If You Can Tie Your Shoes, You Can Do This Showstopping Braid

Sharon Tanenbaum
May 10, 2018

Yes, yes, we know that braids are the hairstyle du jour. For those of us who never mastered anything beyond the basic three-strand plait, all of the fishtail, snake, and Dutch options out there can feel a little overwhelming.

Well, get ready to impress the braid enthusiasts in your life. Celeb hairstylist Sarah Potempa has shared the world’s easiest braid that looks incredibly impressive. “If you can tie your shoes, you can do this braid,” Potempa, inventor of the Beachwaver, tells Brit + Co.

Start by separating two sections at the crown of your head. Now, make a knot — just like you do when you tie your shoes. Add a small section of hair from the left side, and make another knot. Repeat on the right, and knot. “Continue tying knots all the way down the braid until you’ve created a full look,” Potempa explains. Once you reach the nape of your neck, make a three-strand braid or twist your hair and pin it under the knots. Pull the loops out to create volume. Secure with hairspray.

See it in action below!

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6 Salon Habits That Are Secretly Annoying Your Hairdresser

Beauty appointments are at the top of my self-care list, but you there's one question that's always sat in the back of my mind. Do I have bad habits that are annoying to my hairdresser or am I a "good" client? This could stem from being listening to retail horror storiesand fighting the urge to gasp in horror at customers' behavior.

No matter what it is, it's apparent hairdressers aren't a fan of everything you and I may do before, during, and after our appointments. Out of curiosity, I asked the following hairstylists about their biggest pet peeves:

Learn which bad habits you should stop doing if you want to stay in your hairdresser's good graces!

1. Coming To Your Appointment After Being At The Gym

Madison Kinsley/Dupe Photos

I'm thoroughly surprised that people do this because I know how sweaty I get after a workout. But Jorge's had clients who've done this and it's not a good look, according to her. "Yes your service begins with a wash, but seriously," she asks. I don't think you need a reminder, but you might want to take a shower after your gym or pilates session out of courtesy for your hairdresser!

2. Arriving Late To Your Appointment 

Most hairdressers have have a grace period for clients because they understand things happen, but that's not your cue to take advantage of their kindness. For Durante, "being late is the primary issue." Want to know why? He says it's because this "backs up all the appointments and creates a domino effect of issues that can often be hard to catch up on."

3. Acting Like An Armchair Stylist 

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Hair appointments should be collaborative, yes, but not to the point where your hairdresser feels like you're trying to do their job for them. Jorge says, "The most nerve-wrecking thing a client can do while they are in the chair is constantly second guess what the stylist is doing or changing their minds about their service. Clients need to trust their stylist and not back seat drive every snip."

If you're guilty of doing this, try to be mindful of how this makes your hairdresser feels. They're providing a service, but they're still human.

Jorge also says, "Sometimes, I just want to give the client the scissors and let them cut their own hair. J/K.."

Rene Terp/Pexels

It's something Durante doesn't care for either. "We always encourage our clients to give as many details as possible with how they want their hair to be cut, colored, and/or styles, but directing the service and telling the hairstylist exactly how to do their hair in step-by-step format is unnecessary when seeing a professional," he states.

Should you be afraid to talk to your hairdresser? Not at all, but it's unhelpful if you think you're more equipped to do your hair while sitting in their chair. "We appreciate a client's direction as it is their look, but critiquing and instructing us on how to reach the end goal is beyond frustrating. Quite frankly, we have spent years handling requests and know exactly how to achieve your desired look based on the tools we've gathered throughout the years," Durante adds.

5. Waiting To Share Your Dissatisfaction

Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

Another annoying behavior stems from something we've all done at least once. Durante says, "When completing a cut or color based on an inspiration photo, the client says they "wanted to go a different direction" - but only tells us once the service is completed."

At this stage in life, I realize the importance of communicating with my hairdresser throughout my appointment. People can't read minds so it's something to think about if you typically wait until your service is over to complain.

