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HOW-TO: The Slip Knot Braid
Sam Villa shows how to create a slip knot braid--it's all about rhythm!
Lauren Quick・Contributor
2 min to read
When it comes to the slip knot braid, it's all about rhythm, according to Redken Education Artistic Director and Founding Partner of Sam Villa, Sam Villa.
"You've heard me say it before: Braiding is all about rhythm," Villa says. "If you lose the rhythm, you lose the braid. Stay in control of your sections and the braid will come together pretty easily for you."
Villa adds extra oomph to his slip knot braid by texturizing with his Sam Villa Signature Series Textur Iron. This creates volume, texture and a bit of grip to keep pieces of the braid from falling out.
GET THE LOOK
STEP 1: Part hair.
STEP 2: Take a vertical slice on each side of the part at the front of the head. Smooth sections out and tie a simple knot (right over left), then hand each section to the guest/model's right and left hand to hold.
STEP 3: Take another vertical slice directly behind the last section, one on each side of the part, tie another knot (right over left), then hand to the guest/model to hold.
STEP 4: Take a third section behind the last and repeat STEP 3–you should have three strands on each side of the part.
Pro Tip: Heads are round, so sections need to be pinwheeled. Once at the top of the ear, take diagonal forward sections. At the back of the head, take horizontal sections to match the round of the head.
STEP 5: Take another vertical slice behind the last section on each side of the part. Before tying, reach under the second and third sections and pick up the first section at the front of the head and add that to the fourth section on each side of the part. Now tie another knot. If knots become loose, tighten them.
STEP 6: Repeat, taking vertical/diagonal forward/horizontal slices on each side of the part, reaching under the last two strands and picking up the front strand, adding to each section and then tying a knot (right over left) until finished. You can finish all the way to the bottom of the nape, just above the nape or tie the hair into knots. Up to the braider and guest.
"This is a fun braid that is easy to do once you get the hang of it," Villa says. "It can be styled in many different ways: using a side part, center part, braiding to the end or creating a partial mohawk braid. It's a show-stopper on stage and a great style to have in your repertoire for guests, too."
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