Hairstyle DIY: Braid Halo

Few hairstyles will make you look like you have skills more than a braided updo. But if you think braids are out of your wheelhouse, think again: All you need is this step-by-step guide and a little no-fail hairspray and you’ll be on your way to the perfect braided hairstyle.

Chances are, when you were growing up, someone put French braids in your hair to quickly get it off your face. But now, with lots of pastoral influences on the runways and beauty gurus showing off their pretty hairdos on Instagram and YouTube, braid hairstyles have grown up right along with us. Whether it’s intricate, full-crown French or simple and loose down the middle of your head, the braid hairstyle can instantly add a boho-chic effect to any look. But if you struggle with how to braid your own hair, or it starts falling out as soon as you’ve put it together, there are lots of easy tips and tricks to own the process. This step-by-step guide will help you learn how to braid hair into a pretty halo that wraps into a loose, romantic bun at the nape of your neck. It’s a gorgeous look that appears way more difficult than it actually is, and it would look equally great with a pair of a jeans as it would with a dreamy floor-length dress at an outdoor wedding. Read on...we’re betting you’ll quickly become a hair braiding expert.

Steps for the braid:

Step 1: Starting with blow-dried hair, part it on the opposite side you normally would. Then spray it generously with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, tousling it as you go to add extra volume at the roots and prep it for braiding.

Step 2: Gather three pieces of hair right at your part and start braiding them together. Add in more pieces of hair, French braid style, to keep your braid looking full. Secure the braid with a clear elastic.

Step 3: Starting at the bottom, pull the braid apart to add a little texture and make it appear even fuller. Be careful not to loosen it so much that the braid falls apart.

Steps for the bun:

Step 1: Gather all the hair that’s not in the braid into a low side ponytail on the same side of your head as your braid. Secure it with a clear elastic.

Step 2: Spray your side ponytail with more L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, shaking it and tousling it as you spritz to add maximum texture and volume. Then wrap the ponytail around itself at the nape of your neck and pin it in place to create a loose, textured bun. Loosen it if it’s looking a little too polished.

Step 3: Wrap the tail of your braid over the top of your bun and tuck it into the centre, pinning it in place to hide the end. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy―that’s part of the charm. Finish it off by giving the whole hairstyle one last hit of Elnett to keep it in place all day (or night) long.

Now that you’re well versed in how to French braid, try changing up the hairstyle with a second braid on the opposite side of your head or by braiding the pre-bun ponytail as well. There are so many options! Depending on your hair length, how much time you have and the occasion, you can always find a braids style that’s perfect for you.