While Richie's messy braid isn't a violent offender (like some of the previous "worst" braids we have seen, ahem, Elizabeth Banks), it absolutely deserves a strong slap on the wrist for it's dirty-looking bangs and dry ends. This side braid should check itself into fried hair rehab, maybe after that it, like Richie, can make a comeback to cuteness.
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Best: Amy Smart
Amy Smart got her last name for a reason because this braided style certainly is � smart. It's casual, it's pretty -- it's a downright "do". Bohemian braids make the grade every time.
Getting your hair braided by your BFF or braiding her hair is part of a young girl's rite of passage. Now that we're all grown up, youthful braided hairstyles are back in style for us adults. There are a million ways to work a braid whether it's inspired by Lauren Conrad's iconic French-braided bangs, (learn how to create the look by watching this braided hairstyle how-to video) or Nicole Richie's various boho braided looks. Braids are a fun, flirty, versatile hairstyle that can be worn casually for a day at the beach, in a more flirty way for a date, or even more polished for the office or a big event. Braided hairstyles are also a great way to make unwashed hair look beautiful. We personally love the messy, yet chic side braided hairstyle with face-framing loose curls. It pairs perfectly with beachy, tousled hair for a sunny summer day. For a little braid inspiration, check out this tutorial for the classic fishtail braid.
No matter the braided style you choose to try, here are a few quick tips on making any braid look perfect:
Tip 1: To create a sleek braid, comb through your hair first to smooth out any knots or tangles. Then apply a bit of shine-enhancing pomade to get rid of flyaways.
Tip 2: To create a messier braid, curl all of your hair before braiding with a large barrel iron then backcomb the curls slightly to create that messy volume.
Tip 3: After finishing any braid, spritz with flexible hairspray to help the look last. You can also add an accessory to your braids to up their cool-factor -- try a leather headband or glitzy flower pin.
One warning: not all braids are created equal � if they're not done well, they can look super sloppy or like a prom hairstyle gone wrong, quickly becoming a bad hair day for you. Take a look at the best and worst braided celebrity hairstyles that have graced Hollywood's red carpet.
Guess which of these celebs hit or missed the braided hairstyle trend: Mena Suvari, Kate Hudson, Elizabeth Banks, Leona Lewis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Price, Amanda Seyfried, Nicole Richie and Amy Smart.
