This Waterfall Braid Will Outshine the Fireworks This Weekend

Updated on 7/1/2015 at 10:00 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

One lesson we've learned over the years is that braids never go out of style. One of the most popular plaits on our Pinterest page right now is the waterfall, but a basic cascading braid is so two years ago (as if). That's why we had T3 stylist and Chrissy Teigen's mane man, David Lopez, remix the look into a half-up hairstyle. But the hidden gem in this hair tutorial is David's curling tips. It turns out the secret to perfect waves is all in your technique! Get the full braid breakdown and more when you keep reading.

Step 1

Wrap a one-inch section of hair around a medium-sized curling iron like the T3 Twirl 360 ($230). Make sure to use the entire length of the wand to create a spiral shape around the barrel. Hold the hair there for 30 seconds, then unwind the curl to create a rope-like tendril before sliding out the ends.

T3 Tourmaline Twirl 360 Motion-Sensing Auto-Rotating Curling Iron

From

$230

Step 2

Spritz waves with a strong-hold hair spray like Kevin Murphy Session Spray ($28, salons only).

Kevin Murphy Session Spray

From

$28

Step 3

Comb out the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Step 4

Create a center part, and begin a waterfall braid. This plait is a modified french braid, where you let one section drop down. Get the full step-by-step instructions in our easy waterfall how-to.

Step 5

Finish off each waterfall braid with a regular three-strand plait. Secure with a clear elastic. These two ends will crisscross in the back to come around to the front.

Step 6

Fold the ends of each braid under and secure with a bobby pin near the temples. The second braid should sit just under the waterfall detail.