Recently, I have been seeing this "Viking Braid" exploding all over the internet for good reason! It is such a cool hairstyle! Casual with striking visual interest. This look is usually done with a Dutch braid down the side, but I wanted to pump up the volume change the texture of the look for more of a "WOW" factor!
Take a curved section on the left 1/4 of the head from top of the eyebrow to behind the ear, slightly into the nape. Section the heavy side away using your professional dry sectioning clips. For the side with less hair, you will texturize this entire section using the Professional Texturizing Iron to increase the volume of the hair. This will make the braid you are about to create thicker and full of volume! Make sure you use a heat protectant spray prior to using the iron to protect your hair from heat damage.
After you have finished texturizing the right side of the head, place the hair from your other section into a mid-height ponytail. Don't place the ponytail too high or the end result won't look right.
Once the ponytail is in place, take your textured section and create a Dutch braid beginning at the front hairline until you reach just behind the ear, leaving plenty of length out, then secure with an elastic. Next, you will pancake or pull apart the Dutch braid to make it appear thicker and flatter against the head. After you pull the braid apart, secure the braid to your existing ponytail.
From here, pick up the leftover hair in the ponytail that was texturized and instead of finishing with a traditional braid, create a simple fishtail braid, leaving out 2-3" at the end. Secure with an elastic and then gently pull the fishtail braid apart to your liking.
Using a 19mm curling wand, curl the rest of the ponytail then back brush lightly for volume. Additionally, you can use your hands to break the curls apart and create more texture.
Mist with your favorite hairspray from at least 6-8" away to complete the look and keep your hairstyle in place.
The finished result is a combination of texture, braids, curls and volume that is sure to get a lot of compliments. This is another great way to add some drama to a traditional ponytail! You have to give this a try and share your photos on Instagram for us to see! Be sure to tag #heatherchapmanhair and #samvilla for a chance to be featured!
View my other hair tutorials right here on the Sam Villa Blog! Also, be sure to check out the Professional Texturizing Iron. This is an awesome tool, especially when you want your braids to have more volume and thickness ... especially in fine hair!
I'm on the road! Click here to view my upcoming braiding classes and to get your ticket!
