Recently, Sarah Potempa, celebrity hairstylist and creator of 365 days of braids, was featured in Refinery 29's article on The Best Bold, Beautiful Braid Inspiration. Check out some of her favorite braids, many of which you can easily recreate yourself!

 

"This braid is perfect for an elegant updo, and is just made by tying knots!" — Sarah Potempa

 

 

"A great way to frame your face is to use a small braid to pull hair back and away from your face, like this braid I created on Emily Blunt." — Sarah Potempa

 

Add some flair to your workout with this 'do. "Braid your hair back into a ponytail, and then use the Beachwaver Co Wrap Up Bun to create the perfect topknot," Potempa suggests.

 

"This braid is perfect as festival season is coming up for a subtle, yet fun [look]." — Sarah Potempa

 

"An alternative to the mohawk is to create volume with a braid. Fishtail-braid your hair in the center of your head, and then pancake it for additional volume." — Sarah Potempa

 

"I love this hairstyle because it’s an edgy, but fun alternative to a mohawk — and very easy to do!" — Sarah Potempa

 

Do this half-up fishtail braid yourself in four simple steps. Start by sectioning the hair to begin the fishtail braid at the top. After securing the end with an elastic, lightly tug on and pull out pieces from the braid to create a cool shape.

 

This fishtail braid incorporates the same steps, except with the focus on the sides of your head. After you've completed the style, pull both your braids and beach waves into a ponytail for a cute peekaboo moment.

 

"I love finding different variations of the French braid. This style only uses two strands." — Sarah Potempa

 

For this crown braid look, Potempa started out by braiding two sections of hair, one behind the left ear and another on the right. After loosening and pancaking both braids a bit, she wrapped them over the top of the head, securing them with bobby pins.

 

To re-create this "mega French braid," as Potempa's dubbed it, start by teasing hair at the root for volume. Next, create a bump at the front of the hair, securing it with bobby pins. French-braid the hair as usual, and secure it on the end with a clear elastic. Lastly, pull on each loop of the braid to "pancake and add volume," Potempa says.

 

Link to full article here.