How to Get the Oversize Braid From Pinterest Without a Weave
:upscale()/2015/11/03/449/n/1922153/7a10cf27_edit_img_cover_file_38958008_1446498391_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_205.jpg)
Step 1: you see an amazing, fat braid you love on Pinterest (that would look so good on you). Step 2: you attempt to DIY the style at home (you're optimistic). Step 3: you end up with a limp, tangled version of what was supposed to be a dutch braid (grrr). We've just described every time we try to do something other than a basic ponytail to our hair.
Why do bloggers' braids look fabulous and yours fall flat? Extensions. Yes, your favorite looks often require a few clip-ins to achieve that thick, chunky appearance, but not this side dutch braid. This is one plait you can create without the added help of weave.
The key to getting this voluminous, 3D look is all in the way you loosen the twisted style. If you've ever tried to fatten up a plait, you know it can go from fluffed to frizzy with just one wrong tug. T3 celebrity hairstylist David Lopez, who has worked with stars like Chrissy Teigen, breaks down his technique ahead.
Makeup by Maya Calhoun of Stylisted.
:upscale()/2015/11/02/921/n/1922153/3f400b3609123e38_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_155.jpg)
Step 1: Part
Give the hair texture by making loose waves with a curling wand. Start by making a deep side part that goes from hairline to crown. Then, make another diagonal part that extends from the center of the forehead to the crown. This will be the section for your braid.
:upscale()/2015/11/02/921/n/1922153/bbd46171175bdd81_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_148.jpg)
Step 2: Braid
Create a dutch braid from hairline to crown, making sure the plait is closest to the diagonal part. Don't braid too tightly, or it will be hard to expand later. Tie off the ends with a rubber band once you get to the crown.
:upscale()/2015/11/03/487/n/1922153/3ff1ddb2_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_172.jpg)
Step 3: Finish
Open up the braid starting at the bottom near the hair tie and gently pull the outer edges of each loop. Tug the hair at the top toward the hairline and pin the braid in place over the diagonal part to hide the scalp.
:upscale()/2015/11/02/921/n/1922153/e4f7e68ab79dc032_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_193.jpg)
The Finished Look
As a finishing touch, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic.
:upscale()/2015/11/03/487/n/1922153/97bfa0b0_HAIR_HACKS_OCT15_188.jpg)
:upscale()/2015/11/16/892/n/1922153/dd6b3722_PS15_Beauty_DIYDutchSideBraid_Pin_Teaser_1_.jpg)