A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating A Milkmaid Braid

Maybe its Game of Thrones coming to an end, or simply a desire to find a summer-appropriate up-do that's both sophisticated and pretty, but milkmaid braids were the biggest hair trend on the Cannes red carpet.

Here, Hersheson's braid bar stylist Amy James shares an easy step-by-step guide to recreating the style that's been decorating the tresses of everyone from Elle Fanning to Winnie Harlow.

The secret tip

Forming a milkmaid braid is easiest if you last washed your hair about two days prior, so that your tresses have lost some of that freshly-washed silky texture.

This means that if you have an event in mind for the style, for example a summer wedding, you'll need to pre-plan your hairstyle in order to get the best results. Try it a few days after a professional blow-dry to make use of any existing product that's still in your hair.

Related article: The Best Beauty Looks From The 2019 Cannes Film Festival

Celebrity inspiration

Countryside beauty

Elle Fanning could have stepped right out of a fairy tale with her braided up-do, which was decorated with fake flowers. The soft and feminine look complemented her floral dress perfectly, too.

Make a statement

Winnie Harlow's milkmaid braid was a clever way to keep her flowing red veil secured across her head, while also working to make her Cannes outfit look even more regal.

Half up, half down

Elsa Hosk accessorised her signature loose waves with a milkmaid braid that elegantly defined her face. Take inspiration from the model if you struggle to braid hair, as you could easily fake this style with a hairpiece.

Related article: This Summer Is All About Dressing Like A Milkmaid

But, if you're willingly to achieve the look yourself, James has outlined an easy step-by-step guide below:

Step 1:

Start by using dry shampoo mainly at the roots to remove excess oil from hair. Then, brush your hair to remove knots. James recommends L'Oreal Paris' Elvive Dry Shampoo.

Step 2:

Part your hair in the middle using a rat tail comb to create left and right sections. Buly 1803 does a particularly good one.

Step 3:

Use a hair clip to hold whichever side you need to braid first and spray on some texture spray, like L'Oreal Professionnel's Tecni.Art Constructor, to encourage natural-looking body.

Step 4:

Braid your hair into pigtail dutch braids or French braid, before using Hersheson's small elastic bands to secure.

Step 5:

For a thicker braid, gently pull the braid open to create more volume.

Step 6:

Braid the next section of hair repeat steps 1 to 5.

Step 7:

Take both braided pigtails and place over the crown of the head like a halo. Pin the left under the right, then simultaneously right under left. Use bobby pins to secure right through the braids.

Step 8:

Use hair tongs or straighteners, such as Hersheson's Hair Tongs, to curl loose hair or bangs for a more natural, messier finish. Finish with plenty of hairspray for hold.

Et voila; a summertime hairstyle for any occasion, that could have walked right off the red carpet.

Related article: How To Do Pigtail Plaits, Prada-Style

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR UK.