If you can't get enough of Pinterest and wish you had more time to find the best beauty looks on the photo-sharing site, this column is for you. Each week we highlight a coveted makeup technique, hairstyle or nail design with a popular following, and get the tips and tricks for creating it from the person behind the original pin. For this edition we contacted the blogger behind this pretty braided updo.
If you only have a few minutes to pull yourself together for a weekend brunch or night out, try this versatile braided updo. Here Martha Lynn Kale, the Austin-based Mirror Mirror Salon owner and Camille Styles blogger, shares the scoop on how to create it from start to finish.
Step 1: Apply smoothing cream to wet hair before blow-drying it straight. Try: Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector Straightening Balm. Tip: "If your hair is super curly, it may be worth flat-ironing so that you get it nice and shiny," Kale says.
Step 2: Separate your hair into three sections. Create a front section that goes from one ear over the top of the head to the other ear. Then part the rest of your hair down the middle to create two lower sections.
Step 3: Braid the two lower sections and secure with clear elastics.
Step 4: Part the top section of your hair on the side or down the middle; the choice is yours. Separate the hair on one side of your part into two strands. Then twist the strands together and secure the combined twist to the back of your head. Repeat the twist on the opposite side. Tip: If your hair is long, create a figure-eight shape with the twists (across the back of your head) so that you don't have any hanging ends, says Kale.
Step 5: Pick up one of the braids and fold it over in half. Fold it again so that it is positioned horizontally across the back of your head. Secure it with bobby pins. Tip: "I like the short mini bobby pins for this look, as they are easy to hide," Kale says. Repeat on the second side. Your braids will be stacked on top of each other along the back of your head.
Step 6: If you want to wear this look for a dressier occasion, "add a pretty headband or brooch to dress it up," Kale recommends.