6 Simple Steps to a Romantic Side Braid!

ByPia Bhattacharya,SELF magazine

Ever since Alexander Wang sparked a slew of long, romantic side braids back in Spring 2010, the look has taken on a life of its own. This season, we loved the disheveled side braids and coral lips that graced the runway at the Lela Rose Spring 2011 Collection.

The look was even popular among guests at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Here's how you can create the style at home.

This style works great on long hair, but don't be afraid to experiment if your hair is on the shorter side:


1. Part your hair on the side. If you have bangs, choose the side opposite them.
2. Separate hair into three parts, Take one two - three inch pieces of hair from the front of your hair on either side and gather the rest of your hair in the middle down your back.
3. Pull this middle section to the side opposite your part, split it into three sections and braid it (if you prefer a fishtail braid it'll look fab, too!)
4. Gently push the braid up between your thumb and index fingers using both hands to give it a chunky, loose look.
5. Take the two front sections, spray them with a light hold hairspray and tease them up gently. Pull each section back loosely and fasten the ends with bobby pins back underneath the braid so the pins are hidden.
6. Spray your hair with a finishing mist.

If you loved the coral lips at Lela Rose try completing the look with one of our faves - Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Kiss Me Coral (about $5). It's bright and bold so go minimal on the makeup. With this look, you're sure to make heads turns!

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Photo Credit: WWD