It's all about the braid this spring!

Image courtesy of Sabrina Dijkman

This is one of my favourite braided bridal hairstyles. I love that the braid is incorporated into the updo and that the style features pieces of hair pulled out for a more relaxed and casual finish, yet it still looks incredibly chic and sophisticated.

When it comes to creating the look, I separated the hair into three ponytails secured with elastics at the top of the ponytail. Then. I take the ponytail at the left and pull the middle ponytail through the hair before the elastic. I repeat this technique with the right hand side, working my way down to the hair to create the beautiful braid like shape. The elastics also help to create volume, however, a volume spray like the Caviar Anti-Aging Professional Styling Perfect Texture Spray can also be used alongside this technique for further volume and texture too. To finish, I secure the bottom section of the hair in two elastics and pull up to create an upstyle.

Some pieces of hair can then be gently pulled out for softness including around the face to help face frame.

Image courtesy of Sabrina Dijkman

For those who prefer a half up style, this braided half up is beautiful.

Your hair should be curled before using a heated styling tong or irons and then brushed out for soft, flowing waves.

When creating the side braid for this look, I love to distribute some Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Smoothing Gelee into the section of hair to be braided to give it smoothness and shine and to help with control. I always braid until about half way down and pin into place. This step can be carried out on the other side if you wish, and then brought together with a beautiful hair pin or clip to finish off the style perfectly.

Always finish with a hairspray like the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Professional Styling Working Hairspray to keep the braid and those gorgeous waves in place all day/night long and for an extra dose of shine.

Buns are always a popular bridal hairstyle and I love how the uniqueness of this style and how it also combines a braid and lots of volume!

The key to this look is ensuring the hair has a much volume as possible to allow the bun to look its very best. For this, I always use the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mousse. This should be applied into the hair before blow-drying to help thicken and strengthen hair and give it a light volume.

Once the hair is dry, I like to distribute some of Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture CC Cream throughout the hair to give it a luxe finish and to get rid of any frizz and flyaways.

I then would go in with my braid and once finished, secure with a hair tie at the bottom of the hair to create a braided ponytail. I then use hair pins to twist the braid into a bun and finish by pulling out small pieces of hair for softness and a more romantic feel.

Always finish with a hairspray with high hold such as Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Professional High Hold Finishing Spray.

You can follow Sabrina at https://www.instagram.com/sabrinadijkman. Alterna's products are available at www.lookfantastic.com