First up is the unicorn braid ponytail, featuring a Dutch braided fauxhawk snaking down from your hairline to your nape. It’s a trendy way to wear this season’s biggest look with a bit of a hip edge. The next shows another way to wear unicorn braids via a half-up look, where the braid is affixed on the center of your head (much like its namesake’s telltale horn) and leaving the rest of your hair loose. If there’s anything we love, it’s a classic look with a twist. Scroll down for an easy guide to mastering how to do an Insta-worthy unicorn braid in a ponytail or half-updo:
Style 1: Unicorn Braid Tutorial – Ponytail
Style 2: Unicorn Braid Tutorial – Half-Updo
Step 1: Start fresh… or just refresh.
Starting off with clean hair helps give more bounce and grip, both crucial to all the tugging and pulling that comes with creating a unicorn braid. If you’re not quite down (or have the time!) for the hair washing and conditioning process, spray Dove Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo onto your hair to soak up any excess oils. Then, blow-dry, air-dry or tousle your roots.
Step 2: Section your hair.
Place your thumbs at the edges of your eyebrows and lightly draw them up until you meet your hairline. When you reach your hairline, use your thumbs to section your hair into three sections. Lift the middle section, twist it and pin it to the top of your head. Gather what’s left on the sides into a ponytail, so that it stays out of your way while you braid. Release the middle section (the section that you’ll be braiding).
Step 3: Begin braiding.
Next, take a thin layer from the very front of your hairline and separate it into three sections. Cross the outer strand under the center strand (effectively Dutch-braiding), making sure to pull tightly. Then, take the other outer strand and cross it under the center strand. Repeat this criss-cross braided pattern until you get towards the bottom of your braid.
Step 4: Secure your braid.
You have two options when it comes to securing a unicorn braid. You can continue the braid until the top of the back of your head and wrap a hair tie at the root. This leaves you with a swishy mini-ponytail. Alternatively, you can also stop the braid at a midpoint on the back of your head, then create a regular three-strand braid from there. Secure it with a hair tie and you’re golden!
Step 5: Lock in the style.
Spritz on a hairspray, like TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray on your hair to keep your style locked in place all day. This formula will leave your hair soft and bouncy, with a bit of control. Are you ready for some #UnicornGoals?
