The scene
on
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Parlor Dry Bar tries out the latest braided styles. (clockwise from left) Three dutch braids weave into a bun; a “down” braid is weaved into a fishtail; a full, texturized braid keeps hair up when temperatures go up.
Three Tips for Beautiful Braids
1. Get your hands dirty. Day-old hair holds best, so plan on styling the day after a shampoo. If greasy roots take hold, use a texturizing spray like Bumble and bumble’s dryspun – it works like a lightweight hairspray and creates a malleable texture for hair to stick.
Plait and Serve
Keep Cool with the Latest Braided Styles By Karlie Justus Marlowe / Photography By Davies Photography Just call it the Elsa effect. Gone are the days of the simple three-part weave or the prim and proper French versions of braiding, thanks in part to the Frozen character’s catchy rocket to fame and her intricate, over-the-shoulder power plait. Now, the only limits are your fingers’ dexterity. There’s the waterfall braid, which spans ear to ear and seems to flow like its namesake; the dutch braid, an inverse of the normal braid; and the endless combination of braids within braids. The many variations are a natural way to show off highlights and bright colors. And the style isn’t just for long hair – braids can be a way to showcase shorter cuts as a great way to tuck in pieces and master loose flyaways, or a savior for the in-between stages of growing out bangs around the hairline and crown. “Combining braids is popular for special events like weddings, galas and prom, and we’re seeing more highfashion looks with volume and texture” said Kelly Thompson, marketing director at Parlor Dry Bar. “Whatever ideas people bring in, we’re always down for the challenge.” Since opening in August of last year after a pop-up “dry” run on Lake Boone Trail, Parlor has been an anchor in the new wing of Cameron Village, offering only blowouts and styling for men and women – no cuts or color. Owners Emily Cutts and Allison Conley had worked in cities like Washington, DC and 24 | midtownmag.com
2. Recruit models – and mirrors. Even the pros have to practice on models, since everyone’s hair length and texture is different. Try out the braid on a friend before tackling your own head, and have a mirror handy to review your work from all angles. 3. Embrace the mess. Feathered, textured versions of braids are in style, so don’t expect perfection. Rough up the braid for texture, and pull out pieces to frame the face.
New York, where dry bars have become staples in women’s beauty routines – but were nowhere to be found in the Triangle. “They wanted to provide an affordable luxury, a moment out of the day to enjoy,” said Kelly Thompson, Parlor’s marketing director. “It’s also healthy for hair to get a regular scrubbing and conditioning.” On top of beachy waves and top-knots, the salon has also become known for its wide range of braided styles. Three of its most popular styles, the crown braid, down braid and fishtail, are listed on its regular services menu, but Thompson credits popular social sharing site Pinterest with the recent explosion of intricate designs and combinations. “Most braid styles were invented by trial and error,” said Thompson. “Don’t be afraid to try it out.”