by Crystal Hinz
with Hunter Schleicher and stylist Cali Jeffries
photos by Cameron Powell

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Clear elastic bands
• Hairspray
• Dry shampoo (if you need more texture or your hair is still dirty from yesterday’s workout)
• Teasing comb (for volume at crown or to gently pull braids out for more texture)

THE BASICS

1. French Braid

• Gather hair at top of head and divide into three equal sections
• Cross the sections over each other adding hair from the other side each time you cross
• Repeat crossing hair and adding sections to complete the braid

2. Inside Out French Braid

• Section the top of your hair into three equal sections
• Instead of crossing sections over, reverse it and cross the strands under the middle piece
• Grab and add small sections of hair every time you cross a piece under the middle piece

3. Fishtail

• Start with a low ponytail (you can remove the clear elastic later)
• Separate your hair into two sections
• Take a small section from the outside of the left section and cross it over the top to the right section. Alternate pulling from the outside of each section and crossing over until the braid is complete. The main difference with a fishtail braid is you are only using two sections of hair rather than three

NEXT LEVEL

1. Knotted Bubble Pony

• Section off the top half of your hair to start a low French braid and braid to nape of the neck
• Take the remaining hair and wrap into a tight knot.
• Use a clear rubber band to secure the knot Band the hair every three inches or so, depending on length of hair, and pull lightly
• This creates a tiered look with little “bubbles”

2. Fishtail Braid

• Gather a section of hair from each side of head
• Keep each section separate and pull small sections from each side of head to overlap the opposite section. Continue overlapping sections until finished
• After hair is banded you can lightly pull each section while holding on to the end of the braid to create a messy feel
• Can be worn straight back or to the side

3. High Pony Tail

• Pull hair into high ponytail
• Fishtail braid and pull out lightly for a loose effect

4. Knock Out Boxer Braids

• Clean split down the center of hair. “Inside out” French braid tight on both sides
• Once braids are finished go through and gently pull out to create a textured look
• Regardless of your fitness routine, boxer braids are easy, really cute, and keep your hair secure

5. Fishtail Bun/Top Knot

• Use high pony fish tail (see steps above) and wrap for a messy topknot option
• You can also create this look with half your hair down for a true topknot. During class we suggest you pull the bottom half of your hair into a low pony. Emi Jay hair ties are super cute and won’t leave a crease in your hair when you take it down after class

6. Mohawk French Braid High Pony

• Mohawk part around 4 inches thick
• And French braid to the crown of your head then pull the remainder of your hair into a high pony
• This look is super durable. If you’re a runner keep the French braid tight and double band your ponytail to keep your hair out of your face