The braidy bunch: A how-to

Thanks to Jennifer Lawrence and her signature Katniss side braid, the hairstyle is "catching fire” in the style world, while the age of the Heidi and Pippi Longstocking braids has since fizzled out.

Today's hot looks include braids of different sizes, texture and looks. Look at the headband braid, the braided bun and the relaxed side-French braid. After a workout at the gym, braiding can also be forgiving when you don’t have time to wash your hair.

The headband braid:

To recreate this favorite hairstyle of celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Lauren Conrad, start by sectioning off 2" to 3" of hair across the crown.

Starting on one side, separate the section into three pieces and begin French braiding. Gather and add new hair as you move across the crown. Secure with two bobby pins behind your ear.

Don’t worry — the pins won’t show when you let the rest of your hair down.

The braided bun:

Probably the easiest style of all, the braided bun is a contemporary twist on a classic style. Start by putting your hair in a ponytail. Then, divide the ponytail into two sections, braiding each. You don't have to secure the end.

Next, wrap one braid clockwise around the base of the ponytail and secure with a bobby pin. Wrap the second braid counter clockwise around the base of the ponytail and secure with another bobby pin.

You might need to secure the bun with extra bobby pins. Spray a light coat of Paul Mitchel Stay Strong or Bumble and Bumble’s Classic hairspray. Charlize Theron and Jessica Alba love this polished look.

The relaxed French:

Mess is more with this style, and it was the big look all over New

Skip the brush and use your fingers. Scrunch and spray Oribe’s Après Beach Wave and Shine spray, which adds texture and shine to your hair. Collect your crown section and separate it into three sections. Begin braiding and lightly collecting sections (don’t pull tight — you want to keep it loose for the relaxed style), adding to the braid. Secure the end of the braid with an elastic. We suggest a ribbon elastic hair tie from Kitsch, because it doesn’t snap or break your hair.

After your braid is secure, gently go back and loosen the braid by tugging on the outside, giving it that tussled, casual feel.