faux hawk hairstyle unicorn half updo

Chic Faux Hawk Hairstyle for Chinese New Year

We're talking serious Fire Rooster vibes.

This Saturday, January 28, marks the start of the Lunar New Year, popularly known as Chinese New Year. Fun fact: According to The New York Times, New York City also has the biggest Chinese population of any city outside of Asia! But while we’re all about the festive fireworks and dragon dances, here at All Things Hair we’re akin to celebrate the way true beauty addicts are wont to do: with an on-trend look, of course. Which, by the way for 2017, a.k.a. the Year of the Fire Rooster, is none other than a fierce faux hawk hairstyle/braid mashup, because we cocky like that!

Style Spotlight: Faux Hawk Hairstyle via a Unicorn Braid

But first, some astrology: Every year, the Chinese (and tons of people around the world) celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year on a date that varies year to year. Unlike Western countries that celebrate on a fixed Gregorian calendar date of January 1st, the Lunar New Year occurs when the New Moon is closest to the beginning of spring—a time perfect for new beginnings and endeavors, and which usually falls between the middle of January and late February, depending on where it lands on the lunar calendar. Each year is assigned an animal ruler taken from the Chinese zodiac, and 2017 happens to be the Year of the Fire Rooster. And for those of you in the know, that means lots of industrious (up and crowing at dawn, #sorrynotsorry!), fiercely proud and yes, cocky energy.

faux hawk hairstyle brunette unicorn braid
High and mighty: The unicorn braid is a clever spin on a faux hawk. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

We decided to pay homage with a look that best embodies all these fiery, socially active vibes: the faux hawk hairstyle. Unlike other faux hawks, this hairdo—which features a skinny, solo Dutch braid in the center of the head, akin to a rooster comb (see what we did there?)—is a much more directional take on the regular teased faux hawk. It’s an edgier version of a half-updo as well, a trait not lost on designers and celeb hairstylists, who have featured this look on several runway shows.

Three in one

faux hawk hairstyle unicorn braid long brown waves
Sexy yet edgy, this hairstyle can work with a myriad of ensembles. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Just as we usually make three wishes for peace, prosperity and good luck in the New Year, the faux hawk hairstyle is also a triple threat. This mohawk/unicorn braid/half-updo hybrid checks all our boxes for chic, unique and cheeky. And like those born in the Year of the Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005), this look was made for larger-than-life personalities who love to stand out from a crowd.

Get the look

Wear your “rooster crown” high! First, section off a thin area in the middle of your head, and split that section into three parts. Begin a Dutch braid by crossing the left section under the middle and joining it with the right, and vise versa, till you reach your skull bump at the back of your head. Tie off your braid with an elastic and twist your ponytail into a top knot, securing with another elastic. You can choose to smooth down the sides of your new faux hawk hairstyle with some serum for an elegant evening look, or grunge up your lengths with some texturizing balm for a funky, grittier take.

faux hawk hairstyles red ombré braid
May your envelopes be as red as your ombré! Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Whichever way you decide to wear this look, we wish lots of love, luck and a year full of awesomely cocky hair days to you and yours! Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái!

Want more party hair ideas? Check out more fun, flirty holiday looks.

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