In case John Barrett’s Braid Bar at Bergdorf Goodman and the scads of tutorials we’ve whipped up weren’t strong enough indicators, we’re here to set the record straight: Braids are here to stay. If you’ve already mastered the advanced techniques, it’s time to look to the runway for inspiration. From Bangkok to Manhattan, we’ve snooped the catwalk to bring you the most intertwined mane events.
1. Messy Double Dutch: We have no doubt the right lady could rock this duet, Ronald McDonald colors and all. Not up for a color change? Maybe add a little fabric by way of a Brit tutorial. (via La Femmelle)
2. Bouffant: This is some serious hair. Walk into a room with a hair helmet like this, and you’ll undoubtedly being getting a full salute from all parties present. (via Rockin’ With Roxy)
3. Rose Shaped Bun: We’re truly hypnotized by Nicole Kidman’s cyclonic spiral braid. (via Glamour)
4. Side Buns: This platinum Princess Leia-inspired look showed up during Bangkok Fashion Week and we can’t look away. (via Glamour)
5. Layered Crown: We’re loving this look of simple twists and small braids crossing over your forehead. Fore sure. (via Fête)
6. Reverse Braid: Go grab some extensions, learn how to do an inside out fishtail, and figure out how to finish it off without a hair tie. This is one big braid that you can definitely take to the streets. (via Misses Dressy)
7. Christian Dior Fishtail & Curls: We wish we could find a bigger image of this Dior single side fishtail surround by a cloud of teased curls. It is wonderful. (via M Salon)
8. Basket Weave: Leave it to McQueen to top off models with hair that is more artistic than practical. Dreamweaver take us away. (via Beauty Counter)
9. Side Blinders: If you have a hard time concentrating on what’s right in front of you, a set of side blinders might do the trick. ADHD begone. (via Swell Beauty)
10. Top Of Head Origin: Just looking at this has us feeling like She-Ra. (via Gorgeous)
11. Side Hat: We are absolutely in love with this pile of braids that acts as a sort of cocked hat. And we’ll happily tip ours to it. (via Nataly Frigo)
12. Left Eye Braid: There’s just a sense of mysterious allure about this braid that has nothing to the not-so-great image quality. (via Hair Braids Style)
13. Wild One: People might question your dexterity, but trust us, to achieve this look, you need mad braiding skillz. (via Niferiti)
14. Faux Hawk: OMG. OMG. Can someone please make a tutorial for this totally awesome, totally crazy faux hawk? Quick! Must rock hair rings soon. (via Angelo Seminara)
15. Messiness: Okay, we can’t lie. Part of what caught our attention is the blazing eye treatment. But that rat’s nest crown is hard to ignore as well… and we do mean that in the best way possible. (via Michael Jennings Photography)
16. Pile Up: Braids that are supposed to look like they were slept on… we’re all about them. (via Holy Hair)
17. Flat Top: We’re totally into how so many of these braids double as a sort of hat. This one is putting on the ritz as a top hat, and we adore it. (via Tabs On Fashion)
18. Living On The Edge: A loose slung, yet tidy braid just on the edge of your cascading locks? Yes, please. (via model Katie Whitley)
19. Rapunzel: Rapunzel, please never let down your hair. That braid undoubtedly took a century to complete. Well worth it. (via Girls Gone Hair)
Which high-art look has you whipping your hair back and forth? Strand your thoughts in the comments below!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.