get twisted

Ever since the big side braid of 2010 at A. Wang, braids have been hanging around everywhere (bad pun). But don't get it twisted, the braids of spring '13 are not your messy, '80s side braid. They're tighter, more masculine, and incredibly sleek.

It was photographer Helmut Newton that inspired the Kérastase experts' old-Hollywood braids at Jason Wu. "For a look that's sophisticated, but not too feminine, we're using varying elements of hairstyles. It starts with a long part—one side gets slicked back, kind of masculine, by using Kérastase Elixir Ultime Rose Millenair. The other side gets a finger wave. In the back we created an African braid, which is different to the French braid because it's closer to the scalp. Then it's tucked underneath into a Chignon and finished with Elixir Ultime for shine."

Thanks to hair expert, Odile Gilbert, there braids were back at Suno. Here's a play-by-play: "Make a low ponytail, keeping the front section loose. Splitting the ponytail into two sections, wrap, twist, and pin haphazardly around the elastic to create a twisted chignon. Brush and roll the loose section of hair back and secure with a hair comb to create a structural effect. Spray the top section with Kérastase Double Force Hairspray to keep the style in place."

In case you're wondering if Double Force Hairspray works as well as it sounds like it does: Emphatic "yes." So, you probably feel like getting twisted right about now?

Here's another fresh-from-the-spring '13-runway look to start playing around with.

If that's your thing, we're still seeing some messy braids too.

An even messier one.

Braids at DL 1961.

DL 1961.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu