This article originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of SELF. For more from the issue, subscribe to SELF and download the digital edition.
Sleek, chic, cool—this rope braid is a triple threat. Spotted backstage at Public School , the sporty look is "clean and strong, but quite feminine as well," says Allen Ruiz, Aveda global artistic director for hairstyling. Here's how to DIY.
1. Prep the hair with a body-boosting product.
Try adding Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray ($5) to damp hair. Blow-dry hair straight, brushing it back on the head.
2. Gather strands into a high ponytail.
Make sure to wrap an elastic tie around the base three times. Take a small section of hair from beneath the pony, then wrap it around to hide the elastic. Secure with bobby pins.
3. Divide the pony into two sections.
Warm a dime-sized dollop of Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Style Creme ($26) in your palms and work throughout the ponytail. Separate the hair into two equally sized portions and hold one section in each hand.
4. Wind the strands into a rope twist.
Tightly twist each individual section using a clockwise twirling motion. Then twist the two sections around each other, moving in the opposite direction. Secure with an elastic; smooth ends with styling cream.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aveda
