How to Make Heidi Braids

Some people know them as milkmaid braids. Some refer to them as crown braids. Heidi braids are easy to create and do a great job of keeping your hair out of your face. Some ballet dancers enjoy the simple look and holding ability of this braided style. Some dance instructors prefer their dancers to wear Heidi braids instead of buns for ​recitals and performances.

To make Heidi braids, start by taking a fine tooth comb and parting your hair down the middle from the front to the back. Try and get the same amount of hair on each side so your braids will be even.

Separate your hair into two sections, using the center part as your guide. Try to make each section about the same size. If you need to, secure one section with a hair clip or a rubber elastic to keep it out of the way while you work.

Hair is always easier to work with if it's a little wet. A little bit of water or spray gel will hold flyaway hairs in place and help create tighter braids. With a spray bottle of water, slightly dampen both hair sections.

Take the first section of hair and bring it all up to just behind your ear, using a brush if needed. Tightly braid the hair all the way to the end. Make sure you braid as far down as possible to avoid any hair sticking out later.

Secure the braided hair with a rubber band or elastic at the end. Try to find small elastics as the ends won't be very thick.

Tightly braid the remaining section of hair, securing with another elastic. You should now have two cute braids, one one each side. If you have bangs, leave them alone for now. Once the Heidi braids are complete you can simply pin your bangs back or secure them with clips or barrettes.

Take the first braid and lay it across the top of your head, bringing it as tightly across your head as possible. Using a few bobby pins, secure the entire braid to your head. Start pinning at each end and then add a few in the middle. Try to slide them in under the top of the braid to make them invisible. Use small pins if you can, but if you have thick or unruly hair, bigger pins will work a lot better and hold it in place longer.

Take the second braid and wrap it underneath the first braid, also pinning as you go. (Some people prefer to lay the second braid in front of the first one.) Wrap the end of the braid around the top of the first one and tuck the excess hair underneath. Ensure that the end of the first braid is not sticking out by tucking it under the second so all loose ends are hidden. Pin down any extra flyaway hairs or spots that feel loose.

To ensure a perfect hold, stretch a hairnet around one side of the Heidi braid to the other. Twist the hairnet underneath and continue to wrap until it’s tight. Finish the entire hairstyle by spraying generously with hair spray.

There you have it...perfect Heidi braids in only a few minutes. Of course, embellishing your braids with a flower or ribbon (much like embellishing a ballet bun) is always an option. Have fun!