Tag: braids

Timeless Braided Styles: Elegant Plaits & Braids for Mature Brides

Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

Timeless Braided Styles: Elegant Plaits & Braids for Mature Brides

autumn brides

Plaits & Braids – Timeless, always in fashion and great for all ages! Knowing how to create gorgeous plaits & braids and styles that incorporate them is a must for every Bridal Hair Stylist out there.

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It is a common misconception to think that plaits and braids are only for the younger generations but this couldn’t be more wrong! Whilst it’s true that you can create some really contemporary braided styles that would suit a young, edgy bride down the ground and messy Boho glamour looks that are usually requested by younger clients, braids aren’t just for fashion looks – you can also create extremely elegant styles or period dos using classic braiding techniques that your more mature brides are going to absolutely love.

 

As a Bridal Hair Stylist, it’s your job to be able to point your clients in the right direction when it comes to designing a style that works perfectly for them, but many stylists find themselves a bit ‘stuck in a rut’ when it comes to styling older brides, offering them the same traditional looks time and again. If this sounds like you, it’s time to break that habit! Change things up a bit for your mature brides and have some nifty braiding tricks up your sleeve that you can really ‘wow’ them with.

Braided Style Inspiration for Mature Brides

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The Braided Bun

 

A favourite among all brides, both young and old, and one of the first looks we’ll teach you how to create and play with on our Bridal Hair Course. The Braided Bun is one of those incredibly versatile hair styles that can be the perfect choice for a traditional bride getting married in a cathedral or very formal setting or just slightly tweaked to look the part at a festival themed wedding or in a beautiful, rustic barn.

Not only is this ‘do fantastic for all ages and backdrops, but it’s also a really easy one for you to put together.

Make it your own by toying with the plait positioning, type and and perhaps even amounts. A single, chunky Dutch braid wrapped over the top of the bun base looks fab, as does something more intricate such as a bun with fishtail braids woven throughout. Have fun with it!

Watch & Learn:

Want to create a really big bun? Here’s how to get the look you want…

Grecian Style

 

Plaits are a gorgeous addition to Grecian styles, whether tumbling or secured into an up-do. This is a really elegant style that works beautifully for mature brides wanting a style that is feminine and graceful without being too ‘girlish’.

Wear it down with plenty of volume at the crown and tumbling curls beneath a waterfall braid, or style it up with a fishtail plait and loose strands softening the frame of the face.

Watch & Learn:

Take a look at our short video tutorial ‘Backcombing Made Easy’ to learn how to create amazing root life and volume for your styles.

Braided Chignon

 

The Chignon is a style that every bridal hair stylist out there should be familiar with as it works so well for all ages, hair types, hair lengths and face shapes.

Traditionally kept sleek and then often adorned with hair accessories, you can easily add to this look by including a French Braid or two to the side of the parting, reaching right back to the nape of the neck. Your mature brides will love it!

Watch & Learn:

Is your client’s style secure? Here’s how to check…

Dual Textured Side-Braid

 

A side-swept braid is a glamourous style that many mature brides with lovely long locks will adore. It is super-sexy whilst still feeling ‘age-appropriate’ – something that lots of older brides covet but think is out of the question.

By setting the hair in rollers first to create plenty of root lift and texture throughout the hair, you’ll be off to a good start with extra grip for that braid and the result will be a finished style that is full of life and thickness.

Pull the hair over to the desired side and then begin your plait with a French Braid on each side to pull the hair back away from the face. Once you reach the nape of the neck, clip the hair to avoid in unravelling and transition into the braid of your choice.

Easy Bridal Style: The Pull-Through Braid

bridal style
Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

Not all bridal styles have to be difficult, in fact, some of the most beautiful hairstyles are really quite simple to do if you know the basics – this might come as welcome news to some of the more nervous or beginner bridal hairstylists out there!

Knowing how to create beautiful braids is a must have piece of the puzzle for all bridal hairstylists, which is why we run our dedicated 1 day braiding courses, to really help you get to grip with all the different techniques. Smaller braids are a fantastic addition to many a bridal style, and knowing how to create chunkier braids in various ways can also be fabulous as stand alone styles.

