Hairstyles by Myself: Trendy Fishtail Braid

Braided hairstyles are "in" this season and it's essential to know how to create your own fishtail (or herringbone) braid.  This look throws a spin on the classic braid and turns it into a modern and chic statement.  It's also surprisingly simple to do—you're sure to get the hang of it right away.  Depending on what accessories you use, it can be dressed more formally or casually.  No matter what the circumstance though, you're sure to get noticed for wearing such a unique and beautiful hairdo!

Step One:  Start with dry and detangled hair.
Step Two:  If you want, add an accessory such as a headband or hair clip before you braid so that you don't mess up the style later.
Step Three:  Bring all of your hair over to one shoulder and divide it in half.
Step Four:  With your fingers, separate a small piece of hair from the front section and pass it to the other side.

 Step Five:  Take a piece of hair from the back section and pass it to the front (hint: smaller hair pieces will create a more intricate braid and larger ones will create a chunkier braid).
Step Six:  Repeat this process of passing hair back and forth between the two large sections of hair.
Step Seven:  Once you reach the end of the braid, secure it with an elastic (I used a clear one so that it wouldn't be as noticeable).
Step Eight:  For a softer look, gentle tug the sides of the braid to loosen it a bit and you're done!

This hairstyle is so versatile—it can be soft and loose or chunky and edgy—depending on your style!  I'd love to know how you would style your braids in the comments below.

Another (equally cute) variation of this hairstyle is to section off a small piece of hair from the top of your head and braid it fishtail style.  If you have shorter hair that can't be put into a side braid, this is a great style to try!  As you can see, there are endless ways to style this type of braid and I hope you find one that works for you.  I'd love to hear how you will throw your own spin on this braid in the comments below.

Try something new,

Kelly

Hairstyles by Myself: Twisty Little Bun

This simple twist on a bun hairstyle is a great way to make a subtle statement and keep the hair out of your face.  Bonus: If you don't know how to french braid this is a great hairstyle to try because it has the same modeled look, but is a lot easier!  Also, it lets you inch in another day out of your blow dry.  However, if you do this hairstyle on wet hair, you'll achieve pretty beach waves when you undo it later.  This is the perfect holiday party hairstyle as well and to gussy it up even further, you can accessorize with headbands and hair clips (check out my previous DIY's to learn how to make these!)

Step One:  Start with tangle-free hair.

Step Two:  To texturize, scrunch hair with hands, using a product if necessary.

Step Three:  Section off a small piece of hair at the top of the head and divide it in half.  Twist the two pieces of hair together and add more hair to one section.

Step Four:  Continue the same process of twisting and adding hair down your head.

Step Five:  Twist and add hair along the back of your head, near the hairline, until you run out of hair.

Step Six:  Using an elastic, secure the hair at the base of the twist, creating a ponytail.

Step Seven:  Twist your ponytail into a bun.

Step Eight:  Place bobby pins along the base of the bun to keep it in place.

Step Nine:  Accessorize by adding a headband or hair clip as shown above (optional).

Step Ten:  Apply hairspray to keep style in place and fluff the twist for a softer look (optional).

This was my first attempt at a hair DIY and it was a lot of fun to put together!  I hope this tutorial helped you create a beautiful hairstyle—I'd love to hear your feedback and see pics of what you've created on my Facebook page!  Also, let me know if you'd like to see more segments of "Hairstyles by Myself" in the future!

Thanks for stopping by,

Kelly