Uneven Loop Braided Style

Introduction

This dressy hairstyle offers the elegance of an updo without the need to pile all your strands on top of your head. Combining a chic modified asymmetrical part, long smooth bangs, braids and hair rolls this unusual do was created on beautiful Model Stacy Jamaitus by stylist Barbara Lhotan especially for HairBoutique.com and our media partner - Multi Media International.

This style offers several options. You can have your stylist or best hairstyling bud create the style for you complete with the back hair rolls and the looped braids. If you prefer, you can practice creating the front and sides of the look and you can opt for wearing the back of the look without the sophisticated but more complicated rolls.

If you prefer to completely copy the look this is a great style that your favorite stylist can design for you. Let your stylist guide you about the appropriateness of the style for your hair type and texture.

This style generally works best on hair that is shoulder length or longer with medium thickness. Hair that is very long can adopt to the style by adjusting the size of the back rolls.

Straight hair or hair that has been temporarily pre-straightened is ideal.

Wavy hair may or may need to be straightened depending on whether you want to keep the ends wavy or straight.

Please note that super fine or thin hair may not hold the braids, knots and loops as easily as coarse hair textures.

If you wish to try this look on fine hair, be prepared for hair slippage with gel, strong holding spray and extra bobby pins.

Step By Step Instructions

This style works best on hair that is not freshly washed. When possible allow your hair to "age" at least 24 hours from your last shampoo. The natural hair oils will help the knots and parts hold tighter and last longer.

1. Start by using a soft boar's head brush or similar natural bristle brush on your hair. Make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed. (All photos are the express copyright of HairBoutique.com & Multi Media International).

Although this elegant style was designed with an off-center asymmetrical part, if you prefer, experiment with a different type of part for a slightly different look. The current fashion trend is for deep side parts which may or may not work for this particular style. However, the look can be modified to accommodate a center or other type of part. This style can be worn with or without bangs according to preference.

2. Working with individual sections that are about 1-2" in thickness, smooth all of the hair with a hot flat iron. Allow hair to cool completely before proceeding.

3. Using the tail of a rattail comb create an off-center asymmetrical or modified zig zag part that extends from the hairline to the crown area of the head.

4. Starting behind the left ear, use the comb to create a vertical part along the crown to the right ear. Clip the hair to keep separate from the front hair. In essence you are separating the front of the hair and the back into two separate sections.

5. Starting on one side of your head, separate hair into two uneven asymmetrical sections.

6. Take the section closest to the ear. Wind or twist this section of hair clockwise around your index finger Take the opposite hand and create a loop. Pull your new twisted hair through the loop leaving approximately 2 inches of a long "tail" that flows from the knot.

Note: Experiment with single or double knots. You can loop your hair so that the knots fall level with your earlobes or you can layer knots so that they cascade down your strands. Longer locks can support multiple free-flowing knots.

7. Use a covered band like a Blax or other types of hair cords in the same color as your hair and slip it under the knot. That band should nudge up against the knot holding it in place. Use a tiny hairpin that is 1/4 to 1/2 inchea in the same color of your hair if you need a secondary anchor.

Note: Apply a light gel or setting lotion to each section for hair that is fine, slippery or does not hold styles well. This will help to anchor the hair better.

8. After you have created the knots and pinned them you should still have "tail" hair that flows out from the knots. Take the tail and separate it into 4 small sections. Use three of the sections to create a simple three strand braid in the "tail" hair. Leave the 4th section free. Pin the braid up under the knotted section. Leave one section of "tail" flowing freely

9. The finished first front side should consist of two sections. The section closest to the face should be straight and flow around the face. The second section should consist of the knotted/braided do.

10. Repeat the same knotting and braiding process on the opposite side of your head. Try to arrange the knotted/braided sections so they are close to the same size and position on each side of the head although they do not have to be perfectly aligned.

11. When you have completed both side sections to your satisfaction, spray with a hair spray or other setting spray to help hold the style. Feel free to use tiny bobby pins to help anchor any hair.

12. Start with the back hair that has been clipped. Make a triangular diagonal parting from the top of the head to just the middle of the ear. Take diagonal partings from the top of the head to the top of the ear on both sides. Hold this section with a lot of lift.

13. Pull the entire top section of the hair into a large looped knot. Anchor the knot.

14. Take the bottom half or the remaining hair and pull into a smooth ponytail held in place with a "hair friendly" elastic or a bungee cord.

15. Take the "tail" hair from the top knot and twist three times to form a hair "roll".

16. Sculpt the hair "roll" from the "tail" into a twist that extends along the scalp from the bottom of the top knot to the top of the ponytail.

17. Twist and position the bottom of the roll around the top of the ponytail. Pin into place with tiny hairpins.

18. If you desire a different look use a curling iron or hot curlers to add a little curls and "bounce" to the bottom of the ponytail. If you prefer, you can braid the ponytail into a soft three strand or fishtail braid.

19. Apply a medium to heavy holding spray to the finished style.

20. Add a light sprinkling of glitter gel for added dazzle or jazz up the sides or back with hair jewels.

Experiment with adding more or less sections of hair for different looks. For a different look try braiding the tails of each knotted section or making knots with pre-braided locks. (Photos courtesy of HairBoutique.com & Barbara Lhotan. Photography by Eric Von Lockhart).

The possibilities are endless if you take the time to play with different variations of this classic knotted style. This finished style if perfect for any special party, Prom, Wedding or other dressy hair event. Enjoy!

Credits

Hairstyles by Barbara Lhotan Make-up by Catherine Raffaele Hair jewelry provided by HairBoutique.com Jewelry provided by Alltherage.com

Photography by Eric von Lockhart Copyright 2002-2003 All rights reserved HairBoutique.com & MultiMedia International.

Barbara Lhotan is known as the "Personal Trainer" for stylists wishing to be experts with long hair. She is the Director of Education for Renaissance Salon in Smithtown, New York and a Senior National Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems.

Barbara works on all types of hair from short to long and creates spectacular updos and styles for any event. She is also talented with hair extensions and color. Contact Barbara for a consultation at: (631-724-2386)

Eric von Lockhart was born in New York City but spent his early years traveling to exotic locales as a military brat. Sensing from an early age that “some form of art was his destiny”, Eric embraced his early gypsy life. He viewed his constant travels as priceless opportunities to observe life through many angles, ultimately training him to do the same with his beloved cameras. Eric has been perfecting his craft “all his life” which explains why he is one of the most sought after fashion photographers in America.

Over the years Eric’s unique eye, lightening wizardy and brilliant photographic images have been in hot demand appearing in an extensive list of fashion and beauty magazines including Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Elle, Essence, Salon News, Modern Salon, Hype Hair, Inspire, Passion, Blacktress, Hair World, 101 Celebrity Hairstyles, Short Cuts, and HairBoutique.com.

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Original Publication Date: 3/2/2003 - Revised Date: 07/18/10

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