The Pull-Through Braid is a really easy bridal style that anyone can master and although simple to put together, it does actually look really impressive, particularly when combined with a fabulous hair vine woven throughout, and is a really popular look amongst many brides-to-be. If your client is keen on using hair extensions, this is the perfect style for that too!

Style it sleek for a more traditional bride, or leave some sections loose and gently curled at the front for a really romantic, Boho look.

bridal style

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to create a beautiful Pull-Through Braid, a need-to-know bridal style:

  • Step 1: Choose your parting and create your first section by pulling hair back from just above the temples and securing into a small ponytail right on the crown of the head. It’s a good idea to decide right from the beginning if you’re going for a soft or sleek bridal style. If you want to soften the edges, leave some strands loose around the face. If you’re using extensions, add your first weft here under the ponytail.
  • Step 2: Clip that first ponytail out of the way and start on your next section. Repeat step one but this time pulling hair from just below the temples. Add extensions underneath if desired.
  • Step 3: Unclip the first ponytail and divide into two sections right down the middle. Pop those divided pieces over each shoulder to keep out of the way for a moment. Clip the second pony on top on your head, lifting up in-between that top, divided section
  • Step 4: Section three will pull back from around mid ear height. Bring that section together with the two divided sections to make a single pony, add a weft if desired and secure
  • Step 5: Unclip the second pony tail and repeat. Divide into two, move out of the way, clip the third pony up and bring the divided sections together with a new section.
  • Step 6: For extra length and volume, clip your final weft in here just above the nape of the neck. Secure all of the loose hair together in a ponytail and continue the braiding pattern down to the ends of the hair.
  • Step 7: Once you reach the end, secure with an elastic. For a bigger, more textured braid use your index fingers to slowly and carefully pull each section out a little to pump up the volume!
  • Step 8: If you have left sections out at the front, use your barrel tongs to create soft curls to frame the face perfectly.

Game of Thrones Hair Inspiration – Khaleesi Braids

Game of Thrones hair inspiration
Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

Game of Thrones hair inspiration

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for years, you’re probably well aware that Game of Thrones hair inspiration is a pretty big deal – the fantastical, medieval toned dos have been consistently incredible for years.

 

If you haven’t noticed this, now is the time to! Lots of brides to be find wedding hair inspiration in their favourite TV shows and GoT is one of the hottest series out there. You’ll want to prepare yourself for the inevitability of being asked to create a ‘Khaleesi’ hairstyle at a trial at least once (and probably lots more than that!), or get yourself ready for next time you’re asked, if you’ve already had this posed to you and you weren’t sure what to do.

 

One of the most popular Game of Thrones hair inspiration looks is the Mother of Dragons multi-tiered braid style; so in today’s blog we are going to give you a quick ‘how-to’ on creating that look.

 

If you’re still stuck, sign up to our online bridal hair course so you can ‘Ask Pam’ and follow our detailed video tutorials! Better yet, learn all about braids on our 1 day intensive braiding course to really master this style.

Game of Thrones Hair Inspiration – Khaleesi Braids

Begin your style by creating the right foundation. This is the key to all great hairstyles and is something that we talk about a lot on our courses!

 

For Khaleesi braids, you’ll want to give the hair a bit of root lift and volume which can be pulled back in later; you’ll also want to have the hair looking as sleek and smooth as possible. Set the hair in rollers. Once these are done, you can begin your hairstyling.

  • Grab hold of about a two-inch section of hair on the front left of the head to create your first your Dutch lace braid. Not sure how to Dutch braid? Split this section into three, cross the right piece under the middle, then the left under the right adding small amounts of hair from the top of the head to each section as you go. Continue this until you reach the crown.
  • At this point, switch from Dutch braid to a traditional braid and plait right the way down to the end of the hair length. Secure with a small (preferably clear) elastic.
  • Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the right hand side, making sure to keep those braids as symmetrical as possible.
  • Now it’s time to move down a bit and create the second tier of this hairstyle. Repeat steps 1 and 2 again, but this time leaving a small section out on the right hand side for wrapping later and taking the main section of hair from just in front of the ear and switching to the traditional braid at the nape of the neck. Do this on both sides. You should now be left with four hanging braids over loose hair.
  • Once you have completed these braids, it’s time to go onto the final stage of this Game of Thrones hair inspiration style. Twist the top two braids together, making a single section and secure at the crown with a small, clear elastic.
  • Take that now single section made up of the first two braids and combine with the remaining two braids to create an extra large traditional braid. Leave the loose hair loose and plait the braids down the the end and secure.
  • To finish, gather up that remaining loose section of hair at the nape of the neck, drench in hairspray and then wrap around the new large traditional braid, at the top elastic, to neatly hold in place. Secure with a pin using the up and over technique.

