100 Degree Hottie: Milk-Maid Braids

100 Degree Hottie: Milk-Maid Braids

The weather has actually taken a turn and it got a bit chilly for a few days, but it's now starting to spike back up in the 80's and 90's this week.

So for this first hairstyle- let me break it down:

-This is a hairstyle for medium to long hair

-Must know how to french braid

-Moderate difficulty (because at some point you have to change hand positions while braiding)

-You can totally wear this damp and release the braids for a wavy hairstyle at night.

So start with clean hair (either damp or dry). I opted for dry so I could get a really thick braid.

100 Degree Tip: If you use dry shampoo on clean hair right after you blowdry, you can prevent oil and actually get another day out of your hair.

Make a parting that's further over than you're used to. It creates a better volume at the start of your braid.

Start your braid with a pretty thick section, otherwise you have a few inches of a really tiny braid and it's not very flattering. I also opted for a 3-D braid, otherwise known as an underhand or Dutch braid. It makes the braid stand on top of the scalp and it makes a really cool effect. (Plus when you fluff it later, you still get the strong hold of a braid without getting pieces falling out).

This is kind of hard to show because I needed my other hand to take the picture but keep the braid close to your hairline, periodically stopping to fluff up your braid to make it a little thicker. You can do this by picking at the sides of the braid, or sticking your finger in the braid and lifting up from the scalp.

At some point (usually around the ears) you'll have to switch hand positions to get a better angle. I usually hold my sections really far apart from each other so I don't get lost when I switch hands. When you get to the center back of your head, braid the rest of your section as far as you can go and secure it with a rubber band.

 Go back through the braid and pick at the sides until you reach desired fluffiness. (A tip- pull the sides gently and slowly. You can always fluff more, but if you pull out a strand, it's hard as hell to put it back... unless you have a crochet hook I guess but who has those things lying around?!)

Repeat process on the other side- making sure to braid ALL the remaining hair. Secure with another elastic.

This was super difficult to get a picture of- but take one of the braids and create a loop, tucking the ends underneath the loop and secure with a couple bobby-pins. When you do the same to the other braid, try not to stack them on top of each other but make sure they are really close and touching to create the illusion of a messy bun.

So here's the back.

And the front.

Now you long haired gals can do the same style I did, or you can opt for something like this (this is a french braid version to show you guys the difference in looks).

(Note: This is a tiny bit more difficult as you'll change hand positions like 3 or 4 times).

 To finish your style like this:

Braid as before but instead of stopping at the center back, keep braiding completely around the hairline until there's no hair left to add in. Finish off the braid and secure with an elastic. (You should have a braided pony tail right over your eyes. You'll look crazy for a second, but I promise it comes together.)

Lay the braided tails of your hair behind the beginning of your french braid- tucking the ends under it. Secure with a few bobby pins so it doesn't slide out.

And that's it! Milk-maid style braids are really fun and they're great for being in the water, swim parks, sports- generally anything in hot weather because it keeps the hair away from your face and neck. 

(Just be sure to put sunscreen over your exposed neck and ears!)

-SamanthaK