Prepare To Fall In Love With These 'Pipe Braids'

Photo credit: @nicciwelsh - Instagram
Photo credit: @nicciwelsh - Instagram

From ELLE

For all the music festival-goers out there - who probably have a Pinterest board full of hairstyle inspo for said future concerts - get ready to add this braid to your short list of looks making the Coachella cut. Dubbed the 'pipe braid,' by Danish hairstylist Nicci Welsh, this dreamy, bohemian hairstyle is about to be the next style blowing up your feed because just LOOK AT IT.

So, how does Welsh do it? She creates the pipe braids by starting with a section of hair at the front of the hairline, separating it into two pieces. Similar to the friendship bracelets you used to make in middle school that you'd then sell to your friends (you know the ones, see below for a reminder), she takes the one piece of hair and loops the other piece of hair around it, tying it off in a knot, and then slides the looped hair upward to create the base.

Picture this, but in braid form:

Photo credit: Pinterest.com
Photo credit: Pinterest.com

Next, she alternates adding hair from the left and right sides, creating loops as she works her way down to the nape of the neck. The style can be used to create pig tails, ponytails, and half-up hairstyles, and you can make the braids tight (for a smooth look) or loose (for an undone, boho look).

Photo credit: Nicci Welsh
Photo credit: Nicci Welsh

Having trouble envisioning the instructions? Have a look at her mesmerising how-to below:

While pipe braids are perfect for summer music festivals (styling your hair up and away from your neck and face can be a lifesaver in the suffocating heat), they also work for weddings, bridal or baby showers, or if you're simply running weekend errands. In her photos, Welsh adds texture to the ends to create volume with messy waves. In one of her posts, she even wrote that she's a big fan of Oribe's Maximista products.

Photo credit: COURTESY
Photo credit: COURTESY

If you're a fan of more OTT hairstyles, you can easily add colour, glitter, or hair accessories onto your pipe braid for a trendy, bold look. But Welsh's braids are proof that achieving a cute hairstyle this summer isn't just a *pipe* dream. (Sorry, had to.)

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