Turn two simple braids into a creative milkmaid braid updo

Braids are a busy beauty’s best friend. They’re quick, relatively simple to master, and turn second-day hair into a work of art. But when the weather turns chilly, they can leave your ears exposed to the cold. Milkmaid braids solve that problem, though.

Instead of leaving your braids loose, pin them up on top of your head. The base of the braid will cover your ear, and you’ll have a woven crown that defies even the strongest wind. Leave a few strands loose in the front to curl, and you’ll have an adorable updo for work or play.

Materials
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
- Hair spray
- Flat iron or curling iron

Instructions
1. Part your hair down the back into two large sections, and pull them forward over your shoulders.

2. Starting with your right side, leave a 1-inch section of hair at the very front loose, and then braid the rest of the section into a traditional 3-strand brand. Secure the end with a hair elastic.

3. Repeat step 2 on the other side.

4. Gently pull the braids apart to fluff them up and give them a softer appearance.

5. Lift one braid up over the top of your head, and secure it in place with bobby pins. Tip: To prevent the braid from shifting during the day, pin it down near the ear as well as on the top of your head.

6. Repeat step 5 with the other loose braid, pinning it behind the first one. Tuck the loose ends under the braid, and secure them with bobby pins.

7. Spritz the braids with hair spray to tamp down flyaway hairs.

8. Curl the loose hair sections with a flat iron or curling iron. Separate the tendrils with your fingers.

Stay pretty!