We keep doing these kickass braids for our weekly Cosmo beauty tutorial series (seriously ooh and aaah worthy). And even though I work in the beauty industry and am well aware of the trends, I honestly don’t think I’ve done one on myself since grade school. So when The New Braiding Handbook landed on my desk, I took it as a sign and gathered up some hair accessories.
I then cracked it open at random and there before me was the side fishtail. A Cosmopolitan.com reader FAVORITE, mind you. So cosmic.
The step-by-step photos along with the numbered instructions made it seem pretty simple. Easy, breezy if you will. But the girl featured had pin-straight hair and it appeared to be one length (long). My mane, on the other hand, had been air-dried with a drop of serum – so wild and wavy not to mention carved into with tons of layers. I was starting at a major disadvantage but wasn’t about to walk away from a (self-imposed) beauty challenge.
I started by pulling my hair into a secure ponytail, and made my only deviation from the featured steps – I did not have a clear elastic I could later cut off so I used a bungee band that I could unclip at the end.
I then did my best to fishtail despite obvious texture troubles.
Loose ends sprouted out and face-framing layers had to be clipped back but, more or less, I nailed it.
Just kidding. It was kind of a hot mess. Until that is, I followed the last step which was to “pancake” the braid. Basically you pull the hair apart width-wide to deconstruct the look a bit. And then I liked it. Embracing the imperfections. For realz.
More braids to come?? You better believe it.
XOLC
Note: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. Book was provided for review.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access.
WAIT. I LOVE this. It looks so good on you! It’s messy, but romantic. Definitely going to try this out this summer (slash here in the Philippines because it is H O T)!
WAIT. I LOVE this. It looks so good on you! It’s messy, but romantic. Definitely going to try this out this summer (slash here in the Philippines because it is H O T)!
Thanks Mel!! The book has a bazillion braid looks too so get ready to play along and test a bunch!! This one was on page 58.
Enjoy the Philippines!! XOLC
So effortlessly CHIC! I’ve always had weak knees for messy side braids. Your highlights give it such a cool, edgy touch!
So effortlessly CHIC! I’ve always had weak knees for messy side braids. Your highlights give it such a cool, edgy touch!
Thanks Jess!! The highlights through the braid did add another dimension (beyond wavy texture and all different layers) and I think in the end, it came out pretty cute. Excited to try more…
Feel free to come by and test some with me! XOLC
Omg would totes love to!! I am so bad with hair, and probably because I just don’t practice enough :/
Omg would totes love to!! I am so bad with hair, and probably because I just don’t practice enough :/