The smooth low-slung braid that’s effortlessly chic
The perfect ‘I just woke up like this’ hairstyle
The perfect ‘I just woke up like this’ hairstyle
No doubt a topknot ranks highly as your favourite throw-up-and-go hairstyle. But if you want something that’s equally functional but a little more pretty and feminine, then try a smooth braid. Refined and tidy on top but dishevelled through the lengths, it’s a hairstyle that nails that effortlessly chic ‘I woke up like this’ vibe.
1
Prep with products
“Towel-dry hair to 30 per cent dry,” suggests Simon Bright, Creative Director at Jonny + June Hair. Then “use a heat-protect blow-dry cream,” he says. If your hair is frizzy or wavy, Bright advises “adding an anti-humectant from roots to ends and comb through”. Try Kérastase L’incroyable Blowdry.
2
Blow-dry and smooth the surface
“Using a paddle brush, section hair and blow-dry flat to the head,” says Bright. “Your natural thickness will create the body.” Try ghd Paddle Brush.
3
Iron hair for a sleek finish
“Use an iron to smooth hair flat,” Bright says. For a chic wet-gloss look, he recommends applying a hair oil or oil-cream “to the root area only”. Try L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Oil-in-Cream.
4
Speed-braid the ends
Tie hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck before plaiting and tying at the end. No need to be a perfectionist here – keeping your hair smooth up top will ensure you look ‘done’, no matter how messy you make your braid. A glossing spray will stop fly-aways. Try Eleven Australia Make Me Shine Spray Gloss.
If you're looking to improve your blow-drying game, then you can't pass up these secret to a perfect blow-dry.
For more hair how-tos from marie claire, stop by marieclaire.com.au
What's your ready-in-a-rush hairstyle? Please share with us in the comments section below
Main image credit: Getty
marie claire Beauty Director, Sally Hunwick joined the marie claire team in 2017. Previously Sally has worked on Cosmopolitan as Beauty and Lifestyle Director, Women’s Health as Contributing Beauty Editor, and Harper's BAZAAR and Dolly as Beauty Writer and Beauty Editor respectively. An award-winning journalist with a long-running career both in Australia and in the UK, Sally is passionate about all things beauty and health.
