From left to right: Courtesy of John Perez, Davines North America, and Claire Pettibone
If you're wondering whether the braid trend will be dying down anytime soon, the answer would be no. This season, Bridal Fashion Week showed us it's only gaining momentum. Here, three gorgeous ways to wear braids on your wedding day — no matter what your aesthetic.
1. Rope-braided chignons
Reminiscent of a "flower in bloom," this demure chignon is perfect for modern, classic brides, says hairstylist Joseph DiMaggio, who created the look. (Because it's swept back, it also provides the perfect canvas to display a statement headpiece, like the seashell crowns at Naeem Khan's show.) To get the style, apply volumizing mousse from roots to ends. Separate hair into two sections — one front, one back — extending from ear to ear. Use a blow dryer and a large round brush to gently pull hair up and away from the face. (This will create subtle volume at the crown.) When it's dry, sweep your hair into a ponytail a few inches above the nape of your neck. Separate the ponytail into two smaller sections, tightly twist each portion, and secure with small elastics. Twist both sections together to create a single twist, and you have a rope braid! Shape it into a chignon and fasten with bobby pins.
See more: 10 Beauty Tips We Learned Backstage at Bridal Fashion Week
2. Embellished braids
Because Reem Acra's gowns featured intricate beadwork, she decided to forgo jewelry and used the hair as accessories instead, says DiMaggio. To get the look, spray a volumizing mist at the roots, then brush volumizing mousse from roots to tips — it will keep your hair smooth and in place. Blow dry with a large round brush, gently pulling hair up and away from the face. Separate hair into two sections — one in the front, one in the back — going from ear to ear. Secure the back section into a low ponytail with a hair tie. Create a center part with the front section, braid hair, and fasten with an elastic. Next comes the fun part: Use thread the color of your hair to intertwine rhinestones, pearls — or whatever works with your wedding theme! — throughout the length of your braid.
3. Bohemian ponytails
Claire Pettibone's collection was inspired by Little House on the Prairie, so hairstylist Laurent Dufourg created wispy, undone ponytails with braided details to go along with the theme. "We wanted it to look like the models were riding horses in the wind," he says. (For those of you getting married outside, know that this style is one that looks even better when the breeze picks up!) To get the look, start with air-dried hair. Then create two small braids on either side of your head and secure with small clear elastics. Set them aside and pull the rest of your hair into a low ponytail with an elastic, letting it cover your ears. Crisscross the two braids over the elastic and secure with bobby pins. Finish by working texturizing spray throughout the length of the ponytail.
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