10 Celebs with Bangin' Braids

Who can resist a beloved childhood hairstyle brought back to life in adulthood? Celebrities have been kicking it up a notch in the braids department lately, and we’re taking notice. From the undone and chic look to the structured, more classic style, we picked out a few notable braids we spotted on stars recently. Want tips on how to achieve the undone look for your client? Scroll to the end for a how-to from one celebrity stylist.

	MILEY CYRUS We love the way Miley’s slightly undone and pulled apart side braid offsets her formal attire on the red carpet.
	KIM KARDASHIAN So tight, so right. When your client needs a reliable braid with a little flair, encourage her to check out Kim’s casual but sweet side braid started from the crown and cascading downward.

	SHAILENE WOODLEY Here’s an example of a “twist” on a great thing: the fishtail braid. The “Descendants” star is a huge proponent of the side braid, as well, but she tends to favor the messier version of a classic fishtail look.
	NICOLE SCHERZINGER Braids don’t have to be an all or nothing style. Work a “peek-a-boo” braid like Nicole’s into a casual blowout and incorporate some beaded ribbon to jazz things up a bit further.
	LAUREN CONRAD For the client who needs some relief from her grown-out fringe between cuts, encourage a chic and easy-to-do braid like Lauren’s.
	JESSICA ALBA Looking to implement a little more party in the front in your next updo? Take a cue from Jessica with a few carefully wrapped braids pulled up from the sides and behind to create more dimension and texture for your client’s special look.
	KIRSTEN DUNST Also taking her red carpet look to the next level, Kirsten incorporated both accessories and braids into her complex updo that highlights her highlights.
	NICOLE RITCHIE Ah, the French braid. Thanks to Nicole Ritchie for updating a classic look by shifting her braid off to the side and distressing it a bit.
	RIHANNA Rihanna’s bright ruby red braid, on the other hand, is anything but distressed. We love the fluidity of this style, creating the illusion of one braid from the front all the way to the tips of her long locks.
	CLEMENCE POESY If you’re looking to create a raw, effortless-looking braid for your client, take a hint from this French actress and “Harry Potter” star’s style, created by Jacqueline Bush of Aim Artists. What’s the key to replicating this cool but sexy look? Jacqueline explains she achieved this undone style that keeps hold all night long.

Step 1: After lightly misting Clémence’s hair with water, I pumped two quarter-size squeezes of René Furterer Vegetal Sculpting Gel and two dime-size portions of Magic Move Light Pomade into the palms of my hands, rubbing my palms together to emulsify the mixture. Then I ran my hands through her hair from roots to ends. The gel and pomade cocktail add long-lasting hold without leaving hair too stiff to move easily.

Step 2: Using my blow-dryer and my hands instead of a styling brush, I rough-dried hair in the natural part, twisting some sections and using my fingertips to give hair a little more lift, wave and texture.

Step 3: Taking random sections of hair, including a few pieces around the face, I used my Hot Tools curling irons, alternating between the 3/4-inch iron and the 1-and-1/4-inch iron, to curl hair in different directions. About 3/4 of the hair was left loose—I lightly curled just enough sections to add a bit of movement throughout hair.

Step 4: After letting the sections cool (touching them while still hot will make the curls collapse), I ran my fingers through hair to loosen up curls. Leaving a few pieces to fall freely around the face on either side of the part, I gathered the rest, pulling it to one side and loosely divided it into three sections. I braided hair starting at the base, taking care to be neither too messy nor too perfect. I left about 2-3 inches at the ends free in keeping with the overall organic look of the braid.

Step 5: After securing the braid with a small covered elastic band, I took a small piece of hair from underneath the end of the braid and wrapped it around the elastic, pinning the piece underneath the braid. Again, the key is not to wrap it too neatly—you want the effect to look effortless.

Step 6: Loosening up the braid with my fingertips made it look more asymmetrical. For more suppleness and shine I added a touch of René Furterer Styling Wax at the end of the braid and on face-framing pieces. Lastly, an overall misting of L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Normal Strength added shine and flexible hold.

Which celeb rocks the braid the best? Tell us on our Facebook wall at facebook.com/modernsalon.