Hair How-To: Five Stranded French Braid

As you may or may not have realized by now, I am obsessed with braids – and who can blame me, they are not only fun to create and so versatile, but they are all the rage right now.

So, I came across a picture of someone with this elaborate braid incorporated into a ponytail – braided down the side of her head – and it had FIVE count ‘em FIVE strands.

I was in awe. Have you ever seen something this cool? It reminds me of those friendship bracelets me and my friends used to make each other when we were little! Definitely unique.

I have tried it out, and it does take a little practice to master.

You start your braid wherever you want it in typical braid fashion – with three pieces. Then, you draw in to extra pieces from each side, winding them into your braid. Next, you continue to add in pieces, winding them back and forth down the braid as  you add into it. The step-by-step is complicated, so instead of trying to get this by reading, check out this video how to:

Image Source: Glamour.com

Poof-Proof Hairstyles: Nicole Richie’s Side Braid

Nicole Richie recently rocked headlines with a super cute braided look at the Ella Moss 10 Year Anniversary Celebration. It was the perfect combination of young and playful, and even better still, it is definitely poof-proof – and if you’re wondering how to do it – I’m here to show you!

This braid is super easy to do – it’s a combination of two french braids brought together into one fishtail braid.

Step One:

Part your hair. Nicole has hers parted pretty near to dead center, but I encourage a side part if that’s what you like.

Step Two:

Separate your hair down your part evenly on both sides. If you chose a side part, angle the separation down the back of your head so you have semi-even braids on each side.

Step Three:

French braid down each side of your head. To shake things up, experiment with where the braids start. Starting the braids lower down will allow for a more laid back look.

Step Four:

At the base of your skull, bring all you hair together and to the side. Fishtail braid down to the ends. Secure, and you’re done!

Image Source: Stylebistro.com

Poof-Proof Hairstyles: The Fishtail Braid

With the most hot and humid season upon us, it is difficult to keep your hair looking sleek and sexy all day long. That’s where I come in with this new blog series – Check back for a new Poof-Proof Hairstyle every week! Have a great hairstyle you think is Poof-Proof? Send it to me at emily@zelocare.com

One of my favorite hairstyle go-to’s when the weather just isn’t my friend is the side braid. Creative braids have been all the rage for years now, so I have always tried to mimic the look. I have a lot of hair, but it tends to look thin in a braid. One day my best friend, who had similar hair to mine, wore her hair in this fabulous inside-out looking braid, and she taught me how to do it myself.

My obsession with the Fishtail braid was born.

Vanessa Hudgens sporting a sleek Fishtail Braid - Photo Courtesy of OnSugar.com

The best part of the Fishtail braid, also known as the Herringbone or Plait braid, is that it is just as easy to do as a french or basic three strand braid, if not easier. It is also perfect for literally any setting – you can make it look messy by alternating the thickness of the strands for a casual outing, or glam it up by adding gel to create a sleek look that is suitable for even the most formal of occasions.

Leona Lewis goes with a messier look for the Love Ball in London this past Feb - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Essentially, you are wrapping small strands of hair around larger sections to create a fuller, thicker looking braid than a traditional french three-stand braid.

Fishtail Braid Step-by-Step:

1. Separate your hair into two even sections

2. From one large section, separate a small section of hair from the back

3. Bring the small section of hair forward and add it to opposite large section

4. Repeat steps two and three with the opposite large section

3. Repeat until your hair is braided all the way down and secure

For a visual step-by-step, check out this great tutorial from Foxy Locks Extensions: