Braids are officially the biggest 2016 hair trend. Get some inspiration and “how to” from the images below, whatever your hair length, face shape and style, there will be one to suit you. From the fishtail braid, the boxer braids to the off duty bedhead braid, you have many style options this season. And it’s not only for women, but also for men.

Don’t you love the simplicity of this braid above that was done by our braid master “ambassador salon” in Brooklyn “Kennaland”.  He suggests using Iles Formula Finishing Serum and nothing else. The serum gives control to the hair without leaving the hair crunchy or stiff. The silk in the formula just makes the hair putty in your hands, so easy to control and never greasy, just pliable and silky.

Beautiful images by braid queen Renya Xydis who is one of the best braiders I know. I love the freshness and modernity of the look above and the sheer perfection in this braid below. The bow accessory is the cherry on the cake !

Above we have Anja Rubik’s braided crown and a trio combination of braids, cornrow and a top knot, a hairstyle that  Eugene Soulimane has created several years ago for London Fashion week. This creation today is still very on point.

This is a “doable do ” for home. Notice the braid moves forward, and the tails of the braids are placed around the front hairline and attached with pins behind the ears. You could even attach into 2 bunches behind the ears like pig tails or braided into more plaits.

 

Another ‘doable do’ at home, it is so easy to have JLo’s hairstyle. Simply secure your hair into a high ponytail. Braid it, secure the end with a small elastic, roll under and pin.

This is a fun take for summer, I could also imagine 4 macarons, by pinning up the back sections too.

 

Carla Delevigne has always had fun with braids. She made this asymmetric look famous about 3 years ago. The top knot below is easy enough to tackle yourself as there are only 5 sections to the corn roll.

Part all the hair into 2 sections from center ear to ear. The back section draw up into a high ponytail. On the second turn, only pull the tail half through the elastic enough to create a small chignon loop then twist the rest of  tail around the band and secure in place. Leave the ends free at back. Last tackle your corn roll, then keep braiding and secure the ends with small elastic. Simply decorate your chignon with these small braids.

Who did it best ? My choice Karlie Kloss. One needs a sweet small face and silhouette to carry it well.

The secret on the halo by Eugene Soulimane are the free wisps, let them fly. It brings the poetry to this timeless style. The style itself is so easy to do. Create 2 school girl plaits behind the ears. Secure ends with a small elastic and then simply bring them forward on each side creating a halo around the forehead. Entwine the ends under each other where they meet and secure with bobby pins in place.

The easiest ever home braid. So clever , Cameron Diaz, a 2 second braid and you become trendy !

Heidi Klum made her ponytail a red carpet glamorous style by simply plaiting it. The secret is to pin the tail in place down center back to give a clean profile line. Cover top elastic with a false braid simply looped around and secured.

Rita Ora is another celebrity who loves braids. Here she has braided in silver thread. Like It ?

Men’s braids are also a trend. Professional help may be needed for the braid, but a great way to keep long locks under control.

What was your favorite braid ?  Remember to keep the braids free of stiff products, no gels, no hairspray ! All you need is this : Iles Formula Finishing Serum.

Tips on how to apply Iles Formula Finishing Serum

Before blow drying the hair or air drying, apply Iles Formula finishing serum between your palms, rub hands together and apply serum to mid lengths and ends then eventually the root area. Then dry the hair, you will really feel the silk extract delivering controllable locks. Once dry, add a small amount again over the entire surface of the hair, it will give you control like no other product without feeling oily, greasy or heavy.

Start braiding !