You Won’t Believe How Simple It Is to Recreate This Spiral Braid

Misty Spinney
Feb 05, 2016

There are two types of braids. There are the classics: the basic three-strand, the fishtail and the Dutch, all five-minute ‘dos that most of us could pull off with our eyes closed. Then, there are the braids on the opposite end of the spectrum — the eye-poppingly gorgeous, head-scratchigly intricate kind of braids you see all over Pinterest on celebrities and high-fashion models. You know, the kind you couldn’t possibly pull off yourself… way wrong, you guys. Here I’m showing you how to DIY one of the most elaborate-looking braids around — the spiral braid — that you can execute before a major event, say, a Valentine’s Day date or a 30th birthday bash for your bestie. Long haired-girls, this is your time to shine!

Prep: Add Texture

  1. Whenever you’re styling your hair in a braid, it’s best to make sure your hair has a little bit of a rougher texture to hold it in place as you go, which will make it easier for you to style. Spray a dry shampoo like TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($5) at your roots all the way through the ends of your hair and shake your fingers through your hair to disperse the product evenly.

  2. Step 1: Heavy Part + First Braid

    Place a heavy side part in your hair. Then begin to Dutch braid — aka an upside down French braid — the entire front portion of your hair, taking the front section from the side of your hair that has more hair from the part.

  3. Continue your Dutch braid all the way until you reach the nape of your neck on the opposite side of your head. When you reach this place, you can stop adding hair into the braid and switch to a traditional three-strand braid until you get to the ends. Tie off the braid with a small elastic.

  4. Step 2: Make 2 More Sections + Braid Both

    Divide the hair on the other side of your part into two sections. Starting with the section closest to your face, place a small Dutch braid that wraps around in the opposite direction and secure it with an elastic when you reach the ends.  Do the same braid on the middle section of hair as well.

  5. Check Point: How Your 3 Braids Should Look

  6. Step 3: Wrap + Pin Your Braids

    First Braid: Wrap the middle braid up and over your head, then pin the ends in place directly into the beginning of the braid.

    Second Braid: Go back to the braid that you started with and wrap it up and over in the opposite direction, tucking in the ends to blend it into the braid and securing with bobby pins.

    Third Braid: Finally, take that last little braid — the one that’s closest to your face — and wrap it around and over in the other direction. Pin it in place wherever the ends land.

  7. Step 4: Loosen  It Up

    Use your fingers to gently separate the braid throughout to make it look softer and more modern.

  8. Slightly unkempt, which gives off a soft, sexy vibe.
  9. The whole view, pretty from every angle!

  10. See, when you break it down you realize it’s so much easier than you would have guessed just by looking at the final look. While most of us may not have Lee’s gorgeous long locks, we can still play around and recreate this look custom for our own hair. Remember that the more texture you have in your hair, the more unique you can make this look!

Have fun and share your look by tagging us on Instagram!

10 Ways to Fake a Haircut Without a Trip to the Salon

If you’ve ever sorta, kinda toyed with idea of short hair but couldn’t bear to make the cut, then you’ve got to get on these faux short-hair hacks stat. We’re sharing the best tips and techniques for styling long hair short and pulling it off. Whether it’s a faux hawk or a bob you’re after, these styles are sure to fit your fancy.

1. Faux Asymmetrical Bob: Allison Williams rocked this at the Golden Globes , but you could make it work for a new fall look when you wouldn't mind a few compliments. (via Brit + Co)

2. Asymmetrical Pixie: Yep, you can actually get a faux pixie. For those of you who have always been slightly curious, but never made the hack, here is your chance to sport the uber chic cut. All it takes is a little twisting magic. (via Naturally Curly)

3. Braided Faux Hawk: We hope you’re ready to rock this bold and beautiful style. It takes a bit of practice and some mad braiding skillz, but we know you’ve totally got this. (via Modern Salon)

