Braids, Braids, Braids: Getting Creative with the Classic American Braid

May 1, 2012

Braids are not the easiest style to do on your hair, especially if you are doing them on yourself. If you get too complicated then you will get yourself in a twist! The best thing to do is keep it simple and do what you feel comfortable with. There are so many styles where you can incorporate braids in a simple way to still get the braid feel but not have the complication of the classic braid that some people find a hassle.

The Waterfall Braid

This style not only incorporates the classic braid but allows it to flow into the side of your hair on a slant. Through our easy instructions below you should be able to grasp this technique quickly! This style looks great on short or long hair. If you are already a dab-hand at braiding then this is the perfect way to change up the hairstyle. It can be done from your fringe or from the side of your hair and is great with your hair up or down. With this versatile look, you can’t go wrong!

• Take three sections of hair towards the front, and begin a normal braid
• At the top you pick up a piece of hair and add it to the braid, at the bottom instead of adding in a piece you let it drop to create the waterfall effect
• From behind that bottom piece that you let drop, you pick up a new piece of hair and add it to the braid
• Then you pick up a piece from the top again and add that piece in and continue with this until you reach the back part of your hair

The Hippie Braid

For those of you who find the classic braid and its counterparts a little too difficult, there are plenty of other ways to get the braid effect with half the hassle! The hippie braid is the perfect way to change up your everyday wavy or straight down do. This model at Nanette Lapore incorporates a few small plaits into the front section of the hair to create that hippie but glam look! Give it a go; this is too simple to say no to!

The French Braid

This style was seen everywhere on the beaches this summer as it is a great way to get the hair away from your face while still looking beach chic! It is also great for every day and evening looks as it is such a fashionable style! A great way to make it look different as seen on Lauren Conrad, is to do the headband braid. We love this at CocoKouture as it can be done up or down, and we are all about variety, ease and convenience! To get this look just check out our instructions below.

• Begin by creating a side parting to the far side of your hair, further than your normal parting
• Separate a section where your bangs end and start your braid first with three sections of hair, under or over, either way looks good
• As you fold them into each other, pick up a new section from the top and incorporate that into the braid
• Then pick up a piece underneath and add this in
• Keep doing this until you have used up all of your bangs and secure with a hairband or bobby pins

Now that you are armed with the knowledge on how to get creative with braids, it is time to try out these fabulous hairstyles! There are a lot more braid hairstyles to have a look at, they are great for any upcoming events you may have planned. Also check out our very own CocoKouture article on how to do braids that incorporate ribbons for extra information on this trendy style!

- Team KK