In our continuing exploration of different looks that can be
created for up-styles with long hair, the idea of using braids comes to
mind. Using braids in up-styles is not unheard of. As a matter of fact,
it's a common practice. However, in most cases, braids in up-style
designs are usually done as accents or as foundations upon which the
main design is anchored. But we wondered whether or not we could
design an attractive up-style using only braiding techniques. Here's what we've done:
Tools You Will Need:
1. Snag-safe Elastic Bands
2. An Assortment of Large and Small Bob Pins
Creating the Style:
We began with unwashed hair brushing the hair until it was smooth
and tangle free. We also used an anti-frizz serum, which was applied to
the palm of one hand and distributed evenly over both palms and on the
fingers by rubbing the hands together. We then smoothed the serum onto
the hair, and finger-combed the hair to spread the serum on the hair from
the scalp to the ends of the hair. Because we had so much hair to work
with we had to repeat this step several times until all the hair had been smoothed.
The design was created to be more free-form and asymmetrical,
meaning that we wanted it to have a more organic feel and be adaptable by anyone
wishing to attempt the style on their own. So, starting at the center crown area, we
separated a segment that was approximately four inches by four inches square. We
combed the segment to assure smoothness, and braided it into a standard three-
strand braid aligned to the center of the square. The end of the braid was secured with
a snag-safe elastic band. This braid was then formed into a coil, positioned flush
against the scalp and secured with large bob pins. The end of the braid was tucked
under the coil out of sight and secured in place with small bob pins.
We then began working with the remaining hair. A second
panel was sectioned at the top of the head, from the top side
of the initial square to the forehead, and as wide as the initial
square. This panel was also braided in a three-strand braid
with the base of the braid centered at the rear end of the
panel, and the end of the braid was secured with a snag-safe
elastic band. This second braid was coiled and pinned in the
same manner as the initial braid. At this point we had two
coils positioned one in front of the other just forward of the
center crown area of the head.
Our next section was on the right hand side, where we sectioned of the area just
behind the right ear. Again we braided this section in a three-strand braid, and centered
the base of the braid at the rear of the section, securing the end with a snag-safe
elastic band. Once the braid was finished, we wrapped it around the lower coil in a
clockwise direction and tucked the end of the braid under the edge of the lower coil.
The braid was secured in place using small bob pins to anchor it to the coil.
