Braided Updo For Long Or Very Long Hair

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges people with long hair have is to discover easy, but beautiful hairstyles.

One popular hairstyle for long or very long hair is a braided updo which is wrapped to form a beautiful braided tower of hair tucked closely to the head.

How To Style Instructions:

Follow the steps below to re-create this hairstyle which requires below the shoulders or longer hair.

1. Cleanse hair with desired cleansing methods ranging from Diluted Shampoo (DS), Conditioner Only (CO), Water Only (WO) or a combination.

2. Rinse cleanser from hair and apply a rinse out conditioner from the ears down to the ends.

3. Use your fingers or a long hair friendly wide tooth comb to detangle your hair. Work from the ends down. Take your time and detangle completely.

4. Finish with a cool or cold water rinse to close cuticles and add shine.

5. Air dry hair, or if desired, use a long finger diffuser to encourage natural waves or texture.

6. Once hair is completely dry use fingers or a hair friendly detangling comb and separate hair into three sections. The center section should equal 60% of the hair and the side sections should each have 20% each. In essence, the middle section will be the thickest section.

7. Braid the the middle section of hair into a traditional three strand braid. To dress up the look add a decorative piece of ribbon to one strands and braid as if the ribbon was part of the hair. If you want the ribbon to be visible, be sure to use shiny ribbon or wrap it so that it shows on the outside of the braid.

8. Braid until you reach the end of the section. Secure the end of the braid with a hair friendly elastic.

9. Lift the braid at the end and wrap it in a clockwise direction into a circular bun. Secure with hair friendly bobby pins in the same color as your hair.

10. Once the middle section is braided and wrapped, take one of the two remaining side sections. Create a simple three strand braid. Hold the section of hair up and out so that the finished braid will wrap snugly around the head. You may add ribbons if desired.

11. Secure the end of the braid. Wrap the new braid around your head. Place the braid approximately a third of the way between the bun and the hairline. Allow some space between the newly created bun and the side braid, except at the nape where they will touch. If your hair is not long enough, you could also pin it next to the bun. Secure with pins.

12. Repeat the same steps with the last remaining section but in the opposite direction. Wrap the braid approximately halfway between the last braid and the hairline. If you prefer you can twist the hair tightly instead of braiding it. Another option is to use rope braids which can create a completely different but elegant look.

13. For added shine and hold apply a tiny bit of shine serum, spray or cream to the palms of your hands and massage together. Swipe the palms of your hands over the top of the finished updo.

14. Experiment with hair accessories instead of intertwined ribbons.

Summary

The key to this hairstyle for long or very long hair is to experiment and try out different twists and braids. Start with a traditional three strand English or Dutch braid. You may also want to experiment with French braids or rope braids. You can combine different braids together.

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- Revised Publication Date: 02/05/11

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