It’s the glamorous red carpet mainstay with the charm of the girl-next-door – this spring the crown braid is BACK and more beautiful than ever. A favourite with actresses like Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba, it might look like the kind of up-do that requires three pairs of hands, but it’s easy when you know how! Learn how to create this season’s most romantic hairstyle – whether the French Braid or Halo - in just a few simple steps.
FRENCH BRAID
1 First, wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, then apply a volumizing mousse to your wet hair before drying. This will add the guts and texture that stops the braid from looking flat or coming loose.
2 Use a cushion brush to form a side-parting. Take a 1-inch section of hair from the front, split into three sections and lace over one another into a traditional braid.
3 With the next braid-cycle, add in another 1-inch section of hair split into three, and keep going across the forehead to the ear.
4 Continue braiding down through the lengths. Repeat on the other side and secure both braids.
5 Gently pull the braid out to the sides to create a hair-band.
6 Coil the braids into a bun on the side at the nape of your neck and pin. Fix with hairspray.
HALO BRAID
1 Turn your head upside down and brush in a side-parting diagonally up from the nape of your neck to your crown, bringing the hair forward towards your face.
2 Start braiding from behind your ear, working it forward and framing your face with it.
3 Secure on the other side with pins and apply a fine mist of shine spray.
TOP TIP |
TOP TIP
Try twisting the hair before braiding – it’ll stop stands from coming loose, making it less fiddly a job!