The "S" Braid: Get the How-to!

Next week I will be posting a few different braid how-tos for all of you braid lovers! To give you a little sneak peek of what you can expect, I found this amazing "S" braid recently (on sheexists.com) and owner and lead stylist of SalonCapri in Newton & Dedham, MA, Nicholas Penna, Jr. offered MODERN an exclusive how-to on how to re-create it.

If you have created a braid like no other, feel free to e-mail me at lsalapatek@vancepublishing.com with your braid photo and your how-to steps on how to achieve it. If your braid is unique enough, I may feature it on modernsalon.com! So get braiding!

Do you want more braid ideas? Take a look at the Nymph Braid created by Kevin Murphy at the Australian Fashion Week 2012.

OR

Check out the Conch Shell Braid, it wraps and swirls beautifully in the hair.

STEPS:

1. Before starting to braid, use a flat iron to straighten out any curl or wave. Use a thermal protecting spray to protect the hair.

2. Beginning on the side opposite the client’s natural part, collect a two-inch section of hair and begin a French braid towards the back of the head. Keep the braid loose moving towards the back. Nick keeps Shu Uemura’s Shape Paste close by to keep the braid in place and stop pieces from falling out. 

3. Upon reaching the back of the client’s head, take one inch sections from the top layer of hair to add into the braid. As you move across the back of her head, begin angling the braid downwards towards her back continuing to add one inch sections of hair. 

4.  After including all of the first layer, move back towards the other side including the next layer of hair into the braid. Continue this process in an S-shape until you’ve completed the braid all the way down the client’s back.

5. Secure the braid with a clear elastic and using a hair-colored bobby pin, hide the end up and under the braid doing your best to conceal the elastic.

6. For a finishing touch-up, use hair spray to get rid of any flyaways and secure the braid in place.