Short Braided Updo Wedding Hairstyle

Proof that you don't need long hair to wear an updo: New York City stylist Sarah Potempa created a three-strand braid that circled the top of the head and a five-strand braid that wrapped along the bottom, before adorning the look with a garland. Here, the DIY steps to create it on your own.

November 17, 2014

Credit: Tamara Schlesinger

THE TOOLS

Volumizing mousse
Paddle brush
Blow-dryer
Bobby pins
Straightening iron
Hair accessory

Credit: Mike Krautter Photography

HOW-TO

1. Start by spraying mousse onto a paddle brush, then brushing it through hair to evenly distribute it.

Credit: Mike Krautter Photography

2. Blow-dry hair, concentrating airflow at the roots. Grab hair with brush and pull upward and outward as it's being dried to add volume and height.

Credit: Mike Krautter Photography

3. Create a side part. In one section, start a three-strand French braid, weaving it along the crown. Secure in place with bobby pins. In the other section, create a five-strand French braid and continue braiding in the opposite direction of the initial braid. When both braids meet, reinforce them with bobby pins.

Credit: Mike Krautter Photography

4. Smooth out bangs with an iron. For a final touch, add an accessory.

THE DETAILS

Aussie Sprunch Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner, $4; aussie.com. Sarah Potempa On Set Styling Brush, $42; sarahpotempa.com. BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Mini Straightener, $30; stylesource.com. Larkspur & Hawk Olivia Hair Garland, $1,800; larkspurandhawk.com.

See 32 Accessories to Top Off Your Wedding Hairstyle