As soon as the mercury begins to rise, so do the occurrences of cute, clever updos. If runway and street-style trends ring true, this year we'll be seeing plenty of braids and even more buns. Working with Kristy White of the Festoon Salon in San Francisco, we devised a way that combines the two: the braided bun. It's the type of style that will take you from office to night out and, better still, Read more

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty. From splashes of color to funky twists, find out how to update (and upgrade!) your plaited style. More stories from RealBeauty.com: How to Wear Bright Makeup Read more

Updos and braids are a combination made in formal-hair heaven, but they usually only work one of a few ways: wound around in a chignon, pinned up in a milkmaid braid, or French braided back. At The Lorax premiere, though, Taylor Swift stunned the crowd with a messy, textured braid/low chignon combination that was unlike anything we'd ever seen before. In practice, it actually seems pretty easy to Read more

Everyone loves a pretty braid, but creating perfectly smooth plaits is difficult, verging on well-nigh impossible for those of us with layers. Which is why the disheveled braids coming down the runway are good news. They're pretty and fashion forward, but they allow for plenty of loose strands, not-quite-right crossovers, and stuck-out pieces, too. It's a braid new world, so don't be afraid to Read more

Braids are a pretty big deal around here, and although they're always popular, 2011 was a huge year for plait lovers. We saw everything from a sudden fad for rainbow-colored braids to messy fishtails and "hidden" plaits. Which look deserves to be called the best, though? Check out the year's best trends and decide for yourself. Read more

From faux-fur vests to leopard-print anything, Rachel Zoe always seems to find a way to make just about any piece of clothing or accessory look covetable. And when it comes to her hair, it's the same story. At her Zoe Media Group launch party last night, Rachel combined two trends — braids and ponytails — into one style. To re-create the look yourself, start by applying a wave-enhancing Read more

With holiday season here, there has never been a better time to try out a new way to style your hair. And this season, there are plenty of big trends to inspire. From tight topknots to billowy braids, it's time to hair-dress to impress. Read more

Pretty hair and the holidays are a perfect combination. A cool braid can make any outfit look festive, and it dresses up your ensemble in an instant, too. These 10 options range from the office appropriate and subtle to the jaw-droopingly gorgeous, so no matter what kind of style gets you in the spirit, this slideshow 'tis the place to find them (fa la la la la, la la la la). Source: Getty, Read more

Braiding is an art much like drawing: most of us have some facility at it, but when you see someone who's really amazing at it, there's just no comparison. The 10 braids here are the Picassos of the runway hair world, and just like a visit to the museum, they're a great way to get inspired. Getty Read more

Fishtail braids are hotter than ever. And while a popular way is to wear them is tousled and off to the side, here's something else you can do to make these pretty plaits all the more interesting: just add color. To re-create the look, all you need is a few color clip-on hair extensions and a touch of dexterity. You're well on your way to some rather festive fishtailing. Read more