CROWNING GLORY

Brush up on your braiding skills with expert guidance from celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend.

BY JULIA MCEWEN

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This styling lotion makes the hair grip better so it’s not sliding around— ideal for very fine, slippery hair.

TOOL KIT

Redken Braid Aid 03 Braid Defining Lotion, $25, redken.ca. Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray, $8, dove.ca. L’Oréal Professionnel Wild Stylers by Tecni.Art Crêpage de Chignon, $24, at select salons.

Day-old locks work best for this look. If you need some grit, Townsend, who has styled Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman, recommends a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray. Create a centre part and divide your hair into two sections at the back of your head. If your hair is shorter, the sections can be on the sides of your head, above your ears.

Section off front strands on both sides, creating softness around the face. For pin-straight tresses, use a large-barrel curling iron to give the tendrils a slight bend. If you have bangs, leave out a few pieces next to your ears, in front and behind.

“This is a flattering style for everybody at every age.” — Mark Townsend, Dove Hair celebrity stylist

Follow these steps to recreate Jennifer Lawrence’s romantic braided updo. 3 4

Braid both sections, making sure they’re tight, then secure each with a clear hair elastic. Using a dime-size amount of styling cream, rub your thumb and index finger together over the hair, working your way from the base of the braid to the tip. This adds texture, which gives the braid a more modern bohemian vibe, says Townsend.

Wrap one braid over your head, setting it about an inch back from your hairline, then secure the end with bobby pins. Wrap and secure the other braid in the same way. The braids might overlap, depending on the length of your hair. Finish with a spritz of flexible-hold hairspray.