DIY Braids: All you need to know about the hottest hairstyle trend of 2016

Braids have quite a history. At the turn of the century they were popular among servants and royals. The servants sported more casual braids. They wore single braids and some times double braids and tied them together at the back of his head. Whereas the royals wore very highly elaborate braids daily and for special occasions. The royals were the ones to have the first “glam squads” of people around them to do hair in this way. Now in modern day, braids are more popular than ever.

At Fashion Week 2016, many types braids rocked the runway. We aren’t just talking traditional braids. Fashion designers came up with creative presentations of old braids as well as a nod to more classic styles. From the runway to the everyday fashionista, braids are here to stay. The question is how you can sport your own braid without a personal glam squad. It is easier than you may think.

You will need the following items to make up your braid: comb, bobby pins, hair spray and your favorite elastic or hair tie to secure. Tip-Its best to braid your hair a  couple of days after washing so you don’t lose your natural oils.  Here are 10 popular braids that you should try:

Fishtail– The key to most braids is starting with parting your hair down the center. Move to the right side section, part at your forehead. Twist a one-inch section of hair away from your face. Use a comb to separate a 1/2-inch section right below the first section along your face and twist that piece away from your face, combining it with the first piece. Continue adding 1/2-inch pieces along your hairline down to your neck. Secure with an elastic, clip or a bobby pin to hold the hair in place at the nape of your neck.  repeat the twisting on the left side, starting at your forehead.When you reach the nape of your neck, unclip the right side and hold both the left and right sides in two separate sections. Pull a 1/2-inch section of hair from the right section and add it to the left section. Repeat with a piece from the left section, adding it to the right section. Continue adding 1/2-inch pieces down to the ends and secure with an elastic.

Milkmaid Braid-Think a fishtail braid with a twist…literally. Here’s the how to: Part your hair down the center and create a loose fishtail braid on both sides. Secure each braid with an elastic hair tie. Pull the braids over the top of your head, crisscrossing them to create a headband effect. Fasten the braids into place with bobby pins. Keep it cool-girl and pull a few wispy, face-framing strands out around the hairline.

Knotted Braid-Prep your hair with a texturizing paste (such as Phyto Professional Matte Texture Paste) for grip and texture. Then, divide your hair into five sections (one at the top, one on each side, and two in the back), and twist each one into it’s own knot as if you’re making mini messy buns. Loop the ends, creating mini ponytails, and secure with black elastics.

Pony Braid-Start by making one thin braid (about the width of two fingers) on the side of your head where your natural part falls. Then pull your hair and the braid into a messy pony (you can tease the unbraided hair to give it texture). Finish by taking a piece of hair from under your pony and wrapping it around the base of your hair tie.

Braided Ballerina Bun-Sweep your hair into a high ponytail. Braid the tail of your pony into a tight single braid. Once you’ve made the braid, starting wrapping it around the base of your pony, tucking the very end under your hair tie to secure it in place.

Messy Braided Updo-Make a regular French braid and secure it with an elastic band. Then, starting with the roots, loosen all the pieces to make the braid look lived-in. Once you get to the bottom, wrap the bottom third of the braid into a loose bun at the nape of your neck and secure with bobby pins.

Braided Pony-Slick your hair back and pull it into a high pony. Coat the tail with shine serum and create a fishtail braid. Wrap the base of your pony braid with your hair to make it more sassy.

Chic Bun Braid-Start by making a loose French braid. Next, take the bottom third of your braid and tuck it under at the nape of your neck. Secure it against your head beneath the thickest part of your braid for a chic bun.

Boho Pony Braid-Start by making one thin braid (about the width of two fingers) on the side of your head where your natural part falls. Then pull your hair and the braid into a messy pony (you can tease the unbraided hair to give it texture). Finish by taking a piece of hair from under your pony and wrapping it around the base of your hair tie.