braids

Braids have been one of the hottest hairstyles for years, no matter the season. But more and more, celebrities have been stepping out sporting a new take on the style: one side of the hair French-braided flat against the head, with the rest of the hair hanging free or in a ponytail. Jessica Alba aced this look a few weeks back when she wore a sleek braid cascading into a ponytail. More recently, Heidi Klum and Christina Aguilera both did their own interpretations of the one-sided plait. It's a flirty look that's easy to pull off. Just French-braid one side of the hair and style the rest. How easy is that?

With her seriously spunky hairstyle, peachy cheeks, and oxblood lips, Julianne Hough hit a beauty home run at Elle's Women in Hollywood Celebration last night. Matte, peachy eye shadow and blush were the perfect complements to her intensely pigmented crimson lipstick. But the real masterpiece was her elaborate twisted updo, proving that blunt-cut ladies can still sport an elaborate braid.

To re-create the stylish coiffure, start by weaving a loose, tousled plait beginning at the center of your forehead working backwards. After tying it off, tease the crown, slick the sides, and pin the back into a makeshift bun. The result is a mussy but glamorous updo that showcases your braid. Top off with bold, bright makeup à la Julianne, and you have a trendy-for-Fall beauty ensemble.

Bring one of the biggest beauty trends of the year to your Halloween costume: braids. From Katniss Everdeen to Pippi Longstocking, there are plenty of options that even a styling novice can create. Get tips on how to transform into these braided characters when you keep reading.

Jessica Alba showed off a Rapunzel-like side ponytail at last night's Environmental Media Awards, but it wasn't just the length that had people buzzing. Her sleek side part gave way to an intricate french braid that wrapped into the ponytail. Jessica's style is easy to pull off at home, especially with second-day hair. Here's how to do it.

1. Start by parting your hair down the middle. Pin the hair above your part to the side.
2. French braid the lower section of hair around the back of your head until you reach the opposite side. Pin it with bobby pins that are a similar color to your hair hue, like Jessica did.
3. Let down the top section of your hair. Gather it to the side so that your french braid is exposed.
4. Take a thick section of hair from the bottom of the loose section and wrap it around the rest of the hair, securing it with bobby pins.
5. Finish with a hefty dose of hair spray to keep your plait in place.

Kristen Bell was all twisted and tied at the Do Something Awards this weekend. The starlet styled her hair in a series of braids for the red carpet, starting with a texturized half-up French braid that intertwined with three side-braids (one on the right, two on the left).

To re-create the look, start by French braiding the top of your hair until you reach the same level as the tops of your ears, at which point you should begin braiding normally. Tie off the ends and pull on the braid to fatten and texturize it. Next, take a small portion of hair from the right temple area and braid it towards the back of your head; tie it off and pin it under the initial braid. Repeat this step twice on the left side to finish. Mist with a hair spray, and you have a braided half-do with some serious style.

This scorching weather means tons of time in the water. To limit the damage (and time spent) on your hair, take a cue from Beyoncé and Solange Knowles and get braids. Box braids, Senegalese twists, microbraids, and two-strand twists will protect your hair from harm. And by the end of the season, you'll have plenty of hair growth to admire. Check out a few of our favorite styling ideas for extra-long braids.

Lea Michele was glowing at last night's Fox All-Star Party. The Glee leading lady opted for dewy makeup that was accented with a pastel pink lip, rosy cheeks, and lengthy lashes. But what really stole the show was her messy, rope-like side braid, which she paired with piecey bangs. This style is a perfect blending of fuss-free ease and glamour, easily transitioning from sidewalk to red carpet. To achieve her done-up undone look, prep your hair with a texturizing spray like Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves ($22) to give it some body and grip. Gather your hair behind one ear and braid. Secure with an elastic and then gently pull on the braid to widen it. Don't worry if a few pieces fall out — this style is meant to be undone. To give it a polished look, wrap a piece of hair around the elastic to hide it and secure with a bobby pin.