Princess Leia’s Epic Braid Hair Tutorial

Misty Spinney · Aug 13, 2016

The newest Star Wars movie gives us a whole new series of Halloween costumes to channel, but it also brings those iconic OG characters like Princess Leia right back to the top of our list. We had a choice to go for her more conservative all-white warrior look that focuses on her bun braids (featured in our 10-minute-Halloween-hair hacks article), but we landed on her far more risqué bikini look instead! In this rundown, we’ve got a rad and more approachable hairstyle that still embodies a braid bun.

Prep: Back Comb Hair For Volume

Use either a rats tail comb or a back-combing brush to pick up small sections of hair and backcomb the roots of the hair. This will create a foundation to give you the volume you need to create the pomp.

Step 1: Pull Hair into Low Pony + Pomp

Pull your hair back into a low pony and gently smooth the outer layer of your hair to create a pomp on the top of your head. You can use the end of your comb or brush to help get more height if you need.

Step 2: Make the Bun

Simply twist and wrap your hair into a bun, and then pin in place. This will be the top part of this hairstyle, where you’ll attach your clip-on ponytail.

Step 3: Pin the Pony

Weird, but SO awesome. This SWACC Straight Claw Clip Ponytail Extension Synthetic Clip in Ponytail Hairpiece 24 inches ($11) is so inexpensive and totally makes this style doable for anyone. Clip it onto the base of your bun and voila!

Finishing Touches: Braid, Pin + Hair Bling

Place the pony extensions into a braid and pin the base of the braid to your lower nape hairline to keep the silhouette in the right zone. Leia has these amazing gold pieces you can either buy or DIY. I made these by cutting out cardboard and spray painting them gold. To place in your hair, slide the bobby pin into the center of the cardboard and lock them in place.