Everyone loves a pretty braid, but creating perfectly smooth plaits is difficult, verging on well-nigh impossible for those of us with layers. Which is why the disheveled braids coming down the runway are good news. They're pretty and fashion forward, but they allow for plenty of loose strands, not-quite-right crossovers, and stuck-out pieces, too. It's a braid new world, so don't be afraid to Read more

From the front, stars looked divine at the Critics' Choice Awards, but once they turned around, many wore coiffures impressive enough to take your breath away. There were pretty plaits and there were tousled twists, but most of all, these were some of the coolest red-carpet styles we've seen in one place. Take a look at the ones that stood out most. Read more

Move over, headbands. This year's hair trends were all about colorful contrasts, whether it was ombré streaks, multihued feather extensions, or bold, bright streaks. And while braids were hotter than ever, stars found creative ways to wear them, weaving their stylish plaits throughout their elegant updos. See nine of 2011's hugest hair trends, and be sure to vote on your favorite one at the end. Read more

Braids are a pretty big deal around here, and although they're always popular, 2011 was a huge year for plait lovers. We saw everything from a sudden fad for rainbow-colored braids to messy fishtails and "hidden" plaits. Which look deserves to be called the best, though? Check out the year's best trends and decide for yourself. Read more

Fishtail braids are hotter than ever. And while a popular way is to wear them is tousled and off to the side, here's something else you can do to make these pretty plaits all the more interesting: just add color. To re-create the look, all you need is a few color clip-on hair extensions and a touch of dexterity. You're well on your way to some rather festive fishtailing. Read more

Move over ombré, there's a new trend in town: the braided updo. We've seen lots of stars sporting similar looks as of late, and now Nikki Reed is the latest to join the plaited bunch. At last night's Just Dance 3 launch in LA, Nikki donned a series of braids that, while a little more difficult to re-create, can be easier to achieve if you think of it in sections. See it all broken down for you Read more

With colorful hues and Aztec-style prints, Mara Hoffman's Spring 2012 collection had a Mexican element woven throughout; and, her beauty team was on hand to mirror this aesthetic. Tigi's European creative director, Nick Irwin, worked with Hoffman to incorporate fabric from each models' clothing into high-ponytail plaits, creating a flow upward, elongating the face. "I wanted something that was a Read more

At the 2011 Cannes Film Festival premiere for Sleeping Beauty, Diane Kruger debuted what may be her most innovative hairstyle yet: a textured, tousled plait that was part fishtail braid, part pin curl, and 100 percent cool. To get the look, start by spritzing a texturizing spray into dry hair. Leave out sections of hair in both the front and on top, braiding the back into a loose side braid. Read more

She definitely has a flair for fashion, and over the course of her time in the spotlight, Diane Kruger has really mastered the art of the braid. We've seen her in everything from elegant updo braids to fishtail braids. Take a look at her perfect plaits and find out how to get the look at home. Read more

With her ample intelligence and style to match, Diane Kruger never fails to impress and inspire. The German-born actress and former model has become a fashion industry darling, picking up beauty campaigns and serving as a friend and muse to Karl Lagerfeld. While we love drooling over Diane's enviable outfits, we're most fascinated by her perfect plaits, and her ability to transform her look with Read more