Style #2- The Side Braid

I’m positive you all have seen this look on the streets by now, as it has been making its way around for a few years now. The side braid is a great way to pin back loose hair that won’t stop nagging you throughout the day, or just a great way to glam up a simple look.

To achieve this style, take a small section of hair from the very front of your part and separate it from the rest of your hair. Braid it into your hair slowly like you would with a normal braid, but make sure not to add too much hair. If you plan on keeping your hair down, stop the braid when it meets your ear and pin it back with a few small bobby pins. If you plan on pulling your hair back into a messy bun with the braid like the one Anne Hathaway has, you can keep the braid going all the way back and then wrap it into the bun when you have finished. This look is great for updos at fancy events or for a casual day in class!

Style #3- The Fishtail

Just like the classic braid, the fishtail has been around for years now as well. It doesn’t seem to be as popular as the classic braid because it looks a bit more complex and time consuming, and people are afraid that they won’t be able to create the look for themselves. However, it’s actually a lot more simple than it looks, so we’re going to learn how to capture the fishtail step by step!

Start off by gathering your hair loosely as if you were going to put it in a low pony, then separate into two. Take one small section from the far left side and pull it all the way across to the far right side. Then, take one small section from the far right side and pull it all the way across to the far left side. Continue doing this down your hair, but make sure to tighten the braid every few steps. Once at the bottom, secure your hair with an elastic band, and voila! The perfect fishtail braid is now yours!

Style #4- The Cascade/ Waterfall Braid

This look is the newest addition to the braid family and possibly one of the hottest! If you haven’t seen the waterfall/cascading braid on the streets yet, you definitely will start seeing them soon as they are being discovered by women everywhere. Therefore, we’re going to learn how to master this look before it has the chance to go absolutely viral! Just like the fishtail, this look is actually a lot more simple than it looks, which is great news for non hair-savvy people like me.

Since this look works best on hair that is straight or has loose waves, start out by brushing out any frizz or knots that may be present. Grab a small section of hair that is closest to your part just as you would when you start a side braid. Divide this chunk of hair into 3 sections, and begin to braid normally, but only do so three times. At this point, take another small section of hair from near your scalp and add it to the center of the braid like you would with a french braid. Once you have added this new section, drop the strand that is farthest from your scalp and let it fall. Then, pick up a new strand that is closest to the strand that you just dropped and begin using this piece as your new right strand. Continue braiding towards the back of your head while repeating these steps- french braid left strand, drop right strand, pick up new strand. Once you think the braid has reached a good point, pin the remaining strands down with a few small bobby pins.

These looks may sound complicated at first, but once you get the hang of them, they’re super easy to master! Start trying them out today and be the envy of everyone you meet. Really want to try these looks but have frizz and knots that are keeping you out of the loop? Stop by the hippest salon Pittsburgh has to offer, Verve 360 and ask them for the best tips and products to tame those locks!