Braids are hot, hot, hot this season. From braided crowns to fishtail buns, anything goes when it comes to your pretty plaits. We decided to ride the braid train and take it to the next level with a punked-up 'do that screams "cool girl." Makeup and hair genius Alana Dawn shows us how to get a mohawk braid that is très, très chic.

Step 1: Tease your hair all over and at the crown for added volume that will result in a fuller braid.

Step 2: Grab the top half of the hair (starting just above the ears) and braid it down the middle into an inside-out French braid.

Step 3: Braid all the way down through the length of your hair and secure the end with an elastic band. Pin back any strays strands or flyaway, then starting from the top and working your way down the braid, gently tug at the plait.

Step 4: Spritz flexible-hold hairspray (try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray) all over the style for extra hold.

Photo: Carlos Moscat
Makeup: Alana Dawn
Model: Caitlin Chapman