6. Covering Your Hair Once It's Been Styled

Melissa Romee/Dupe Photos

According to Jorge, it's annoying when "after receiving a hair cut and styling, the client wears a hat or covers their hair." I'm always excited after a hair appointment because it's a chance to enjoy and show off my new refreshed look, but I guess some people feel the need to "hide" their style.

Her other pet peeves? "Washing their hair with a cheap, sulfate shampoo that ruins their color. Going for a swim after a keratin treatment only to dry their hair afterwards and realize a giant frizz bomb where perfectly straight hair once was."

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Still Processing? Let's Break Down the Emotional 'The Pitt' Ending

The Pittseason 1 has been nothing short of gripping — and even the slower-paced season finale still lived up to that to that hype. From the moment the medical drama's ending started, we finally got answers to questions we've had all season about the incredible, life-saving doctors we've followed for 15 episodes. Let's unpack it all.

Here's everything you need to know about that emotional The Pitt season finale...

Warrick Page/Max

From the jump, we finally found out why Dr. McKay has an ankle bracelet — she's in a custody battle and was deemed flight risk. This explains so much about the tension with the "Bonus Mom" girlfriend, Dr. McKay's ex-husband, and her son. We don't know why the split and custody battle are so contemptuous, but at least it explains why someone with an ankle monitor is able to work in the medical field. It was always obvious Dr. McKay was a good doctor, but this little detail definitely confused me for the whole season.

I'm glad the police decided to let her go after tampering with the monitor — ya know, so she could save lives after a literal mass shooting.

Warrick Page/Max

This Dr. Langdon situation continues to get murky. He chose to confide in Dana which wasn’t necessarily unexpected, but it was interesting. It's clear he was desperately searching for allies to confirm that he's not actually an addict...whether he's looking to confirm that to himself or to Dr. Robbie is another story.

It seems like Dr. Langdon really believes he was just "weening" himself off of the pain medication like a doctor would, but it doesn't seem like anyone else is really buying that. When Dana tells him that Dr. Robbie will do what's best, it really shows how much the entire staff trusts his leadership, but also how questionable Dr. Langdon's choices really may be.

Warrick Page/Max

While we already know David isn’t the shooter from the festival, it's clear that Dr. McKay still finds him a bigger threat than just a depressed high schooler. He may not have deserved the intensity from the police at first, but I think the subsequent persistence for preventative mental health treatment is brilliant. This all feels especially timely given the “manosphere” and the rise of toxic masculinity in young men right now.

Totally love how they approached this, and I hope season 2 gives us a glimpse into a follow-up here.

Warrick Page/Max

When Dr. Langdon and Dr. Robbie finally had their confrontation about the drug use, I was genuinely shocked by Langdon's behavior. Dr. Robbie offered an out that made sense — NA meetings, random drug testing, etc — without requiring Dr. Langon to lose his job (or medical license). Instead of taking that graciously, Dr. Langdon acted out and used Dr. Robbie's panic attack very obviously caused by PTSD against him. This low blow was incredibly addict behavior-coded, and he really only proved that he's not fit to practice.

Warrick Page/Max

After a pretty tumultuous season for her, Dr. Santos definitely proved her bedside manner is so much better by the end! Her cutthroat mentality, rash decision-making, and blunt demeanor clearly wasn't serving her — or her patients — at the beginning of her first shift. Not only did it upset everyone around her, but it lead to some patient complications that honestly could have been avoided.

Now, by the end of her first 15 hours of her Emergency Medicine rotation, it's clear that Santos embraced a thoroughness and thoughtfulness that ultimately lead her to save a man from future self-harm. So proud of her growth!

(And I can't wait to see what roommate Santos and Whittaker are like in season 2!)

Warrick Page/Max

Throughout the episode, the residual blood prints on the floor highlighted the ever-present tragedy the ER just faced in only a few hours. It's such a good, small, specific detail that shows how the doctors, nurses, and overall hospital staff have to continue on in the face of their own trauma, saving more and more lives as the clock ticks on.

