21 Ideas For Summer Hairstyles Braids You’ll Want To Screenshot Immediately

Beach days, sweaty concerts, rooftop dinners—summer demands cute styles that actually stay put. Braids save the day with minimal fuss, maximum impact, and zero frizz drama. From laid-back boho to sleek and snatched, these braided looks bring the vibe. Ready to keep cool and look cooler?

1. Boho Waterfall Braid Waves

This dreamy braid drapes across your head and lets the rest of your hair fall in loose waves. It’s romantic without trying too hard and looks incredible in golden hour pics.

Tips

• Prep with a light texturizing spray for grip.
• Curl the ends first, then braid so everything blends.
• Hide the elastic with a tiny strand for a clean finish.

Wear it to brunch or an outdoor wedding and collect compliments like seashells.

2. Double Dutch Pigtails With Ribbons

Two Dutch braids give you instant lift and structure, plus they handle humidity like a champ. Ribbons add a playful twist without feeling childish.

Key Points

• Part straight down the middle for symmetry.
• Weave the ribbon in on the last few stitches.
• Finish with a soft-hold spray to keep movement.

Perfect for festivals or bike rides when you need style and staying power.

3. Sleek Braided High Pony

A high pony with a tight, shiny braid looks polished and fierce. It keeps hair off your neck while still giving “I have my life together” energy.

How-To

• Slick hair up with a lightweight gel or cream.
• Braid the ponytail tight and secure the ends.
• Wrap a small strand around the base to hide the tie.

Rock it to the gym, then straight to dinner. Versatile, IMO.

4. Fishtail Side Braid With Sea-Salt Texture

The fishtail reads intricate but comes together quickly once you get the rhythm. A side placement frames your face and looks effortlessly beachy.

Pro Moves

• Use sea salt spray for grit and volume.
• Gently pancake the braid to fatten it up.
• Leave a few face-framing pieces for softness.

Great for pool parties when you want cute hair that can survive splashes.

5. Crown Braid That Doubles As Heatless Waves

Two braids crossed over the top create a regal crown and keep sweat at bay. Sleep in it for pretty waves the next morning—two looks, one effort.

Materials

• Small elastics
• Bobby pins that match your hair color
• Light mousse

Use it for travel days or camping trips where mirrors are optional.

6. Bubble Braid Pony With Braided Accents

Bubble braids scream fun and photograph like a dream. Add mini three-strand braids between bubbles for texture and extra flair.

Tips

• Use clear elastics every few inches.
• Gently pull the “bubbles” for volume.
• Mist with shine spray for a glossy finish.

Ideal for rooftop nights when you want drama without complexity.

7. Boxer Braids With a Zigzag Part

Classic boxer braids always deliver, but a zigzag part makes them feel fresh. The look is sporty, secure, and seriously low maintenance.

Key Points

• Create the zag with a tail comb.
• Braid tightly along the scalp for longevity.
• Finish ends with a bit of hair oil for smoothness.

Wear for hikes, paddleboarding, or anywhere you’ll break a sweat and still want to look cute.

8. Low Rope Braid With Silk Scarf

A rope braid twists two sections into a sleek, nautical vibe. Weave in a silk scarf for color that matches your fit.

How-To

• Secure hair in a low pony first.
• Split into two sections, twist both in one direction, then wrap in the opposite direction.
• Tie the scarf at the base and integrate as you twist.

Great for boat days or markets when you want chic with minimal effort.

9. Micro Braids as Face-Framing Highlights

Tiny braids near your hairline add detail without a full commitment. They act like jewelry for your hair—delicate and cool.

Tips

• Braid two to four skinny strands at the front.
• Add tiny beads or cuffs if you like sparkle.
• Leave the rest of your hair wavy for contrast.

Perfect for last-minute plans when your hair refuses to cooperate.

10. Half-Up Dutch Braid With Messy Bun

Keep volume at the crown with a Dutch braid, then twist into a quick bun. It lifts your face and keeps the top section secure while the rest flows free.

Key Points

• Backcomb at the crown for lift.
• Secure the bun with U-pins for a strong hold.
• Pull out baby hairs for that lived-in vibe.

Great for coffee runs and casual dates when you want cute, fast, and fuss-free.