4. Curly Bob: You know how they always say, “try before you buy?” We suggest you heed this advice when it comes to your hair too. To get your new look, watch Jen’s YouTube tutorial on how to hack your very own curly faux bob. (via From Head to Toe)

5. Head Scarf Updo: For days when you just want your hair out of your way, wrap up those locks, pin ’em in place and tie a pretty scarf around ’em. (via Keiko Lynn)

6. Faux Wedge Cut: If you have the itch to cut your hair, stop right there and try the look first. Pick a funky style like the wedge cut, and follow Brosia’s awesome tutorial to create the ultimate short hair fake out. (via Ambrosia Malbrough)

7. Faux Lob: All it takes is six easy steps to go from long to lob. Just follow the tutorial and enjoy your new hairstyle. (via Elle)

8. Faux Bob With Bangs: Your friends will totally be amazed when you show off your bangin' new look. They'll be even more stunned to learn that you didn't actually cut your hair. (via Brit + Co.)

9. Milkmaid Braid: Milk your long hair for all it's worth and showcase this romantic braided 'do. (via Briton Alo)

10. Pin Curls: Love those glamorous styles from a bygone era? So do we, and the neat thing is that even long-haired gals can flaunt this style. You won't even have to use curlers. Just grab a spray bottle filled with water and a handful of two-prong hair pins, and start pinning. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Which faux short hair hack are you going to try? Share with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

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'The Last of Us' Season 2 Is Coming Sooner Than Expected

I've been anxiously awaiting news on The Last of Us season 2 release date ever since that crazy season 1 finale in March of 2023. ICYMI, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have returned to Jackson but unfortunately, all's not well that ends well, because Joel is hiding a huge secret — and it's totally shaken Ellie's trust in him. I love this reluctant duo so much and I'm already making plans to visit my best friend so we can watch (and rewatch) the premiere together.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 2 release date, plus the new The Last of Us trailer.

'The Last of Us' season 2 trailer teases lots of terror.

We've already gotten our first look at Kaitlyn Dever's Abby (a character fans of the game love to hate), but this is the first time we've gotten to hear her — or see her Firefly pendant. We also catch a glimpse of Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) dancing during what appears to be an iconic game scene and Tommy (Gabriel Luna) helping defend Jackson from the infected.

While season 1 was full of earthy tones and tons of light vs. dark imagery, The Last of Us season 2 is already showing off a much more aggressive color palette with blacks and reds that underscore just how explosive things are this season (and judging by the flares, I mean that quite literally).

When can I watch The Last of Us season 2?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 release date is coming sooner rather than later and the show will hit Max in April 2025. We're still awaiting confirmation on whether we'll get all the episodes at once, but I'm guessing it'll be another weekly release schedule to bring us from the spring through the summer.

Is Last of Us season 2 coming?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 is on its way! The show was renewed in January of 2023 after the pilot aired. The game sequel opens five years after the events of the first game, and Joel and Ellie's relationship has splintered because of Joel's secret: his promise that Ellie's immunity couldn't be used for a cure is actually a lie — and he murdered an entire hospital of Firefly rebels to save her life.

When Ellie finds out Joel lied to her — and when a certain someone finds out Joel's responsible for the massacre — their worlds implode.

Bella Ramsey told Vanity Fair "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love."

Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal teased to Deadline that The Last of Us team “are always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show."

Check back here for the latest The Last of Us season 2 release date news! And read up on the other most-anticipated TV shows coming in 2025.

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The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season Just Started – And These 2 Flavors Won’t Return Next Year

The next best thing after Christmasis not New Year’s – it’s Girl Scout cookie season! We just can’t resist stocking up on Thin Mints and Tagalongs every year. In the spirit of getting a taste as early as possible in 2025, we’ve got our eye on everything related to this year's season.

Get your cravings ready, because we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

When will Girl Scout Cookie season be in 2025?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA just announced that cookie season kicked off on January 7, 2025! Girl Scout cookie season typically runs from January to March, though the exact dates depend on the region you live in.

