How to Do a Woven Braid

Unleash your inner Taylor Swift with a woven braid.
... Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

If your hair gets frizzy in the humid summer heat, or you're just looking to update your limp and straight strands in the winter, a stylish and woven braid hairstyle helps to tame any hair drama. Using a few expert style tips, it's easy to weave a little femininity and glamour into your medium-length or long locks. If you're attending an evening wedding or special event, add a little sparkle and shine to your new hairdo by slipping a sequined headband on your head or pinning a jeweled brooch at the base of the braid.

Work a dollop of thickening mousse through your freshly washed strands. Rake the product through your hair from root to tip. When heat-styling or blow-drying hair, some experts recommend using a lightweight, alcohol-free mousse to add body and hold to fine, thin or normal hair that is wavy, curly or straight. A thickening or volumizing mousse also adds texture and hold to the braid without making the hair feel sticky.

Blow-hair dry with a round bristle brush. To create sleek, straight hair, blow-dry 2-inch sections at a time. Set the dryer on medium heat and point the nozzle straight down the hair shaft to prevent frizz and add gloss to your tresses.

Grab 3 to 4 inches of hair near the ears. Pull both sides of the hair back and braid them into a wide and loose braid at the back of your head. Separate the hair into three equal widths and weave the hair down until you create a loose, three-strand braid.

Wrap a small, clear elastic band at the ends of your hair to finish the look. Spritz hair with a shine spray for extra gloss.

  • Smooth flyaways near the hairline with a pea-size amount of pomade.
  • For a casual braided style, braid your hair halfway and leave the ends of your hair loose.
  • The beauty editors at Byrdie.com recommend using a thickening or volumizing mousse to build volume to your hair without adding a crunchy texture.
  • If you have porous or drier hair, use a conditioning mousse.

Mimi Abney is a lifestyle writer specializing in online content for women. Her work has appeared in NewsOK.com and "Keepsake Magazine," among other publications. With over 15 years of writing and editing experience for the web and print, Abney is also a contributor to online health, beauty and fashion publications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Spelman College.

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