6 Braided Hairstyles for Summer

If there’s one style that can take you from beach to bar this summer, it’s the braid. The fashion accessory to an everyday style, or just for keeping hair in place on a hot day, the braid is your summer style staple.

Braids, plaits, pleats, twists – whatever you want to call them they are the most versatile, quick and easy style to create. Braids are a festival and weekend favourite and the best bit is the messier the better. And of course, fans of Game of Thrones will know the power of a braid!

A search on Instagram reveals more than 8 million images so there’s plenty of hair inspiration out there. But here’s our round up of the best braids for summer.

1 Accessorise

2018 braids are accessorised with feathers, rings or jewellery to give it a more boho, casual feel. Rings look fabulous on scalp braids, while feathers and pompoms hanging from long, dishevelled plaits guarantee to be everywhere this festival season.

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I was getting FOMO from everyone’s Coachella styles so here I am showin up late 😂 thank you @chelsiegambo for being my OG muse I used all @love_amika for this voluminous style 😍 – haute mess texture gloss – vandal volume powder – heist molding blend – headstrong hairspray 😍😍😍😍😍 #love_amika #hairrebellion #behindthechair_com #thebtcteam #bohohair all @schwarzkopfusa and @brazilianbondbuilder for color 😍 Hair jewelry by @live.neekas my FIRST post at @thewaverlysalon 🎉

A post shared by Hair (@maggiemh) on Apr 17, 2018 at 12:52pm PDT

2 Simple plaits

Nothing is simpler than the three-stand plait – and the best bit? When you remove it the next day, you’ll have an amazing texture in your hair that you can simply rake through with your fingers and voila, beautiful mermaid waves.

3 Skull braid

Take a triangle section of hair from temple to temple to the crown and braid, taking sections as you go along, then leave the rest of your hair long and wavy. For added interest, tie a ponytail at the crown for a casual weekend look.

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Braids, waves and chains #ghdxcoachella #ghd #wavesandbraids #ghdgold @daniellepeazer 🌴☀️✌🏼💋💥🌵 Hair by @patrickwilson

A post shared by ghd hair (@ghdhair) on Apr 13, 2018 at 2:11pm PDT

4 Halo braid

A celebrity favourite, this is perfect for a special occasion. It’s soft and feminine and gently frames the face. A few loose tendrils give it a modern finish.

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Love ❤️ Braided beauty #EmilyBlunt on the red carpet with her incredible husband @johnkrasinski, who was honored at last night’s @time #time100 gala in New York! #braid #redcarpethair #johnkrasinski #hairinspo #hairbysarahpotempa #love Obsessed with the way this side braid and @thebeachwaver leaf gold chain looked with this @brockcollection dress styled by @highheelprncess + stunning makeup by @genevieveherr 🙌🏼❤️

A post shared by Sarah Potempa (@sarahpotempa) on Apr 25, 2018 at 7:23am PDT

5 Waterfall braid

Add something different to long hair with a waterfall braid – it takes time to master but the results are worth it!

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For you rope braid lovers! 💕💕💕 #hairbypelerossi #lacebraid #ropebraid #laceropebraid #twistedlacebraid #modernsalon #redhair #prettyhairstyles #weddinghair #weddinginspiration #faceframingbraid #ropehairstyle #braid #braided #braiding #samvilla #bohohair

A post shared by Alex Pelerossi (@alex_haircraft) on Oct 30, 2016 at 7:56am PDT

6 Rope braid

Simply take two sections and twist like a rope, securing the ends with a band. This can look great as a ponytail, or as a section of hair to add interest to an everyday look.

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rope twist updo ❄️ there’s a new tutorial up on my YouTube channel for this style, link in bio ✨

A post shared by braids & hairstyles (@braidsbyjordan) on Apr 7, 2018 at 1:50pm PDT