Local stylists share tips and trends.

by Ellie Delany

1. Blend braids with other styles

“We are doing less of the waterfall braid and more rope braids and bloused fishtail braids,” says Ottis Allen Cline, owner of Trilogy Salon and Spa in Newark. “We also are doing styles where the braid travels into the back and may transition into a braided chignon or a curly style.”

2. Loosen up 

Jess Ullman, a stylist at Bad Hair Day? in Rehoboth Beach, says looser styles such as fishtail braids are becoming more popular. “This gives the client a much more lax style and beachy feel in comparison to more structured braids I’ve seen in previous years,” she says.

Courtesy of Sherif Zaki Salon

3. Add some edge to a classic

“Messy, inverted French braids and deconstructed braids have become part of the foundation of today’s bridal up-dos,” says Lauren McDevitt, a stylist at Sherif Zaki Salon in Greenville. Working braids into half-up, half-down styles is fun option—especially if you have shorter hair.

4. Spring for some temporary length

Brides with shorter hair can add extensions to achieve full and intricate braids, says Natasha Latina, owner of Salon Pasca in Wilmington.