The beauty of a messy side braid is there's really no wrong way to do it. Copy this look by first creating a smaller braid to weave into the larger one, or skip right to the side braid. Sprinkling in Fudge Urban Powder Styler, $8.79, will help give hair some grip while adding volume for the perfect, textured look. And since it soaks up excess oil like a dry shampoo, you'll have perfect, beachy waves the next day, too.
Get fancy with your ponytail by adding a braid to the back. Once you've slicked your hair back into a high ponytail, follow these steps for a fishtail braid. Then, simply finish with a light mist of hairspray.
This fishtail option works on shorter hair just as well as it does long. Use a texturizing spray like Garnier De-Contructed Texture Tease Dry Touch Finish Spray, $4.29, throughout the hair. Make two low fishtail braids on either side of the head. Then, wrap them around each other at the back of the head, securing with bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray.
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Pigtails for Grown-ups
For a braided hairstyle that won't budge, we're all about these fishtail buns. Part the hair down the center and create a low ponytail on each side. Braid each section and secure with an elastic before wrapping each braid into a tight knot and pinning it in place.
If a slicked-back French twist isn't in your hair repertoire, don't worry. The reason this twist looks so cool is because it has a textured, loose finish. This style works best on hair that's all one length -- or has just a few shorter layers around the face. Load up on hairspray (and pins) in the back. Then, let a few loose, face-framing pieces fall around the front.
