Ask A Cleveland Stylist: Three Easy Braided Hairstyles

The Daily Meal Staff|June 18, 2014 1:30 pm EST

Casey Lehky started doing hair at the age of 17. She has been a hairstylist for 25 years and opened her own salon, Always in Style, in 1994. Lehky says her passion for the industry is the craft itself and it goes beyond even doing hair. "Being able to touch someone not only in a physical way but an emotional way is beyond words," Lehky said. "When they leave my chair, I have been given the opportunity to touch their lives and make them feel better about themselves. Most of the time they make me feel better about me."

When she is doing hair, Lehky get's into a certain zone. "It calms me down. I intend to do this forever," Lehky said. "I have a strong base of stylists who share this passion with me at the salon and after 20 years of ownership, I can honestly say I can only be blessed with what the future holds."

Casey Lehky
Always in Style
7456 Ridge Road
Parma, OH 44129
(440) 884-2772
www.alwaysinstylehairsalon.com

Braids are all the rage this summer. With so many different types to choose from, the right braid can turn your average hairstyle into something extraordinary. A braid can be the perfect addition to your favorite outfit. Three of the most popular braids are the French braid, the fishtail braid and the waterfall braid. Cleveland stylist Casey Lehky, owner of Always In Style Hair Salon, gives some tips on how to create these lovely hair masterpieces.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy)

The French Braid

The French braid can be worn invisibly or inverted, depending on the way you are putting the pieces of hair together. You can put the pieces over the top of each other or underneath one another. The French braid is the most traditional of all of the braids. It consists of an overhand technique.

1. Starting at the crown of the head, take a triangle section of hair. Divide the section equally into three strands. Place two in your left and one in your right.
2. Cross the right strand over the center strand. Strand one is now the new center and strand two is now on the right.
3. Cross the left strand over the center section and place that in your right hand.
4. Place all of the stands in your left hand with your fingers separating the strands.
5. With your right hand, pick up a section of hair on the right side of the head and add to strand two in your left hand. Take the combined strands in your right hand and cross them over the center strand. Now put them all in your right hand.
6. With your left hand, pick up a section of hair on the left side of the head and add it to the strand in your right hand. Take the combined strands and cross them over the center strand.
7. Place all of the sections in your left hand, pick up the right side and add to the outer strands. Remember the outer strands are added to and then crossed over the center.
8. Continue these motions until the braid is finished and then secure with a rubber band.

The French braid takes about 10 minutes to do. It's a very versatile braid, and can be worn casual or in a more formal setting. It works for an afternoon barbecue or a summer wedding.

The Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid can be worn from the front of the head to the back, or from a ponytail at the base of your head. It is a fun and pretty braid that works for girls of all ages.

1. Starting in the center front, take a triangular section. Divide the section into two equal strands.
2. Cross the right strand over the left strand. Place both strands in the right hand with your index finger in between and palm up.
3. Pick up a section on the left side and cross this section over the left strand and add it to the right strand.
4. Place both strands in the left hand, with your index finger in between and palm up.
5. Pick up a section on the right side and cross this section over the right strand and add it to the left strand. It will look like an X shape.
6. Put both strands in the right hand and repeat the steps.
7. Continue to the bottom and secure with a rubber band.

The fishtail braid takes about 15 minutes to do. It's the perfect braid for a night out with the girls or dinner with the family.

The Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is one of the more trendy braids. Its simple style makes it perfect for any event.

1. Starting at the temple, and take two strands of hair and twist once to start the braid.
2. Drop the bottom piece and pick up a piece from underneath, not touching the one you just dropped.
3. Wrap the new section with the previous and repeat until you reach the center crown.
4. Clip to hold in place and then repeat on the other side. Or you can continue on to the other temple and secure with a few bobby pins, leaving about an inch of hair out around the hairline to conceal the bobby pins.

The waterfall braid takes about five minutes to complete. It can be incorporated in an up-style or worn for a fun night out.

Amanda Keeler is a freelance writer and Social Media Director, living in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She has a B.A. from The Ohio State University in Public Relations. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.