Braids, Braids, Braids!

Kate Hudson 

Mary Kate Olsen and Blake Lively with tiny braids

Isla Fisher

Hayden Panettiere, Mary Kate Olsen, Sarah Jessica Parker

A great way to spice up the hairstyle you already have is to try adding a braid.  This works on almost any hair length.  It is also a great way to squeeze one more day out of your blowout!  If you are not too sure about the braids, first try out some tiny ones like Blake Lively's.  Start with a pencil-size section of hair about an inch or two away from your face in the part. lift away from the rest of the hair and braid.  Secure with a clear or rubber elastic.  This looks very cute when you pile the rest of your hair in a messy bun, too.  If you know how to french braid, try doing a braid across the front of your hair like Hayden Panettiere.  Start with a deep part, and section the hair from the hairline to about 1 and 1/2 inch away from hairline.  I prefer to braid "inside out" so you get a raised braid, almost like a cornrow.  Secure behind your ear with an elastic.  Sometimes it is easier to braid towel dried hair to keep it smooth.  Start with a light styling cream, do the braid, then let the rest of the hair air dry.  When it is dry, take a curling iron or flat iron and spiral some loose waves onto the top layer of your hair.  Don't worry about it being too perfect, a little messiness is a good thing.  And....  Voila!  Gorgeous, stylish hair with little effort!