Braiding Course Red Carpet Inspiration

braiding course
Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

With our 1 day braiding course now being available nationwide (in London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham), we just can’t stop obsessing over all the gorgeous braided hairstyles we keep seeing all over the red carpet events!

With so many plaits and braids to learn, and so many ways to use them to create unique and beautiful styles suitable for both big events and walking down the aisle, knowing all the hottest braiding techniques is an absolute must for all hairstylists.

We’ve seen so many inspirational styles on celebs recently that we just know our create beautiful hair students and blog readers will love, so here are four of our favourite braided red carpet looks for you to have a go at. Not sure where to begin with how to create these styles? We’re here to help!

Book onto our 1 day braiding course for an intensive training day with our expert braider, or sign up online for loads of great, in-depth braiding video tutorials.

Amber Heard, Looped Braid Style

 

If you’re a fan of the messy boho look with added intricacy, then this is the style for you!

Amber Heard is a big fan of braided styles and is regularly seen sporting some incredible plaited creation that manages to look completely fabulous whilst retaining that super sexy relaxed finish.

Amber’s style is designed using Herringbone plaits pinned up into a looped, flyaway style which is actually fairly simple to do if you know the right techniques (which can be learned on our braiding course!). Paired with an edgy and almost futuristic looking cat-eye, this completed look is a real show-stopper.

Amanda Seyfried, Tight Dutch Braids

 

Ditching her usual ‘natural girly-girl’ look for a hair and makeup style that can only be described as fierce and fabulous at the ‘While We Were Young’ premiere. Amanda Seyfried’s tight dutch braided style is an excellent example of the contemporary rock chic fashion we keep seeing pop up, with just a gentle nod towards nineties styling.

This style isn’t for everyone, but it is absolutely perfect for someone who loves making a statement with their hair choices and wants to flaunt their beautiful, strong bone structure and we love trying out statement styles on our braiding course!

The key to making this style great is to be able to control the plaits well as you create them, to keep them as smooth and tight as possible. Finish with a glossing spritz to boost that shine and you’ll be all set!

Elle Fanning, Floral Crown Braid

 

Elle Fanning was spotted with a gloriously girly floral crown braid for the premiere of ‘The Neon Demon’ and we are loving it for bridal, bridesmaid and even flower girl hairstyle inspiration.

This is the perfect style for a summer wedding, keeping the hair away from the face and neck and embracing an utterly feminine feel. We just adore the combo of neat but chunky braids, studded with big bright blooms for a real Boheme, flower child vibe.

This could be an ideal option for bridesmaids accompanying a bride who has chosen to go for having her hair down for the big day, with flowers selected to choose the wedding colour scheme.

Kate Bosworth, Slicked Back Braids

 

Kate Bosworth wore a similar style to Elle Fanning’s at ‘The Big Sur’ premiere, but instead of leaning towards the laid back boho side of things, her hair stylist decided to give her more of a slick, modern finish making this look a bit more catwalk.

This style would work beautifully with a number of different braids that you could learn on our braiding course to make it look even more sleek. Paired with just a little bit of volume at the top and front of the style to give it that fashion feel, this is definitely a braided style to try for 2016.

1 Day Braiding Course – Coming Soon…

Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

Coming Soon….

1 Day Braiding Course

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  • Learn how to create beautiful braids & plaits!
  • Stunning braided styles for all occasions
  • French, Waterfall, Fishtail, Lace, Zipper and lots more…
  • Access to online training included!
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Price: ÂŁ195

Location: London

Entry requirement: Suitable for all levels, must love working with hair!

braiding course

What’s Included?

