With all the summer outings and events you have coming up, the last thing you want is a high-maintenance hairstyle that will have you scrambling to find the closest mirror. Luckily, we’ve hand-picked 12 of our favorite long-lasting summer braids for every hair type (yes, fine-haired girls, even you!) Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, keep scrolling to find out which look is perfect for you.
The Easiest Summer Braid Ideas To Try Now
French Braid
A French braid may not seem all that exciting at first glance but pair it with super long hair or extensions and you’ll never be closer to feeling like an actual mermaid. Plus, this classic ‘do will keep your mane in check throughout any summer day.Double Dutch Braids
Whether you’re hitting the gym or running Sunday afternoon errands, you can trust double dutch braids to survive through anything. To get the look, begin by parting your hair down the middle and creating two even sections of hair on each side of your head. Use a boar bristle brush to fully detangle your strands.
If your beginning with freshly washed hair, apply a bit of hairspray like the Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Sheer Lacquer Hair Spray to give your strands some grip before you start braiding. Working with one side at a time, pick up a small section of hair at the front of your crown, divide it into three even sections, and craft a traditional Dutch braid. Opposite of the French braid technique, you repeatedly cross the left and right section under the middle section, adding more hair as you go until you reach your ends.
Secure your first braid with a clear hair elastic and repeat the same technique on the opposite side. Gently pancake each braid for volume and complete your look with a few more spritzes of hairspray.
Half-Up Fishtail Crown Braid
A traditional crown braid is stunning and all, but a fishtail crown braid? Next-level. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night ‘do or something breezy enough to wear to the beach, give this half-up fishtail crown braid a try.
Halo Braid
If the last thing you want to deal with in scorching hot temperatures is a thick mane of hair, you’re going to love halo braids. This angelic, long-lasting plait pulls all of your hair away from your face and neck and is doable for long hair and mid-length strands.
Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid is so simple and elegant that you’ll want to wear it for just about every occasion. For summer, we love the look paired with easy, breezy beach waves. Before you begin styling, be sure to apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like the Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray.
Box Braids
If you’re looking for a protective hairstyle that will last all summer, you can’t go wrong with box braids. Pull your box braids into a bun or a high ponytail for a quick and easy summertime look.
Braided Low Buns
Beginning with clean, detangled hair, separate your strands into four even sections at the back of your head. Secure each segment with a clear hair elastic to create four mini low ponytails. Create a three-strand braid with the loose hair from your first ponytail. Apply a light spritz of Biolage Freeze Fix Humidity Resistant Hairspray and pancake the braid for volume and fullness. Then, secure the end with a clear hair elastic.
Repeat the same steps as you move on to your three other ponytails. Then, wrap your first ponytail into the shape of a bun at the nape of your neck and secure it with bobby pins. Wrap the second ponytail around the first to give it fullness and add a few more bobby pins. Craft a matching bun on the opposite side and lock in your look with a few more spritzes of hairspray.
Five-Strand Braid Ponytail
A five-strand braid may seem complicated to newbies but with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to mimic this style with ease! If you want to amp up your look with a summer accessory (and keep flyaways strands away from your face), pop on a hair scarf.
Bow-Tied Half-Braided Ponytail
Talk about fashion meets function! Not only will an on-trend hair bow instantly upgrade your summer braid, but it will also help to hold your look in place throughout the day.
Unicorn Braid
You don’t need to have majestic, down-to-there hair to pull off a unicorn braid. The braid, that sits on the crown of your head, also looks stunning on shorter strands.
Half-Up Pull Through Braid
The secret to this gorgeous braid? Well, it isn’t actually a braid at all. This technique allows you to mimic the look of a gorgeous plait with multiple cascading ponytails. If you’re not confident in your braiding skills just yet, this look is a must-try!
Braided High Ponytail
If the humidity turns your mane into a frizzy mess, opt for a braided high ponytail. The braids will help to conceal frizz and flyaways at the top of your head. Not to mention: This look will last you through just about any gym sesh.
Interested in more summer braid ideas? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
