Hair Tutorial // Chic Low Milkmaid Braids for Summer

I never really got into the Milkmaid braids trend. I dunno, I think it was something about the title that turned me off. Also, in the past, it was more saved for little girls and old grannies, so I never felt it totally age appropriate, but I’m sure if done right, it looks nice and modern now. When it comes down to it, I think it just always reminded me of Little House on the Prairie, though looking through the photos, I don’t even think they wore their braids up. But still, if you’re too young to know that reference, then I say go ahead and rock the Milkmaid.

But with Summer in full effect, finding new ways to wear my hair up and off my neck is a must. Butterfly Studio Salon sent over this email with a different take on the Milkmaid, keeping it low instead of sweeping it high around the crown, and I have to say, doing it on wet hair makes it look so cool {as in temperature} for these hot Summer days, I may just give it a try. It’s not necessarily “new” per se, but it’s got me thinking.

Butterfly Studio Salon stylist Jason J. Dougherty breaks down a super-chic, frizz-fighting braid in an easy step by step image guide that will take you from the office to happy hour, and will even withstand the long, sweaty commute all the way home during these hot, humid days.

1. Comb the hair and work out all tangles.

2. Apply a light oil like Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil and work through the ends.

3. Create a center part and bring it all the way down to the back. Divide hair in two sections.

4. Place a smoothing balm such as Shu Uemura’s Touch of Gloss on the roots and work into the crown.

5. Comb hair nice and taught and begin a thick inside out French Braid on one side of the head. Place elastic rubber band to hold ends and repeat on other side.

6. Bring one braid up and anchor to head with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side

And… Voila!

Easy enough, right? My favorite part, other than having to brush and detangle it, is creating this style with wet hair. No heat on my hair in the Summer makes me happy.

I think adding little flowers to the seam/where the braids meet the head/part, would be really pretty for Summer too.

“This chic work look is a variation of the Milkmaid Braid. By placing the braids on the bottom, they sport a polished look that is ideal for any professional woman. Instead of bringing the braid to the crown, I took two very large sections of french braids and crossed them before pinning up. Add in some texture for softness and allow pieces to fall around the face for an ultra-effortless look.” – Jason J. Dougherty, Butterfly Studio Salon