French Braid with a Twist
At the People's Choice Awards, Taylor Swift looked dangerously glam in a low-plunging gown and a loosely French-braided chignon.
The Upswept Braid
Katy Perry wove a piece of sparkly metallic tinsel throughout her French braided upsweep for an unexpected dose of dazzle.
The J. Law Braid
The Silver Linings Playbook actress would be smoking hot in a burlap sack. But wearing kohl-rimmed eyes and a thick, slightly roughed-up braid pinned across her head? Very naughty milkmaid.
The Long Braid
We love a twofer ‘do (two separate hairstyles in one)—and Lucy Liu nailed it at the Golden Globe with her messy-ish French braid leading into a "fish-tailed"side braid. So magical.
The Easygoing Braid
Guys adore a hairstyle that suggests you just rolled out of bed (even though we all know it took twenty minutes to achieve). Exhibit A: the Glee actress' teased and rumpled side-braid!
The Edgy Braid
We can't decide what's hottest about this look, the velvety persimmon lips, the buttery highlights, or the itty-bitty accent braids above Scar-Jo's ear—but we're definitely taking notes.
The Ballerina Plus
Leave it to Kim Kardashian to know exactly how to sex up a standard ballerina bun—with kiss-me crimson lips, cleavage, and thick braids.
The Not-Too-Polished Braid
To nail Lucy Hale's piece-y look, start with a healthy dose of texturing spray. Then—and this is key—braid with three strands of hair that are different thicknesses (one skinny strand, one fat strand, one medium strand). The unevenness will give your braid a curvy, free-wheeling look as opposed to prim American Girl braids.
Braided Headband
Emma Watson’s delicate braid is the most on-trend way to dress up a casual updo. Pull a few strands free around your face so you don’t look like you’re about to walk down the aisle.
Double Braid
Lea Michele's sick style is actually two braids woven together. Pull half your hair into a basic over-the-shoulder braid—keeping it pretty loose—and secure with an elastic. Then, braid the rest of your hair alongside it, carefully weaving the inner strand of the new braid through the outer strand of the original braid. Pull at the braid to thicken it and help meld the pieces together.
Good-Girl Braid
The swoop of Jennifer Hudson's bangs frame her face in the prettiest way. To DIY: First, tease your hair at the roots and use bobby pins to pull the sides back; then braid like normal.
Heidi Braids
Once Upon a Time star Jennifer Morrison’s girly braids go bad-ass when paired with leather and a bold lip.
Half-Headband Braid
Ashley Tisdale's barely-there braid looks extra cool with a side-part and a streak of plum—which you can totally DIY with clip-in extensions.
Multiple Braids
We’re dying for Kristen Bell’s unique half-up ‘do—especially because it’s not as complicated as it looks at first. There are four braid happening here: One main French braid that starts at the crown, plus three sneaky side braids that crisscross over the top. Leave the rest of your hair straight so it doesn’t come off too princess-y.
Messy Braided Updo
Look closely: One Day star Georgia King’s casual style has a thick braid worked into it. The off-center part and side twists make the look just as fun from the front.
Braided Topknot
Two hot-right-now styles in one: Smooth your hair into a high ponytail, braid it, and then loosely pin it into a bun. Leave your bangs loose, like Nicole Richie does, to up the sexiness even more.
Textured Fishtail Braid
An intricate fishtail braid, like Hailee Steinfield's, looks coolest when it's all roughed up. Here's a trick to steal this style: Rub the finished braid back and forth under a towel, as if you were towel-drying it—the textured fabric pulls at your hair and leaves you with the perfect messy finish.
Folded Braid
For an easy way to make a basic braid cooler, steal Girls star Allison Williams’ trick: Leave the ends of your hair tucked into the elastic.
Major Volume Braid
Cheryl Burke’s soft, touchable style is serious first-date hair. First, back-brush your hair at the crown to amp up the volume. Then, pull it into a very loose French braid, securing the elastic at your shoulder instead of continuing the plait down the length of your hair. Use your fingers to pull at the braid until it looks gently undone.
The Blake Braid
Sleek strands + textured braid = killer combo; but unless your hair is long like Blake Lively's, opt for a low pony at the nape of your neck so that the plait can still lie on your shoulder. Add a dash of bling with a metallic elastic.
