Try this simple half-up braid tutorial

This simple half-up braid tutorial has been on high rotation in my hair lately.

Whether I’m wearing my hair curly or straight, this quick and easy style is so easy to wear. I love it in second (or third) day hair. It’s perfect for hair that’s a bit too bedhead as it disguises all the kinks into a cool braid.

This style of braid is a Dutch braid. It’s the opposite of a French braid, sometimes called a reverse braid or inside out braid. It’s one of my favourite braids to wear as it stands out against my hair.

You could also try this style with a French braid or just a basic braid or plait pinned in place too. I love the asymmetrical style of this braid. Probably because I’m terrible at neat hairstyles. Embrace messy hair, I say!

Simple half-up braid tutorial

What you need:

• Small hair elastic – I love a clear band or choose a colour to match your hair.

Step-by-step tutorial:

1. Part your hair to the right, or whereever you like to part your hair. If you have a fringe / bangs then you can leave them out or include them in the braid.
2. Pick up a section of hair near your part and split it into three.
3. Begin your Dutch braid. Cross the right section under the middle, then the left under the right. On the next section, pick up some hair and add it into the braid.
4. Continue your braid diagonally across your head, adding in hair as you go.
5. Finish your braid at the back of your head. I like it to sit just under the occipital bone. That’s the bone you can feel jutting out at the back of your head.
6. Stretch out your braid! The most important step, as this makes your hair look thicker and really makes the braid stand out.

Styling Tips

• As you braid, add in hair to both sides, but only pick up small section on the left side. Add in larger section from the right, that is the top of your head. Under your braid, just add in small section to keep your braid in place.
• Use a small hair elastic. You don’t want a big neon hair elastic to stand out in the finished style. Pick a small hair band to match your hair colour so that it’s almost invisible in the finished hairstyle.
• Variations – you could add in a second braid from the other side as well to meet the first braid at the back of your head. If you have really long hair you could turn it into a half crown braid and wrap the braid around your head. Customise this braid to suit your hair!

Do you like this braid? Would you wear it in your hair? I’d love to see a photo if you try it, you can tag me on instagram with #hairromance.

Or leave me a comment letting me know how you’d style this braid tutorial in your hair. Have fun with your hair!