How to Create A Dutch Headband Braid

In honor of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, we must discuss braids.  Obvi.  I'm loving headband braids as they're "as practical as they are chic."  I turned to Jackson Simmonds, the Lead Stylist at the Julien Farel Salon at the Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, to get the step-by-step on how to create the look.  Turns out, it's easier than you think and makes for a great holiday hairstyle.

1. Prep the hair. Damp or dry hair works for this braid, just make sure it's well brushed. Remove all tangles and if fly-aways are present mist with water. Brush hair straight back with no part.
2. Gather your hair, starting with a piece from the top front. To include bangs, begin your section directly above forehead, otherwise start behind the bangs. Gather a piece ranging from 3-5  inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
3. Cross the right strand under the center strand.
4. Cross the left strand under the center strand.
5. Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand.
6. Cross the right strand under the center and pick up another small section from the right side of your head.
7. Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
8. Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.
9. Continue the Dutch braid to the nape of the neck.
10. Finish your braid with a regular under braid when you run out of hair to add. Either secure with a small elastic or, to avoid the damage of a hair elastic, use my special trick - tease all the way around the end to lock in place.

Kate Bosworth's Braided Updo How To

How stunning is Kate Bosworth's braided updo? I love the way she looks with her hair pulled off of her face. Good news is, her chic, braided style is super simple to achieve as it only takes three braids and a few bobby pins. Her stylist, Bridget Brager, gave me the step-by-step to creating her "intricate and romantic" updo.

Spray a volumizing spray like Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray from roots to ends, then blow dry your hair using your hands concentrating on lifting it away from the scalp to create texture.

Create a "disheveled deep part" and starting at the crown, along the part, braid forward so the braid falls toward your forehead concealing your hair line.

Start your second and third braids at your temples, braiding back on each side.

Use Kevin Murphy Easy Ride or a light weight pomade to tame fly aways and add a bit of shine, then loosen the braids with your fingers to make them appear more romantic.

Weave the braids together in the back and pin them low to give a halo effect and there you have yourself Kate Bosworth's braided updo.