2011 Braids Have Lots of Edge and Flair

Do you always follow celebrity hairstyles? I don't, but it does give ideas for articles since I'm a beautician. One of the latest trends I have seen are new ways of wearing braids that will be extremely hot in 2011. You have a cool and messy take on the fishtail braid, which was worn recently by Rihanna, the peekaboo braid worn by Mary-Kate Olsen, and an easy favorite which is a half-braid.

These styles are great for anyone who doesn't have time for their hair, but still want to look chic. You don't have to be an expert on braiding to create these. Here's how.

Instead of me trying to explain to you the technique for a fishtail braid, I rather have you see the actual instructions along with pictures. This way you can get the exact look, and click on the desired pictures if you need to start all over.

On Bellasugar learn how to do this braid within 30 minutes. Ok, maybe an hour if this is your first time. The only thing I do recommend if you do follow this tutorial is don't make the braid as tight, and make it more natural looking.

Peek-A-Boo Braid

This braid is exactly what it sounds like. It can be done on any part of your head. You can lay across your top section, hanging down from the side, in the crown area, or hiding out in the back of the head.

The braids can be tight, loose, or accessorized with beads and feathers. Need to be creative, throw a colored clip on extension in the hair and braid it. When you go to turn your head certain ways people will see you have a highlighted braid.

Half Braid Or Half French Braid

Easy, quick, and chic. Do this braid on wet or dry hair. Start at the crown area and begin with a braid. You can do 3, 4, 5, or 7 strands depending on your length and thickness. Only go half way down the head. Then place a hair scrunch, and allow the rest of the hair to go straight, curly, or wild.

The half french braid is a little bit more difficult. Start on the side of the head and start off like your doing a french braid, but when you get to the middle stop and bobby pin. Do on opposite side until you reach the middle. The rest of the hair can be left down, curly, or placed into a regular tight braid. It's all about using your creativity and having patience when it comes to styling the hair.

Wild Braids Coming Out Of Bun

I haven't really thought of another name for this braid, so for now it is what it is. First thing is to comb all knots out of hair. Then place some hair serum or gel into hair mostly on top.

Comb the hair straight back, so you have the sleek look, and while holding the length of hair place into a high ponytail on top of crown area. Split the ponytail in half. Use small sections of hair from the ponytail and create braids. Once you used all the hair wrap it around to create a bun. Secure with bobby pins if needed. The rest of the length from the ponytail you are going to create as many braids as possible.

One thing about doing braids is you can never really go wrong with a style. If you mess up just turn it into something else.

Sources: Professional beautician

http://www.bellasugar.com/How--Learn-Fishtail-Braid-2772862