to the side. Step 3: Gather hair into a low-side ponytail and secure with a clear elastic, leaving out a half-inch-wide piece.
Step 4: Wrap the loose piece around the ponytail to conceal the elastic. Secure with a U-shaped bobby pin and set with strong-hold hairspray.
Step 5: Braid the ponytail and secure at the end with another elastic, concealing it with a piece of hair from the end of the braid.
Step 6: Secure with hairspray all over, smoothing flyaways with hands.
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