The Beauty Department: Your Daily Dose of Pretty.

hair

THE MACRAME BRAID

PHOTOS/POST: Kristin Ess

Okay so this braid isn’t actually macramé but it reminds me of it, hence the name. This might be one of the easiest braids to do and I can’t believe we’ve never done it for you! This looks even better if you have highlights because it shows so much dimension but still looks great on solid colors as well! I honestly feel like we’re moving away from more complicated braids, but the ones that are quick and easy with lots of fun texture are forever cool. Here’s how you do this one!

Prep the hair by waving it up just a little. We used a 1 1/4″ barrel iron to get subtle waves. Add 2 messy dutch braids, on on each side (see photo) and secure them with small clear elastics. It doesn’t matter where you start the dutch braids. Some like them a little higher and some like them a little lower depending on face/head shape. You can do whatever you want! For this, we started at temple height in front and met them together in back.
Now cross those two dutch braids over each other and pin using a bobby pin.
Next you’re going to make a regular braid down the back. Use the tails of your dutch braids as 2 of the pieces and then grab the 3rd piece from right underneath where your dutch braids meet. Braid all the way down.
Now all you’re going to do is grab 2 of the pieces from your regular braid and hold them together kind of tight. Take the single piece and hold it tight in the other hand.
Start sliding the two pieces UPWARD. It will start to bunch up and become a cool macramé inspired braid.
Once you slide it all up you’re going to have a long tail. You can tie it off with a clear elastic there or do the same technique again and take it further.

After the braid is done, look in a hand mirror at the back. Loosen up and give texture to the braid running down. Here’s a view from the front as well! Isn’t Alissa Griffith just the prettiest!? You can hear some of her music HERE!

Here’s a bigger view of the back!