Are you ready to beat the summer heat with some pretty, cute, and simple hairstyles? Whether you’re gearing up for a summer festival, a vacation, or just daily wear, braids can be your best friend. But what braid styles are trending this year? From classic techniques to innovative twists, this article will unveil 61 braid hairstyles perfect for keeping you stylish and cool. Curious to find out which braid will best suit your summer vibe? Read on for our top picks and tips!
Classic Three-Strand Braid
The Classic Three-Strand Braid is the epitome of easy and pretty hairstyling. Perfect for those new to braiding, this style involves simply dividing your hair into three even sections and alternately crossing them over the middle strand until you reach the ends. This braid is exceptionally versatile, ideal for anyone looking to achieve a simple yet elegant look.
When it comes to care, maintaining the luster and neatness of your braid is key. Use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and give your hair a polished finish. We recommend the Moroccanoil Treatment for its nourishing properties and exceptional shine.
French Braid
A twist on the classic, the French Braid starts with small sections at the crown and gradually includes more hair as you weave down the scalp. It’s fantastic for those with medium to long hair and works well in both messy and sleek styles. This braid is particularly flattering for those with layered hair as it beautifully incorporates varying lengths.
To keep your French Braid looking its best, use a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain its shape without stiffness. TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray is excellent for achieving a hold that lasts all day but still feels soft to the touch.
Dutch Braid
Often referred to as the reverse French braid, the Dutch Braid stands out as the braid sits on top of the hair rather than blending in. It’s perfect for adding texture and dimension to the hair, making it a great choice for curly and thick hair types. This style also beautifully complements Boho chic outfits and is cute for any summer outing.
For maintaining a Dutch Braid, especially in humid conditions, use a frizz-control product like the Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother to keep your hair manageable and free from frizz throughout the day.
Fishtail Braid
The Fishtail Braid, with its intricate and pretty weave, may look complicated but is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. This style works exceptionally well for medium to long hair and adds a sophisticated twist to any outfit. It’s particularly striking on short hair as well, providing a playful and edgy look.
To keep your Fishtail Braid in place and reduce frizziness, apply a small amount of Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum before starting the braid. This will ensure your strands are smooth and well-defined.
Waterfall Braid
The Waterfall Braid is the epitome of romantic summer hair. This style allows strands of hair to flow freely in a waterfall-like fashion, making it ideal for weddings or summer parties. It’s especially enchanting on long, flowing hair and can be adorned with small flowers or ribbons for an extra pretty touch.
To enhance the look of your Waterfall Braid and add a subtle shine, use Paul Mitchell’s Shine Spray. This will not only boost the glossiness of your hair but also help in setting the style so it lasts throughout your event.
Milkmaid Braid
The Milkmaid Braid is all about capturing that timeless, rustic charm. This hairstyle involves creating two braids and pinning them atop the head, creating a crown-like effect. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and serves as a pretty and practical solution for summer heat. It works particularly well for women who want a boho or simple countryside look.
To ensure your Milkmaid Braid stays in place all day, consider using bobby pins that match your hair color and spritz with a strong hold hairspray, like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This will help maintain the structure without sacrificing the softness of your hairstyle.
Crown Braid
The Crown Braid wraps around the head offering an elegant and regal appearance. This style is a favorite for both casual and formal summer events, providing a pretty, messy yet controlled look. It’s particularly flattering on women who enjoy a boho chic or a more polished style.
For maintenance, lightly mist your Crown Braid with a sea salt spray for texture, such as the Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. This will add a natural wave and volume to the braid, enhancing its overall appearance.
Box Braids
Box Braids are a fantastic African hairstyle that not only looks stylish but also protects your hair. Known for their versatility and durability, they can be styled in countless ways—from buns and ponytails to free-hanging for a casual look. This style is perfect for anyone looking for a pretty and practical summer hairstyle that minimizes daily maintenance.
To keep your Box Braids looking fresh, use a spray like Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Braid Conditioning Spray. This will help keep your scalp moisturized and your braids shiny.
Lemonade Braids
Inspired by Alicia Keys and popularized by Beyoncé, Lemonade Braids sweep stylishly to one side and are typically embellished with beads or rings. This braiding style is perfect for achieving a look that’s both pretty and edgy. It’s a great choice for music festivals or a night out during the summer.
To maintain the sheen in your Lemonade Braids, use Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey, which will nourish your braids and add a luminous shine without weighing down your hair.
Micro Braids
Micro Braids are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish hairstyle this summer. These tiny, delicate braids can be worn loose or styled in numerous ways, offering incredible versatility. This hairstyle is particularly suitable for those with African textured hair, as it protects the hair while allowing you to sport a pretty and simple look.
Caring for Micro Braids involves keeping your scalp moisturized and avoiding heavy products. We recommend using a light spray like the Cantu Shea Butter Hydrating Leave-In Mist to keep your braids looking fresh without build-up.
Braided Ponytail
A Braided Ponytail is the perfect quick and cute fix for a summer day. This style elevates the traditional ponytail with a twist, making it suitable for both a workout session and a night out. It works well for all hair types and lengths, giving a pretty flair to an otherwise simple hairstyle.
To keep your Braided Ponytail pretty and polished, apply a smoothing hair gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel before braiding. This helps control flyaways and adds a sleek shine to your hair.
Braided Bun
The Braided Bun combines elegance with practicality, making it a pretty and easy choice for summer weddings or formal events. This hairstyle involves braiding the hair and then wrapping it into a bun, offering a cute and tidy way to manage your hair in the heat.
