Hair
Tips! Tricks! Techniques!
How to: Style an Upside-Down French Braid
Fri, 23 November 2012 3:02PM
We’ve been obsessed with the upside-down French braid ever since we spotted it in a recent issue of Allure:
image: Regan Cameron/Allure
So we asked our intern Lucy, who has a rather handy background as a trained hairstylist, to help guide us through a how-to.
Before we begin, Lucy’s disclaimer: “This look is actually best when relaxed and dishevelled, as this plays up a textured feel. So don’t stress if it’s a little loose. Also, while it helps to have someone on hand to braid for you, it is possible to DIY – you just might need to practise a few times to get the hang of it!”
Ready to try it? Walk this way …
Step One: Take a section across the back of the head from ear to ear. Secure with a slide clip.
Step Two: Flip your head upside down and, starting at the nape, begin to loosely French-braid the lower section, making sure you are weaving all of the hair in this section into the braid. Once you find yourself plaiting the ends only (and not the sides), you have braided enough. (Need a refresher on how to actually French-braid? Click here).
Step Three: Holding your braid with one hand, use the other to unclip the top section and finger-rake it into a high pony. Now bring the braided section to meet it, in a topknot-like ponytail and flip your head back up (see image below). Take a paddle brush and gently smooth the surface of hair. Then tie everything up into a high pony.
Step Four: Begin to twist the ends of the pony around the elastic, until a bun starts to form. Secure with bobby pins and medium-hold hairspray. Optional: add a pretty ribbon or clip. And you should look something like …
What do you think, Primpers? Tempted to try it out?
Posted by: PRIMPED
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27 Comments
Posted by: loopylexy Master Fan // Fri, 23 November 2012 03:15pm
Just to be annoying, I’d like to point out that the original pic has a french braid but your example uses a dutch braid.
Posted by: Gemma // Fri, 23 November 2012 04:01pm
So cute! I’ll be trying this on the weekend.
Posted by: Katrina Lawrence Enthusiast // Fri, 23 November 2012 04:02pm
Hi loopylexy. We decided to braid this way because we found it to be the easier option when you’re DIYing. But thanks for pointing that out! Kat
Posted by: Julieow Master Fan // Fri, 23 November 2012 07:35pm
French/Dutch I’m still way too unco, can barely pull off a standard braid,love the look though!
Posted by: SarahSayers2012 Supporter // Fri, 23 November 2012 08:15pm
Love this look Kat. I’m definitely going to have to give this a go! xx
Posted by: Anthony Nader // Sat, 24 November 2012 04:37am
Braids are HUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGEEEEEEE this season ya’all………so embrace your hair and start Braiding
Posted by: misschris Master Fan // Sat, 24 November 2012 04:37pm
Soo pretty. I would definately love to try this look at home. I should probably practice my French braiding first tho.
Posted by: PrettyPrincess Master Fan // Sun, 25 November 2012 03:01pm
Looks cute!
Bit tricky for me I think.
Posted by: daylight dancer Master Fan // Mon, 26 November 2012 11:01am
Looks great and sounds so simple!
Posted by: allybutler19 Supporter // Mon, 26 November 2012 04:36pm
May trial this at work this week its a bit cute!!
Posted by: matty Enthusiast // Mon, 26 November 2012 07:09pm
Gorgeous…perfect for summer.
Posted by: Sparkles17 Master Fan // Mon, 26 November 2012 10:27pm
Looks really cute but a bit too tricky for me!
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Tue, 27 November 2012 02:44pm
definitely trying this out, its sooo pretty
Posted by: leemurr Enthusiast // Tue, 27 November 2012 06:25pm
looks impressive but I think it’s a little out of my league….
Posted by: Coconal Master Fan // Tue, 27 November 2012 09:23pm
This looks super pretty and sounds very simple! I’m definitely going to give it a shot, no time like the present!
xx
Posted by: Leanne // Wed, 28 November 2012 09:24am
So this is on trend now? Amazing. I wore my hair like this in the 90s. It wasn’t long enough to end off properly so it was left in a little top knot. Definitely not DIY, I had a friend to help!
Posted by: CandiH Devotee // Wed, 28 November 2012 09:53am
I have been braiding hair into different styles for last 4 years it’s amazing how much a simple braid (anywhere in a style) can change the entire look I LOVE BRAIDS
Posted by: JaSolutions // Wed, 28 November 2012 11:06am
I love it! To show my age, I wore this style to a 1988 Bi-Centennial Ball. It was a big hit! Just goes to show that fashion often repeats its self. Or was I wayyyyy ahead of the times????
Posted by: p3charmed Master Fan // Wed, 28 November 2012 03:08pm
yes i just love it
i love the traditional french braid but im excited to see a twist on it, thanks 
Posted by: glossed Master Fan // Mon, 3 December 2012 08:36pm
Looks so pretty! I am pretty hopeless when it comes to braiding but I am definitely going to try this!
Posted by: kristinkate Devotee // Tue, 18 December 2012 03:35pm
Might have to give this a go!
Posted by: MAC1 // Wed, 9 January 2013 08:39pm
I love it! So cute!
Posted by: anitas.artistry Master Fan // Thu, 14 February 2013 01:40pm
I’m game to give this a go….
Posted by: GorgeousEmeralds Master Fan // Thu, 14 February 2013 06:03pm
So Cute! I will try this out tomorrow! Love the braid coming up the back of the head!
Posted by: wendy-1326953367 Enthusiast // Wed, 27 March 2013 05:26pm
Looks very effective,will try on my daughter
Posted by: missselin Devotee // Sat, 30 March 2013 10:58am
I might try this after my shower d:
Posted by: cookiesandcream Enthusiast // Tue, 9 April 2013 09:27pm
WOW so pretty