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  • Learn how to create beautiful plaits and braids on our 1 day braiding course
  • Stunning styles suitable for special occasions or everyday wear
  • Stay up to date with all the latest Prom & Bridal braiding trends
  • Get qualified! Complete our braiding course for your CBH Certificate
  • A ‘Must Have’ course for all bridal stylists!
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Find Out More…

Want to know more about our 1 day braiding course and upcoming dates? Get in touch.

braiding course

Hairstylists How To: January Jones Twisted French Braid

Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

For the premiere of Man Men series 7 January Jones rocked a twisted French braid and a unique makeup look – blue eyeliner on the top lashes and gold on the bottom. This pretty summer style is actually three braids in one using a trio of techniques to create an undone, twisted look.

How to

Step one: Begin with freshly washed hair and while it is still damp apply some mousse which will help to make styling easier.

Step two: While you are blow dying, back comb the hair and mist over with some finishing spray to tame flyaways.

Step three: Now that the hair is dry apply a small amount of oil through the mid lengths to the ends as this will make the hair much easier to braid.

Step four: Now you can begin braiding. Split the hair into three sections, left, right, and bottom, allowing the parting to fall naturally. Start with the section on the right and form a French braid. It should begin right at the very top of the head and finish at the lower neck. Secure with a clear hair elastic.

Step five: Next, take hold of the section on the left hand side. This should be used to make a rope braid right along this side. When you have finished you can connect this braid with the one on the right, using a clear hair elastic.

Step six: You should have one section of unbraided hair left. Use this to create a regular braid, braiding tightly from the top to the bottom. Fix with and elastic when you get to the end.

Step seven: Take hold of the three separate braids and plait together to make one finished braid. Secure it with another clear elastic. If there are strands which naturally frame the face then gently bend these with hair straighteners. Once you are happy you can spray all over the hair with finishing spray.

Hairstylist’s How To: Step-by-Step Tutorial For Hilary Duff Braids

braids
Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

With braids all the rage, we took a look back at the archives and spotted this ‘do from Hilary Duff. Back in 2010 she rocked this look at the book signing of her novel Elixir. The beauty of it is that it is not initially clear how many braids there are, where they start, or where they finish. It is quite a difficult look to recreate but we have broken it down into a step by step guide for you to follow. The style obviously works best on those with long hair, either wavy or straight.

Step 1: Divide hair up into four separate sections; one at the top, bottom, left and right. Clip up all of the sections except for the one on the right.

Step 2: With this section do a slightly loose French braid until you reach just behind the ear and then change to a regular braid. When you come to the end secure it with a clear band.

Step 3: Now do exactly the same with the section on the left side.

Step 4: Take the section at the top of the head and again French braid until you get to the crown where you switch to the regular braid.

Step 5: Divide up the bottom section into five separate sections and braid each one into a regular braid, securing with clear bands.

Step 6: With each of the five bottom braids you now need to wrap them from left to right, pinning them as you go.

Step 7: Take hold of the side braids and weave them together to create a swirly shape, making sure that you tuck any ends under. Again as you go make sure to pin them in place.

Step 8: With the area that is left at the top of the head, fill this space by swirling the final braid. This should also give the style some height. Pin as you go and then spray over with some strong hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

French Plait Braided Red Carpet Hairstyle – Get the look: Amanda Seyfried

Posted on by Ruby Deevoy

Having been around forever you would think that braids must be on their way out, but then we see Amanda Seyfried at the premiere of ‘While We’re Young’ and we remember why we love them so much. This youthful look can be hard to pull off but it works brilliantly paired with Amanda’s Valentino dress and smokey eye makeup, resulting in a sophisticated and structured look.

 

 

Here’s how to get the look

Step one:

Wash, condition and blow dry your hair to start. If you don’t have time to wash your hair then a great tip is to mist over a product like a foundation mist which will revitalise you look. Follow this up by blow drying and brushing hair to refresh it for that just washed look.

Step two:

Make a clean centre parting from the top of your head right down to the nape of your neck so that your hair is split into two sections. Apply some molding wax to the sections to give your hair added texture and hold.

Step three:

You can now start to French braid one side of your hair. Begin with a section about a quarter to half an inch size. Make sure that you pull the hair tightly as you braid down the head, increasing the size of the section as you go. When you reach the bottom secure the end with a clear hair band.

Step four:

Take the end of the braid and roll it up into the desired shape and when you are happy with it fix it in place using bobby pins. You can now repeat the steps on the other side of the head.

Step five:

To make sure that the style stays in place spray over it with some strong hold hairspray.

By Gemma