These details make Dr. Robbie’s speech all the more poignant. He said, “None of us are gonna forget today — even if we really, really want to.” And while that's exemplary of how people experience trauma in real life, but it also clearly exhibits his character’s direct experience with the trauma of COVID and the loss of his friend and mentor.

With that in mind, it's fitting that Dr. Robbie and Dr. Abbott share an emotional moment the roof after meeting each other there in the first episode. The men discuss the hardship of this role, questioning why they keep coming back day after day to such a heavy job.

Meanwhile, the ER waiting room starts quickly filling up all over again, further highlighting the continuous fatigue and mental health hardships each doctor and medical professional faces throughout their shifts – and their entire careers.

At the end of the day, when all the doctors cheers to the work, the patients saved, and the patients lost, it felt like Nick Caraway's last quote from The Great Gatsby:

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Warrick Page/Max

Remaining Takeaways:

  • Dr. Whitaker not being able to afford a place to live or a car as a literal doctor shows how messed up it is that we can’t pay a livable wage to the people literally saving lives day in and day out — even when they’re students, interns, or otherwise.
  • Poor Dr. King's caregiver fatigue. I hope she’s okay because she's definitely gonna burnout operating at the level she is — high metabolism or not.
  • The rats coming back is honestly hilarious.
  • Dr. Abbott worked so hard all day with that prosthetic and didn't let a single person or patient feel bad about it. A consummate caregiver.
  • Dana won’t come back — she’ll be the medical professional to break the cycle of putting themselves in this day-in and day-out.
  • We still don't know what's going on with Dr. Collins — I hope she's okay!

Is episode 15 of 'The Pitt' the season finale?

Warrick Page/Max

Yes, episode 15 of The Pitt is the season 1 finale!

How long is the last episode of 'The Pitt'?

Warrick Page/Max

The last episode of The Pitt (episode 15) is 60 minutes long.

Is there a season 2 for 'The Pitt'?

Warrick Page/Max

Thankfully, Max confirmed that The Pitt season 2 is definitely coming! And the best part? We're supposed to get the second season by January 2026 — Yay!

Is 'The Pitt' based on a real hospital?

Warrick Page/Max

No, The Pitt isn't based on a real hospital.

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I Finally Found The Best Curl Cream To Enhance My Subtle Waves – Here’s My Review

I’ve never claimed to have curly hair. Sure, I’ve caught a little ringlet here and there, but having a full head of curls never seemed like it’d be a reality for me. That was until I found this life-changing curl-defining cream! Turns out, with the proper product (and plenty of guidance from self-proclaimedTikTok beauty gurus), I could rock more ringlets than I ever thought possible.

Read on for my full review of my new favorite curl cream for defined curls!

Meredith Holser

I owe my newfound confidence with curls to none other than the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream, which they claim is their “#1 curl defining hair cream product for thick, curly hair.” It’s meant to reduce frizz, smooth your hair, and facilitate soft, bouncy curls.

I honestly tried this product on a whim, not expecting it to any of those things for me. I mean, I definitely don’t have thick, curly hair naturally. But, knowing I’ve spotted a few curls in my hair here and there, I thought there wouldn’t be any harm in at least giving it a try. I thought it’d be nice to be able to style my hair heat-free, especially in summer. The worst that could happen is I invest a few dollars in the curl cream, and if it didn’t work, I could pass it off to one of my friends!

The Results!

Meredith Holser

My first trial with this curl cream was not successful by any means. I ignored any instructions the packaging had to offer. Call me a rule-breaker!

The first go-around, I had applied a quarter-sized amount to the ends and mid-sections of my hair (post-shower) after it had dried a considerable amount. This was not the move, since it appeared to really weigh down my locks and surprisingly, added a weird texture that felt thick and oily. (Which, side note, shouldn't have come as a surprise since the cream has both coconut and neem oils in it).

The second, third, and fourth trials were really where I started to find my footing with the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream. I slowly found that using a small amount of the product (pea-sized squeeze) worked best for me, especially on mostly-wet hair.

