June 1, 2010

In ancient Egypt, women wore long, braided wigs for special occasions. In China, braids were worn by single women, while both male and female Native American Indians from the Great Plains region sported the weaved hairstyle in the name of spirituality.

This year, braids are back and with styles like the fishtail (resembling a herringbone) and milkmaid (wrapped around the head), they provide the perfect way to keep hair tame during hot summer months. This season’s most popular version is most definitely the long, thick side braid, seen on the runways of Alexander Wang’s Spring/Summer 2010 shows. The models’ laid-back braids fell loose, had plenty of volume on top and a few flyaways, creating a sexy, sophisticated look. To achieve the braid of the moment, start with dirty hair and add a little mousse. Next, blow-dry your hair upside down to add volume. Then, flip your head over, create a side part, and begin to loosely braid your hair, securing the braid with a hair tie. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold it all in place. Stop by discount drugstore Schlecker for all the hair products necessary to make the perfect braid.