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Easy Rope Braid

Hair, Style
By Rebecca Stice

Easy rope braid (click-through for the full tutorial) When I had red hair, my nieces pointed out a similarity to Anna from Frozen. Between my color change, this hair style, and dress, I think I’ll be getting Elsa comparisons next time they see me! The Elsa look was completely accidental, I promise! Rather than being an ice queen, I think rope braids are one of the best summer hairstyles. They’re easy and quirky and perfect around your face if you have bangs/a fringe – I find my bangs won’t stay in most braids, but the rope braid twists keep them in place and out of my face no matter how hot the day gets.

Step One: Start with clean, brushed hair with a deep side part.

Easy rope braid (click through for the full tutorial)Step Two: Take a small section towards the top of your part and divide this into two pieces.

Step Three: Twist the two pieces in the same direction. (When you take two sections in two hands, you’ll automatically twist them in opposite directions. So don’t do that!) I like to twist my sections forwards towards the front of my face.

Step Four: Cross the sections over each other in the opposite direction from your twist; if you twisted towards the front of your face, then cross them away from your face.

Step Five: Add small pieces of hair to both of your sections and twist them in the same direction again (i.e. towards the front of your face).

Step Six: Cross the two sections in the opposite direction again (towards the back of your head).

Step Seven: Keep repeating the steps, adding small pieces of hair to both sections before each crossing. When you reach the ends of your hair, tie it off with a small elastic.

Step Eight: Pancake/pull your braid a bit starting at the top and working your way down to give the braid more volume.

Easy rope braid (click-through for the full tutorial)The only “trick” to a rope braid is to use two sections and twist them in the same direction and then cross them in the opposite direction. It’s very easy when you get the hang of it; easier than regular braids I think! Once you’ve learned the trick, there are several different ways to use rope braids – twisted milkmaid braids, a twisted crown braid, a twisted ponytail, etc. They’re all perfect styles for summer, keeping your bangs out of your face, and mine always hold up in heat and activity making them the best hairstyle for a day at the beach. Cheers, Rebecca.

Credits//Author and Photography: Rebecca Stice. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Presets for Lightroom.

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