Urban Turban

The Braid Turban

This braided crown is about as far from Heidi as you can get — a beautifully badass look worthy of a Game of Thrones heroine.

STEP 1:

To start, clip the hair at the crown of your head up and away.

STEP 2:

Next, grab a section of hair just below the clipped-off area, and separate it into four sections.

STEP 3:

Begin a four-strand braid by pulling the outside strand of hair over the two strands to the left. Then, pull the same strand back, under that middle strand.

STEP 4:

Continue braiding, alternating sides; take the outside strand, pull it over two, and then back under one. It takes a bit of time for the braid to take shape, but after a bit of weaving, you'll see that you have a cool, thick, rope-like braid. If you're a braiding amateur, feel free to swap in a standard three-strand braid, here.

STEP 5:

Continue your braid all the way down to the ends of the hair and secure with a clear elastic.

STEP 6:

Starting at the top of the braid, pull the weave apart, so that it looks messy and textured.

STEP 7:

​Pick up the section of hair behind the first braid, as shown, and add in another braid (four-strand or three-strand, whichever you prefer!). Weave all the way down, secure with another elastic, and then pull apart the braid for texture.

STEP 8:

Grab a section on the other side of your head and fishtail this one — it will give the finished look even more intricate texture and detail (again, if you're not looking to challenge yourself too much, a three-strand braid is just fine).

STEP 9:

Pull the braid apart for more texture.

STEP 10:

Just as you did on the opposite side of your head, take the section behind the fishtail, add one more four- or three-strand braid, and secure with an elastic.

STEP 11:

Release the clipped hair so it flows over the braids. Next, start pinning the braids in a criss-cross manner, from one side of your head to the other. Bring the first braid across the middle of your forehead, as shown.

STEP 12:

Continue to crisscross and pin braids across your head. You'll end up with an awesomely textured, bohemian mess of braids.

VIOLA!

We love how this look is like a trendy turban, but made completely out of braids — how cool is that?

Braided 'dos are way more than a trend; at this point, twists, plaits, and fishtails are now considered an essential part of every girl's coiff repertoire — and there's no better time to try out new plait-spiration than during spring fever (to go with your new brightened-up, lightened-up spring wardrobe, of course). 

Our a Celtic-princess-esque braid crown does require a little bit of time and skill — but (we promise!) it's easily adaptable to every level of braid expertise or a great way to pass the time between girlfriends.

So, if you're anything like us, and are desperately in need of some new ways to weave this spring, this totally edgy new 'do will add major pow to your plaiting résumé. Stretch those fingers and dive in.