Braids and a Tail

Quick Tip

Blow dry hair according to instructions. (If you need help with blow-drying, I have included a link How To Blow Dry Your Hair
with this article that offers the directions you will need.

Things You Need:

-a blow dryer that offers between 1200 and 1500 watts and is light enough to hold easily
-sectioning clips
-straightening balm if hair has curl
-heat protecting balm if straightening balm is not used (Revlon has a good one. -hairspray that will hold without -leaving hair crunchy
-large round brush
-lots of small coated elastic bands (the coating protects your hair from breaking)
-fine hair pins (they should be fine enough to disappear into your hair) -a friend to offer assistance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For this style, I will jump right into the particulars after the blow-drying has been completed.

1. Divide hair into 3 sections at the front and braid each of them starting as close as you can to the scalp. Secure each with a covered band. Allow to fall free, we will come back to the braids later.

2. Move to the sides. With the help of a friend, create as many braids as you can, beginning about 2 inches from the part. Secure each braid with a band.

3. The back is the trickiest part. You will be dividing the hair horizontally and creating layers of braids. You should finish with a multitude of braids falling from 3 different layers.

4. Now it is time to create the updo. With about a zillion fine hair pins, begin pinning each of the braids on the top of the head. As you pin more and more braids into place, you will begin to weave them around each other. With the fineness of the pins used, you should see nothing but the braids, holding in place seemingly without help.

5. The final touch is the last braid that is left loose to hang down over one shoulder.

6. Mist with hairspray if desired.

Additional Styling Tips

*A Little Help With Your Braids

Applying a little styling cream to your hair before braiding helps control those little flyaways that always seem to pop up.

Let Your Brush Add Shine

Use your blow dryer and a natural bristle brush to evenly distribute scalp oils. This will accentuate your hair's lustre.

*Is This The Right Color?

If you are looking to change your hair color, be sure to take magazine photo clippings of a model that might be wearing that particular shade. What is golden blonde to you, might be something completely different to a stylist.