How do you elevate a 3-strand braid + low ponytail? For Hairdo contest winner and BTC team member Antonio Estrada (@antestradahair), the answer is simple—he adds extensions for length and volume, adds grip with a holding spray for pancaking out the braid and he uses bobby pins that match the root color to ensure they’re concealed when hiding the ponytail elastic.

We were on set when Antonio created this updated braid for the Hairdo It-Girl photo shoot, and we have the video, photos, plus all the steps for you below! Keep scrolling for the inside…