Redken Creative Consultant Guido used braids in two Paris shows this season. He created a wrapped look for Valentino’s spring/summer 2012 collection (below, left) by first blow drying the hair with All Soft Argan-6 Multi-care oil for subtle shine, then French braiding it, beginning at the crown and working counter clockwise around the hairline, pinning the plait in place as he went. He finished by pulling out a few wisps of hair to keep the final look easy and soft. “It’s signature Valentino,” said Guido of the style. “It’s beautiful and romantic. It’s about a woman with an ease to her beauty.” Meanwhile, at Alexander McQueen (below, right) Guido created a tightly braided look that would peek through the headpieces designer Sarah Burton created for the collection. “Each headpiece was slightly individual. In order for the masks to fit on the models’ heads, we braided the hair underneath. This made the overall look more embellished and richer, as you can slightly see the braids through the mask,” he said of the braided look he designed for the show.