Braids have taken a turn from that hip, surfer girl look to a sophisticated, romantic style. And everybody’s wearing them. There are so many fun things to do with braids, like the small side braid into a ponytail, the braided bun, the two braids as a headband, and more.

Those are all well and good (and a great way to deal with that messy hair when you’re running 15 minutes late to class in the morning), but once I saw this French side braid, they all paled in comparison. I’m in LOVE. (In fact, I’m longing for lengthy locks so my own side braid will look better!)

This braid is just as simple as the rest, but the placement is a little different. So watch the vid and find out how it’s done!

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By: Baze Mpinja

Attention, ponytails: You’ve got some competition! Braids are taking over as the go-to, chic-for-every-occasion hairstyle on celebs, models and, now, you.

1. The undone braid
The number-one thing to love about this style: The messier it gets, the better it looks!

How to Get it Right

1. No need for a blowout; just apply a bit of texturizer to the bottom third of dry hair for nongreasy piecey-ness. A good one to try: Pantene Pro-V Texture Spray Wax ($6.50, at drugstores). 2. Make a braid (or two!), securing with a clear elastic two inches from the ends. 3. Now gently tug around the crown and back of your head to get the messiness going, instructs celebrity hairstylist Hallie Bowman. To loosen the braid up even more, stick your fingers or the handle of a comb in and wiggle a bit. Got layers? Let ‘em hang out.

Read the rest at Glamour!

You’ve all seen it: the side braid. Supposedly made infamous by Lauren Conrad, this look has been seen on red carpets, runways and LA sidewalks alike. I don’t give Ms. Conrad credit for this hair gem (or the books she’s “written”), but I can show you how to do it.

Disclaimer: Being able to do a side braid does not guarantee a hit reality show based on you doing nothing, or a crappy, watered down fashion line in Kohl’s stores across the country.

Now that I have that out of the way, let’s get braiding. And don’t need to be intimidated by the French braid! Just keep your cool and practice; come Summer, you’ll have the perfect day-to-night ‘do down pat.