Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the heat and humidity that can wreak havoc on your hair. But fear not, because braids are the perfect solution to beat the heat and look stylish at the same time. Here are 17 summer braids hairstyles for 2023 that are sure to keep you cool and chic all season long.
Basic Braids: How to Get Started
Before we dive into the specific braided hairstyles, it's important to know the basics of braiding. The three most common braids are the three-strand braid, the French braid, and the Dutch braid. To create a three-strand braid, divide your hair into three sections and cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the middle section. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your hair and secure with an elastic band. To create a French braid, start at the crown of your head and divide a section of hair into three strands. Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the middle strand while adding a small section of hair to each strand as you go. Continue braiding down the back of your head, adding small sections of hair to each strand until you reach the nape of your neck, then secure with an elastic band. To create a Dutch braid, follow the same steps as a French braid but cross the right and left strands under the middle strand instead of over it.
Box Braids: The Classic Summer Style
Box braids are a classic summer hairstyle that has been popular for decades. These braids are created by sectioning your hair into small boxes and braiding each section with extensions. The extensions can be added in a variety of colors and styles, making box braids a versatile hairstyle. This style can last for weeks with proper care, making it a low-maintenance option for the summer.
Cornrows: A Timeless Look
Cornrows are a timeless braided hairstyle that has been around for centuries. This style involves creating rows of small braids that are close to the scalp. Cornrows can be styled in a variety of patterns and can be accessorized with beads or hair jewelry. This style can last for weeks with proper care and is perfect for the summer months.
French Braids: Elegant and Simple
French braids are an elegant and simple braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves braiding your hair close to the scalp and adding small sections of hair to each strand as you go. French braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a crown braid or a half-up, half-down style.
Dutch Braids: A Modern Twist
Dutch braids are a modern twist on the classic French braid. This style involves crossing the strands under the middle strand instead of over it, creating a raised braid. Dutch braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a side braid or a braided bun.
Fishtail Braids: Perfect for the Beach
Fishtail braids are a perfect summer hairstyle for the beach. This style involves dividing your hair into two sections and crossing small sections of hair over each other to create a braided look. Fishtail braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a side braid or a half-up, half-down style.
Waterfall Braids: Romantic and Feminine
Waterfall braids are a romantic and feminine braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves braiding your hair and dropping small sections of hair as you go to create a cascading effect. Waterfall braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a half-up, half-down style or a braided ponytail.
10. Halo Braids: A Chic Updo
Halo braids are a chic updo that is perfect for summer weddings or events. This style involves braiding your hair in a circular pattern around the crown of your head. Halo braids can be accessorized with flowers or hair jewelry to create a romantic and feminine look.
Crown Braids: A Regal Look
Crown braids are a regal braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves braiding your hair in a circular pattern around the crown of your head, similar to a halo braid. Crown braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a half-up, half-down style or a braided bun.
Twist Braids: A Unique Style
Twist braids are a unique braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves twisting two sections of hair together to create a braided look. Twist braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a side braid or a braided ponytail.
Goddess Braids: Bold and Beautiful
Goddess braids are a bold and beautiful braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves creating large, thick braids that are often accessorized with beads or hair jewelry. Goddess braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a half-up, half-down style or a braided bun.
Milkmaid Braids: A Sweet and Simple Look
Milkmaid braids are a sweet and simple braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves creating two braids and wrapping them around the crown of your head. Milkmaid braids can be accessorized with flowers or hair jewelry to create a romantic and feminine look.
Braided Ponytails: Sleek and Stylish
Braided ponytails are a sleek and stylish braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves creating a braid and incorporating it into a ponytail. Braided ponytails can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a high ponytail or a low ponytail.
Side Braids: Perfect for Any Occasion
Side braids are a versatile braided hairstyle that is perfect for any occasion. This style involves creating a braid on one side of your head and leaving the rest of your hair down. Side braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a fishtail braid or a French braid.
Braided Buns: A Fun and Playful Look
Braided buns are a fun and playful braided hairstyle that is perfect for summer. This style involves creating a braid and wrapping it into a bun. Braided buns can be styled in a variety of ways, including as a messy bun or a sleek and polished bun.
