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.

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.

@hairbysammcknight
Step 2: Hide the elastic band by winding a section of your hair around it.

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Step 3: Starting roughly a third of the way down your ponytail, braid your hair and once again secure with an elastic band.

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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.

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Step 5: Finish with plenty of hairspray.

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How to get deeply parted classic Hollywood curls as seen at the 2018 Emmy Awards.
- Words by Gracie Stewart