Poll Post: 4 Ways to Spice Up Good Old Milkmaid Braids

As you can see, milkmaid braids are a favorite among celebrities.

Milkmaid braids, aka Heidi braids. They're perfectly pretty and look great on all hair types. They work for any occasion, whether it be the red carpet or school. Although you might think this hairstyle is reserved for romantic looks, there are tons of ways to tweak it to make it even more versatile. 

Milkmaid braids look very similar to the crown braid because they both feature braids near the hairline. The main difference is in the braid. The crown braid is French-braided from one temple to the other, staying right along the hairline all the while, and bobby-pinned into place. Milkmaid braids are each made using half the hair on your head (divided by a middle part). 

So, how do you even do this hairstyle? There are 5 basic steps. 

• Use product/style hair. You don't have to do this if your hair is manageable. Truthfully, you're gonna need some texture, as with any braided hairstyle  However, if your hair is simply not acceptable (e.g. frizzy, tangly) or you're going for a different look (e.g. sleek and smooth, curly instead of straight), apply product and/or style your hair to achieve the look you want. Make sure you use the correct formula and amount for your hair type.
• Make a middle part. If you want it to look like a side part, do one starting a few inches behind your hairline.
• Braid both sides. You have two options. Generally, Option A is better for short hair, while Option B works for long hair. (Option A is good for long hair too.) If you're somewhere in between and/or unsure which to choose, test both out: A on one half and B on the other. Go with the one whose braid (painlessly) reaches the opposite side of your head.
• a) Take one side and hold it so that it's perpendicular to your head. Then tightly braid it (without breaking strands!) til the end. Do the same for the other. 
• b) Make two normal braids on either side of your head, with the bases under your ears (still making sure they're tight). 
• Pin the braids against your head. Keep going with whichever option you chose above.
• a) Take each braid and lay it flat against its own side, making sure the ends reach the opposite side of your head. Do this firmly to make sure it won't come loose later. Have plenty of bobby pins handy to secure the ends behind your ear. (It helps me to cross pins- it tightens their hold.) The braids shouldn't hurt your scalp but still feel tight. 
• b) Wrap each braid in the opposite direction and pin it down. For example, if you were to do your right braid first, you'd pull it around the left side of your head and pin it behind your right ear. Remember to pin it tight!
• Smooth flyaways. If a few rowdy pieces are taking away from your beautiful braids, use some product or bobby pins to smooth them down. If you're going for a messy look, leave them! As long as they don't look terrible, they'll give your braids a cool, casual vibe. 

An example of Option B.

Now, let's make things interesting.

1) Messy

This is the most common variation of the milkmaid braid. In the picture up top, three of the four celebrities in the picture roughed up their braids. Although it's still romantic, leaving bangs and flyaways out gives your hair a boho feel and dresses down your look for school and other casual occasions. 

2) Ribbons/Embellished

Adding ribbons to braids is a very common way to embellish them. To do so, simply bobby pin the ribbons just at base of your braids and braid as usual. You can also embellish your braids with decorative hair accessories like these hair pearls from Chanel's Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

3) Fishtail

I love fishtails. Just like milkmaid braids, they're great for any occasion, especially for boho-inspired looks. Replacing normal braids with fishtails may be hard at first, but as Dianna proves, it's totally worth it!

4) Tight, Sleek and Edgy

This modern rendition of the traditional milkmaid braids fits right in with this fall's feminine grunge trend. To achieve this look, just use a smoothing product and/or straighten your hair beforehand. Keep your braids tight, and you're good to go!

Are you ready to try milkmaid braids? I am! Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.