Ask A Connecticut Stylist: Three Easy Braided Hairstyles
Aurora Mendez
LA Hair & Company
209 Center St.
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 269-9910
www.lahairbeauty.com
For the past 11 years, Aurora Mendez has been bringing smiles to her customers' faces with new dos and colors. She is a certified colorist and trichologist. She has been working at LA Hair & Company for the length of her career and recently took over the business with Esmeralda Aquino. Aurora and Esmeralda are not only partners, but also sisters who have continued the friendly and trendy atmosphere of LA Hair & Company that Lisa Perretta created.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid is an easy, loose braid to do at home. It's the perfect look for a romantic date, wedding or prom as it creates a loose and boho style. This braid will go across from one side of the head to the other. Start with preparing your hair with volumizing mousse while wet. The perfect braid starts on the left side with a deep side part, over the corner of the eye. On the side that has the most hair, grab three inches of hair and divide into three small sections. These three sections should be of equal size. Next, alternate pulling each of the outer sections under and toward the middle, making a weave of the front going under the middle, the back going under the first piece of hair and the middle under the back piece. Repeat these steps as you feed hair into the braid along your hairline. Be sure to keep the braid loose. Once you reach your ear, start to pull the braid toward the back of your head. Continue your braid as just a normal braid by not adding addition hair. Finish by tying hair into a ponytail, bun or loose curls.
Beach Braid
When heading to the beach, a simple beach braid is fun and simple. The beach braid does not have to be perfect. The trick is to start on the corner of your hair. The best braids start on a slant. When you part your hair to the right or left, select this as your starting point. Following the slant, create a basic braid with your hair. This braid can be larger and bolder. Don't be afraid to make it messy. Finish the look with a low bun.
Waterfall Braid
The most popular braid everyone is talking about is the waterfall braid. It is one of the more difficult braids to do on your own. It can work for any occasion, but especially works for weddings and proms. Get this look by visiting your hairstylist for tips or try it at home by parting your hair down the middle. Take a small section of your hair along the hairline and part it into two small sections. Twist them twice. Take a third piece of hair. Place the third piece of hair between the two first pieces, pulling down. Next, twist the first two sections of hair, as it will secure that third section of hair. Repeat these steps as you move towards the back of your head. You can choose to repeat the waterfall braid on the other side of your head, where they would meet in the middle, and finish with a bobby pin. Your second option is to tie this braid into a long traditional braid down your neck and to the end of your hair. The use of a hook could make doing the waterfall braid easier.
Kimberly Ord is a freelance writer and lifetime resident of Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