I would part and brush my towel-dried hair straight out of the shower, then “scrunch” the product into my wet locks as evenly as I could. From there, I wouldn’t dare touch a brush again. I would simply scrunch my hair incrementally to guide my curls as they dried, also making sure to push up around my root area for volume. And voila, they stayed in place! I had curly, bouncy, and smooth semi-curly hair.

Meet My Curly Hair Power Duo

Meredith Holser

I can’t give the curl cream total kudos to my ideal curls, though. After my hair would dry a bit using the SheaMoisture Smoothie, I would use a light layer of the amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask to further eliminate frizzy flyaways (of which I have many), and it helped define my curls even further. Might I say, ‘power duo’?

I actually bought a 3.2-ounce tube of the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream fromTargetfor a little under $4 since I wanted to start small and see if it worked for me, but you can also snag a 12-ounce tub of the same product on Amazon for $11 (originally $13, so buying it from Amazon is a better value).

Tips For Using Curl Cream

Meredith Holser

If you don’t have naturally curly hair and want to give this curl cream a try, my best advice is to go very light with the amount you apply. I definitely recommend putting it exclusively on wet hair, ideally after you shower or drench your second-day hair with a spray bottle. From there, brushing or running your fingers through your hair is a no-go, as I found it disturbs the formation of the curls.

Amazon

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

The SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream has earned 4.5/5 stars from shoppers on Amazon and a 12-ounce pot is currently on sale for $11 (was $13).

Amazon

amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask

The amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask has earned 3.8/5 stars from shoppers on Amazon and a 6.7-ounce bottle currently goes for $32.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Here's Your First Look At Sydney Sweeney & Halsey's "Magnetic" New Crime Thriller

Sydney Sweeney and Halsey's Americana movie debuted at SXSW in 2023, but we don't have to wait much longer to see the film on the big screen. Thanks to Lionsgate, the movie is coming to theaters this year — and Collider just gave us an emotional (and bloody) first look at the movie.

Here's everything you need to know about Americana, coming to theaters August 22, 2025 and starring Sydney Sweeney, Halsey, and Paul Walter Hauser.

What is the movie Americana about?

Lionsgate, courtesy of Collider

According to Lionsgate's official synopsis, "a rare artifact falls onto the black market in a small South Dakota town" in the Americana movie, and before long, "the lives of local outsiders and outcasts violently intertwine."

And fans and critics who saw the movie at the 2023 SXSW loved it. "The more AMERICANA sits with me, the more I love it," one X user said at the time. "Halsey’s screen presence is magnetic and the chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser is so sweet. A neo-western that puts the eccentric characters of the modern wild west in the sun-soaked spotlight."

The Colliderfirst look features an image of popstar Halsey, dressed in a mint green collared top, with blood splattered across their face, looking out a shattered window.

Where can I watch Americana?

Lionsgate, courtesy of Collider

The Americana release date is sooner than you realize! Americana is coming to theaters August 22, 2025.

Who's in the Americana cast?

Lionsgate, courtesy of Collider

The Americana movie cast includes:

  • Sydney Sweeney as Penny Jo Poplin
  • Halsey as Mandy Starr
  • Paul Walter Hauser as Lefty Ledbetter
  • Simon Rex as Roy Lee Dean
  • Eric Dane as Dillon MacIntosh
  • Zahn McClarnon as Ghost Eye
  • Gavin Maddox Bergman as Cal Starr

Why is Americana rated R?

Ursula Coyote/Lionsgate

Americana is a crime thriller, and it's rated R for violence, language throughout, and some sexual references.

Where can I stream the movie Americana?

charlesdeluvio/Unsplash

Sydney Sweeney's Americana isn't available to stream yet, but stay tuned for the official streaming distribution! (You can also stream the 2016 movie Americana on Tubi).

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Sydney Sweeney and Halsey's Americana movie! Check out The First Look At Sydney Sweeney As "Incredible" Christy Martin while you wait.

