HAIRY SITUATION
Stars are weaving plaits into their buns for standout style, but for some,the look gets a bit tangled
Fancy updos are all the rage, but some stars strike out with their versions (sorry, Kat Graham!)
Sleek chignons and tidy topknots? Bo- ring! Those same-old red carpet styles are getting an upgrade with daringly detailed ’dos. “Braids add personality, artistry and creativity to any simple style,” says Sarah Potempa, founder of The Beachwaver Co. hair care, who has worked with celebs like Kendall Jenner and Margot Robbie. “And braided styles can feel very carefree and cool while still looking super glam.” The key to pulling off the braided look so it makes a sophisticated statement? “Whether braiding down the sides or wrapping the braid around a bun, you want to make sure the braids can be seen from any angle or the whole look falls flat,” says Potempa. Her tip: Start by securing hair into a topknot or low-lying bun, then take cues from these beauties for the most stunning results.
SNAKED AROUND A BUN: SEXY
“Braids add allure to Lily Collins’ soft, romantic style,” says hairstylist Gregory Russell, who fashioned her updo. To do: Pull hair up into a messy bun, leaving out a 1-inch section at the crown. Weave that section into a fishtail braid, then wrap it randomly around the bun and pin.
DOWN THE SIDES: EDGY
Olivia Culpo’s peekaboo plaits add sass. To create: Hairstylist Justine Marjan lifted a 1-inch section of hair on each side of the face, then braided the hair underneath those sections and pulled the braids into the bun before covering the braids’ roots with the loose hair.
ONCE AROUND: TOO SIMPLE
Jessica Chastain’s bland braid isn’t doing much to add wow to her basic bun. Potempa suggests upgrading the classic three-strand braid into a fishtail and then “pancaking” it by gently tugging at the edges to give the style oomph.
TWISTED AND ROPED: UNBALANCED
Combining braids, loops and twists in a single updo can lead to a lopsided mess, says Potempa. What would be a neater twist on Kat Graham’s strand style? Weaving a thick boxer braid down the back of the head and blending it into a low-lying bun.