A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating A Milkmaid Braid

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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

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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

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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

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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