12 Gorgeous Braided Hairstyles You Can Do in Under 10 Minutes
Summer is all about fun, sun, and showing off your fabulous hair!
Who says you need to spend hours in front of the mirror to achieve stunning braided hairstyles? With a bit of creativity and these amazing techniques, you can look fabulous without the hassle. Get ready to rock twelve gorgeous braided looks that you can whip up in under ten minutes! Perfect for pool parties, beach days, or just hanging out with friends, these styles will keep your hair looking fresh and chic all season long. Let’s get started with these easy, summer-ready beauties!
1. Classic Three-Strand Braid
The timeless classic, the three-strand braid, never goes out of style.
This simple yet elegant braid is the foundation for many hairstyles and is perfect for a quick change-up. Start by gathering your hair into three equal sections. Begin by crossing the right section over the middle, followed by the left section over the new middle. Repeat until the end, securing with a hair tie. This braid is versatile—dress it up with accessories like ribbons or floral clips for a playful summer vibe.
Keep the sections tight for a polished look or loosen them a bit for a more relaxed feel.
Insights: This braid is great for all hair types, and you can even combine it with other styles, like a bun or ponytail, for added flair. It’s the perfect style for both casual outings and special events.
2. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is a stunning alternative that looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to master.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the other section. Then, take a small piece from the outer edge of the second section and cross it over to the first. Continue this pattern until you reach the end, securing with a tie. This braid has a unique, textured look that’s perfect for summer gatherings or beach days.
Pull softly on the braid for a fuller, more voluminous appearance, and don’t worry about being too neat—messy can be beautiful too!
Insights: Add a few small flowers or beads to your fishtail braid for a bohemian touch that’s super trendy right now.
3. Dutch Braid (Game Changer!)
Meet the Dutch braid, the underhanded version of the classic braid that adds depth and drama to your hair.
This braid is a game changer because it stands out beautifully! Start with three sections of hair at the top of your head. Instead of crossing over, you will cross the sections under each other. It creates a striking, raised effect. As you braid, you can add in hair from the sides for a more intricate look.
This style is perfect for keeping hair out of your face, making it ideal for outdoor summer activities.
Insights: Try a side Dutch braid for an asymmetrical version that adds a bit of edge to your look; plus, it looks super cute with a pair of oversized sunglasses!
4. Halo Braid
The halo braid is ethereal and whimsical, perfect for summer festivals or romantic dates.
This regal style involves braiding your hair in a circle around your head, giving off a fairytale vibe. Start with a side part and create a regular braid on one side. As you continue, wrap it around the crown of your head, securing it with bobby pins as you go. You can leave some strands out for a soft, face-framing look.
A bit of texturizing spray can give your braid some grip, making it easier to secure without slipping.
Insights: This style pairs beautifully with floral headbands and is a great way to keep hair off your neck while still looking chic.
5. Braided Ponytail
Putting a twist on the classic ponytail, the braided ponytail is fun and fresh.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a hair tie. Next, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and braid it. Once you reach the bottom, wrap it around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a pin. This look is sporty yet stylish, ideal for outdoor activities.
Add a colorful scrunchie for a pop of color, or braid the ponytail completely for a fuller look.
Insights: This style works great for busy days and can easily transition into an evening look with a few accessories.
6. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid captures the essence of flowing locks with a beautiful twist.
This style allows some strands to cascade down while others are braided. Start by taking a small section of hair and create a simple three-strand braid. As you braid, drop a section of hair and replace it with a new one from above. This creates the illusion of a waterfall effect. This look is stunning for summer outings and can be dressed up with hair clips or flowers.
Use a shine spray to highlight the beauty of your waves and add extra sparkle!
Insights: The waterfall braid is perfect for medium to long hair and can be styled with waves for an effortless, breezy look.
7. Braided Bun
The braided bun is the perfect blend of elegance and ease, making it a go-to for warm summer days.
Start by creating a simple braid on your hair and then wrap the braid around itself to form a bun. Secure it with bobby pins and let any stray hairs softly frame your face. This look is chic and can transition from a day at the park to an evening out.
Tease the hair at the crown for added height and volume, which makes the bun look fuller.
Insights: The braided bun is versatile; you can change its placement (high or low) for different vibes. Dress it up with a decorative pin or band for an added flair.
8. Crown Braid
The crown braid is pure royalty on your head, perfect for summer gatherings and parties.
To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids on each side, wrapping them around the crown of your head. Secure with bobby pins. This style screams sophistication and looks fantastic with a floral crown or hairpiece.
Pull strands gently for a soft, romantic look that contrasts beautifully against a sunny day.
Insights: The crown braid keeps hair out of your face and looks amazing with minimal makeup and a flowy dress, making it an effortless go-to for summer events.
9. Twisted Braid
For those who love a little twist, the twisted braid adds unique flair to the traditional braid.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections, twisting each section a few times, then combine them to create a braided look. Secure the end with a hair tie. This style is perfect for adding texture and dimension without a lot of effort, making it a fabulous choice for summer outings.
Mix in a few cute accessories like colorful clips or hair ties to elevate the look.
Insights: The twisted braid pairs nicely with casual outfits and can even work for a night out by adding a bit of sparkle with your accessories.
10. Side Braid
The side braid is a classic favorite that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-stylish.
Gather your hair over one shoulder and create a simple three-strand braid. Secure the end with a hair tie, and for a relaxed look, gently pull on the braid to loosen it a bit. This effortlessly chic style is perfect for those lazy summer days when you want to look put together without too much effort.
Adding a spritz of sea salt spray can give your braid that breezy beach vibe.
Insights: The side braid works beautifully with waves or curls, making it versatile enough for any occasion.
11. Infinity Braid
The infinity braid is a stunning style that creates a beautiful figure-eight pattern.
Begin with two sections of hair and braid them, but instead of crossing them over like a traditional braid, loop them around each other. This creates a mesmerizing design that’s sure to turn heads. This is a fun look to try for summer outings; it might take a bit of practice, but the results are worth it!
Experiment with different section sizes to create varying thicknesses for a more unique look.
Insights: This braid works wonderfully on long or medium hair and pairs perfectly with casual or dressy outfits.
12. Braided Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down braided style is both playful and elegant, making it a summer must-try.
Start by taking a section of hair from the front and creating a simple braid. Secure it with a small hair tie. Then gather the rest of your hair into a loose ponytail or leave it down for a carefree look. This style keeps hair out of your face while still showcasing your beautiful locks.
Adding waves to the loose hair can enhance the summer vibe dramatically.
Insights: This hairstyle works well for all occasions, from casual outings to more formal events, making it a truly versatile choice for your summer adventures.
Conclusion
With these twelve gorgeous braided hairstyles, you are now ready to embrace the summer with style and ease.
Each look is not only quick to create but also brings its own unique flair to your summertime outfits. Experiment with different styles and find what resonates with your personal vibe! Don’t forget to share your favorite looks or try something new—summer is the perfect time to let your hairstyle creativity shine!
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