By Shelley Levitt for The Style Glossy
Braids might just be the most versatile hairstyle there is. Even more than the pony or the bun, braided hairstyles can be demure or edgy … and everything in between. Here’s a look at eight great hair braid styles the stars do.
The Professional Plait
Stacy Keibler’s fishtail braid is polished enough for the office, or even a job interview.
The “Ladies Who Brunch” Braid
If you’re having tea at The Plaza, going to an afternoon wedding or attending a cocktail party with the boss, try a braided updo. Amber Heard, star of the recent thrillers Machete Kills and Paranoia, shows that a few face-framing loose strands of hair keep this ladylike look anything but stiff.
The Boho Milkmaid
Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine rocks a milkmaid braid with full fringe and attitude. This celeb hairstyle is so striking you can skip the jewelry.
{How To Bohemian Milk Braid Tutorial}
The Braid as Accessory
Think of a braid as an elegant accessory, like diamond studs. Katy Perry shows that a thin halo braid is a subtle and flattering finishing touch to lustrous healthy hair.
{ How To Headband Braid Tutorial}
The Imperfectly Perfect Braid
Don’t get frustrated if you can’t create a perfect plait. Neatness doesn’t matter when it comes to hair braid styles, as Kim Kardashian shows in this side-swept halo braid.
{ How To Messy Side Braid Tutorial }
The Hat-Hair Fix
Love hats, but hate hat hair? A side plait, as Elle Fanning demonstrates here, can be the perfect solution.
The Bombshell Braid
If you’ve ever thought a braid couldn’t be sexy, consider Scarlett Johansson’s look at The Avengers premiere. A halo braid shows off a woman’s décolletage beautifully.
{ How to Halo Braid Tutorial }
The Red-Carpet Braid
Texture and volume made the fishtail braid that Blake Lively wore at a recent movie premiere a red-carpet stunner.
{How To High Fishtail Braid Tutorial}
The Edgy Braid
“Punk: Chaos to Couture” was the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest Costume Institute exhibit. Emmy Rossum’s edgy braided updo fit the mood at the gala opening perfectly.
Tips for Braids That Make the Grade
- Healthy hair is the key to braids that don’t look frayed. Banish split ends on the spot with an instant split end repair cream.
- If your elaborate braid style is held together with bobby pins and elastic, hide the evidence. Tuck the pins into the hair’s twists and turns and wrap a strand of hair around the elastic or use clear elastics.
- Messy braids will look refined if your hair is glossy. Give hair a radiant finish with a shine serum with argan oil.
- Creating braids won’t damage your hair if you begin with knot-free locks. After you towel-blot your hair, use a silkening detangler.
___________________________________________________________
Shelley Levitt is the managing editor of The Style Glossy. She is a former West Coast editor of Self and senior writer at People.
