Have you ever stumbled across an amazing hairstyle on Instagram and thought, “How do they do that?” That question is constantly racking my brain when Hadassah Moskowitz’s posts pop up (@hrm_styles). In her spare time, the 17-year-old tries out different braid styles (mostly on her 13-year-old sister, Naami), conquering twists, turns, hearts and other cool shapes using hair as her medium.
The New York native—who now lives in Israel with her family—is a creative at heart. She started braiding her sister’s hair for fun, then, when they turned out well, took photos of the styles, and eventually, decided to start her own Instagram account to showcase her work and connect with others in the space.
Right now, it’s a hobby, but Hadassah hopes to make it a career. She has done hair for two kallahs (brides) already on their wedding days. We sat down with Hadassah to get some intel on the unbelievable looks she creates and how things work behind the scenes.
Where do you find inspiration for your braids?
When I want to do another style, I’ll look at my page and see what would fit in best to post next—maybe it’s a space bun style or a side pony. I follow different accounts and save posts from there that I’ll use as inspiration. I also have a sketchbook that I use for hair, so I will look at that and see if there’s anything I’ve been thinking about that’s interesting. Sometimes, I’ll even ask Naami if she has any ideas of what she wants.
How long does it take to do each style?
It takes a minimum of an hour for each style. I’m very precise and like everything to look super perfect. Taking the different parts and sectioning it off takes the longest. The braiding itself is pretty quick. I also need to detangle her hair before, and I like to wet it so it’s easier. So, I’m really grateful she lets me do it! We have a show we’ll watch together, or she’ll do homework sometimes and I’ll help her with it. It’s actually been a really great bonding experience for us, especially with being home more due to COVID.
What’s your favorite braid to do?
My favorites are the zipper braid and the five-strand braid. The five-strand braid looks so cool and is easy for me to do.
What’s the most challenging braid you’ve ever done?
The infinity braid for sure. You never know what to expect. Sometimes you try it and it comes out amazing, and other times it doesn’t. You never know. I love the way it looks but it’s super hard for me to do.
How do you prepare to do a new braid? Do you have to study it a bit or you just dive right in?
If it’s a new braid that I’ve never done, like a six- or seven-strand, then I’ll have to watch a tutorial first. But if it’s a Dutch or three-strand braid, then I’ll just see where it starts and ends and what the partings are and do it based on the photo. Since I’ve been doing it for some time now, I can usually just figure it out.
What advice would you give others who want to try it out?
You just have to jump in and do it. I had no idea what I was doing when I started. You get better as you go, with trial and error, and that’s how you learn. I’m so glad I did.
—
For more on caring for your hair, click here!
About Alexandra
