The last time I ever dressed up for Halloween I was the lovely wire-haired Pippi Longstocking. Pippi’s braids may have been crazy, but according to the NY Observer, she is up on one of the top hair trends today.

Whether it is two braids, a little braid in the bangs, a braid into a chignon, a braided headband or two braids pinned up, hairstylists say they are getting more and more requests for the style. Stylist Louise O’Connor, who owns OC61, a salon in NYC, said she put four braids criss-crossed at the back in model Coco Rocha’s hair for the Met. Other fans of braids- and women I think wear the look perfectly- include Jessica Simpson, Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Isla Fisher.

I am a firm believer that certain styles of braids should have an age limitation. It is so easy to look like you just got back from cheerleading camp if you are wearing double braids or just a simple straight-up French braid. Those styles should be avoided on anyone over the age of 18. Unless you can style a French braid so it is unique and elegant (see Diane Kruger below) it is just too hokey.

Below are some different styles of braids.

Labels: Braids are back ... but is that a good thing?

This entry was posted by Jacqui Pini, on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. You can leave your response .