BRAIDY BUNCH

ONCE YOU MASTER this style, it’s beyond impressive. The crown, or milkmaid, braid is perfect for medium-length or long hair. This ’do is best suited for curly, wavy or textured hair, or locks that have seen a bit of damage from bleaching.

STEPS

1 “Rough up your hair with a bit of texturizing spray to give it some grip and hold,” says Judy Inc hair and makeup artist Olivia Colacci. (If you have super-fine hair, also use mousse.) Section off the front segment of hair by making a dividing part across the top of your head from ear to ear.

2 Gather the sectioned-off hair in one hand; then, starting close to your right ear, begin a reverse threepronged braid. Cross the right strand under the middle strand, then the left under the middle one; repeat once.

3 Begin cornrow braiding: Before you pass the left strand under the middle strand, use your pinkie to add some more hair to the left strand. Continue adding hair to each strand, braiding up and around the edge of your hairline, then behind your ear and across the nape of your neck, picking up the back section of your hair as you go.

4 Once you’ve completed the crown, you might have some hair left over, depending on your length. Braid it, then tie off with a clear elastic. Secure the end under the halo braid with a bobby pin.

TOOLBOX

Kerasilk Repower Volume Plumping Cream, $36, goldwell.com. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Volumizing Mousse, $13, johnfrieda.ca. OGX Gravity-defying & Hydration + O2 Lifting Oil & Hydration Tonic Spray, $10, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

“MASSAGE THE BRAID. FLYAWAYS AND FRIZZ GIVE IT A CONTEMPORARY EDGE.” Olivia Colacci, international hair and makeup artist