27 Braided Summer Hairstyles to Ask for at Your Next Hair Appointment (2024)

27 Braided Summer Hairstyles to Ask for at Your Next Hair Appointment (1)

There is something powerful—almost magical—about switching up your hairstyle. That salon chair is known to transform women into new beings with fired-up ambitions. Your beautiful hair is an extension of your your personality, and we're lucky to know an infinite amount of ways to style it.

Braided hairstyles are gorgeous ways to switch up your look and play with different identities. Not only are they versatile (seriously, there's no shortage of ways you can braid your hair), but they are protective styles for Black women and men to prevent sun damage, which makes them a go-to style for the beach, vacations, and general summer cool. And while there's no shortage of ways you can twist and turn those strands, sometimes an overwhelming amount of options is just that: overwhelming. So to make decisions more easy for you, we've rounded up 27 braided hairstyles to bring to your hairstylist or to try out at home.

Whether you choose to go the goddess braid style that never fails to make you look like royalty or a classic boxed braid look, and whether you opt for thick or slim braids, the following 27 braided hairstyles will have you fully marveling at the beauty staring back at you in the mirror.

1

Small Knotless Ultra-long Box Braids

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Give them inches on inches of long knotless braids—a look that is guaranteed to reel in tons of attention. Not only does this look have longevity, but it's easy to style and creates less tension to the scalp.

2

Messy High Ponytail

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Blake Lively is known to have stunned in a few showstopping braided looks in her career, but none have left a splash like this messy ponytail.

3

Heart-Shaped Feed-Ins

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A really talented hairstylist will be able to create shapes and designs through feed-in braids. Hearts, stars, and boxes are just a few to get you started.

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4

Short & Big Box Braids with Curly Ends

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Opt for a thicker braid, and finish the ends in cute little curls—a great option if you don't have as much time on your hands to create smaller braids.

5

Classic Box Braids

Naturally, the next look is the classic box braids. These slim braids take tons of skilled handwork and can be considered a true work of art.

6

Loose French Braids with Open Ends

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A cute, classic, and easy look to recreate are loose French braids. Just braid one on either side of your head and tie them closed at the nape of your neck.

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7

Classic Braided Ponytail

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Something about whipping around a long braided ponytail just feels extraordinarily powerful. This classic staple is a go-to for Black women.

8

Boho Goddess Box Braids

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The boho goddess box braids, sometimes referred to as "Lisa Bonet braids," are a natural plait hairstyle with loose ends. Tie it up or let it all hang loosely around you.

9

Feed-In Braided Ponytail

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Feed-in braids never fail to look fierce. Particularly when braided up into a high ponytail, you've got one killer crown to show off.

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10

Upside-Down Dutch Braided Space Buns

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Space buns are cute on their own, but when you can have a Dutch braid leading up to them, then they're just straight up showstopping.

11

Classic Knotless Braids

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Let those knotless braids curl up at the bottom for a stunning braided look. You can have your stylist braid in different colors to create an ombré effect as well.

12

Braided Updo

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These zigzag feed-in braids are quite a work of art. Collect those long braids into a beautiful updo on top of your head to recreate this look.

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13

Braided Side-Bun

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A popular wedding hairstyle, the braided side-bun is an enchanting look that helps keep all your hair up in an artistic way.

14

Jumbo Accessorized Braids

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It's all about the accessories in this one. Opt for jumbo braids that frame the face elegantly for a short-hair look.

15

Stitch Feed-In Braids

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Here's an old classic that's been remixed and modernized. The stitch feed-in braids are a remix of the early Y2K hairstyle of fishbone braids.

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16

Two-Toned Black with Blonde Box Braids

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Try mixing in a different color for a contrasting look. This can apply to all kinds of braiding and hairstyles as well.

17

Medium Bob Braids with Side Cornrows

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This one is a '90s-inspired look that's serving endless amounts of sultry sophistication. You can accessorize with a little bead in your hair to recreate the full look.

18

Braid Frame Ponytail

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Braid the sides of your hair, tie them together, twist and pull the rest of your hair through them. This is a cute and easy way to keep your hair out of your face as you run your daily errands.

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19

Braided Bantu Knots

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The braided Bantu knots are a Central and South African hairstyle that has transitioned into a modern day protective style for African Americans.

20

Half Zigzag Braids with Extended Box Braids

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Mix in a little color when you opt for extended box braids. The zigzag feed-in braids add a fun visual to opt for as well.

