Three-stranded, six-stranded, inside-out, French, rope, fishtail…braiding is one of the most exciting ways to spice up your hairstyle, and the possibilities are endless.  There are SO many ways to braid hair that you could do a different one every day for months.  And while all you need for an awesome braided hairdo is a comb, a rubber band, and maybe some bobby pins, you can easily dress them up even more with clips and ribbons and flowers.

You don’t even have to braid all of your hair to make it look interesting. Try doing just a few strands, or braiding the sides of your hair back and tying them in a half-ponytail with the rest hanging loose.  If your hair is long enough, make a headband by braiding a section behind one ear, then wrapping it over the top of your head and pinning it in place.  Make a ponytail holder by braiding a piece from the underside of your pony, then winding it around the rubber band and tucking in the end.

Braids are excellent special occasion styles because they can look elegant and unique, while keeping hair firmly in place – perfect for when you expect to be dancing!  Try a braided chignon, or a French braid with the end tucked up underneath – pin a few small flowers here and there and it will look fabulous.  Check out these videos for some new ideas.

Interestingly, braids work best in hair that isn’t perfectly clean.  ”Next day hair” (as in, the day after your last shower) will hold a braided style better, and with fewer flyaways.  If you don’t have time to let the grease and dirt build up, try a salt-water spray to give your hair the necessary texture.