Summer's most striking hair statement incorporates the unexpected. Braids are back and this time they're interlocked into classic hairstyles to create a look that combines elegance and edge. From up dos to low slung ponytails, let BV show you how a single plait can bring your look into pre-fall with just a touch of dimension and texture. Roberta "Robbie" Rogers, hairstylist at the Ken Paves Beverly Hills Salon gives us step-by-step tips on how to recreate these styles yourself. Get the hair and now scoop!


Robbie Says: "Be Head Above the Rest"
To get this hairstyle that Jada is sporting, blow dry your hair and rub a nickel-size amount of Dudley's Scalp Special Hair & Scalp Oil ($17.99, amazon.com) into the hair. If the hair is not relaxed, press the hair using a pressing comb.Then part a section in the center of your head and braid from the hairline to the crown of the head where the ponytail will start. Use a wax stick, such as the lavender-scented Tancho Stick ($9.95, ballbeauty.com) to tame the edges and nape. Use a boar bristle brush and brush the hair back and upward, towards the crown to join with the braid. Spray your strands with Dudley' Firm Holding Spray ($13.95, dudleyq.com) to give the style some control and firmness. Once the hair is all brushed up and pulled together, use Goody's elastic bands to secure a ponytail.


Use a bundle of wefted extension human hair and wrap it around the ponytail, securing with hairpins. Continue wrapping hair until the desired thickness is achieved. Use another hairpin to secure the end of the weft. Take an inch-wide section of the extended ponytail and wrap around the base of the ponytail. Secure with hairpins. Part the pony tail in three sections, and begin braiding the ponytail halfway down. Use elastic bands to secure the braid. Leave the ends loose. If needed, finish with Biosilk Finishing Spray ($14.50, target.com) to smooth edges and tuck any loose fly-a-ways.

Style: Halo/Princess braid
Inspiration: Model Joan Smalls for Oscar de la Renta S/S 10
Star: Jessica Alba

Robbie Says: "Be a Goddess for the Day"
To create this goddess style, you will need to use some foam wrap lotion for a sleek and tight braid or a styling creme for a textured loose braid, whatever your preference. Once you decide on the look, make a part across the crown of your head from ear to ear. Rub some foam wrap – like BB Foam Moisturizing Wrapping Lotion ($3.49, sallybeauty.com) – or styling creme – like Chi's Straight Guard Smoothing Styling Creme ($12.99, target.com) – through your hair to the ends. Comb your hair into a mushroom with a rattail or wide-tooth comb. Make a small part in the back area to begin braiding around the head. The braid size and tightness is up to you. Continue this braiding process around the head until you reach the starting point in the back of your head. Use small bobby pins or thin hairpins (in the same shade as your hair color) to secure the braided end into the inner side of the beginning braid. Smooth any loose hairs with a rattail comb and finish with Biosilk Finishing Spray ($14.50, target.com) to smooth edges and tuck any loose fly-a-ways.

Roberta "Robbie" Rogers is a celebrity hair & makeup artist at the Kevin Paves Salon in Beverly Hills. Working with the Ken Paves Salon, Rogers has coifed the locks of Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and Nelly Furtado. She's also worked with Gabirelle Union, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Brandy and Wendy Raquel Robinson.