It's not secret—braids are HOT this season. One look at the runways, red carpet or the big screen (think Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games) one thing is clear—the variations in texture and technique give this versatile hair style endless finishing options.

While backstage at Intercoiffure 2012 Spring Symposium in Miami, Florida, MODERN SALON spotted Vivienne Mackinder, Fashion Director of Intercoiffure American-Canada, busy putting the finishing touches on some of the models representing her Romantica Collection.

This micro-crimped, voluminous braided updo was causing quite a stir—so MODERN's Maggie Mulhern asked her to give a little bit of the background of this absolutely stunning look.

Here's how she created it—and Vivienne offers her insight into how to make braids marketable for your salon by creating a braid bar:

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