DIY Floral Hairstyles from Boston Salon Owner

Fact: nothing screams summer beauty more than flowers in the hair! So, how do you rock this look even if you’re not at a musical festival? Boston salon owner and 30-year industry veteran Mario Russo of Salon Mario Russo has provided some “hair-spiration” for ladies who would love to sport blooms, but aren’t sure of the best way. We love a good flower crown, too, but in the office…? Not so much!

 Below, please find two DIY hairstyles with just the right amount of summer fun!  Incorporate small and simple flower accessories that are perfect for any day and event.

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 Side Fishtail Braid

  1. Start with hair parted to the side. Take a front section of hair and Dutch braid hair along the hairline. Repeat with a smaller section of hair on the opposite side of your part. Tie off both braids with clear elastics.
  2. Gently pull apart each Dutch braid for added thickness and “messiness” and spritz with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to help with texture.
  3. Keeping the Dutch braids off to the sides, gather the top section of the rest of your hair (as if creating a half-up, half-down style), twist once and pin to condense hair and add volume before completing the full braid.
  4. At the nape of your neck, gather all hair to the side, with the exception of the side braids, and create a fishtail braid.
  5. Gently pull apart the braid for a full and messy look, and spritz this braid with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.
  6. Pull the side Dutch braids back to meet the fishtail braid and pin in place. Hide the ends of your Dutch braids by tucking them under the fishtail braid at the base of your neck. Continue pinning until all braids feel secure and complete the look with a spritz of Bumble and bumble Does it all.
  7. Insert flower pins throughout the braids. Keep it simple yet elegant by adding 4-5 small flowers. No need to overdo it!

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Bohemian Braid Crown

  1. Start with hair parted in the center. Take two small sections of hair at the front and braid loosely on each side. Secure with clear elastics.
  2. Pull apart braids for added thickness and “messiness” and spritz with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to help with texture.
  3. Placing these braids to the side, gather the top section of the rest of your hair as if creating a half-up, half-down look. Split this section of hair into three parts in preparation for a third larger braid.
  4. Add the two side braids to the two outside sections of hair and begin one large braid at the back of head. Braid all the way down to the ends of hair and tie off with an elastic. Gently pull apart this braid and spray with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Tip: For an even more care-free bohemian style, get rid of the elastic altogether and backcomb hair at the end of the braid while spritzing with a strong-hold hair spray. The look will stay all day!

  1. Use a 1” curling wand to loosely curl the rest of your hair.
  2. Pin side braids down to your head to keep them from sticking out, then insert your flower pins sporadically throughout the style. Once again, don’t overdo it! A few flowers go a long way.

Hair Tips for The Holiday: The Braided Bun Blend from Boston Salon Owner

Mario Russo, owner & lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston just shared with us some good news for braid and bun lovers: they no longer have to choose between the two! For those preparing for holiday parties, a high school reunion or even a girl’s night out, it’s time to cue the braid bun blend.

With the popularity of the fishtail braid and sock bun, it is no secret that braids and buns are enjoying the spotlight in the hair world; but trust us, the star power is even stronger when you combine the two styles. Oh and did we mention it’s a side bun? Nothing says classy and fabulous like a side bun! To help you achieve the perfect balance between the two, Mario Russo has compiled step-by-step instructions for this new look for your locks.

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How to Create the Braid Bun Blend

Step 1: Begin by blow-drying wet hair to its smoothest state by utilizing a boar bristle brush. For added volume, we recommend using Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray.

Step 2: Part hair slightly off to the side and begin to French braid the hair starting from the temple of the side with less hair. Continue to braid hair all the way around your head until you reach the spot just beneath the ear on the other side. Once you have reached this point, tie the end of the braid with a clear elastic.

Step 3: Take the side of the hair that has not yet been braided, and use a curling iron to curl the hair away from the face. Make sure to keep these curls loose so they look wavy, and beachy. For even more texture on this side, we recommend using Oribe Texturizing Spray.

Step 4: Take a few random pieces from the curled side and form a loose twist over the ear. This is the ear that’s opposite the side of the head where you started your braid.

Step 5: Begin to twist the curled side of your hair and the end of the braid around each other to form a very loose side bun. Secure with bobby pins.

Step 6: The look should be very whimsical and loosely secured. Fasten your bun with bobby pins and finish with shine hairspray like MoroccanOil Luminous Hairspray.

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