Here’s how to add a funky finishing touch to your next braid
For his SS19 collection Ian Griffiths, Max Mara’s creative director, looked to Greek myths and Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls — set during the Trojan War — to find inspiration for his goddess-themed collection. “An asymmetric shoulder, and a bag slung across the body is all you need to say goddess for me,” said Griffiths.
In keeping with the theme, celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight opted for a slick, no-nonsense braid, which extended from a centre part before being secured at the nape of the neck and extending down between the shoulder blades.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Screen-Shot-2018-09-21-at-11.33.51.png)
Kaia Gerber and Michelle Van Bijnen backstage at the Max Mara SS19 show @maxmara
Trying to reinvent a hairstyle as classic as the braid was never going to be an easy task, but McKnight’s leather bound version added a slightly sporty feel to an otherwise sleek look. Models Irina Shayk and Gigi Hadid showcased a tawny leather cord while Kaia Gerber accessorised her braid with a black version.
Here’s how to get the look in five easy steps
Step 1: Ensure your hair has been parted in the centre, then tie into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic band.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MM-step1.png)
@hairbysammcknight
Step 2: Hide the elastic band by winding a section of your hair around it.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MM-step2.png)
@hairbysammcknight
Step 3: Starting roughly a third of the way down your ponytail, braid your hair and once again secure with an elastic band.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MM-step3.png)
@hairbysammcknight
Step 4: Wind a leather cord around the top section of your ponytail. It should cover all of the hair that wasn’t braided. Secure the cord by tying in a knot.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MM-step4.png)
@hairbysammcknight
Step 5: Finish with plenty of hairspray.
![](https://mojeh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MM-step5.png)
@hairbysammcknight
How to get deeply parted classic Hollywood curls as seen at the 2018 Emmy Awards.
- Words by Gracie Stewart