You Too Can Master a Better Braid in Minutes with How-To’s From New York Fashion Week’s Expert Hair Stylists
Whether to off-set a completely urbane collection or to punctuate a remarkably romantic one, Spring 2014 saw brilliant braids on the runways you can try now from the comfort of your own home, with little more than a visit to your local drugstore.
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Find inspiration from the Spring Runways and their stylists to Master a Better Braid now:
The Classic Braid Perfected-
Diesel Black Gold, above
At newly revamped streetstyle powerhouse Diesel Black Gold, the hair marked a romantic note for the label with crisp braids that were simple yet covetable. Redken Creative Consultant Guido kept the hair soft and feminine this season with a simple, yet classic French braid at Diesel Black Gold. To soften the style, Guido loosened the hair around each model’s face, making the look feel more romantic. The dampness of the braid introduces a beach-like element to the overall style, making the look more casual and accessible for the everyday woman.
>>DISCOVER: Spring 2014 Style Tips & Advice to Try Now
“I wanted the hair to be simple and quite feminine for Diesel Black Gold. I love a simple braid, in that the style is both elegant and wearable for most women. For me, a braided look will always be fashionable.” -Guido, Redken Creative Consultant
Redken Products Used:
Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk
Create the Look:
1. Apply Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk to slightly damp hair
2. Take the very top section of hair and separate into three sections and begin French braiding, slightly twisting hair to give the braid a messy look
3. Continue to braid downward, keeping the hair pulled tight
4. Secure end of braid with an elastic and a piece of leather
5. Mess up hairline a bit to soften the overall look.
Try a Braided Crown-
Rebecca Minkoff, above
Channeling the ethnic inspired crowns brought into the mainstream by the forever cool Chloe Sevigny, an orb of braids added texture and the unexpected to Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring collection. The hairstyles at Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring/Summer 2014 runway show were inspired by photo’s of Bianca Jagger in Mexico and Frida Kahlo, strong Mexican women. TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu interpreted their iconic braided up-do’s into a wearable, textured style that is intentionally imperfect for a modern finish.
TRESemmé Products Used:
TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse
TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray
TRESemmé Fresh Start Color Care Dry Shampoo
Create the Look:
1. Prep damp hair with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse and rough dry
2. Create a messy zig-zag side part, from the hairline to the center of the nape and clip to separate
3. From the heavier side of the part take another zig-zag section behind the ear and clip, to create three separate sections
4. Back brush hair for texture and create a ponytail in each section, positioned behind the ear
5. Tease lengths of hair and spray lightly with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray
6. Create a 4-strand braid with each ponytail and fasten with an elastic
7. Wrap braids around the top of the head, tucking the end of the braids under and fasten with bobby pins
8. Finish with TRESemmé Fresh Start Color Care Dry Shampoo for a matte undone look
Or Try a Knotted Side Part-
Rodarte, above
An ode to California brought the Rodarte collection a score of unchecked references to play with while the 80’s inspired coifs added an elegant punctuation to the outing. At Rodarte, the Spring/Summer 2014 look was inspired by the texture and pattern of the tweed fabrics used in the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The modern, unique style utilizes a strong combination of black, white and metallic gold weaving in the tweed design into the hair.
Frizz-Ease Products Used:
Frizz-Ease Hair Serum
Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse
Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray
Create the Look:
1. To begin, apply Frizz-Ease Hair Serum to wet hair
2. With the hair still wet, run Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse through to build texture to the front of the hair. After blow drying the hair, use a large barrel curling iron to create a wave to the front section
3. Next, create a severe side part to reveal the tweed textured hair and pin it to the side in the back. Take the remaining sections of hair from both sides and bring them together and pin to create the twisted look
4. To finish the look, generously apply Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray for long-lasting hold. The hair spray creates an instant barrier helping to seal out frizz and set the look in place
Photos: Frizz-Ease, Redken and TRESemmé