Unicorn Braid: 2 Unique Ways to Create This Magical Style
'Cause unicorn braids have us crying unicorn tears.
You Will Need
Every time someone says that unicorns aren’t real, a little mermaid dies… And until someone convinces us otherwise, we’re holding true to our mythical creature loyalties with pink clouds, mermaid hair, rainbow glitter and a look that’s the stuff dreams are made of! Well, this season at least, as the unicorn braid trend has recently reached a fever pitch, getting us all even more stoked to show off two very cool ways to wear this trend.
First up is the unicorn braid ponytail, featuring a Dutch braided fauxhawk snaking down from your hairline to your nape. It’s a trendy way to wear this season’s biggest look with a bit of a hip edge. The next shows another way to wear unicorn braids via a half-up look, where the braid is affixed on the center of your head (much like its namesake’s telltale horn) and leaving the rest of your hair loose.
If there’s anything we love, it’s a classic look with a twist. Scroll down for an easy guide to mastering how to do an Insta-worthy unicorn braid in a ponytail or half-updo:
Style 1: Unicorn Braid Tutorial – Ponytail
Start on clean, freshly washed hair.
Prep your hair for styling your braid by washing and conditioning with a strengthening system. We like the moisturizing benefits we get from Nexxus Therappe Shampoo and Nexxus Humectress Conditioner.
Nexxus
Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
Blow-dry and part your hair.
Coat your hair with a thermal protectant (we like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray), then blow-dry till completely dry. Section off the top middle part of your head, a few inches wide, by creating two part lines with the end of a rat-tail comb.
Create a Dutch braid.
Take your middle section and begin to Dutch braid. To do so, split the section into three, and cross the left section under the middle, then the right. Repeat till you reach the nape, and secure with an elastic.
Gather all hair into one pony.
Take the left and right loose sections of hair together with the braided ponytail and gather all into one main pony.
Cover your elastic with hair.
For a more polished, professional look, leave a thin strip of hair free to wrap around your elastic. Secure underneath with some bobby pins.
Curl ends.
Using a 1 1/4″ barreled iron, curl ends for a flirty final touch. Tip: For a sexy, tousled feel, twirl in different directions.
Finish with hairspray.
Keep flyaways and halo frizz at bay with some hairspray. Finish your look with a light spritz of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Frizz-Free Hold Hairspray. Done!
Style 2: Unicorn Braid Tutorial – Half-Updo
Step 1: Start fresh… or just refresh.
Starting off with clean hair helps give more bounce and grip, both crucial to all the tugging and pulling that comes with creating a unicorn braid. If you’re not quite down (or have the time!) for the hair washing and conditioning process, spray Dove Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo onto your hair to soak up any excess oils. Then, blow-dry, air-dry or tousle your roots.
Step 2: Section your hair.
Place your thumbs at the edges of your eyebrows and lightly draw them up until you meet your hairline. When you reach your hairline, use your thumbs to section your hair into three sections. Lift the middle section, twist it and pin it to the top of your head. Gather what’s left on the sides into a ponytail, so that it stays out of your way while you braid. Release the middle section (the section that you’ll be braiding).
Step 3: Begin braiding.
Next, take a thin layer from the very front of your hairline and separate it into three sections. Cross the outer strand under the center strand (effectively Dutch-braiding), making sure to pull tightly. Then, take the other outer strand and cross it under the center strand. Repeat this criss-cross braided pattern until you get towards the bottom of your braid.
Step 4: Secure your braid.
You have two options when it comes to securing a unicorn braid. You can continue the braid until the top of the back of your head and wrap a hair tie at the root. This leaves you with a swishy mini-ponytail. Alternatively, you can also stop the braid at a midpoint on the back of your head, then create a regular three-strand braid from there. Secure it with a hair tie and you’re golden!
Step 5: Lock in the style.
Spritz on a hairspray, like TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray on your hair to keep your style locked in place all day. This formula will leave your hair soft and bouncy, with a bit of control. Are you ready for some #UnicornGoals?
