Twists and Turns: Unique Braid Styles

Braids and twists aren’t just for little girls anymore.  These textures are seen all over the runway and have made their way into the real world.  Thin braids, chunky twists and everything in between can quickly and easily change your look.  Whether you’re trying to camouflage a bad hair day or you’re getting spiffed up for an event, you can’t go wrong by incorporating these textures into your hair.  Cotton Candy beauty contributor Claudia Mejerle gives us some of her favorite braided hairstyles.

No. 1 Hairline French Braid into a Bun

Honestly, this is a great look if you’re trying to skip washing your hair.  The French braid along the hairline hides oily roots and the bun hides the less than perfect ends of the hair. This look can also be neat and polished and appropriate for a more formal event.  Either way, you can do a thin or thick braid and a neat or messy bun.  All you need is a few bobby pins and a rubber band and your hair will look like you spent a ton of time styling.

No. 2 Braided Headband

This look is sweet and girly.  And the best part is that it’s so simple to create.  All you need to do is braid a small section of hair starting behind each ear and wrap both braids over the top of your head and secure with bobby pins.  The braids really function as a headband since it keeps your hair out of your face.  And this so-called headband is subtle since it’s your actual hair, but you also have the detail and texture of the braid that adds interest.

No. 3 Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is seems to be everywhere lately.  And the best version of it is when it’s less than perfect.  What looks like a complicated style to create is actually the opposite.  All you need to do is start with your hair divided into two sections, and then alternate adding a small chunk of hair to each side.  Once you have your complete braid secured with a rubber band at the end, rough it up by tugging outward on the braid to loosen it up and make it look lived in.

No. 4 Woven Strands

Sometimes all it takes is a bobby pin to change the way your hair frames your face.  Of course you can simply pull a section of hair back from either side of your hairline and secure it with a bobby pin, but to make it look a bit more special, you can twist and tuck multiple small sections of hair back.  You end up with a woven, rather than braided, look that creates interest and also holds your hair back out of your face.

No. 5 Rolled and Tucked

Lots of variations of this look are seen lately: smooth and polished as well as messy and undone.  Try somewhere in between so that it looks effortless and really pretty.  All it takes is dividing your hair into two sections and twisting it along the nape of your neck and securing it with some bobby pins.  This style is perfect for a day at the office or a night out.

Written by: Claudia Mejerle

Photo Credit: Meredith Mejerle