HAIR WEEK : HEIDI HAIR HOW TO (aka princess leia braids)

Hair Week: Day 1. Let's do this!

I'm starting out with the Heidi Braids because they are so. dang. easy. Perfect for a "crap I woke up late Tuesday and need to do my hair in 5 minutes flat" moment. Of which I have had many. Damn you, snooze button. 

This hairstyle is called the Heidi, or the Princess Leia, or heck- throw some flowers in there and you can call it the Frida Kahlo. 

If you don't know who at least 2 or those 3 women are, get your Wikipedia on. Stat.

This hairstyle takes 4 steps.

The best part is it doesn't look like it only takes 4 steps- hence why no one will assume it's your "get up and go" hair. Hurray!

Let's start, shall we?

PREP:

 Before you start, brush out your hair well, and part down the middle in the back. I prefer having it parted to the side in the front because middle parts ain't mah jam. But if you want a middle part in the front too, go for it. ALSO: Have a lot of bobby pins handy. You might not use them all, but they'll be good to have just in case you need 'em.

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Step 1: With your hair properly parted, braid your first side, tugging your hair away from your head slightly. This will keep you from having a big bump when you move to step 2.

Step 2: Fold/wrap the braid around the back of your head. Your next braid will go in front of it, so don't worry if it looks a little funky being back so far. Pulling it tightly, secure with 2-3 bobby pins. You'll have a lovely little side-rat tail-embrace it. 

Step 3: Braid the second half of your hair and then repeat step 2, just folding it in front of your first braid. Secure it well!

Step 4: This is clean up time. Make sure the side-rat tail is tucked/pinned in, and pin down any rogue bumps or flyaways that may have come up. Once you feel you're secure, you're good to go!!!

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This really is a pretty fool-proof hairstyle. Plus, the more you do it the easier it gets. 

TIPS:

* if you have thin/slippery hair: spray some hairspray in your hair first to help the bobby pins grab your hair

* if you have really curly hair: you may want to straighten the front few inches of your hair for a smooth look!

* if you have really short hair and are mad at me that you can't do this: sorry, grow it out girl!

* if you're lookin' for a fancy look: pin some tiny wild flowers along one side. 

So that's it!

Have you tried the 'Heidi'? 

Any tips or tricks you'd like to share?

xo, lp

*tune in every day this week for more #hairweek fun!

** if you try this out - share it on Instagram and tag me- @lpodlich, i'd love to see it!

For you pinnin' fools:

images by louisa marion photography