The Best Halo Braid for Oval Faces: Expert Tips | Ultimate Style Guide
The Best Halo Braid for Oval Faces: Expert Tips
When it comes to protective styling, wedding elegance, or effortless bohemian chic, few hairstyles rival the timeless appeal of the halo braid. Also known as the crown braid, this style wraps around the head like a celestial diadem, offering both practicality and stunning visual impact. While the halo braid is versatile enough for almost anyone, it holds a special synergy with oval face shapes. The balanced proportions of an oval face provide the perfect canvas for this intricate updo, allowing for specific variations that highlight cheekbones and maintain facial symmetry.
However, not all braids are created equal. For the oval face, the goal is to accentuate natural balance without elongating the face too much or hiding the jawline. The "best" halo braid for this face shape isn't just a simple plait pinned around the head; it is a strategic combination of volume, texture, and face-framing nuances. Whether you are prepping for a formal gala or a casual brunch, understanding the mechanics of this style can elevate your look from simple to spectacular.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore why the Deconstructed Dutch Halo Braid is the superior choice for oval faces. We will delve into the structural reasons why it works, provide a detailed step-by-step guide on achieving the look, and offer expert advice on how to maintain it. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge needed to master this ethereal hairstyle.
Understanding the Oval Face Shape
Before diving into the mechanics of braiding, it is essential to understand the canvas we are working with. The oval face shape is widely regarded in the beauty and hair industry as the "ideal" shape due to its balanced proportions. It is characterized by a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin, with high cheekbones and a jawline that is curved rather than angular. The length of the face is roughly one and a half times the width. Because of this natural symmetry, those with oval faces have the luxury of pulling off almost any hairstyle, from pixie cuts to waist-length waves.
However, even with a versatile face shape, certain pitfalls should be avoided. Styles that add too much height at the very top of the crown can sometimes make an oval face appear oblong or overly stretched. Conversely, styles that are slicked back too tightly without any softness can sometimes look severe. The goal with an oval face is to maintain that natural harmony, highlighting the cheekbones and eyes while keeping the overall silhouette soft.
This is where the halo braid enters the conversation. A standard halo braid wraps around the perimeter of the hairline. If done incorrectly—too tight or too flat—it might not do justice to the face's natural contours. But when executed with the right volume and placement, it frames the face beautifully, drawing the eye upward and outward, emphasizing the eyes and cheekbones without disrupting the facial balance.
The Deconstructed Dutch Halo: The Gold Standard
While there are French halo braids, fishtail halos, and twist halos, the Deconstructed Dutch Halo Braid stands out as the absolute best variation for oval faces. To understand why, we must look at the difference between Dutch and French braiding techniques. A French braid involves crossing strands over the middle section, which tucks the braid into the hair, creating a smoother, flatter appearance. A Dutch braid, on the other hand, involves crossing strands under the middle section. This forces the braid to sit on top of the hair, creating a 3D effect that pops.
For an oval face, the Dutch style is superior because it adds necessary width and texture around the head, rather than just height. By sitting on top of the head, the braid acts as a true crown. The term "deconstructed" refers to the technique of "pancaking" or pulling the braid apart slightly after it is secured. This softens the look, creating a romantic, bohemian vibe rather than a strict, athletic aesthetic.
This specific style works for oval faces because the volume created by the Dutch technique adds width to the sides of the head, which complements the vertical length of an oval face. It prevents the face from looking too narrow. Furthermore, the texture of a deconstructed braid adds visual interest that softens the features, ensuring the focus remains on the wearer's eyes and smile.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Halo
Creating the perfect Deconstructed Dutch Halo Braid requires patience and the right preparation. Here is a professional breakdown of how to achieve this look, tailored specifically for maximizing the features of an oval face.
1. Preparation and Texture
Clean, slippery hair is the enemy of a good braid. The best halo braids start with hair that has a bit of "grit." If hair is freshly washed, professional stylists recommend applying a texturizing mousse or a sea salt spray to dry hair. This provides the necessary grip to keep the plaits in place and adds volume to the strands. For those with fine hair, using a crimper on the roots or a volumizing powder can work wonders to bulk up the foundation.2. Sectioning and The Start
Part the hair. For an oval face, a slightly off-center part or a deep side part often looks softer than a severe middle part, though a middle part is acceptable if you plan to leave tendrils out. Section the hair into two halves if you are a beginner, but for a continuous halo, you will start at the nape of the neck or behind one ear. Starting at the nape allows the tail of the braid to be easily hidden later.3. The Dutch Braid Technique
Begin a standard three-strand Dutch braid. Take a small section, divide it into three, and cross the right strand under the middle, then the left strand under the new middle. As you move along the hairline, pick up new sections of hair and add them to the outer strands before crossing under. The key for oval faces is placement: do not braid too close to the forehead. Keep the braid about an inch or two back from the hairline to allow for softness around the face.4. Navigating the Crown
Continue braiding around the head, following the curvature of the skull. Maintain tension, but do not pull so tight that it creates a headache or pulls the skin taut. As you complete the circle and run out of loose hair to add, continue braiding the remaining ponytail in a standard three-strand braid until you reach the ends. Secure with a clear elastic.5. Pinning and Hiding
Wrap the tail of the braid around the head to complete the circle, tucking the end under the beginning of the braid. Use bobby pins that match the hair color to secure it firmly. For a seamless look, tuck the pins inside the braid structure so they are invisible.The Art of Pancaking: Volume Control
Once the structure is pinned, the most critical step for the oval face shape begins: pancaking. This is the process that transforms a rigid braid into a soft, flattering halo. Starting from the end of the braid and working backward, gently tug on the loops or "elbows" of the braid to loosen them. Pull them outward to make the braid appear wider and flatter.
