How to style a chic braided up-do in 4 easy steps

Norma-Jean O’Reilly, Senior Stylist at Brown Sugar, South William Street gives us a four-step guide to a chic braided updo, perfect for on the go.

Whether you’re prepping for an important business meeting or hitting the gym, braids are an easy go-to to spice up your hair game. The simplicity of quick and easy braids are ideal for women on the go, and as a mother of two teenage boys, I’m definitely a fan of the trend. I often adopt braids into various up-do styles when I’m just looking for something that little ‘extra'. The beauty of this chic braided up-do, is that your work-fam will all bow down to how super complicated it looks when in reality it’s super easy and requires very few tools to recreate.

Before you get started, it’s good to note that modern updos generally appear loose and a little messy, so feel free to experiment a little with the braid size and placement. It’s all about finding the look that’s for you.

What you’ll need

• Bobby pins
• Elastic
• Hair straightener
• Finishing spray

Step 1

Firstly, you’ll begin your chic braided updo by sectioning your hair into four and braiding each section with a three-strand braid, leaving just enough room at the ends to secure with an elastic.

Step 2

Gently tug each braid, pulling it out a little to give it that lived-in, gritty texture. Fold each section back to the nape of the neck, roll and secure with bobby pins.

Step 3

Next, take a section of your fringe and begin wrapping the hair around your hair straightener with the straightener pointing towards the ground. Ensure the hair is facing away from the face. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4

Add a spritz of finishing spray all over the hair and lightly pull your fingers through your fringe to add a little texture to the finished look.

I’d love to hear how you got on with this tutorial. Share your experience with me on Instagram @normajeanhair