The herringbone braid, also called "ear of corn" or "herringbone", has an elaborate aesthetic and will become one of your favorite hairstyles when you need to get ready quickly in the morning, especially if you have very long hair.. This hairstyle has a nice aesthetic impact and is great for every day; Plus, it tends to get better if you mess around a bit, making it ideal for long days. This guide will show you how to make three different types of herringbone braid; he will also give you some suggestions for possible variations on the theme.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Traditional Herringbone Braid
Step 1. Separate the hair into two equal and symmetrical sections
You will need to have a right side and a left side in your hand.
Step 2. Grab a small lock of left side hair
Take it from the outside and avoid it being 1.5 cm thicker.
Step 3. Pull the strand up and pass it over the left side
Then move it to the right.
Step 4. Tuck the tuft under the right side
It will now become part of that side.
Step 5. Gently pull the two sides to tighten them
Bring your hands as high as possible - the more you tighten the braid, the better. You can always ruffle it later if you prefer a more "messy" look.
Step 6. Take a thin strand from the right side
Grab it from the outside and avoid it being 1.5 cm thicker.
Step 7. Lift the section and slide it over the right side
Then bring it to the left.
Step 8. Pull it under the left side hair
It will now become part of that section.
Step 9. Continue doing this, alternating sides, until you almost reach the tip of the hair
Leave at least 2-3 cm free before the tips, so that you can fix the hairstyle.
Try to use thinner strands as you go down the braid. In this way you will get a more homogeneous hairstyle; the hair, in fact, tapers naturally towards the tips
Step 10. Tie the end of the braid with a hair elastic
You can also use a small strand to hide it by looping it around the elastic. Then secure the lock with a bobby pin.
Step 11. You can ruffle the braid slightly by rubbing it between your hands
This process may not be necessary if you have very layered hair, as the braid will likely loosen and mess on its own.
Method 2 of 4: French Herringbone Braid
Step 1. Grab the part of the hair on the top of the head
Try to start at eye level or higher and make the section as centered as possible.
Step 2. Divide this part of hair into two halves
You will need to have a left half and a right half.
Step 3. Grab a thin strand from the left side
Try to get it as close to the middle part of your hair as possible, and make it thin, no thicker than 1.5cm.
Step 4. Pass the section over the left side and bring it to the right
Step 5. Tuck the tuft under the right half
It will now be part of that side.
Step 6. Take a small section on the right side
As before, it should not be thicker than 1.5cm.
Step 7. Slide it over the right side and move it to the left
Step 8. Tuck the section underneath the left hair
From now on it will belong to that side.
Step 9. Continue alternating sides, until you reach the base of the head
At this point you can stop and tie your hair, or continue braiding it.
Step 10. Proceed by creating a traditional herringbone braid
Try to keep it as narrow and tidy as possible; you can always loosen it later.
Step 11. Tie the braid towards the end of the hair
When you have 2-3 cm of space left from the tip of the hair, secure the hairstyle with a suitable rubber band.
Step 12. Soften the braid by pulling lightly on the ends
However, remember that if you have very layered hair, it will mess up on its own.
Method 3 of 4: Variations on the Herringbone Braid
Step 1. Make a side herringbone braid
Start by gathering your hair in a low ponytail and then moving it to the left or right of the neck; then tie it with a transparent elastic. Braid your hair in a herringbone pattern in the classic way and secure the hairstyle with a rubber band. Remove the first clear rubber band when done.
Step 2. Try to do an inverted ponytail before starting the herringbone braid
Start with a low ponytail, then tuck your fingers through your hair, between the nape of the neck and the elastic. Slip the ponytail into the opening and, after this step, do the wheat ear braid as usual.
Try putting a flower or two in the hole of the inverted ponytail for a more cute and bohemian look
Step 3. Use a clothespin or flannel to cover the elastic
You can also tie a bow over the tail stop. This way you will make your braid more lively and complete your outfit.
Step 4. Roll up the braid to form a bun at the nape of the neck
Secure it with bobby pins. This hairstyle will give better results if you have very long hair.
Step 5. Add some colored extensions to the hair before making the braid
This way you will give your hairstyle some pops of color that will make it even more interesting.
Method 4 of 4: Faux Herringbone Braid
Step 1. Prepare some thin rubber bands of your hair color
You can also use clear ones, if no color suits your hair. You will need to do several upturned ponytails, one after the other, so make sure you have enough elastic on hand.
This braid works best with very long hair. You may not do very well if you have hair that doesn't go over your shoulders
Step 2. Make a low ponytail
Try to keep it as close to the base of your head as possible, but avoid squeezing it too tightly.
Step 3. Make an inverted tail
Start by tucking your index and middle fingers through your hair, just above the elastic. Then separate your fingers, creating an opening. Grab the ponytail and pull it over the elastic and then through the hole. Then pull your hair down in a gentle, regular motion.
Step 4. Tie another rubber band a few inches below the first one
If you have thin hair, tie it closer to the first one; if your hair is thicker, leave a little more space.
Step 5. Create another inverted tail
Put your fingers through your hair, just above the elastic, and spread them out as before. Then pass the tail through the opening.
Step 6. Continue in this manner until you are within inches of the tips of the hair
Then tie the hairstyle with a rubber band.
Step 7. Think about hiding the rubber bands
You can prevent them from showing by pulling the strands of hair lightly to soften the braid and make the hair more voluminous. Otherwise, you could also tie bows or colored ties to the rubber bands. Add some bright beads if you prefer a boho-chic or festival look.
Advice
- Herringbone braids work best with hair that hasn't been washed for a day or two.
- The French herringbone braid is great for shorter or layered hair.
- It would be better to do a tight braid first and loosen it later, rather than getting a loose hairstyle.
- If your hair is very straight, you can try to tease it or spray it with hairspray before starting to make the braid.
- Don't get nervous if you don't get the best results right away! Try to weave small parts of your hair and slowly spread the hairstyle. It would be even better to practice with some strands before turning to hair.
