How to: Easy Half-Up Braid

One thing that I've missed about having hair down to my waist is sweeping it in less than 5 minutes into a braid that looks like way more effort than it requires. It was always my go-to hair style for a date night or even just running errands around the city. I am currently in the process of growing my hair back out since I chopped it all off about 2 years ago (hint: it's taking longer than I had anticipated).

Recently, I had the opportunity to partner with Irresistible Me, a growing brand of 100% natural Remy clip-in extensions, in order to temporarily get back the long, glamorous hair that I previously had. They sent me a set of the Golden Blonde Silky Touch extensions (16 inches 140 grams) and they matched perfectly with my hair color and were so soft. I loved the extra volume and added length. 

My hair stylist, Charda, at Studio 921 in Baltimore showed me how to properly put the extensions in - creating a lock (tease and hairspray) where each clip should go, and she textured them so that they blended in with my natural hair (I love my layers). 

Of course, once they were in, I was beyond excited to style them in a half-up braid. It requires only a few, easy steps if you want to recreate this look at home: 1. Start on one side of your hair part. Grab three equal size pieces of hair, starting at your roots closest to your face. 2. Begin the braid, gradually adding extra hair in moving toward the back of your head. 3. Once reaching the back with the braid, start lightly pulling each side of the braid outward to expand - starting at the top and going all the way to the bottom. 4. Once the braid is as large and loose as desired, secure it at the back of your head with a bobby pin facing upward. 5. Repeat on the opposite side of your hair part. 6. Once reaching the back with the braid, meet the second braid with the first and place another bobby pin in an "X" shape to secure. Lightly spray with hairspray to hold. 

Photography courtesy of Jade Nikkole Photo
Hair styling courtesy of Charda at Studio 921 in Baltimore

Do you use clip-in extensions? I would love to see your before and after photos! Tag us with your finished look via Instagram and use the hashtag #IrresistibleMeStyle. 

Save this tutorial in 4 easy steps on Pinterest!

xo Anna Elizabeth