Braids aren’t just for ponytails anymore. These days, you’ll find celebrities, co-workers and classmates alike all sporting a variety of braids. Go to your favorite hair salon and ask a hairstylist for a lesson on how to braid your own hair if you don’t have much experience.

This summer, the trends are loose, messy and chunky braids, fishtail and even sleek French braids. You will see it all but the loose braids seem to be the biggest new trend. Blake Lively and Nena Dobrev have been seen out and about with varying styles of a loose and messy braid. Whether it’s French or fishtail, leaving pieces of hair out of your braid on purpose is the key to getting that relaxed and casual look.

There are also some products that will help along the way. Texturizing products will help fine strands get the grip they need to stay inside a braid formation. It will also help you grab your hair for the twisting and turning you need. Styling creams will get rid of that pesky summer frizz and make your hair look slick without giving you the dreaded crunch like some more powerful products. Your hair salon will have all of these products and tell you which will work best for your hair type. Ask your hairstylist about dry conditioning sprays, it gives your final braid a high shine but also acts as a de-tangler which will help when it’s time to deconstruct that new ‘do.

For that elusive fishtail-style braid, you want to start with loose beachy hair. Try styling cream or the newer salty beach products on your hair to give it texture. Dry your clean hair in large twisted ropes to create a little wave in your hair. With your dry hair, separate it into just two sections on one side of your head where you want the braid to lie. Remove any hair you want to keep out of the braid to frame your face. To get the fishtail look, take a small piece from the back of the left side, wrap around the front of the right, and return it to the center of the original left side. Repeat with the other side, alternating as you proceed. You want to pull the braided section apart a bit as you work to keep the loose and casual look. Have fun and experiment!

 

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