As the thermometer rises with the approaching summer, the struggle is real when it comes to managing your locks amidst the sweltering heat and humidity. But don’t sweat it – literally! – because braids offer a refreshing solution to keep you looking fabulous while keeping your mane manageable. To help you beat the heat in style, we’ve curated 17 sumptuous summer braids hairstyles for 2024 that will have you feeling cool, calm, and collected all season long.
Basic Braids: How to Get Started
To master the art of braided hairstyles, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals. The three primary braids are the three-strand braid, the French braid, and the Dutch braid. Each has its unique characteristics, but they all share a common thread – simplicity. To begin, divide your hair into three sections for the three-strand braid. Then, cross the right section over the middle, followed by the left section over the middle.
Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your hair and secure with an elastic band. The French braid requires a slightly different approach. Start at the crown, dividing a section into three strands. Next, cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the middle while incorporating small sections of hair to each strand as you go.
As you braid down the back of your head, continue adding small sections of hair until you reach the nape of your neck, securing with an elastic band. The Dutch braid follows a similar pattern, except instead of crossing the right and left strands over the middle, you’ll cross them under it. With practice, these fundamental braids will form the foundation for more complex and intricate hairstyles.
Box Braids: The Classic Summer Style
A timeless summer staple, box braids have been delighting hair enthusiasts for generations. To create this iconic look, sections of your tresses are divided into small squares and then expertly braided together with additional strands of hair, known as extensions. What’s more, these enhancements can be customised to suit your personal style, incorporating a range of colours and textures to elevate the overall aesthetic.
As an added bonus, when properly cared for, box braids can remain looking fabulous for weeks on end – making them a refreshingly low-maintenance option for the warmer months.
Cornrows: A Timeless Look
For centuries, cornrows have been a classic braided hairstyle that never goes out of style. Characterized by rows of small, close-to-the-scalp braids, this timeless look can be customized to suit individual tastes. From intricate patterns to bold accessorizing with beads or jewelry, the possibilities are endless. What’s more, when properly cared for, cornrows can remain a stunning feature for weeks on end – making them an ideal choice for warm-weather months.
French Braids: Elegant and Simple
Elegance personified, French braids are a timeless classic that perfectly captures the essence of summer. By weaving small sections of hair into the strand close to the scalp, this understated yet sophisticated hairstyle is sure to turn heads. With its versatility, French braids can be styled in a range of ways, from a regal crown braid to a half-up, half-down masterpiece that effortlessly adds polish to any outfit.
Dutch Braids: A Modern Twist
Revamping the classic French braid, Dutch braids offer a sleek and modern twist by reversing the crossing motion. Instead of weaving strands over the middle strand, this style involves subtly crossing them underneath, resulting in a visually appealing raised braid. This versatile hairstyle can be easily adapted to suit various tastes, with options ranging from a chic side braid to a stylish braided updo.
Fishtail Braids: Perfect for the Beach
The beach is the perfect setting for showcasing a fishtail braid, a stylish summer hairstyle that’s both effortless and elegant. The technique involves splitting your locks into two sections and then crossing small strands of hair over each other to create a beautiful braided design.
One of the best things about fishtail braids is their versatility – they can be styled as a chic side braid or even worked into a half-up, half-down look, offering endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
Waterfall Braids: Romantic and Feminine
Summer’s sweetest hairstyle, the waterfall braid, is a romantic and feminine take on traditional braiding techniques. This captivating style involves weaving together strands of hair while gently releasing small sections to create a flowing, cascading effect that adds volume and visual interest.
With its versatility, the waterfall braid can be styled in multiple ways, such as a half-secured updo or a braided ponytail, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to stay cool yet look effortlessly chic.
Halo Braids: A Chic Updo
For those seeking a stylish and elegant hairstyle for their next summer wedding or event, the halo braid is an excellent choice. This classic updo involves weaving your locks into a circular pattern around the crown of your head, creating a beautiful and timeless look that can be further embellished with flowers, hair jewelry, or other adornments to add a touch of romance and femininity.
Crown Braids: A Regal Look
Regal and effortless, crown braids are a stunning hairstyle for summer. This timeless look involves weaving your locks into a circular pattern around the crown of your head, reminiscent of a halo braid. With its versatility, you can wear it as a half-up, half-down style or elevate it to a chic braided bun, perfect for any occasion.
Twist Braids: A Unique Style
Summer’s sweetest styling solution is the twist braid, a charming coiffure that effortlessly weaves two strands of hair together to create an intricate, braided look. This adaptable updo can be worn in various ways, ranging from a sleek side braid to a chic braided ponytail – perfect for hot summer days when effortless elegance meets simplicity.
Goddess Braids: Bold and Beautiful
Goddess braids bring together boldness and beauty in a single, stunning hairstyle that’s perfect for sizzling summer days. Characterized by thick, chunky braids often adorned with beads or hair jewelry, this look offers endless styling possibilities. From a chic half-up, half-down arrangement to a stylish braided bun, the versatility of goddess braids allows women to express their unique sense of style.
Milkmaid Braids: A Sweet and Simple Look
Simple yet elegant, milkmaid braids are an ideal hairstyle for warm weather. The process involves crafting two braids that wrap harmoniously around the crown of the head, creating a charming and understated look. To elevate this style, consider adding delicate floral accents or hair adornments to infuse a romantic touch.
Braided Ponytails: Sleek and Stylish
A popular summer hairstyle, the braided ponytail effortlessly combines two styling techniques to create a chic and sophisticated look. By weaving a braid into a ponytail, you can achieve a versatile style that can be worn high on the crown of your head or low at the nape, depending on your personal preference.
Side Braids: Perfect for Any Occasion
With its versatility and effortless charm, a side braid is an ideal hairstyle for any event. This style involves creating a braid on one side of your head, while leaving the rest of your hair loose and flowing. The beauty of a side braid lies in its adaptability, as it can be styled to resemble a fishtail or French braid, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
Braided Buns: A Fun and Playful Look
Summer’s here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to try out a fun and playful hairstyle: braided buns! This trendy look involves taking a regular braid and twisting it into a beautiful bun. The best part? Braided buns can be styled in countless ways, from effortlessly messy to sleek and polished perfection. Whether you’re heading to a music festival or just want to add some extra flair to your everyday look, braided buns are the perfect way to keep your locks looking great all summer long.
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