How to Style Valentino's Spring 2012 Romantic Braids

This is definitely one of the loveliest hairstyle trends spotted on this season’s runways. Pretty and super-feminine, Valentino‘s spring 2012 romantic braids will really make you stand out from the crowd! Perfect for sunny summer days, this adorable ‘do works amazing if you want to combine your boho side with fabulous chicness. “In the past few seasons, [designers Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri] have really established their Valentino woman,” said Guido Palau. “She’s soft and romantic with a step toward nostalgia.”

So soft and gorgeously loose, this wraparound French braid is extremely flattering due to the volume at the roots. “[the look is] A classic, sensual Valentino woman with soft braids. Valentino has really found their woman and we see her each season in different guises. Today’s look is very signature Valentino, it’s beautiful and romantic, it’s about a woman with an ease to her beauty. The look we created is a French braid wrapped around her head – the kind of beauty that is timeless,” Guido Palau said in a press release.

Too complicated you say? Not at all. Check out these tips in order to get the look totally by yourself. Or, if you have no styling skills whatsoever, ask a friend to help you. Imagine this ‘do as a classic French braid but placed around the crown of the head and not at the back. Well, the only thing to keep in mind is that this is one of those hairstyles that works great on long tresses without too many layers. The result? A bewitching, awesome summery look!

First step. Brush your hair to remove any knots. Then, take a circular hair section at the crown and divide it into three parts. Next, start making a French braid going under the right ear and all the way around the hairline until you get a full circle. Don’t forget to pin hair along the way to keep in place. Once the end of the braid meets the beginning, tie it with a thin hair elastic and tuck it back underneath the French braid. Pin in place. Apply some hair spray. Relaxed yet chic, this ‘do is perfect for everyday looks as well as for more special occasions.

How to make a classic French braid? Start by separating a hair section from the rest of the hair. Next, divide it into three equal sections. Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the strand in the middle. The right-hand strand should now be the middle strand. Then, cross the left strand over the middle strand. Next, pick up a section of hair from the right side of the head and add it to the right section. Cross the entire right strand over to the middle. Then, take a section of hair from the left side of the head and add this to the left strand. Cross the left section over the middle section. Repeat these steps and finish with a simple braid.