Braiding Beauty

Is it morning-after hair? No one knows and no one cares, because you look hot as hell. The messy braid is this summer’s chicest style, and David Tolls of Harper Paige Salon (who’s styled the fabulously coiffed Lana Del Rey and top models at New York Fashion Week) has the pro tips for rocking the season’s must-have ‘do. Bonus tip? Take it from day to evening faster than you can say ‘fishtail’.

1. Air dry your hair, or blow dry with your hands. Once dry, spray it all over with a volumizing spray. We used Oribe Dry Texturing Spray.

2. Grab your hair and pull it into a ponytail, then secure with a rubber band. Once secure, grab your pony and give it a good shake. This helps loosen some of the front strands of hair around the face.

3. After the shake, pull two inches to the left side of the head and begin your braid. Any style of braid will do—we went for the 80’s-tastic fishtail braid for a little extra edginess. Pro tip: make sure you’re braiding the hair tight all the way to the end o the hair. That way, once you ‘mess’ it up, it will still retain the full braid.

Summer’s sexiest hairstyle brings new meaning to the term ‘hot mess.’

4. Once your hair is braided all the way through, start at the top of the braid and begin pulling it apart. This helps you achieve that ‘I just woke up but my hair is still fabulous’ look.

5. When the braid’s been pulled apart, style the extra pieces around your face so they frame that beautiful smile! Spritz with your favorite hair spray and you’re good to go.

Bonus: Want to go from day to night with the same ‘do but amped-up sex appeal? Take the bottom of the braid and wrap it over the top of your head like it’s a headband. Secure the bottom of the braid to the other side of your head using loose hair pins. Pro tip: stay away from bobby pins for this part—those can flatten the volume on top.—MS