How to: do a side-braid

1. The non-braided side falls out completely.

Try this trick from hairstylist Mara Roszak: Gather all your hair to one side, but before you start braiding, grab the wonky pieces that keep falling out and twist them across the nape of your neck, pinning as you go. Once they're secure, you can start your braid.

2. You're dealing with bangs. 

Mist your bangs with water, twist them back toward the braid in one-inch sections and clip each one in place. Then mist all the sections with hairspray and allow them to air-dry while you're busy braiding. When you're finished, just take out the clips—your bangs should stay off to the side. If they don't, slide in a couple of bobby pins.

3. You have short or thin hair. 

The trick here is to braid tightly. That increases the number of rotations, which makes the braid look longer and bulkier, says Fugate. When you’re finished, beef up the braid by gently massaging it apart with your fingers. Never pull the braid apart, which loosens short, spiky pieces, adds Pecis.

4. Layers are popping out like whoa.

Push the piece of hair back into the braid and blast it with hairspray, says Roszak. If it still won't stay, hook a one-inch bobby pin through the layer, sliding it up and down through the braid in one quick motion.

5. You can't braid to the ends.

News flash: You shouldn't. Instead, tie off the braid with two to four inches left to go and flatiron the ends for a polished finish.

This article originally appeared in the July 2015 issue of Vogue India.