3 Beautiful Braids For All Hair Types

Braids are an irresistible, can’t-help-but-love-‘em hairstyling choice: They’re cute, chic, and the perfect antidote for a bad hair day. And while they might frequently look intricate—not to mention intimidating—they’re deceptively simple to create, since both sleek and messy braids are now all over the runways and red carpets.
The only thing we don’t like about braids: There are too many fantastic variations of them. It’s hard to pick just one!
I’ve scoured the spring 2016 runways and waded through all the endless braid options to find three cute styles that are fresh, fun, and work on all hair types. Voila!

1. The Single Braid
Seen at Proenza Schouler, Celine, and Public School, this look works whether you have curly, wavy, or stick-straight hair. We love it because it’s a classic style that packs a punch, and it’s basically goofproof. To create it, just pull your hair into a ponytail, secure, and then braid, securing again at the bottom with an elastic.

To Style: This look is best when hair is sleek, so use a smoothing cream like (1) John Frieda Secret Weapon Touch-Up Cream ($6) or (2) Bumble and bumble Grooming Cream ($15) to keep it looking polished.

2. Stacked Crown Braids
Celebrities like Kerry Washington, Sienna Miller, and Olivia Palermo love the crown braid, which circles the head in an updo that resembles a Grecian halo. Keep it new for 2016 by creating two smaller stacks of braids, one on top of other—or go for a half-up/half-down look by simply pulling only the top half of hair up and then plaiting it.

To create this look, separate your hair into two pigtails, braiding each and then pulling each over the top of the head, pinning behind the opposite ear with bobby pins. Repeat and stack on the other side.
To Style: This style works best with a bit of grip, so try a pomade or styling gel such as (1) Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Wax Works ($17) or (2) Ouidad Clear Control Pomade ($26) to help smooth out any small, fuzzy flyaway hairs.


3. Side French Braid
Looking for a tougher, more rocker look? Copy Priyanka Chopra, Chanel Iman, and Janelle Monae and gather just one side of your hair — between the ear and the crown — into a French braid. It’s a punk look that’s unexpectedly glam and very sexy.

To make it look new, rather than one fat plait, create a tiny braid—or even a series of tiny braids—on the side of your head. Follow the normal procedure for French braiding: Divide hair into three sections and grab an extra bit of loose hair each time you’re crossing from one side to the other, adding it to the hair in the new section.
To Style: Help hair stay in place by using a styling mousse on damp tresses, such as (1) TRESemme Extra Hold Mousse ($4) or (2) Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Styling Foam ($10) before blowdrying. Set the style with a few spritzes of hairspray, like (3) L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray ($12) or (4) LIQWD Design Professional Working Spray ($22).