A New Twist on Summer Braids

I am a subscriber and lover of Glamour magazine, so when I recently received a blog notification post on braids, I was immediately interested.  Last summer, I would often part my hair and put a little French braid through my bangs.  Sometimes, just to change it up, I would take the rest of my hair and put it in a chignon on the side.  So, needless to say, I was excited to read on and find more hair inspiration. 

The Glamour post, found here, is all about how to create the braided updo that Bryce Dallas Howard wore to the Cannes Film Festival.  I am in love with her thick, red hair and her braids look so chic!  Anyway, rather than tell you how to create the updo (you can read about that from the Glamour posting), I'm just going to quick rate how difficult the updo was for me to create. 

The updo wasn't the easiest (but not the most difficult!).  It is doable.  It took me a couple of attempts before I got a look I was happy with.  As a prerequisite, you need to know how to French braid your own hair.  If you can do that, then you should be pretty well prepared to create this look.  I would advice you to make sure you keep the braid taut to the nape of your neck as you braid. 

My biggest challenge was the length of my hair.  The style works better with longer, thicker hair.  I was able to make it work, by twisting my braids higher up on my head (instead of closer to my neck).  If you have shorter or thin hair, you might want to try clipping in extensions to make the style work better for you.  You also have to be careful to make sure that one you have put all of the braids together, that it doesn't look too "Princess Leia".  Use a mirror to double check your work. 

                     

All in all, I think it's a pretty fun look.  It can be formal or casual and it keeps your hair off of your neck on those hot some days!