Second I braid each side and fasten with a clear elastic band. I like to use a clear band because often the ends are somewhat visible since I have longer hair but not necessarily super long. After braiding I will gently pull at the braids to fluff them out a bit so they will appear a little fuller. This actually works even better when my hair hasn't been washed for a day or two, or I can use dry shampoo to get a little texture (my hair is super fine).
Next I pin the first braid (you can start with either one) with a couple bobby pins to the top, center of my head. The end usually sticks up at this stage which is pretty funny looking. When Trey sees me doing my hair like this in the morning, I usually tell him it's my Whoville hair.
Last I pin the other side into place and tuck the ends under each braid. I usually give my head a shake to see if the braids feel secure, and if not, then I add another bobby pin or two.
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
53 Comments
Love it ! Will try it soon !!
Love this hairstyle. So elegant http://www.hannamarielei.com
I have tried this hairstyle a couple times. But the braid on the side always leaves a weird lump that I dont like 🙁
So pumped to see this tutorial on your hair(mine is the same length). I have always wanted to try it but didn’t think my hair would be long enough. Now I definitely have to try it!
Makes me wish I still had my long hair.
This hairstyle looks really cute, I love it! I’ll have to try it this summer, as I’m rather predictable with my hair and it’s getting boring. And you’re right, it’s practical when’s hot – this is a major advantage!
http://stylestandpoint.com
Gorgeous hair style! Have you got any recommendations for fine hair? I have tried this look, but the plait always looks really thin.
http://www.cloclocreative.wordpress.com
I love this hair style! I can’t do it myself because my hair is extra extra long! But I do it to my 3 year old girl and it looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Also, love the mexican blouse. My daughter has one that actually belonged to me when I was little. It was a gift from someone had brought me form Mexico. ♥
Makes me want my long hair back 🙂
This is the CUTEST hair… but also: where did you find that beautiful dress? I love it so much!
Ha! The other day I saw this pic of you somewhere on the blog (?). And I was really looking forward to having you make this tutorial (or finding one on youtube)! Thanks a bunch! I really mean it! You read my mind! Since I’m all for make-it-as-easy-as-possible-since-I-don’t-have-the-time-and-the-ability-to-make-something-out-of-my-hair this just came in perfect!
XO from Zagreb!
Such an adorable, flattering look to beat the heat. I had to mention I adore your minimal, but punchy makeup in these photos. Your lip color is like a pop POP, and I am loving it.
Would love to try this – my ears might stick out too much though!!
-E
http://amie-eo.blogspot.com
such a beautiful and playful look!
yes! i LOVE maiden braids! they look so cute on you!
Gorgeous hair style!
Sounds easy enough and I love having my hair off my neck during the summer!
Stephanie
htpt://ishowedupinboots.com
When you braid, try to get the strand furthest back on your head to be the last one you cross over, so the braid follows the curve of your head once it’s up. I followed a ‘Lydia Martin braided updo’ tutorial on YT (don’t have the link, sorry, but they explain it better than I just did!) and that tip saved it for me, because mine was lumpy too.
Thanks for the tutorial! I usually wear my hair down too, but have always loved braided updos. Now with my short hair, it’s almost impossible to style..but this tutorial seems easy so it’s something I’ll try out when my hair grows longer. Love your beautiful embroidered dress, by the way!
https://sartorialisttoujours.wordpress.com/
I love doing my hair like this! It really is perfect when the heat starts to rise and you just want your hair off your neck/back.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
gorgeous!!! Love this look, its so playful
Oh what a gorgeous hairstyle! It looks so good on you! THOUGHTS IN TIFFANY BLUE: A Fashion and Lifestyle Blog
Looks cute on you! Looks horrible on me. I have thick curly hair and it is just too frizzy to look good. Then if I pin it up it’s too heavy to stay on top of my head lol.
I’ve tried this hairstyle when I had longer hair but it just doesn’t look good on me. Although I love how it looks on others ! Maybe I’d just need to get used to it!
Very pretty!
My favorite quick updo when my hair is longer is a Gibson Tuck! It’s so easy and always looks nice. It’s easy to play with too, add a couple twists or braids, curly or straight hair…it’s perfect.
http://www.saralynnpaige.com/style/simple-gibson-tuck/
This is so darn sweet! It’s nice to have a different look for humid days other than a classic pony tail! Love it!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
love the dress!!!
Pretty hairstyle!
This is cute! I can’t really do anything with my hair because I shave my head in March to raise money for St. Baldrick’s! 🙂
I love this hairstyle! So perfect for getting your hair off your neck in the heat!
I like this style!
The braided style I rock during the summer is a simple side braid – something like this: http://bestpopularhairstyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cute-side-braid-200×300.jpg
I think it is too casual for my work style though so I tuck and roll the end up under the inside of the braid and pin it. It looks super chic and I stay super cool. It is a win win!
It looks a little something like this:
http://thedavenblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sidebraidprofile1.jpg
Thanks for the resource!
One other thing you can try is to use another bobby pin to get that weird bump into place.
Good luck!
-Emma
The more hair you have the better it can look (or more full, anyway) but hair to your shoulders or just below can work great. I’ve been doing this style since my hair was about 3-4 inches shorter than it is now and I liked it then too. 🙂
-Emma
Try spraying your hair with dry shampoo (natural or store-bought) before you begin. The dry shampoo will add some texture to your hair so when you fluff the braids out they are more likely to stay that way, making your hair look fuller and less fine.
-Emma
It’s vintage, gifted to me from Rachel. I’ve had it for a few years now and it’s one of my favorites and most worn dresses. I just LOVE the embroidery.
-Emma
Beautiful!
It reminded me of old movies. But in a good way. 🙂
I wanna try but my hair is longer than yours, I’m not sure if it’s going to work. I’ll try.
http://www.loveandeverythingblog.com
This looks so easy and chic at the same time… I may have to try it. 🙂
This looks gorgeous on you, Emma! I wish my hair was a bit longer and thicker so I could pull it off, but it doesn’t hurt to try, right?!
Monica / Mocha and Moccasins
I love crown braids! So pretty!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
I love this! I’m always looking for new easy ways to keep my hair up.
This is a cute idea. I usually wear my hair in a braid, also. I never thought to post something like this because I don’t consider myself fashionable (like, at all.), but I do find it convenient if I need to keep hair out of my face. Plus, my son likes playing with the tip of my braided ponytail.
Super easy. Super simple.
Love the dress! Where is that from? Can’t believe no one asked!?!?
Very impressed with your braiding skills! I’ve tried this very unsuccessfully.
I just cut my hair but this was my go to hairstyle. I’m not gonna lie, I miss it.
Your hair is amazing, I love the braid.
http://myprettylifeblog.blogspot.co.nz/
Wow. Love this hair style. I will do it. Thanks for sharing!
So pretty! With your lovely fair skin and that embroidered dress, you look like you’re straight out of a Scandinavian fairytale!
-Molly
http://www.modcircus.com/
Beautiful look in this hairstyle. Thanks for telling that how to make this hairstyle. I am about to go to try this. I wish I will make this hairstyle by reading the tips and seeing step wise picks.
That’s super cute and looks so easy to do! I’ll have to give it a try!
This is a super cute updo! I need to try this ASAP!
xx
Maria
So cute! This looks like a perfect summer hairstyle for me. 🙂 I’ve never did it before, but I’m definitely going to try it out soon.
Nice and perfect looking outfit..