NYFW How To! Ulla Johnson’s Youthful Rope Braids by Bob Recine

Bob Recine created the hair look for the Ulla Johnson SS20 runway show: simple and youthful rope braids that show off a sense craftsmanship that is loved by the designer. Learn HOW TO!

To get the look, Bob started by creating a perfect center part on each model. He then used Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam to completely saturate the hair, giving it a wet, “out-of-the-shower” look. Combing the Phomollient through the hair with a fine-tooth comb, Bob then smoothed and tightly secured the hair back into one or two ponytails and then began the braids.

“Rope braids are pretty, simple and playful,” Bob said. He created the rope braid by sectioning the ponytail into two parts, and twisting each part one direction while wrapping them around each other in the opposite direction to ensure a tight hold. He also continued to add Phomollient or Aveda Air Control Hair Spray along the way to ensure any loose ends or fly-aways were in place. After finishing the braids, Bob quickly blow dried and spritzed them with Air Control to ensure they held their style while the models walked the runway. “The [Aveda] styling foam really helped keep this look in place and give off that wet, fresh look,” explained Bob. “We are really loving the way the shine comes off, giving it almost a reflective look.”

Photos by Andrew Werner