How to Roman Braid

In Roman times braiding was considered an art

Ancient Roman hairstyles are often characterized by being overly elaborate. One of the simplest of styles however, that has continued to develop in the modern era, is a wide thick braid braided around the entire head in a circular fashion, acting like a crown or a headband. Roman women rarely cut their hair and experimented with false hair and wigs, therefore this hairstyle is best worn on women who have naturally long hair or hair extensions.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Rat-tail comb
• See-through hair elastic
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins

Instructions

1. Face a mirror if you are doing your own hair. Backcomb your hair at the roots and make a low part on the right, by your temple. Starting from your part, take a strand of hair about two inches thick from the front of your head.

2. Divide the strand of hair in to three even sections. Using both hands, begin braiding by taking one of the outside sections over the middle section of hair, and then taking the opposite outside section over the middle section of hair. Continue to alternate outside sections over the middle section towards your left ear.

3. The braid should be sweeping across the top of your forehead. Continue to braid around the head in a circular pattern. As you are braiding, begin to incorporate hair from the outter edge of the braid (rather than the inner) to give the braid more dimension. Braid the hair until you are back at the starting point by your part (it does not matter if you have gone beyond this point.)

4. Secure the end of the braid with a transparent hair elastic. Using a bobby pin, tuck and clip the tail end of the braid underneath the "crown braid" of hair you have now created, so it is out of sight. Secure your "crown braid" to your head by pinning the outside base of your braid; stick the pins into the braid facing out, then twist them in. Spray the whole hair with hairspray.

5. Tease your Roman braid a little using the end of a rat-tail comb or pull the braid apart with your fingers to give it a slightly 'messy' and modern appearance. Spritz with hairspray again for added texture.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hair is too short, add a hair piece or clip in a long weft in a shade matching your own hair prior to Step 1.

References

• Hairstyles Chat: Roman Hair Style Braids
• Hairstyles Vibe: The Roman Braided Hairstyle
• Hairselect: Ancient Roman Hairstyles
• "Cosmopolitan"; Braidy Bunch; Ingeborg Van Lotringen; July 2010
• "Glamour"; Sleek Sexy Braids!; Charles Worthington; February 2009
• Fashion-Era: Roman Women - Hairstyles and Dress

Resources

• Fashion-Era