For maintenance, use a hairspray like Schwarzkopf Osis+ Freeze Pump Strong Hold Pump Spray to keep your bun secure and neat throughout the day.
Side Braid
The Side Braid is a simple, boho-inspired hairstyle that’s quick to do and works great on long hair. It’s a cute and messy alternative to more structured braids, ideal for beach days or casual outings.
To enhance your Side Braid, consider using a texturizing spray like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. This will give your hair a natural, beachy texture that complements the loose style of the braid.
Ladder Braid
Last but not least, the Ladder Braid is an intricate style that resembles the rungs of a ladder. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a cute and unique braid that stands out. Perfect for medium to long hair, this braid is a real head-turner at any summer event.
To keep your Ladder Braid in place, use a firm-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel. This will ensure your braid maintains its intricate detail without any strands slipping out.
Pull-Through Braid
The Pull-Through Braid is a stunning alternative to traditional braiding styles, giving off a thick, voluminous look that mimics a braid but is actually created with a series of ponytails. This cute and pretty style is surprisingly simple to execute and works exceptionally well on long hair. It’s perfect for those who want a boho look without the complexity of intricate braiding.
Maintaining the volume and sleekness of your Pull-Through Braid can be achieved with a volumizing mousse like the Dove Style+Care Volume Amplifier Mousse. Apply it to damp hair before styling to ensure your braid stays full and fluffy throughout the day.
Mermaid Braid
The Mermaid Braid is an ethereal and pretty style that weaves small sections of hair into a loose, flowing braid, perfect for capturing the essence of summer. This braid works best on long hair and adds a simple yet cute twist to the conventional braid by incorporating small strands across the braid, resembling a mermaid’s tail.
To ensure your Mermaid Braid looks enchanting all day, use a lightweight styling cream, such as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, which provides soft hold and hydration without weighing down your hair.
Mohawk Braid
The Mohawk Braid is a bold and edgy hairstyle that combines the fierceness of a Mohawk with the intricacy of braiding. This style is perfect for someone looking to make a statement at summer music festivals or any casual event. It suits short to medium hair best and can be a pretty standout look with curly or knotless finishes.
For a lasting hold, spritz your braid with a strong-hold hairspray like TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray. This will keep your Mohawk Braid in place without flaking.
Halo Braid
A Halo Braid wraps around your head, offering an angelic and graceful look. This style is ideal for weddings or any upscale summer event where you want to add a touch of elegance. It works well on medium to long hair and can be accessorized with small flowers or gems for a more festive or boho feel.
To keep your Halo Braid polished, apply a smoothing serum like the John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before braiding to control flyaways and add shine.
Goddess Braids
Goddess Braids are a beautiful and protective style that infuses African cultural heritage into a chic, modern look. These braids are typically thicker and raised, often adorned with gold cuffs or beads, making them not only pretty but also stylish. They are suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal events.
To maintain the sleekness and health of your Goddess Braids, use a nourishing scalp oil like the Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil, which promotes healthy hair growth and adds a pleasant scent.
Zigzag Braids
Zigzag Braids are a fun and pretty way to add some flair to your summer hairstyle repertoire. This African braiding style involves parting the hair in zigzag lines before braiding, which adds a unique twist to the conventional straight-back cornrows. Ideal for making a bold statement at any summer event, these braids suit those who enjoy standing out from the crowd.
To keep your Zigzag Braids neat and tidy, regularly moisturize your scalp with something like the As I Am Double Butter Cream. This product will keep your braids looking fresh and your scalp hydrated.
Butterfly Braid
The Butterfly Braid is a large and pretty plait that incorporates small sections of hair, pulled out slightly to resemble the wings of a butterfly. This cute and eye-catching style is perfect for both casual and special summer occasions. It’s particularly flattering on women with thick, long hair who want to showcase a boho or feminine style.
To maintain the structure of your Butterfly Braid, apply a lightweight mousse like the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse to keep the “wings” voluminous and defined all day.
Snake Braid
The Snake Braid is a simple, yet cute and intricate hairstyle that involves creating a braid that curves back and forth, mimicking the movement of a snake. This twist on a traditional braid is great for an adventurous day out or a stylish evening event. It’s ideal for those with medium to long hair, providing a playful yet elegant look.
To ensure your Snake Braid stays in place without frizz, spritz it with a flexible hold hairspray like the Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode. This will maintain the braid’s shape while keeping it soft and touchable.
Braid into Low Bun
The Braid into Low Bun is an elegant and pretty hairstyle that combines the comfort of a braid with the sophistication of a bun. This style is especially suitable for formal summer events like weddings. It works best on those with long hair, offering a chic, simple solution to stay cool while looking polished.
To keep your Braid into Low Bun flawless, use a smoothing serum like the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum before styling to control frizz and add shine.
Triangle Part Braids
Triangle Part Braids are a stylish variation of the traditional box braids. By sectioning the hair into triangular parts instead of squares, this style adds a geometric and modern twist to your look. It’s pretty, cute, and perfect for those who appreciate a neat and aesthetic hairstyle.
For lasting freshness and to soothe your scalp, regularly apply an aloe vera-based scalp gel like the Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Hair Oil. This will keep your braids looking neat and your scalp feeling cool.
Explore these styles and discover which braid best captures your personality and summer spirit. Whether you prefer something classic or want to experiment with something bold, each braid offers a unique way to express yourself while staying cool. Which braid are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below