27 Braided Summer Hairstyles to Ask for at Your Next Hair Appointment (2024)

FAQs

27 Braided Summer Hairstyles to Ask for at Your Next Hair Appointment? ›

However, you can certainly beat the heat and stay cool by opting for braided hairstyles that prevent your hair from sticking to your skin and add an element of style to your overall look.

Are braids cool for summer? ›

However, you can certainly beat the heat and stay cool by opting for braided hairstyles that prevent your hair from sticking to your skin and add an element of style to your overall look.

Can a 50 year old woman wear braids? ›

” . . . one of the many advantages of braids is that they are an inclusive trend. Unlike trends like skinny jeans, that so many women can't get in on because of their body type or because of age, braids can be worn by everyone.”

Should I wash my hair before a braid appointment? ›

YES! All clients should shampoo and condition their hair prior to scheduled BRAID appointment. Braid Appointments only. As, listed in REFERENCE, Requirements for ALL Braids, Crochets, Faux/ Goddess Locs and Sew-in's Appts: clean scalp, NO or (LIGHT) moisturizer, grease, oil, drops, etc...

How do I style my hair in summer? ›

6 Quick And Easy Summer Hairstyles For Hot Days
  1. HIGH PONYTAIL. A high ponytail is easy, takes just a couple of seconds, and is really cute. ...
  2. TOP KNOT. A topknot is my go-to when my hair is longer. ...
  3. MESSY LOW BUN. ...
  4. HALF MESSY BUN. ...
  5. FISHTAIL PONYTAIL. ...
  6. SIDE BRAID LOW PONYTAIL. ...
  7. 9 Comments.

Which braids make you look younger? ›

Try a partial braid (like Blake Lively) that frames a side of the face or a loose side-swept braid that diffuses unnecessary attention to your aging features. A braided ponytail wrapped up into a messy bun like that of Jessica Alba is another way to take some years off your look.

What braid is trending now? ›

Some popular trending braid styles this year include Ghana braids, faux locs and braided bantu knots.

What is the most flattering hair length for over 50? ›

THE 9 BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50
  • Chin-length bob. ...
  • Shoulder-length waves. ...
  • Textured crop. ...
  • Sleek lob. ...
  • Soft pixie cut. ...
  • Asymmetrical bob. ...
  • Textured fringe. ...
  • How does menopause affect women's hair? Menopause includes several hormonal shifts, notably a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels, which can impact hair health.

What hairstyle makes you look younger at 50? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

When should you stop wearing braids? ›

The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.

What not to do before getting hair braided? ›

Here's a good rule of thumb: never braid dirty hair or wet hair. This means that you need to wash your hair really well. To make sure that your hair is clean, you should use a clarifying shampoo to help get rid of all of the dirt and build-up from your scalp and hair.

What not to do before a hair appointment? ›

It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing. It can cause hair color to go on unevenly and affect how your hair stylist evaluates your pre-cut hair type and texture.

How do I prepare my hair before braiding it? ›

Both Niani and Hill agree that you want to ensure the scalp is clean and that your hair is free of product buildup before braids. Now would be a good time to whip out a clarifying shampoo to get a good cleanse. If your scalp is dry or flaky, Niani says you can also use an exfoliating shampoo or scrub at this step.

What is the best haircut for hot weather? ›

Avoid fringes, opt for bobs and pixie cuts

The real key to having a good haircut is that you want to be able to expose the back of your neck. This helps to keep you cooler, so bobs and pixie cuts are a good idea for summer."

Does hair look thicker in summer? ›

A: Hair will increase in diameter when there is more humidity, as it absorbs moisture, and will actually be thicker in the more humid summer environment.

Are braids better in summer or winter? ›

Rocking braids over the summer is always a given, but have you ever considered wearing them in the winter? Unfortunately, cold weather can be damaging to our hair. The damp, cold season can leave our hair dry and brittle, which most times results in breakage.

Should I wear braids or weave on vacation? ›

But don't get braids the night before you leave for your destination. They may be too tight and you don't want to be uncomfortable on your flight or drive. Plan it for a few days to a week before you leave instead. Another option is to get a sew-in weave that matches the texture of your natural hair.

Are box braids good for summer? ›

They have evolved into a way for us to express our signature and personal style. Typically used as a protective hair style for the summer (but can be worn all year round), box braids have become the go-to style for natural hair care.

How long do braids last in the summer? ›

According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.

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