Braid How To – Milkmaid Style

I’ve wanted to post this braid how-to for a long time. Milkmaid braids, also known as Heidi braids, look really tough, but are actually quite simple. Know how to make pigtails? A simple braid? Can you pin up a bun? Then you have the skills!

Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Assemble your tools: A comb; Clear, ouch-less hair ties, at least 4; Bobby pins that match your hair color; Hairspray (Samy Skyscraper is comparable to L’Oréal’s Elnett, but half the price); A hand mirror so you can check the back of your head.

Put your hair into pigtails. Secure with the clear hair ties. You want the base of your pigtail near the top of your ear.

For shorter-than-shoulder-length hair, place the pigtail at the level of your temple. It’s okay if the hair at the nape of your neck is loose. That’s what the bobby pins and hairspray are for!

Braid your pigtails all the way to the tips. When you can’t braid anymore, fold the tip of your braid over, making a little loop and secure with the clear hair tie.

Get all your bobby pins handy. Keep them in your mouth.

Place one braid across the top of your head. Start pinning. Use as many pins as it takes! Work from the tip of your braid and pin all the way to the base of the pigtail. Shake your head around a bit. If the braid feels loose, then add some more pins.

Repeat for the other braid. Tuck the tip of the second braid under the first braid for a neater look. And then pin down any stray tufts of hair with more bobby pins.

Spray with plenty of hairspray. Don’t skimp.

You’re done!

This is a great hairstyle for any time of year, not just Oktoberfest. It’s perfect for second–or even third–day hair. And when you take your hair down, you’ll have pretty mermaid waves.

Of course I needed a Bavarian-inspired outfit to complement by Heidi braids. I got my dirndl, similar to this one, at a thrift shop in Florence. Because I’m a nineties-kinda-girl, I paired it with a long-sleeve pink thermal. My stockings are actually extra long thigh-highs from American Apparel. On my feet I’m wearing spats from the Army surplus store over Born Mary Janes, similar to these.