Curls and braids are definitely the new ‘it’ styles of the season. Celebs like Lauren Conrad and Kristen Bell are rocking these trends at all the big red carpet events. Next time you attend an event, whether it’s out to dinner or to the Franklin Street bars with your friends, switch up your look and try out one (or all) of these hairstyles!
Lauren’s Twisted Pullback
What you need:
- Comb
- Curling iron
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
Steps:
- Part your hair in the center and separate hair into sections.
- Begin curling the bottom sections first. To curl, grab a one-inch section of hair, spray lightly with hairspray and then use a large barrel curling iron to make loose ringlets.
- Next, separate one-inch sections of hair from both sides of the front of your face. Loosely twist and pull them to the back of your head. Secure with two bobby pins, then spray to hold in place.
Half-Up Braids
What you need:
- Curling iron/flat iron
- Bobby pins
- Comb
- Hairspray
Steps:
- If you choose to curl your hair, begin curling sections of your hair with a one-inch curling iron. If you are in the mood for straight hair, begin straightening sections of your hair with a flat iron. Continue either process until all of your hair is either completely curled or straight.
- Separate two small front sections of hair (one section on the right side of your face and one on the left). Tie the rest of your hair back so it doesn’t get in your way.
- Begin to braid the section on the right and secure with a bobby pin. Do the same to the left section.
- Let the rest of your hair out of the ponytail. Then, take both braids and pull them back until they meet in the back of your head. Secure the braids together in place with two bobby pins.
Hint: If you get confused following the steps, take a look at the online video tutorial at http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2011/10/half-up-braids.html.
The Waterfall/Cascade Braid
What you need:
-
Comb
-
Hairspray
-
Elastic band
-
Flower/Jeweled clip (optional)
Steps:
- Part hair at your natural part using a comb.
- Collect a small section of hair at the top of one side of your head, close to your part, and begin by braiding the strands three times like a French braid.
- After you’ve French braided the left section of the hair (now in the center), drop the right strands and let them fall along the side of your head.
- Pick up a new piece of hair in the dropped section’s place, as well as a new piece on the left side like a traditional French braid, and braid the three sections again, dropping the right portion after you’ve completed the braid.
- Continue this process, wrapping the waterfall braid toward the back of your head as you go.
- Once you’ve passed the back of your head with the waterfall braid, end with a traditional braid and secure the end with an elastic band.
- If desired, add some style with a flower or jeweled clip where the waterfall braid and traditional braid meet.
- Finish with a light layer of hairspray.
Braided Headband
What you need:
- Comb
- Elastic band
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
Steps:
- Take a two-inch wide section of hair from either right in front of or right behind of your right ear (depending on whether you want the end to show in the front). Tie the rest of your hair with an elastic band to keep it out of the way.
- Carefully comb the selected section of hair over towards the left ear, going over the top of your head, in the direction you will be braiding. Aim for the headband to rest between 1 and 1.5 inches back from your hairline.
- Divide this section into three and start braiding a simple braid. Having it loose or tight is your choice.
- When you reach the end of your braid, secure the braided section behind the left ear. You can either pin it directly or first secure the braid with a rubber band matching your hair color.
- Use bobby pins to tuck in loose hair around the braid. Spray the braided headband with hair spray to keep it in place.
- Untie the remainder of your hair and style as desired.
The Low Braided Bun
What you need:
- Comb
- Elastic band
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
Steps:
- Pull hair into a low, loose ponytail. Don’t worry if hair falls around the face—that’s part of the style’s appeal.
- Pull out a small section of hair from the ponytail and braid.
- Twist the hair that isn’t braided into a bun, then wrap the braid around the bun and secure tightly with pins.
- Spray with hairspray.
If you’re procrastinating studying for final exams, practice these hairstyles so you can have them perfect in time for all the holiday parties with friends and family!
Sources:
Lauren Hairstyle (photo): http://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/lauren-conrads-hairstyles-and-how-to-do-them/
Half Up Braid (photo): http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2011/10/half-up-braids.html.
Waterfall/Cascade Braid: http://howto.getmarried.com/how-to-create-a-waterfall-braid/
Braided Headband: http://thebeautybean.com/site/pamper/braid-hairstyles-how-to-do-a-braided-headband/
Braided headband (photo): http://stylepie.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sexy-summer-hairstyles-3-lg.jpeg
Low Braided Bun (Kristen Bell photo):
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/springtrends/photos/0,,20346824_20346727_20745528,00.html