Perfect for gals with medium to long hair looking to step up their festival hair game (so much more original than a flower crown, trust us), the braided halo is especially stunning and with highlighted or ombré-colored hair, as color imparts braids with more dimension. To help you in trying how to do a halo braid on yourself, we’re sharing three ways in which you create this cool braided style. First up is an angelic holiday halo braid on short hair featuring vlogger Ingrid Nilsen, then we have the classic halo and finally a messy and whimsical halo as seen at the Alice + Olivia show for NYFW. Read on to learn more about how to do a halo braid on your own hair today!
How to Make a Halo Braid for the Holidays
How to Create the Classic Halo Braid
Messy Halo Braid Tutorial from the Alice + Olivia Show
Step 1: Start in the shower.
Wash your hair with a smoothening shampoo that also leaves strands radiantly shiny and healthy-looking from root to tip—crucial for a braided updo that entails some tugging. We like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner. Rinse well and towel-dry.
Step 2: Get foamy.
Squeeze a dollop of some mousse onto the palms of your hands, then apply evenly onto your hair. Tip: Break the product through by blow-drying while squeezing hair with your hands—this also helps create some texture and a manageable hold.
Step 3: Tease your hair!
Using a rat-tail, fishtail or teasing comb, gently backcomb hair all throughout your head, from tip to root, to create even more texture. Avoid the pieces in front or at your fringe area.
Step 4*: Or… you can hack around this with dry shampoo.
In a pinch, you can skip the wash with a messy halo braid and refresh hair instead with a volumizing dry shampoo. Next, inject more volume and a deconstructed feel by teasing with a paddle brush. Feeling confident/have more time on your hands? Utilize a curling iron or flat iron to create more texture all throughout.
Step 5: Part hair in the middle, then braid.
Grab a section of hair on each part of your head, a few inches from your forehead (leave some hair at the fringe area to wisp around for later). Braid each strip using a regular three-strand braid (or a fishtail—whichever you fancy) and secure at each end with a hair elastic. Slightly pancake or pull each chain apart for a looser, more fashionable-looking plait.
Step 6: Create your messy halo braid by looping each across.
First, bring one braid up to the front, cross it over to the opposite side and fasten with pins behind the ear. Repeat with the other braid. Twist the hair on your fringe area around your finger to create some tendrils, then lock everything in place with a hairspray to prevent any unfurling as you go about your day. You’re all set and learned how to halo braid with an edge.
