Simple and pretty braided ‘dos

Braids are all the rage right now and they are perfect for summertime. Check out these three different braided looks. These pretty, simple braided ‘dos are easy to achieve at home.

Romantic braided updo

Celebrity hairstylist Thomas Duncan crafted a beautiful, romantic braided updo for Lily Collins for the 2012 Met Gala. You can steal the look for this sophisticated braided ‘do by following Thomas’ easy tips.

1. Apply Sebastian Professional Thickefy Foam to the lengths of damp hair and spray Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray to the roots.
2. Use a blow dryer to dry your hair straight. Use a large, round brush to get volume and lift at the roots.
3. Once your hair is dry, you will need to make two braids — one on each side of your forehead, braiding toward the back of your head. You want the braids to be a bit loose, rather than pulled tight.
4. Use your fingers to backcomb the unbraided section of your hair to add a little texture and extra lift through the top.
5. Take the sections and twist them together, pinning into a loose chignon. Finish the look by spritzing with light hair spray.

Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com

Fishtail braid

Instead of a plain old ponytail, pull your hair into a fishtail braid instead. This style is very versatile and will work for casual weekends, a day at the office or a special night out. Sebastian professional stylist design team member Anthony Cole, who created fishtail braids backstage the Pamela Love Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week show, offers these tips to get this look.

1. Create a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Use a hair product like Sebastian Professional Craft Clay in the palm of your hands to get a good grip while making the braid.
2. Separate the ponytail into two equal parts. Then, take a 1/4-inch section of hair from the bottom of one section and pull it out and over, adding it to the other side. Repeat with the other section. Continue repeating until the braid is complete.
3. Secure the braid with another elastic. If you want a textured look, run your fingers up and down the braid and pull out random strands. For a smoother look, put a very small amount of hair serum in your hand and run it down the length of the braid. Spritz with hair spray to keep the look in place.

Image: Sebastian

Simple side braid

A simple side braid can rescue you from a bad hair day. The side braid is also perfect for summertime when you want your hair away from your face. To get this look, just pull all your hair over one shoulder, then braid it into one thick braid. Secure it with a ponytail holder or hair elastic. This style looks best when it’s not perfectly done, so don’t fret if it’s not totally even or a few hairs are loose.

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