Rapunzel, rapunzel...

Lately, there has been a huge surge of braids (or 'plaits') all over the runways and across the web. From high-end designers to the pin boards of Pinterest, these classic hairstyles are making a big splash. While braids have always been a good go-to hairstyle for warm weather, they have become a huge trend this year and I think will continue to be a major style throughout the spring and summer. From perfect braids, to messy braids, long braids, intricate braids or braided up-dos, the options seem to be limitless. BellaSugar did a story on Fashion Week messy braids from designers like Ann Yee to Creatures of the Wind. The story spotlights braids that spiral around the models' entire head, low ponytail braids, upside down braids, criss-cross 'headband' braids and messy braided chignons.

Aside from the runways, braided 'how-tos' and artsy pics have been bursting all over the internet on sites like Pinterest and on numerous fashion blogs. So I figured that I would pick my favorites and try to replicate them myself. [Either with my own hair or with my model's hair.] Below are the braids that I've done and the inspiration photo that I worked from -- ENJOY!

 **Also, if you want to learn how to do any of the below braids, just click on the name of the braid to link to a step-by-step tutorial. I did some searching and found videos that I thought were the most helpful and straightforward. Or you can always search the name of the braid in YouTube and thousands of step-by-step tutorials will pop up! But if you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to comment below with your questions and I will help you out the best I can.

[TIP: For messy braids, you can run your hands over the braid and/or pull out random strands to give it a tousled look.]

THE WATERFALL BRAID

 

THE MODIFIED WATERFALL BRAID (there are many different ways to end this braid)

THE REVERSE/DUTCH, UPSIDE DOWN FRENCH BRAID

REGULAR REVERSE FRENCH BRAID [with invisible bobby pin end]

THE ZIG-ZAG FRENCH BRAID

THE CROWN/MILKMAID BRAID

Pompadour Parade

There were a lot of interesting hairstyles present last week at the Grammy's. But one specific style stood out among the rest -- the POMPADOUR. This got me thinking; did anybody else notice the abundance of pompadours at the Grammy's this year? Because I certainly did! And while some of them were a success, not all were. (Especially one colored in blue.) Here's just a few photos of the best and the worst from the Grammy's. And I even found a tutorial on how to re-create Alicia Keys' awesome, upside down french braided look. I personally felt that both Alicia and Bruno really pulled this look off successfully. Alicia in a more modernized and sleek way, and Bruno in a sophisticated, throw-back way... However, I thought that Katy's was just too gimicky and not nearly as impressive as the other two. Not to mention when she let her hair down later in the show into a weird, crimpy mess.

[Below are photos of Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry.]

WHO DO YOU THINK WORE IT BEST?

Grey is the new Blonde.

I found this great photo in one of my favorite magazines, Dansk Magazine. Even though it is from an older issue, it is still one of my favorites. I was so inspired by this shoot that I decided to do my own illustrated version of the photo. I also liked the article that went along with it. If you haven't read it yet, you should. It discusses how glamorous silver and grey hair is and interviews models, editors and the like that sport it [naturally or not]. I can only hope that I too will be able to enjoy this silver shade of hair at one point in my life... Enjoy!

ALV

 

Red locks

Not only do I adore Rihanna's outfit in this photo, I also love her red locks. I have been supportive of her short hair, but I must admit that I really like her fiery red aesthetic - especially when it is a little longer than usual. I like the fact that Rihanna isn't afraid to venture outside of the box when it comes to fashion or her hair. And, for the most part, I think the risks she has taken have been rewarded. The colors in this specific look are a spectacular combo, the purple and orange work well with her loud hair color. The golden shoes, earrings and accessories keep the look chic, even though the pieces she is wearing are quite simple [except for their color]. According to Vogue.com the top is Maria Luisa, the pants are Cacharel, and the shoes are Giuseppe Zanotti. This is a seamless, simple and chic ensemble that allows Rihanna's hair to still take center stage without getting too crazy - I'm a fan.

Braids n' Things

I ran into Kathryn Potraz last Wednesday evening, and her hair style caught my attention from across a crowded room. The hairstyle, which she calls the ‘swirly French braid,’ is a very unique style that gives off a bohemian-chic vibe. Of course, you would have to have relatively long hair to pull this style off, but either way I thought it was definitely worth sharing. Every strand of hair is used in this style that is twisted all around her head. I asked Kathryn to teach me how to replicate the look myself and here is what she said.

“To make the braid, I start with the outer rim of my hair (going counter-clockwise) and make a French braid – kind of like a headband. Then I just continue in a circle around my head until I get to the middle, where I usually run out of hair right against my scalp and just braid the leftover ponytail like a normal braid. Then I do a little bobby-pin magic, and voila!”

She told me that it only takes about five to ten minutes to complete, just as long as you have the arm strength to finish! Kathryn said that she likes to wear her hair in this style at least a couple of times a month because it keeps her long hair up off of her neck and out of her face. And, not to mention, it’s pretty cool too! I’m so glad that I got the chance to speak with Kathryn and snap a couple of photos. Hopefully I will be able to try the ‘swirly French braid’ out for myself sometime soon. Please send me photos of your attempts at trying out this great, braided up-do.