How to do an up-do with braids

Long, straight hair is best for this updo, but curly hair works too! If your hair is past your shoulders you shouldn't have trouble getting the look. If your hair is short or you don't want to put it all up, stop at step four and style as you like for a unique braided headband effect.

Before you begin:
Be sure hair is dry, and tangle free or you may have difficulty braiding. I like to use a shine spray as well, to keep the braids from getting frizzy.
You will need:
Lots of bobby pins (the thicker your hair, they more you'll probably use)
6 small hair ties
hairspray

Step 1:
Start by parting hair in the center.

Step 2:
On each side of your part, divide hair into three sections. Thinking in triangles, two sections will stem from your part and the third section will use the hair underneath these sections and up to your ear. (essentially you will be using all of the hair that would fit into a half-ponytail)

Step 3:
Braid each of these sections so that you have a total of six braids (three on each side). If your hair is on the thin side keep the braids a bit looser so that they are still headband width. Be sure to braid hair as far down as possible and secure the ends. (you will be pulling the hair ties out in the next step so they don't have to match or be super tight, just enough to keep your braids from coming undone!)

Step 4:
To create the headband effect begin with the top two braids on either side of your part. Flip them over and secure them behind the opposite ear using bobby pins. Next, do the same using the third braids from either side. At this point some braids may overlap which is good because they should completely cover your part and it will appear you are wearing a headband of braids. You can now remove the hair ties that kept your braids intact so you could do this step and comb out the ends of any hair still braided after the secure point.

If you are going for a casual look feel free to stop here and style the rest of your hair as desired. For a formal look follow the next steps for a stellar updo.

Step 5:
Now that half of your head is in braids, begin by twisting hair in small sections from the nape of your neck to the top of your head and secure with bobby pins. Also, be sure to pin up the ends of your braids from behind your ears(This is going to look silly, but you are essentially just trying to get all of your hair up so you can begin making it look pretty)

Step 6:
When all of your hair is up, take small sections of your ends and twist them into little circles, secure with a bobby pin. Continue until all hair is used. Try to spread hair about so that you hide the anchor pins keeping your hair on the top of your head.

If your hair is straight, you're done here! For curly hair or for short hair you may want to go for a messy look and curl your ends instead of pinning them in little circles. Finish with hairspray and add your favorite accessories/flowers etc. to add your individual flair.