Several Girl Scout regions announced the dates for their season ahead of the "official" start. You can likely anticipate similar dates for other parts of the country:

Last year, in-person cookie sales started as early as January 9 while online sales began on February 16.

Where do I buy Girl Scout cookies?

Girl Scouts of the USA

You can buy Girl Scout cookies in-person or online. Oftentimes, troops will set up shop in front of grocery stores or malls. Once the season starts, you can search for in-person booths here. Many troops also offer online ordering, so you don't even have to leave the house.

How much will Girl Scout Cookies be in 2025?

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The cost of Girl Scout cookies will vary based on the region you buy them in. In 2024, the price per box ranged from $5 to $7, amidreported price raisesdue to inflation.

Several regions have already addressed pricing ahead of the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

Girl Scouts of Arizona Cactus-Pine announced their first cost-per-box price bump in nearly a decade, citing rising production costs. All of their boxes will cost $6, but specialty cookie flavors like Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic will go for $7.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have all of their boxes priced at $6.

Meet The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Flavors

Girl Scouts of the USA

There are currently 12 Girl Scout cookie flavors, according to Girl Scouts. Their list includes the same cookies that were available in 2024. From Thin Mints to Samoas, we are so excited. Here’s the full list of cookies:

  • Adventurefuls
  • Caramel Chocolate Chips
  • Samoas (AKA Caramel deLites)
  • Do-si-dos (AKA Peanut Butter Sandwich)
  • Girl Scout S’mores
  • Lemonades
  • Lemon-Ups
  • Tagalongs (AKA Peanut Butter Patties)
  • Thin Mints
  • Toast-Yay!
  • Toffee-tastic
  • Trefoils

We’re also holding out hope that a new flavor will be announced ahead of the 2025 season (a la the famous Raspberry Rally)!

Are there any Girl Scout cookie flavors leaving the lineup?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Yes, sadly, there are two Girl Scout cookie flavors that won't be coming back after the 2025 season. Girl Scouts of the USA announced that the Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies will be retired after this year, so now's the time to stock up if you're a fiend for those flavors.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest 2025 Girl Scout cookie season news!

This post has been updated.

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Blake Lively's Team Just Responded To Justin Baldoni's Lawyer Calling Her Claims "Outrageous"

It Ends With Us might have premiered in August 2024, but Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's behind the scenes conflict continues to unfold in the new year. What started out as rumored drama escalated into legal issues when Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin on December 20, claiming his behavior on set was “disturbing" and “unprofessional," adding "improvised gratuitous sexual content" after the actress had already signed onto the film — all in all facilitating a "hostile work environment."

Here's why Justin Baldoni's lawyer called the claims "outrageous" — and what Blake Lively's team had to say.


Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's conflict is reportedly more than a "feud."

Lia Toby/Getty Images

After Blake filed the suit, and the New York Times published messages between Justin Baldoni and his team, reporting they were behind a smear campaign against the actress, Justin responded with his own $250 million lawsuit against the NYT. Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told People the claims are "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."

But on January 6, Blake's legal team came back with another statement, holding firm that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” they said in a statement to People.

“As alleged in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.”

“Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry," the team wrote. “A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

“Most importantly, media statements are not a defense to Ms. Lively’s legal claims," the statement continues. "We will continue to prosecute her claims in federal court, where the rule of law determines who prevails, not hyperbole and threats."

And their costars are speaking out.

Both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have found support from previous costars. Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Blake in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, released a statement in which they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."

"Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice," the statement reads. "Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding."

They continue that, "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

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Brandon Sklenar, who stars in It Ends With Us as Atlas, also supported Blake, linking to the NYT story on Instagram with a heart emoji. "For the love of god read this," he said.

Meanwhile, Justin's Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

Stay tuned for the latest It Ends With Us (and Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively) news.

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