Crown Braid Photo Tutorial

I first saw this braid on Instagram and instantly fell in love knowing (one day) I would recreate it! I thought I saved it, but when I went back and looked apparently I did not. Fail. I had to use my forgetful mom brain to recreate it from memory. I’ve had long hair pretty much my entire life, except for the one time in high school where I cut it all off into a pixie cut. Not the best choice for a girl with super thick, wavy hair!! My mama tried to tell me, but I was too smart to listen. Over the past 16 years I've worn my hair in the same three styles: straight, curled, or pony. I don't try and rock the boat much. But recently I took my deep brown locks to a melted blonde balayage and it seriously stirred the creative bug inside me. I've been so inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and be more creative with my hair styles.

Enter braids. PS: I believe somewhere in a past life I was a hippy because I’m beyond obsessed with the easy, comfortable, effortless bohemian style! This braid headband is super, duper easy. I think it took me 10 minutes from start to finish and that included curling my hair. Because the braid needs to go from behind one ear to behind the other, I would recommend this for ladies with medium to hair or at least past your shoulders.

These are the supplies I used:

flat iron root lifter bobby pins hair spray Also a quick note I’m no hair stylist. There may be a more technical way to achieve this look, but this is the "I only have 10 minutes before the next person screams my name" version. More than anything, I’m having FUN stepping out of my comfort zone and learning and creating fun new hair styles!

Step 1. Curl hair in small pieces. I used a flat iron because I think these give a more realistic beach wave than a wand or a curling iron. Obviously use what you have access to or are more comfortable using. I say small pieces because the messier the better. We definitely going for an an unfinished look. Once entire head it curled, I sprayed root lifter on my hands, rubbed together, and then squeezed my hair upwards with my hands. (Sorry I didn’t take pics of this process. Does that make sense???) I squeeze my roots upwards first and then work my hands down my hair until I’m at the ends squeezing upwards. Step 2. Flip hair over to the side and grab the section of hair directly behind your ear. Depending on how think you want your braid will determine the amount of hair you grab. Brush through gently to remove tangles.

Step 3. I suggest doing an under braid for a better hold and flatter braid look. Basically instead of moving your left and right pieces on top of the middle piece of the braid, you go under with it. I braided while my head was to the side and moved the braid with the curve of my head.

Step 4. After the braid is finished, hold the end lightly and begin pulling out the sides of the braid. This makes the braid look more full and gives it that unfinished look we are going for.

Step 5. Secure with bobby pins behind the opposite ear. If (and when) I wear this out for a long evening, I would probably secure throughout the braid to give it a stiffer hold.

Step 6. Spray with hair spray and fluff you hair. You can go back and gently pull some of the sections of the braid to make it more even. I also back comed some of the long pieces just to make it a bit bigger (the bigger the hair the closer to Jesus!)

After that you are all done! If you do try out this fun braid please tag me on Instagram @mirandasouthern!! I’d love to your recreations and how you make it uniquely yours!!

#hair