Ask A Philadelphia Stylist: Three Easy Braided Hairstyles

Wearing the same old hairstyle every day can get boring. Braided hair will never go out of style and the styles to choose from are endless. The braid has a long history that has spanned many centuries and cultures worldwide. Many men, women and children have adorned braids throughout time for a variety of purposes -- from symbolizing social status or marital status to their popularity among various ethnic cultures and religious affiliations. Jennifer Beck from Blo/Out, a dry bar in the Rittenhouse section of Philadelphia, has shared with us three gorgeous braided styles that are popular among her customers. Blo/Out doesn't do cuts or color, it's just wash and blow dry at this French boudoir-inspired hair boutique. BLO/OUT Blow Dry Bar is one of the Philadelphia area's biggest and best blow dry bars, and the perfect place to get a stylish braided look or any style for that matter.

Jennifer Beck
BLO/OUT
1804 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 305-8245
www.bloout.com

To successfully achieve the looks suggested by BLO/OUT Blow Dry Bar, you will need to know how to do a basic French braid and fishtail braid. With a French braid, you need to divide the hair in three sections at the crown. Braid the hair in a normal fashion while adding more hair at each section from the side of the head. Continue until you reach the nape of the neck then continue on with a regular braid until all of the hair is braided.

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To create a fishtail braid, divide hair into two parts straight down the middle of the back of your head. At the nape of the neck, pull a thin strand from the front outside (either side) and pull it under the opposite side. Alternate sides until all hair is used. Finish up with any desired length.

The "Elsa" Braid

From the award-winning film "Frozen," the "Elsa" braid is a simple French braid. The sides of the braid are pulled out for a wider effect and to achieve a fuller top, tease the crown of the head before you start braiding.

The Messy Fishtail (Courtesy of BLO/OUT)

The Messy Fishtail

Section off the bangs and braid into your desired braid. Tie the bottom with a rubber band and proceed to pull the hair into a low side ponytail. Wrap the hair into a bun and pin. Take the braid, wrap it around the bun and pin in place.

French Braid (Courtesy of BLO/OUT)

French Braid and Curls

Take the bang area and French braid for three inches; pin it to side of your head. Curl the bottom of the hair to the desired tightness.

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Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.