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Netflix's 'Pride And Prejudice' Finally Found Its Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I will absolutely eat up any Pride and Prejudice adaptation. Jane Austen's most famous story has everything: romance, sisterly love, and the blueprint for the enemies-to-lovers trope. To this day, I've never read a fight with dialogue as memorable as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and the fact the story eventually gave us THE hand flex in Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation? That's just the cherry on top.

If you've been on TikTok for more than a day, you've probably seen the scene, which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, replayed at different speeds and angles, which is both its own commentary on the female gaze and a testament to how rich Austen's books are. There are countless glances and touches between Elizabeth and Darcy that add so much nuance to their relationship. And it looks like we're getting countless other moments to turn into TikTok edits because a brand new limited series is coming to Netflix! And the new Pride and Prejudice cast is unbelievable.

Here's everything we know about Netflix's Pride and Prejudice, starring Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman.

Who's in the Netflix Pride and Prejudice cast?

Des Willie/Netflix

The Pride and Prejudice cast is already a super buzzy lineup (and "fantastic," according to one X user). I agree! So far we have:

  • Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet: a headstrong and intelligent young woman determined to marry for love.
  • Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy: a handsome and wealthy bachelor that has a reputation for his pride.
  • Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy's very enthusiastic mother, who wants her daughters married and cared for.

“Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Emma says in an interview with Netflix. “To be able to bring this iconic character to life, alongside Olivia and Jack, with Dolly’s phenomenal scripts, is truly the greatest honor. I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.”

The other characters we're still waiting on are Jane Bennet, Mr. Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Mr. George Wickham, Lydia Bennet, and Mr. Bennet. According to The Daily Mail, Daisy Edgar-Jones (Twisters) has been sent scripts for the series, and now I just NEED to see her as Jane! (Maybe we could get Paul Mescal as Bingley?)

Is there a new Pride and Prejudice coming out in 2026?

Focus Features

Yes we're getting a brand new Pride and Prejudice! THR reports the series is set to film later this year, so there's a good chance we'll see the show next year.

Dolly Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) is writing the script for Pride and Prejudice while Euros Lyn will direct.

“Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,” Dolly tells Netflix. “Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy — it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life."

"The book is a gift to adapt — packed with drama and depth as well as comedy and charm," she continues. "In it lies the opportunity to examine the complexities of love, family, friendship and society, while aspiring to Austen’s delightfully observational voice. With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favorite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy.”

Where can I watch Pride and Prejudice?

Nick Wall/Netflix

You'll be able to watch the show on Netflix, but stay tuned for the Pride and Prejudice release date!

This is going to mark the first time the streamer's adapted a Jane Austen story since 2022's Persuasion, which received a 30 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and led to reviews with titles like Netflix's Persuasion is an absolute disaster and ‘Persuasion’ Is Awful and It’s Also Everything That’s Wrong with Netflix. The report also follows the news that the BBC is adapting The Other Bennet Sister, which revolves around Mary.

With Dolly Alderton behind the scenes, I'm sure the new adaptation will have the same wit as the original story, with a modern edge that will attempt to make it more relatable, with (hopefully) enough respect for the original work to make it not feel untrue to the original story.

How many episodes of Pride and Prejudice are there?

​John-Mark Smith/Pexels

Pride and Prejudice on Netflix will have six episodes total.

Where is Pride and Prejudice filming?

Pixabay/Pexels

Pride and Prejudice is set to film in the U.K. later this year.

What is Pride and Prejudice about?

Amazon

Pride and Prejudice Plot

Pride and Prejudice follows the Bennet family and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. When Mr. Darcy arrives to town — and Elizabeth immediately dislikes him — she strives to see as little of him as possible. This proves to be a difficult task when Jane falls for his best friend Mr. Bingley.

Does Netflix have Pride and Prejudice?

Focus Features

Wondering, Where can I watch the original Pride and Prejudice movie? Both the 2005 Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion are on Netflix now! The 1995 Pride and Prejudice is on Peacock.

Check out The Best Jane Austen Books Everyone Should Have On Their Bookshelf to catch up on all the best Austen novels.

This post has been updated.

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