Not that long ago, if celebrities would have opted for hair braiding, they would have been laughed straight off the red carpet. Not any longer. Thanks to celebrities like Alicia Keys and her cornrows, hair braiding has stood the test of the flashing cameras and is right up in the ten hottest hairstyles. We’re not talking about some outmoded Heidi plaits but about hair braiding revisited – braids with an attitude.
So which celebs have been twining their tresses?
In the last months, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson have been playing around with hair braiding to their heart’s content – from French plaiting to accent braids – and winning rave reviews for doing so. Jessica’s recent side braid is a hit that works well with any length and is easy to recreate at home.
Actress Scarlett Johansson’s sizzling braided hairstyle at the premiere of A Love Song for Bobby Long has not been lost in any translation. While she left her blond front hair softly framing her face, as in a classic updo, the hair braiding job at the back has riveted everyone’s attention with its tied-off, sassy plaits – ends displayed, no apologies.
ashlee-simpson-hairstyle-braided hairstyle
Less edgy yet just as bewitching was the beehive bun with a braided headband that Beyonce Knowles displayed at The Fighting Temptations world premiere. Destiny’s Child talent always turns heads wherever she goes, but this particular hair braiding showpiece created a style that’s still being imitated.
Nelly Furtado’s hair may be as loose and wild as her latest album, but her braided schoolgirl look remains as appealing as ever. Her hair braiding trends are minimalistic and elegant, reminiscent of her ethnic roots.
Have celebrity guys been left behind in the hair braiding wave? Not at all. Robert Trujillo’s long hair is as versatile as his bass playing for Metallica: smooth Sedu hairstyle one day for a photo shoot, three braids reminiscent of Native America the next.
The long and short of it in the world of hairstyles: Opt for some trendy hair braiding and you’ll be right on the cutting edge, where you belong.
Hair Braiding for Celebrities: The Latest Braided Looks
Hair Braiding Tips: What to Do, and Not Do, When Braiding
Just as with any other hairstyle, hair braiding has its secrets. Insider know-how gleaned from the experts is invaluable in improving all styles from African braiding to French plaiting. Here are the all-around best hair braiding tips:
a.Drink lots of water for healthier, stronger hair for hair braiding.
b. Before hair braiding, trim your hair so that you won’t be putting your split ends on display. Next, start with dry, clean hair. Wet hair results in uneven, bumpy braids and also greatly increases the risk of damaging your hair and eventually losing it. For best results if you are Caucasian, apply gel or mousse while your hair is still damp and blow dry. This will smooth out your hair for the optimum braided look.
c. Go with the flow, even closing your eyes and letting your fingers work while hair braiding. Watching yourself in a mirror will only ruin your concentration.
d.Pull the hair consistently, with the same amount of tension, throughout the braiding process so that the braid will be even all over and not twist out of place. The tension should not be too strong; that is, avoid pulling too hard on the braids as you weave them to reduce hair damage and loss.
e.If you’re adding extensions during the hair braiding process, choose a color that matches the ends or the middle of your own hair. Also, if you are using human-hair extensions, opt for a lighter weight. Additionally, if you’re getting your entire head braided, be aware of the fact that braiding with extensions can take up to 10 hours. If you’re the one doing the braiding, invite a friend along to help you. You’ll be glad you did!
f.To secure the plaits, use coated rubber bands instead of cheaper, office-type rubber bands – they’re easier on your hair. Always keep this golden rule in mind when hair braiding: less stress for the tress.
g.After hair braiding, get any stray, rebellious hairs back in shape by applying gel with your fingertips.
To improve your hair braiding skills, practice on everything you can get your hands on. Practicing with dolls as a beginner is a plus: You aren’t causing your clients or yourself any pain!
Braiding: Easy Styles for Everyone (Personal Care Collection)
Introducing the most extensive book on braiding available-over 40 styles for al hair types, from straight to very curly hair! Beginning with the basics of hair tools, brushes, and accessories, this simple-to-use guide presents braiding techniques from the rope ponytail and chignon to French twists and cornrows.
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All of the techniques are clearly illustrated with large drawings and detailed photographs to make braiding easy and enjoyable to learn. Written by the best braiders in the profession, you'll find and create your favorites in the Complete Book of Braiding!