For oval faces, you want to focus on expanding the braid on the sides of the head rather than just the top. Adding width at the temples helps balance the vertical length of the face. Be careful not to pull too much at the very top of the crown, as adding excessive height there can elongate the face further, which is unnecessary for oval shapes. The goal is a uniform, thick crown that frames the face like a halo in a Renaissance painting.
Use a lightweight hairspray to tame flyaways on the braid itself, but allow the texture to remain somewhat messy. This "imperfect" finish is what gives the style its modern, chic appeal. If the braid looks too neat, it can veer into "milkmaid" territory; the goal is "ethereal goddess."
Face-Framing: The Secret Weapon
While the braid itself is the centerpiece, what happens around the hairline is what truly tailors this style to an oval face. A severe, slicked-back look can be daunting and puts full emphasis on the forehead and jawline. To soften the look, professional stylists always utilize face-framing layers or "tendrils."
Before you finish spraying the hair, use the tail of a comb to gently pull out thin wisps of hair around the temples, in front of the ears, and at the nape of the neck. For oval faces, having a few loose strands around the cheekbones is incredibly flattering. It breaks up the continuous line of the face and adds a touch of romance.
If the hair is straight, use a curling wand or flat iron to add a very soft bend or wave to these loose pieces. They shouldn't be tight ringlets; think soft, barely-there waves. This connects the texture of the braid to the rest of the look and ensures the style feels cohesive. These wisps act as a visual contour, highlighting the cheekbones which are a hallmark feature of oval faces.
Accessories and Variations for Special Occasions
The halo braid is a chameleon style—it transitions effortlessly from the gym to the aisle. For oval faces, accessories can be used to draw attention to specific features.
- Floral Accents: Weaving small flowers (baby's breath or small daisies) into the braid adds a whimsical touch. For oval faces, placing flowers slightly to one side creates asymmetry that is very pleasing to the eye.
- Jeweled Pins: For formal events, pearls or crystal pins inserted into the center of the braid loops add sparkle.
- Ribbon Weaving: Intertwining a velvet or satin ribbon into the braid can add color and depth. This is excellent for thin hair as the ribbon adds bulk to the braid.
If you have shorter hair (lob length), the halo braid is still achievable but may require the "double braid" method. Instead of one continuous spiral, create two pigtail braids and pin them across the top of the head. This creates the same visual effect. For those with very short hair, high-quality clip-in extensions are a fantastic tool to create the necessary length and volume for a substantial halo.
Expert Tips for Longevity and Comfort
A halo braid is one of the most durable hairstyles, often lasting for days if cared for properly. Here are expert tips to ensure your style holds up:
- Pin Placement: Use U-shaped pins (hairpins) in addition to bobby pins. U-pins anchor the braid to the scalp more comfortably without flattening the braid's volume.
- Sleep Protection: If you plan to wear the style for a second day, wrap your head in a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and prevents the halo from becoming a frizz ball.
- The "Anchor" Trick: If you have very silky hair that slips out of braids, use small clear elastics to tie off sections of the hair as you add them, or use a dry texture spray liberally before starting.
- Refresh with Oil: On day two, if the flyaways are getting out of hand, rub a drop of lightweight argan oil between your palms and smooth over the braid. This adds shine and tames frizz without weighing the style down.
Conclusion
The halo braid is more than just a trend; it is a classic technique that offers elegance, protection, and style. For those with oval faces, the Deconstructed Dutch Halo Braid is the ultimate choice. It respects the natural balance of the face while adding texture, volume, and a frame that highlights the best features. By mastering the Dutch technique, utilizing the art of pancaking, and strategically placing face-framing tendrils, you can achieve a look that is both professional and enchantingly beautiful. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a busy professional, or simply someone who loves a good hair day, the halo braid is a skill worth perfecting.
