Mara Hoffman’s fall 2015 collection was inspired by Luke Skywalker, a mashup of human and animal, and civilization and wilderness. To complement her jedi-inspired collection, Hoffman’s models wore “intergalactic warrior tresses,” otherwise known as messy, fishtail braids. To clarify the look for us, and explain how to create the standout braid at home, we caught up with Catwalk by TIGI’s creative director, Thomas Osborn who was the brain behind the look. Try these steps at home and tap into your inner Jedi!
Step 1: Create a clean, center part from hairline to nape, securing hair in two low ponytails (for the time being).
Step 2: Use a paddle brush to smooth hair and set the severity of the part.
Step 3: Using pins, secure one extra-long, pre-made braid (using extensions) just behind the ear and cross over the crown. Repeat with a second pre-made braid in the opposite direction, crossing over the other braid to make an “X” on top of the head.
Step 4: Next, remove elastics from pigtails and begin braiding the ends of the braids into each pony, using a 3-strand technique and incorporating wefts of hair into the braid as you go to add length. Secure each side with an elastic, leaving a significant amount of unbraided hair below the elastic.
Step 5: Secure the two braids together, taking care to hide the pins and create the illusion of intertwined braids.
Step 6: Use fingers to pull on pieces of the braid to create an undone texture and set the look with Catwalk by TIGI Session Series Work It Hairspray.