The Headband Braid

After the reign of the long, maxi-braid worn down the side (brought to the summit of its popularity last summer thanks to the Alexander Wang show), it is now the turn of the headband braid to take over, conferring an irresistible little Grecian goddess air to the fashionistas.

Already seen in 2009 on Sienna Miller and Pixie Geldof, the headband braid (aka, the wrap-around braid) has recently distinguished itself on the fashion week catwalks. During the last shows, two types of hair braid crowns saw the light of day: at Emmanuel Ungaro, the smooth and polished braid saw its serious character debauched with funky accessories; whereas at Erdem, the braid took on a nonchalant look, easily reproduced by putting Nordic princess hairstyle in place just before going to bed.

This being said, we can also choose an midpoint option by not pulling the hair too tight and by braiding just-washed hair in order to obtain that sophisticated yet natural result.

This new hairstyle may be a part of the next summer trends, but it would be a pity to wait until then to start playing with it, given that several fashionistas have already tried it with very positive results.

At a time when women's hairstyles are going in all directions, the braid could be a good way to avoid spending two hours in front of the mirror with a round brush in one hand and blow dryer in the other in quest of a star look. In fact, contrary to the blow-drying technique (which is not so easy to master), nothing is easier than to go Grecian goddess after getting used to braiding.

The question is, what to wear to sublimate these natural diadems. Next summer, any white, evanescent ensemble might do, but the current wintry weather requires putting a bit more thought into our wardrobe.

Verdict: this kind of hairstyle would go well with a dress-down chic look -- the braid will bring out the sophisticated details in the ensemble. The headband braid will go well with a touch of leopard, a bit of waxed leather (or worn brocade), a zest of fur or a scrap of folk print.

Click here for a DIY manual on the headband braid:
http://chroniqueblonde.blogspot.com/coiffure-la-couronne-de-tresses