Everyone loves the intricate, elegant look of a braid. But the plaiting part itself? Not so much. For newbies, learning to French, fishtail or Dutch braid can feel as hard as learning another language, and while we break all of those techniques down for you (+ more!) right here on the site, for some girls, braiding just doesn’t click. If you’re a self-described anti-braider, then this braid is for you! Using a roping technique, where sections of your hair are twisted into strands and then pinned into place, you can make your hair look effortlessly chic without crossing your strands over, under and every which way. In other words, this wedding guest-worthy hairstyle is totally lazy girl approved. Scroll down to learn how to DIY this ultra-easy braid — perfect for girls with curly or textured hair — in just three steps.
PREP: START WITH CURLY HAIR
This hairstyle works best with hair that’s either naturally curly or textured in some way. Use a small-barrel curling rod to add waves or curl, if need be. From here on out, this style is super fast moving and easy to do. Just grab bobby pins and you’re ready to go!
STEP 1: Make Your First Rope
Pick up a 2- or 3-inch section of hair on one side of your head. Pinch it and twist it to create a rope, and lay it across the back of your head on the opposite side and pin it in place with bobby pins.
STEP 2: ROPE FROM SIDE TO SIDE
Create second rope from the section of hair opposite the first, twist it and place it across the back of your head right under the first strand. Tuck the ends into the first braid to disguise it a bit, then use bobby pins to secure it in place. Continue with this technique until you reach the nape of your neck.
STEP 3: PONYTAIL + TUCK
Once you’re at lower-neck level, twist your remaining hair into a ponytail and secure the ends with an elastic band. Then, twist the ponytail up and tuck it into the ropes you already created to finish your updo.
Secure overall with a fine mist of holding spray! Wasn’t that easy?
It looks super complicated, but really only took you, what, five minutes? Cut even more time off the clock by wearing it as a half-up ‘do as well!
Hair Maritza Buelvas
Photography Cassandra Eldridge
Modelling Lindsey Gonzalez
Makeup Brenda Arelano
Will you be trying this too-easy updo? Tell us your favorite done-in-a-flash braid 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.