Weekly Trend: Braids All Grown-Up

Bella Bethesda Expert: Kristian

Thank you Katniss Everdeen for bringing the braid back! OK, maybe it never entirely left, but we love that braids are all the rage this summer. They're a great way to pull your hair back on hot days, and they always add a little whimsy to your look. Whether you have short, medium or long hair, Bella stylist Kristian has tips for incorporating braids into your summer do, without looking like you're headed off to recess!

Day-old hair often holds a braid better than just-washed, but you can always add a product that offers hold and texture, like Phyto's Fiber Paste to keep hair in place.

Short Hair: Even though you can't pull short hair all the way back into a braid, you can add playful braids to a down do. Part hair to one side and grab a one inch deep section. Start French braiding or creating a fishtail braid (directions are in "medium hair" below), staying as close to the original one inch deep section as possible as you incorporate more hair. Pin in place so that the pin is hidden underneath naturally cascading hair.

Medium Hair: To us, the fishtail braid screams runway. We love its carefree yet chic feel. To make a fishtail braid, part your hair down the middle, creating two large sections. Pull a thin strand of hair from the outside of the left section over to the right section. The skinnier the strand, the more intricate the braid. Do the same on the other side; pull a thin strand from the outside of the right section over to the left section. Repeat until you reach the end of your hair and secure with an elastic.

Long Hair: You can have lots of fun with braids in long hair. We like creating braids that frame the face and are tucked into messy buns. Try making a side French braid on one side of the head, incorporating more hair as you go along, until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with an elastic for temporary hold, and go back along the braid with your fingers, pulling evenly in various spots to loosen some strands. Then start rolling or tucking the braid into a bun, remove elastic when ready and secure in place with pins.