Laws of Couture: The "IT" Hair Style for Summer: Side Braids

Sunday, June 8

The "IT" Hair Style for Summer: Side Braids

Selena Gomez

A good braid is eternally chic and with summer quickly approaching, there's no easier way to get your hair off your back when the warm weather strikes. I've been obsessed with braids for the past year and after seeing Emma Stone’s side style at the 2014 Met Gala, I'm still loving them. Braids are not only feminine, but youthful and modern. The key to the look is a lived-in (slightly messy) texture so that the braid, even when it goes a bit more formal, has that "street style" feel.

Here are some tips from the experts at L'oreal Paris for rocking the side braid:

STEP 1: Apply L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray ($4.99) onto the roots of damp hair for dramatic lift.

STEP 2: Spray L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle TXT IT Tousle Waves Spray ($4.99) liberally all over the mid-length and ends, and rough-dried hair away from the face to build texture and volume, while still maintaining structure.

STEP 3: Once hair is dry, gently tease the crown for more height and backcomb throughout to build a solid foundation.

STEP 4: Start creating the wide, woven style from the left side, moving over to the right, making a side braid. Secure the end with a clear elastic, and allow pieces to fall out loosely around the face.

STEP 5: Spray L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume ($14.99) all over to lock in the style.

Below are my favorite red carpet styles this year. While each of the celebrities went for very different braid styles, their looks have two things in common: 1) They're not perfect—a little messy is sexy. And 2) They include some height at the top of the head. Keep these two things in mind and your side braids will be completely on-trend in the coming season.