The new braided hairstyle you need to try

Hot off the catwalk this modern twist on braids is set to be next summer’s hottest hair trend

From deconstructed buns, to finger-dried waves and corkscrew curls the SS17 shows bought with it a whole host of new hair looks for us to swoon over. One of our favourite (and perhaps the most swoon-worthy) hair look this season had to be the free-spirited, pagan-inspired braids spotted at Preen by Thorton Bergazzi SS17 show. Created by Wella Professionals Global Creative Director, Eugene Souleiman the braided hair-do was roughed-up and carefree.

Plaits can conjure up images of high-school gym class and pig tail plaits but this new-take on braids challenges the association of orderliness and uniformity for plaits. Souleiman magicked up this new style that was slightly disheveled and outdoorsy but ‘definitely not romantic’.

Four different types of braids were used on the girls in 4 strand, 3 strand, bound and blanket-stiched styles. Hair was plaited and braided in these 4 different sizes, in varying directions to add interest and give each girl a unique, wild look. Souleiman described the style as “abstract and well-travelled.” We love that the hair was slightly mussed up and rebellious. You needn’t worry about having to re-do this style after a rocking night on the dance floor either which is good news for festival season.

To create perfectly, imperfect braids without the fuss, follow our simple step-by-step guide below.

Step-by-step guide to creating the Preen SS17 braids at home:

• Start by spritzing Wella EIMI Sugar Lift, £9.90 into the roots of the hair and massaging in with your fingers. This helps to texturise the hair and keeps your new 'do in place.
• Divide hair into randomly placed, sections of different sizes. Start with around 5 sections depending on how thick your hair is. The beauty of this braided hairstyle is you can create a totally unique look each time, so experiment with the number of sections and arrangement of braids until you find your favourite look.
• Next braid hair into different sized plaits using either 3 or 4 strands. Mixing two different styles of braid adds another level of interest. Secure your braids with an hair bobble.
• Let any shorter strands fall naturally and tease natural wisps of hair out from your braids to frame the face, whilst loosening up the plaits with your fingers.
• Spritz with Wella EIMI Dry Me, £12.90 a matte dry shampoo that will help keep your braids in place and add texture for a mussed- up, carefree braid style.
• Accessorise your braids with bows or ribbon to finish your look.

Images courtesy of Wella