By Jenna Goldate, from John Barrett Salon
Want to braid hair like a salon stylist in the comfort of your own home? It'll take some work, but you'll get the hang of it! Just practice on a friend or in the mirror as you follow these steps:
- Section bangs and the front inch or so of your hair to the side by brushing it forward or putting it in a small elastic band.
- Take the remaining hair and section it into about three ponytails, either up and down your head for a full-head look, or across from ear to ear for a lower look.
- Braid those individual ponytails and secure with elastics.
- Pin the braided ponytails flat to your head with bobby pins and tuck the ends in under other braids so you can't see where they begin and end.
- Style your bangs and braid those front sections back. Pin them in with the others. Don't forget to tuck the ends in!
It should take only a few minutes, but it'll look like you've spent hours French-braiding your hair.
Here are some more tips for a great home-braiding session:
- Are you planning to keep your braid in for a few days? Start with clean, dry hair and braid your look the day before you really want to showcase it. Braids are like leftovers - best on day two!
- Need your braid today? Start with hair washed yesterday. Braid your look and be sure to pin any frizzies or stray pieces down with bobby pins, hair pins and your favorite medium-hold hair spray.
- Braids are a perfect way to get a deep condition with no fuss! Work a styling masque, like John Barrett Be Healed (from the salon I represent), or one of Shu Uemura essential oils, like Essence Absolue, into each section of hair while braiding. Keep your braid in over the weekend and voila!
- To keep your braids going strong, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or piece of fabric before bed. When you wake up, lightly spritz water over your braids, then pat with a clean towel. That should combat any stray hairs or frizzies.