Simple Braid Hairstyles Anyone Can Do

The hottest hair trend of 2011 and 2012 is the one of the simple braid hairstyles. Once popular back in the 1980's and 1990's, this hairstyle has made a dramatic comeback, popping up on runways and on celebrities. Salons in New York City have created "Braid Bars' just to keep up with demand.

Why all the hype? This simple hairstyle is easy to do and keeps the hair out of the face. It gives a subtle sexy look that can be either dressed up or dressed down. With a little practice, almost anyone can achieve this stunning look.

Plus, hair braiding is just plain fun. It gives you such a diversity to your look that you will never grow old of all the possibilities that hair braiding allows you for hairstyles.

One of the most popular types of stylish braids is the French braid. It can be done easily, even by yourself with some practice.

1. Separate a section of hair at the top of the head where you want the braid to begin. Divide the hair into 3 sections.
2. Cross the right strand over the middle strand.
3. Add a small amount of hair from the remaining hair on your right side into your hand to the new right strand.
4. Cross the left strand over the middle strand.
5. Add a small amount of hair from the remaining hair on your left side into your hand to the new left strand.
6. Repeat this process with right side to middle, add hair to right side; left strand to middle, add hair to left side process until you reach the base of the scalp.
7. Once you reach the base of the scalp, you will braid your hair as normal. This is achieved in a similar fashion with right side of hair section to middle, left side of hair section to middle, and so on.
8. Secure with an elastic band for it to stay put.

The French braid doesn't just need to be on the back of your head. You can have it down the side of your head, go from side to side, the possibilities are really endless. Many celebrities have put a very creative twist on this classic look in recent months.

Want one of the simple braid hairstyles that looks difficult? The fishtail braid can be a tight braid or more of a free flowing sexy braid. It's a twist on the classic French braid that is easy but might not look that way.

1. Divide your hair into 3 sections.
2. Take the right most section and move it over into the middle section.
3. Take the left most section and move it over into the middle section.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Secure with an elastic band for it to stay put.

The snake braid is not as common as other braids but is slowly catching on in popularity. It's very simply to do and gives a very unique look.

1. Grab a small section of hair, preferably on the front of the head. Braid this hair in a regular braid.
2. Once you reach the bottom of the braid, take the two outer sections (on the left and right sides) and push the braid up as far as it will go. Leave the middle section as is.
3. Once the braid is pushed up, slowly massage the braid down until the desired look is reached.
4. Secure the braid with an elastic band so it will stay put.

Want an exotic look that's not difficult? Grecian braids are one of the braid hairstyles that are unique and will turn heads. They're not terribly difficult to do either.

1. Take a small section of hair on the top of your head. French braid it (see above) to one side, going all the way down.
2. Next, do a side braid on the same side as the small French braid, incorporating the small braid into the larger braid.

Bohemian twists are a bit like French braids, only with two strands of hair instead of three. These twists go around your head like a crown (similar to the Grecian braids).

1. Part the hair down the middle. Take two pieces of hair, one from an area close to one section of the part and the other piece from the far section of the part.
2. Twist the two pieces of hair.
3. Repeat process.
4. Continue to twist to the end of the hair and secure with an elastic band so the hair stays put.
5. Do the other side.
6. For a more elegant look, tuck the ends in and bobby pin them in to hide them.

The current trend is headed towards braids. It's important to keep on pace with the the hairstyles to learn how to do at least a couple of trendy braids. With these simple braid hairstyles you can easily braid your own hair and look you paid a professional to do it!