What you'll need:
* Brush
* Hair tie (clear or matching your hair color)
* Bobby pins (matching your hair color)
* Optional: Hairspray
Steps:
1. Prep Your Hair:
* Brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
* If your hair is very clean and slippery, you might want to add a little texture with a texturizing spray or mousse. This will help the braid hold better.
2. Start a Dutch Braid (Inverted French Braid):
* Sectioning: Part your hair as you normally would. Take a section of hair from the top of your head, near your hairline, about 2-3 inches wide. Divide this section into three equal strands.
* Initial Braid: Begin a standard braid by crossing the right strand *under* the middle strand, then the left strand *under* the new middle strand. This is the key difference between a French braid (over) and a Dutch braid (under).
* Adding Hair: Now, add hair to each strand before you cross it under.
* Pick up a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right strand. Cross this combined strand *under* the middle strand.
* Pick up a small section of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left strand. Cross this combined strand *under* the middle strand.
* Continue Braiding: Continue adding hair to each strand and crossing it *under* the middle strand, working your way down the side of your head.
* Angle: Aim to braid down the side of your head, following the curve of your hairline. The placement will determine where the rose will sit.
* Braiding to the End: Once you reach the nape of your neck and can no longer add hair to the braid, continue braiding the three strands in a regular braid all the way to the ends of your hair.
* Secure the Braid: Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
3. Wrapping the Rose:
* Loosening the Braid (Optional): Gently pull on the edges of the braid to loosen it slightly and make it appear fuller. Be careful not to pull the braid apart completely.
* Rolling the Rose: Begin rolling the braided portion of your hair around itself, starting at the end closest to the hair tie. Think of rolling up a cinnamon roll.
* Shaping the Rose: As you roll, shape the braid into a spiral or rosette. Position the rose where you want it to sit on your head (typically near the end of your Dutch braid, creating a seamless look).
* Securing the Rose: Use bobby pins to secure the rose in place. Insert the pins around the edges of the rose, hiding them within the braid. Use plenty of pins to make sure the rose is secure.
4. Finishing Touches:
* Check for Security: Make sure the rose feels secure and that no loose strands are sticking out.
* Hairspray (Optional): Apply a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place.
* Adjustments: If you have any flyaways, tame them with a small amount of hair gel or hairspray.
Tips for Success:
* Practice: The Rosestem Braid takes practice. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't look perfect the first time.
* Mirror Setup: Use a double mirror setup to see the back of your head.
* Tightness: Keep the Dutch braid relatively tight for a more defined and secure rose.
* Even Sections: Try to take even sections of hair when adding to the braid.
* Bobby Pin Placement: Experiment with different bobby pin placement to find what works best for your hair.
* Variations:
* French Braid instead of Dutch: You can use a French braid instead of a Dutch braid for a different look. The rose will be more prominent and less embedded in the hair.
* Different Positions: You can position the braid and rose anywhere on your head, such as at the nape of your neck or on top of your head.
* Embellishments: Add decorative hair clips or flowers to the rose for a special occasion.
Troubleshooting:
* Braid is too loose: Try braiding tighter or using a texturizing product.
* Rose is falling apart: Use more bobby pins and make sure the braid is rolled tightly.
* Hair is slipping out of the braid: Use a gripping hair product or braid your hair when it's slightly dirty.
Good luck, and enjoy your beautiful Rosestem Braid!