PRETTY PRACTICAL

PRETTY PRACTICAL

Unfussy French braid

Thetightly woven version you wore when you were little is a pain to re-create.Today’s mussed-up interpretation looks cooler—andyouwon’t need your mom to helpyou.

RUNWAY INSPIRATION

Models at the Suno spring 2016 show looked sporty-sophisticated with chignoninspired French braids topped with casual, elastic headbands.

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Weave in and out

Divide hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections. Take the left section of hair and cross it over the center and below the right sections, as you would with a regular braid. As you continue, use your index fingers to pull in new pieces of hair to each side section before crossing them. Don’t stress if bumps form—the front will get covered. Once you reach the nape of your neck, secure hair with an elastic, letting the tail hang loose.

Written by Heather Muir Photograph by Molly Cranna

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Make waves

Mist a texturizing spray all over dry hair and scrunch to create a rumpled, beachy look. Try L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Air-Blown Texture Mist ($5 at drugstores).If you have a few flyaways, let them be—they’ll contribute to the lived-in feel.

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Band together

Slide on a stretchy black headband (yes, like what you wear to wash your face and work out). Try the Scunci Effortless Beauty Headband ($6 for five at Walmart). Position it an inch past your hairline. In addition to dressing down the braid and corralling strays, it conceals greasy roots when you have no time to shampoo.