When my hair was longer, milkmaid braids were my go-to style. They keep your neck cool in the summer, keep the wind out of your face on a blustery day, and when you have the hang of them, only take a couple of minutes to do. My hair is still a bit too short to pull my signature style off, but I’m getting closer to that look by doing a couple of rope braids instead of traditional braids. This style will also work if you have longer hair and is a great technique for anyone who struggles with braids. Rope braids are made simply by twisting two sections of hair—that’s it. So if you have two left thumbs when it comes to braiding, then this might be your way to get a cool look with half the effort.
Step One: Divide your hair into two sections as if you were making pigtails.
Step Two: Take one side and split it in half. Twist both halves in the same direction; I twisted mine towards my face.
Step Three: Take both sections and twist them together, but twisting them towards the back of your head this time. Another way to look at this is: twist two sections individually clockwise, then twist them together counter-clockwise. This makes a basic rope braid. Tie it off with an elastic.
Step Four: Repeat on the opposite side. Split your section in two and twist both in the same direction. Then twist/cross them together in the opposite direction. Again, I twisted towards the front of my face and crossed towards the back.
Step Five: Take both rope braid pigtails and pin them on top of your hair with a few bobby pins. Clean up any loose/too short hairs with a few extra bobby pins, and you’re done.
That’s it! It’s a fun twist on the milkmaid braids look (pun intended) and so easy! When I was first learning to braid my hair, rope braids were one of the styles that helped get me into braiding. Unlike so many cool styles I liked on other girls and tried and failed to achieve with my own hair, rope braided styles worked for me every time. You can make one big rope braid if your hair is long, or use this technique to make a small face-framing braid, or just mix this texture in a big messy textured look. Definitely a good technique to learn if you’re just starting to play around with your hair. Cheers, Rebecca.
Credits//Author and Photography: Rebecca Stice. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess Presets for Lightroom.
29 Comments
So pretty and I think I could actually do this too! My big question is where can I get your top?! Please tell me it’s not vintage and I can make it my own:)
Oh, so pretty! It sounds simple to do too.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Don’t worry, it’s not vintage. It’s by a French brand called Manoush. This top is a little old, but they have a lot of cute and unique blouses!
So pretty! I love that you lay out each step, it makes it so much easier!!
http://aneducationindomestication.com
Looks so beautiful!
xx
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
This looks so cute! http://www.likehanna.com
I’ve never tried this style before but it looks absolutely gorgeous and it suits you perfectly! I’m going to start practicing this hair style now for the Summer!
Cyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
That’s such a beautiful hair-do! I actually like it more with the rope braids than with regular braids.
I absolutely love this look, I wish my hair was long enough for it!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Thank you for explaining the rope braid, I just couldn’t get them to hold together, but this worked brilliantly.
You are beyond adorable.
Yay! Thanks for the reply:)
Such a cute hairstyle, def good for warm weather. And I LOVE your shirt!
http://www.madisontaylor.co
Okay, so what’s the secret for doing milkmaids on yourself without getting big ol ugly loopies at the nape of your neck? Every time I try I can’t get the tension right, but when I do it on others I can braid/twist in an upward direction so it lays smooth!
I feel like all hairstyles look so much better when you have gorgeous red hair like that!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
I don’t know why I haven’t tried this hair style yet, but I’m determined to! I always wear my hair down and need to learn how to style it up more. 🙂
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
I think the trick would be not to start the twists at the base of your neck/scalp. I actually pull most of my hair forwards towards my face and then twist at an angle forwards again (rather than pulling down towards your shoulders)…if that makes sense. It feels hard to describe!
Her hair color is so pretty!
http://www.petiteandhungry.com
Very pretty! Do you have a photo of what the hairstyle looks like in the back as well?
I think I may actually prefer the twists to the braided style! Thanks for sharing!
So freaking cute!! I love your hair color as well!
http://www.thelifeshecreated.com
This is so cute!!!! x
Izzy |http://www.pinchofdelight.com
love the braids! And that top is so pretty!
This is such a cute hairstyle! I miss being able to pull my hair in milkmaid braids now that it’s short, so I’ll have to give this hairstyle a try sometime in the near future.
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
So cute! I feel like my hair is just way too fine for it though, unless I put in extensions ?
I love the colour of your hair! I’ve always adored red and orange hair – which is why I dye mine orange, but it doesn’t look anywhere near as luscious and shiny as yours ? ?
http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
You remind me of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter movies. Except you are the red-headed version 🙂 I hope that is a compliment to you, I just love Luna! And think she is absolutely darling!!
As a readhead, I have to ask what lipgloss/stain are you wearing?? I love it!
I know the focus is on the hair (which is gorgeous but I have short hair!) but I LOVE that outfit!
Looks great on you!
When my hair will be a little bit longer I will definitely try this braids!
XOXO