Maybe its Game of Thrones coming to an end, or simply a desire to find a summer-appropriate up-do that’s both sophisticated and pretty, but milkmaid braids were the biggest hair trend on the Cannes red carpet.
Here, Hersheson’s braid bar stylist Amy James shares an easy step-by-step guide to recreating the style that’s been decorating the tresses of everyone from Elle Fanning to Winnie Harlow.
The secret tip
Forming a milkmaid braid is easiest if you last washed your hair about two days prior, so that your tresses have lost some of that freshly-washed silky texture.
This means that if you have an event in mind for the style, for example a summer wedding, you’ll need to pre-plan your hairstyle in order to get the best results. Try it a few days after a professional blow-dry to make use of any existing product that’s still in your hair.
Celebrity inspiration
Countryside beauty
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7F9uInC2D/?utm_source=ig_embed
Elle Fanning could have stepped right out of a fairy tale with her braided up-do, which was decorated with fake flowers. The soft and feminine look complemented her floral dress perfectly, too.
Make a statement
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvCNYDlRnt/?utm_source=ig_embed
Winnie Harlow’s milkmaid braid was a clever way to keep her flowing red veil secured across her head, while also working to make her Cannes outfit look even more regal.
Half up, half down
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6zDA8D6ca/?utm_source=ig_embed
Elsa Hosk accessorised her signature loose waves with a milkmaid braid that elegantly defined her face. Take inspiration from the model if you struggle to braid hair, as you could easily fake this style with a hairpiece.
But, if you’re willingly to achieve the look yourself, James has outlined an easy step-by-step guide below:
Start by using dry shampoo mainly at the roots to remove excess oil from hair. Then, brush your hair to remove knots. James recommends L’Oreal Paris’ Elvive Dry Shampoo.
Step 2:
Part your hair in the middle using a rat tail comb to create left and right sections. Buly 1803 does a particularly good one.
Step 3:
Use a hair clip to hold whichever side you need to braid first and spray on some texture spray, like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Tecni.Art Constructor, to encourage natural-looking body.
Step 4:
Braid your hair into pigtail dutch braids or French braid, before using Hersheson’s small elastic bands to secure.
Step 5:
For a thicker braid, gently pull the braid open to create more volume.
Step 6:
Braid the next section of hair repeat steps 1 to 5.
Step 7:
Take both braided pigtails and place over the crown of the head like a halo. Pin the left under the right, then simultaneously right under left. Use bobby pins to secure right through the braids.
Step 8:
Use hair tongs or straighteners, such as Hersheson’s Hair Tongs, to curl loose hair or bangs for a more natural, messier finish. Finish with plenty of hairspray for hold.
Et voila; a summertime hairstyle for any occasion, that could have walked right off the red carpet.
From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK