With or without an outstanding volumised side-braid, model Karolina Kurkova is a stunner. A glamazon. A total knockout. But considering she was sporting a triumphant over-the-shoulder braid when we spotted her in the recent snap above, it’s safe to say she’s even putting the classically beautiful Rapunzel to shame, too.
Do you love this hairstyle as much as I do? It’s ridiculously adorable, and looks effortless and chic, making it the definition of a perfect warm weather ‘do. I mean, it works on the beach, in the bar and even at the outdoor BBQ – it’s a true winner.
Want to recreate it so it actually looks good? Actually, let’s make that great. Not a problem – with these four handy hairstyle tips you’ll be reaching new heights on the stunner scale just like Karolina herself.
SIDE-BRAID TIP #1: blow-dry your hair to one side
See that deep side-part Karolina is rocking? And the volume created by her part? This is formed during the blow-drying stage. To follow suit, simply apply mousse to towel-dried hair and then brush your hair and direct the air in the opposite direction of where your part usually falls. Then, once your strands are dry, flip the hair back over and part as usual to reveal some serious height up top. Note: some teasing and hairspray will ensure your hard work stays put, too.
SIDE-BRAID TIP #2: keep it loose to keep the height
Spiffy blow-drying and smart product use aside, if your braid your hair in a super-tight fashion you’ll lose the volume instantly. Instead, gently gather your hair to one side at the nape of the neck before braiding to help hold on to the height all day long.
SIDE-BRAID TIP #3: healthy ends make for a better shape
See how Miss Kurkova’s braid is plaited to the very end of her strands, creating a lovely triangular shape? And notice how she doesn’t have hair poking out either side of the braid? This is because her hair is healthy and lacking split-ends. To ensure your hair doesn’t fray out either, get regular hair trims every six to eight weeks.
SIDE-BRAID TIP #4: make friends with hair treatments and masks
This tip obviously goes hand in hand with tip #3. If you’re not keen on regular trims, be adamant about your twice-weekly hair treatments and leave-in conditioners. Moisturised hair is generally healthy, frizz-free hair, so amp up the hydrating products and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
What do you think of Karolina Kurkova’s side-braid? Is it something you’d recreate? What type of occasion would you wear it to?
