Mermaid braids are one of the most coveted bridal hairstyles. The whimsical swept tresses are best described as an upgraded French braid. This look can be dressed up for a formal affair or worn loosely to complement a casual setting.
If you already know the basics of braiding and have some knowledge of the French braid, then it will be a breeze to pull off. The technique behind the braid is exactly the same as a French braid, but when strands are pulled in, they are thinner and smaller, allowing the hair underneath to show through. This gives a more intricate and detailed look as each individual piece is much more visible.
Mastering the mermaid braid
Practise regular French braiding first. Take your time to ensure you have the basics down. Once you feel comfortable braiding, follow these steps to master the mermaid.
- Start with a deep side part and pull all hair over the opposite shoulder.
* - Divide out a section of hair at the back of the head on the heavy side of the part.
* - Divide this into three pieces for the braid.
* - Cross the back strand over the middle.
* - Cross the front strand over the middle.
* - Cross the back strand over the middle, and then bring in a small section of hair directly below where the braid began.
* - Cross the front strand over the middle and add in a small section of hair directly in front of the braid.
* - Repeat steps six and seven, pulling in skinny sections until the braid reaches the bottom of the hair.
* - Once all the hair is braided, tie off the end with an elastic band.
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More Braids to Try
- Headband French braid – Begin by parting the hair on the left side. French braid only the front portion of hair, following along the hairline and securing behind the ear with two criss-crossed hair pins.
* - Half-up side French braids – To achieve this style, part the hair on either the side or in the middle and French braid each side back until they meet in the middle. Secure with either a clear elastic band or hairpins.
* - Single French braid – This is a classic French braid and is done by sectioning off the hair on the top of the head and braiding down towards the nape of the neck; securing the end with an elastic band.
* - Double French braids – Start with a middle part down to the nape of the neck. Tie off the right side. French braid the left side down to the nape of the neck; securing with an elastic band. Repeat the same process on the other side.
* - Double French braids into a bun – Complete style No. 4. Criss-cross the tails horizontally so they form an “x.” Wrap them up and inwards, towards each other, tucking the hair under and pinning in place.
* - Diagonal French braid – Start by parting the hair on the left side. French braid the hair down toward the right ear and then down towards the left side. Secure the hair with an elastic at the nape of the neck.
* - Diagonal French braid into a side braid – Complete style No. 6. Continue braiding the hair down, wrapping it over the left shoulder and securing with a clear elastic band at the ends.
* - Diagonal French braid to a bun – Complete style No. 6. When you reach the bottom of the left ear, wrap the hair into a bun and secure in place with an elastic band.
* - Front French braid – Complete style No. 1. When you reach the top of the ear, gently trail hair from the left side of the head across to the right side and secure into the braid. Continue working down until you reach the bottom and secure the end with an elastic band.
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10. Head braid – Begin the French braid behind the left ear, braiding up along the hairline then moving down to the back of the head and finishing on the left side again. Wrap any excess braid behind the first braid and pin in place.
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11. Mohawk French braid to a bun – Section-off a piece of hair from the front hairline. French braid along the top of the head. Gather the rest of the hair up into a high messy bun and secure with an elastic.
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12. Upside down French braided bun – Begin by flipping the head over and comb the hair down in the opposite direction. Take a section of hair at the nape of the neck and French braid toward the top of the head. Gather all the hair into an elastic and wrap into a messy bun.
Styling tips for bridal hair
Work with hair that hasn’t been cleaned for a day or two so your natural oils will help the style stay in place. You can also mist hair with a texturizing spray.
Spritz your hair with water before beginning the braid to create a sleeker style.
Mist with hairspray before running out the door to ensure the style stays in place throughout the day.
Source: Latest-Hairstyles.com.
