Like most of the epic braids we envy [1], we first spotted the cage braid on Instagram [2]. The plait is a combination of the classic french and a fishtail. A central braid sits between little waterfalls of hair that move from the outside in. The finished plait looks just like a ribcage. At first glance, it seems impossible to do at home, but it is a lot easier to achieve than it looks (we promise!). T3 celebrity hairstylist David Lopez [3] broke down the twisted style into three simple steps ahead.
Makeup by Maya Calhoun [4] of Stylisted [5].
Step 1: Section Off Hair
Make a middle part and divide hair into three sections: two from hairline to crown and one large back section. Start a french braid at the very top of the crown section.
Step 2: Weave In Hair
This is where the braid takes the form of a fishtail. As you continue down the hair, you want to add in small pieces of hair from the two front sections. Just like in the classic fishtail braid [6], you want to grab hair from the outermost section over, but leave it loose.
The Braid
Once you've added all the hair in, the braid looks like a medieval version of the french braid.
Step 3: Pin Up
To reveal the "cage," lift the braid at the crown and insert a bobby pin. This creates separation between the central plait and the hair underneath, giving the style a 3D ribcage effect.
The Finished Cage Braid
The Finished Look
Pin It!
