Photos: Jane Houle
Updated French Braid Tutorial

Prep:
The key to this look is to arrive at the perfect dry matte texture prior to braiding. In order for the look to have staying power as well as the required imperfectly-perfect flyaways, you need some sort of texturizing product. Start with dry hair and then generously layer a dry shampoo of your choice from roots to ends. At Michael Kors, Orlando’s team used the hair maestro’s own Orlando Pita Revive Instant Boost Dry Shampoo.

Style:

  1. Another important element to keep in mind is the starting point. Gather three, one-inch sections of hair—one from either side of the head and one from the center of the head and begin crossing under (not over, like in a traditional French braid) starting at the crown.
  2. Gather a new section of hair every time you cross a section.  The width of the section you gather will dictate the thickness of the braid. Be sure to use a firm hand and keep your motions sure and tight.
  3. Once you have braided the length of the hair, secure the ends with a clear elastic.
  4. Tuck the braid under and secure at the nape of the neck with a few bobby pins.
  5. Gently use your fingertips and go against the grain of the hair to create a few purposeful flyaways. Spray with a bit of hairspray.  Tresemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray is a great one.

Thank you to Andrea Donoghue from White Rose Collective, a full service beauty agency offering hair and makeup services, for helping us create our lovely French braid, and be sure to check out our version of a waterfall braid.