Braids, oh so underappreciated... until now...

I felt very vindicated [in my love for braids] when I was reading a style article the other day about how braids are very in this season. I had read so many fashion articles on how braids are dowdy, braids are old, braids are plain, braids are unflattering that I had almost given up hope for my favorite go-to hairstyle. And though this article did only praise loose over-the-shoulder braids (combined with long bangs), I am hopeful that braids really are making a comeback. I feel that their old-fashioned look isn't dowdy, it is elegant, and remininscent of vikings and medieval princesses. And who wouldn't want to be a viking warrior woman or a medieval princess? Really. And guys like them to. Guys like no-nonsense styles that flatter a woman's face and figure and, yes, look a little bit romantic! I feel that modern stylists get too caught up in using hairspray and pins and making sure every hair is in place. But messy hair is sexy. What man wants to mess with stiff sprayed hair or pins during a makeout session? And what girl want to have a guy touch her hair and say, "It's so... stiff." Again, really. Hairstylists of the world: make it simple.

Greek braid: "Gaia the Earth Goddess"

Here is a style my friend Kate made. I can't do it on myself, but it is really lovely and much like styles on Greek and Roman statues. It would also be great for a Renaissance Faire. I think Kate even looks like the pictures of Gaia in my elementary school history textbooks...

Goddess Braid

Here is my favorite new do. It does require a trip to Claire's or Icing, but is well worth the nominal amount of money. It gives you a mature earth-mother-like feel and a sweet sprightliness all at once. And so I call it the Goddess Braid, or perhaps plait would be more appropriate. Anywhoo, what you need from Claires are some small fabric flowers (you could use feather flowers I guess, or a different color of them) and some little spirally things that have a jewel in the center. these you can twist into your hair and I have never seen them anywhere but Claire's. If you know where else to get them please comment and tell me. I currently only have diamond and red ones and am looking for pearl ones (which were discontinued at Claire's boo hoo). If there is no Claire's near you try a Fuego; they have some pretty sweet hair stuff too. The flowers should cost no more than $5 total and the hair spirals are usually about $12.50 (though they are always on sale). Good luck with this simple style and enjoy!

Lovely French Braid

Here is a great style Sami from my Freshman Foundations Course made. She said it doesn't take long to make, but I know it would take me hours. I thought it was just beautiful and could work for any occasion, especially a Renaissance Faire or toga party. It would also work with any length of hair.


(Photos by Sami.)

"Lucrezia Borgia" : elegance mixed with poison

Here is a style for any hair type, although your hair has to be at least to your shoulder blades to do this one.

It is an Italian Renaissance do that can be modified to accommodate hair length. You can use ribbons or not. I find it difficult to braid ribbons into my hair because for the first few inches, they want to fall out of the braid. After that, the tightness of the braid holds them in.

Directions:
~part hair in the middle or to the side (I did side. It is more flattering) and make two small braids with front hair (ribbons optional)
~split hair down back to make two braids over your shoulders. Put the small braids in the back strand of the big braid and make sure this back strand goes underneath the others as you start braiding
~secure both braids with bands at bottom
~bring braids to back of head and cross them over, bringing the ends to the top of your head
~fold the ends over underneath the braids
~secure in place with hair pins (making sure your hairbands don't show like mine do here!)

Modifications: If your hair is too long to do this, you can cross the braids over and then spiral them into a bun in the middle back of your head. If you can't do ribbons, you can attach pearls or beads to bobby pins with string and secure these in your do so they hang free and sparkle in the sunlight.

Now you're ready to dazzle all the knights at the Renn Faire!