Crown Braid

This is a fairly advanced hairstyle. It is called a crown braid because the braid follows the hairline to create a "crown" shape. Although this hairstyle can be time consuming at first, the resulting hairstyle is definitely worth it. Difficulty: Hard

Tools:

- 1 comb/ brush

- 1 small clear hair elastic (white is used in this example for clarity)

- 5-10 bobby pins

- a spray bottle/ pomade*

*Provides texture to the hair and makes hairstyle easier to accomplish as well as helping it stay in place for a longer period of time

Method:

1. [optional - useful for people with fine hair] Wet the hair or apply pomade to the hair.

2. Tilt the head to the right and take a small section of hair that is directly behind the left ear.

3. Split the section into 3 smaller sections.

4. Cross the top section underneath the middle section and over the bottom section. (the top section is the section closer to the hairline.)

5. Add some hair to the new top section. The hair added should be from the hairline .

6. Cross that section under the middle section.

7. Add some hair to the bottom section. The hair added should be as close to the hairline as possible.

8. Cross that section under the new middle section.

9. Keep repeating the steps 5-8 until all the hair from the hairline is used up and in the braid.

10. Slowly turn the braid and start adding the hair behind the right ear.

11. Slowly righten your head so that your hair from the crown of the head is falling normally down your back.

12. Relabel your strands, the top strand is closer to the middle of the head and the bottom strand is closer to the nape of the neck.

13. Repeat steps 5-8 while following the nape of your neck to the starting point of the braid at your left ear. However, the top strand will now add the hair from the crown of the head and the bottom strand will now add hair from the nape of the neck. (Refer to picture on the left)

*Tip: For a smoother finish, ensure that the last section of hair added in is as tight as possible against the head.

14. When all the hair is added in, continue the braid as a regular 3 strand braid. Secure the braid with the elastic.

15. Bring the loose braid up to cover the beginnings of the braid and pins the braid down with bobby pins.

16. Hide the ends of the braid behind or underneath the beginnings of the braid to create a continuous effect.

17. You may pull and fluff the braid for more volume and a messier look.

18. Bobby pin the hairstyle into place.