Boho Side Braid

You Can Do: Boho Side Braid

The side-braid-as seen here on Zoe Saldana and Blake Lively-is one of the easiest hairstyle trends to ever hit the red carpet. But in spite of its simplicity (who doesn't know how to braid?), we still get countless questions about how to get it right. That is, not too loose, skinny, or schoolgirl-ish. Click through our gallery to master the boho side-braid, once and for all.

The Basic Tips

• Start with dry hair that is completely knotfree.
• Create a deep side part with your fingersnot a comb. This is important to facilitate a more undone look and help you stay away from anything too severe.
• Pull all of your hair over one shoulder and braid to the side. If you can create a French braid, like Rachel McAdams, do! If not, no worries. A simple plait still works.
• Fasten with a clear elastic, and leave out wispy pieces to frame the face.

The Basic Products

amp#149; A soft bristle brush to wield through knots and kinks and straighten out wispy layers. We like Mason Pearson's boar bristle and nylon hairbrush ($120; beauty.com).
amp#149; A clear elastic like the Goody Mini Elastics ($3; soap.com) give your braid a polished and unclunky finishing touch.

My hair is too short.

Solution: If your hair is longer than chin-length you can make it work! Take your cue from Diane Kruger-a shorter braid. Tie off with a long, floppy ribbon, which adds extra length.

My hair is too thick and unruly.

Solution: All the better! This look is all about texture and volume. Straighten out a few face-framing pieces and leave the rest au naturale. The result will be a hefty, texturized braid like Miley Cyrus.

My braids fall out during the day.

Solution

: Fact: Braids last longer in dirty hair. The natural oils give twists something to adhere to. If your hair gets too greasy, douse your roots with dry shampoo like Dove's (available in March, $4; drugstores) and you'll be good to go.
Another way to add staying power is to try a more intricate plait like the fishtail braid Minka Kelly wore, the step by step on this super pretty style here.