11. Braided Headband From Your Own Hair

Fake a headband by braiding a section from behind your ear and crossing it over the front. It keeps hair off your face without actual accessories.

How-To

• Braid a 1-inch section behind each ear.
• Cross over the top and pin on the opposite side.
• Hide pins under hair for a seamless finish.

Perfect for windy boardwalks or when humidity attacks your bangs.

12. Feed-In Cornrows Into Curly Ends

Sleek cornrows at the front with free, curly ends at the back balance structure and movement. The combo looks polished but playful.

Tips

• Use edge control to define the parting.
• Hydrate ends with curl cream to keep bounce.
• Accessorize with cuffs for shine.

Ideal for long weekends where you need a style that lasts and still looks fresh.

13. Mermaid Braid With Hidden Clips

This voluminous braid uses sneaky mini clips to create that thick, “did she get extensions?” effect. It feels whimsical but holds up in heat.

Key Points

• Crimp or wave hair first for volume.
• Use small claw clips inside the braid to lift sections.
• Pancake generously for that mermaid fullness.

Perfect for photoshoots, birthdays, or anytime you need a main-character moment.

14. Space Buns With Braided Bases

Two buns sit high and proud, each built on a braided base for texture and grip. It’s playful, festival-friendly, and rain-proof, seriously.

How-To

• Create two high ponytails.
• Braid each pony, wrap into buns, and pin.
• Leave some tendrils loose for softness.

Great for dance nights when you plan to move and don’t want to fuss.

15. Halo Braid With Fresh Flowers

A halo braid circles your head and makes everything feel ethereal. Tuck in tiny blooms for a garden-party vibe.

Tips

• Work with day-two hair for grip.
• Use baby’s breath or small buds—light and long-lasting.
• Mist flowers lightly with water to keep them perky.

Ideal for picnics, showers, and any event with a charcuterie board.

16. French Braid Pigtails Into Low Knots

Start with neat French braids and finish with low knotted buns at the nape. It reads refined but chill, which is peak summer energy.

Key Points

• Keep tension even for clean lines.
• Twist the ends into simple knots and pin.
• Gloss the surface with a serum to fight frizz.

Great for office-to-happy-hour days when you need versatile style.

17. Accent Braid On a Deep Side Part

Flip your part deep and add one chunky accent braid. The asymmetry looks edgy and instantly upgrades simple waves.

Tips

• Use a tail comb for a crisp part.
• Anchor the braid behind your ear with a hidden elastic.
• Texturize the rest for contrast.

Perfect for date night when you want a statement without the hassle.

18. Box Braids Styled Into a Topknot

Box braids give you protective styling that thrives in heat. Throw them into a high topknot for a quick, elegant switch-up.

How-To

• Gather braids high and secure with a strong scrunchie.
• Wrap in sections for balanced weight.
• Edge brush + gel to finish the hairline.

Ideal for vacations when you want minimal styling and maximum slay.

19. Dutch Braid Into a Braided Bun

Start with a Dutch braid down the back, then twist the tail into a braided bun. It stays put through heat waves and looks neat all day.

Key Points

• Begin at the crown for height.
• Use U-pins around the bun’s perimeter.
• Set with a humidity-resistant spray.

Wear to outdoor weddings or long days on your feet when you need reliability.

20. Side-Swept Cornrows With Loose Curls

One side braided tight, the other side curly and free—contrast that turns heads. It channels retro glam with modern edge.

Tips

• Braid three to five narrow rows along one side.
• Define curls with mousse and scrunch.
• Add a clip or cuff at the ends for sparkle.

Perfect for concerts and nights out when you want bold but wearable.

21. Infinity Braid With Pearl Pins

The infinity braid loops sections in a figure-eight pattern and looks luxe. Add pearl pins for subtle shimmer that catches sunlight.

How-To

• Start with a low pony for control.
• Work slowly through the figure-eight motion.
• Slide pearl pins into the outer edges last.

Use this for fancy dinners or sunsets on the pier—elegant without being extra (okay, a little extra).

Ready to braid your way through summer? Pick a style, grab a few elastics, and go live your best low-frizz life. Your future sweaty self will thank you, and your selfies will, too.