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Wearing braids is a great way to make a statement this summer. It’s practical and low maintenance. And when done right, it protects your hair from damage. Loosely tied braided summer hairstyles also pull the strands and seal in moisture from the roots, allowing your hair to grow healthily.

Considering the benefits, the best thing you can do for your natural hair is to opt for one of these summer braided hairstyles. Of course, you have a ton to choose from. But for starters, we have combined 10 of the hottest options to keep you looking and feeling cool all summer long:

1. Box Braids

Among the popular braided hairstyles for summer, this type features three-strand plaits sectioned off in square patterns. It’s easy to maintain and versatile. You can style the braids in several ways, including loose, pulled back into a ponytail, or gathered in a bun. 

In addition, box braids suit any texture as long as your hair is long enough to adopt the plaits. The only catch is that installation takes a few hours or so. But once the process is finished, you can enjoy your fresh look for 6 to 8 weeks.

2. Braided Bun

Pile your box braids into a bun, and you end up with this effortlessly chic style. Here, you can create as many plaits as you like and pull them up in a wraparound pattern. But do note that you’re not limited to box braids.

You can whip up your preferred look using any of the listed braiding hairstyles for the summer, such as cornrows, or experiment with classics like French braids. The bun can also be low, messy, or something in between.

3. Braided Updo

Unlike buns, updos involve tucking your hair underneath, adding a touch of elegance. Low, mid, and high updos are simple and sophisticated at the same time. They are a favorite among brides during weddings because of the lovely way they show off the neck and shoulders.

But who says they can’t be worn in school or the office? These gorgeous summer hairstyles braids are quick and easy to put together. So even young students and busy professionals can achieve these looks without fuss.

4. Twist Braids

Also known as the coiled look, this option uses two sections of hair twisted in one direction. It’s considered one of the protective braided summer hairstyles. It is lightweight, adds no tension to the hair, and has a high moisture retention.

Further, you can style your two-strand twists however you please, anything from a simple bun to a high updo. You can also keep the look for days or weeks without worrying about maintenance since these lovely twists are made for convenient cleansing and conditioning.

5. Crochet Braids

If you find incorporating wigs or weaves into your natural hair time-consuming, check out crochet braids. Crochet braiding is included in our list of top braided hairstyles for summer. This affordable, more efficient alternative protects your natural hair while requiring less maintenance.

All it takes is the creation of cornrow braids as a baseline, where synthetic extensions can then be attached using a crochet hook or latch hook. You can count on the crochet braiding process to help you achieve an Afro pretty fast or attach ready-formed locs or braids hassle-free.

6. Passion Twists

Similar to other two-strand twists are done, passion twists or the boho look refers to summer braided hairstyles that use the best hair extensions. The twist can be thin or chunky, depending on your preferences. And the overall style can be worn for 12 weeks tops.

Passion twists are water-friendly, which is good news for those who want to spend a lot of time on the beach.

7. Senegalese Twists

Here’s another example of a two-strand twist. However, this time, the rope twists are produced by wrapping braiding hair around the root of your natural hair. Again, stylists often use Kanekelon hair, a smooth synthetic fiber that closely resembles Afro-textured hair.

Senegalese twists are perfect for everyday wear, making them in-demand braiding hairstyles for the summer – and winter too. Depending on your mood or the occasion, you can even jazz up your look with color, accessories, and extensions.

8. Micro Braids

If you want beautiful, head-turning summer hairstyles braids, this one is for you. Imagine a teeny-tiny version of box braids: sets of three strands interwoven in small plaits. Each resulting plait can look like a thick hair strand. And you can treat micro braids as such, styling them like normal hair strands.

However, even if you want to keep this lightweight hairstyle forever, experts recommend wearing micro braids for up to no longer than 8 weeks. This is actually long enough to protect you for the most part of the warmest months if you think about it.

9. Lemonade Braids

Inspired by Beyoncé’s 2016 visual album, “Lemonade”, these side-swept cornrows can reach past your chest or waist. They’re further distinguished by the combo of other styles, including Fulani and goddess braids. This low-maintenance, iconic look can last up to 4 weeks.

Lemonade braids aren’t just a cultural statement but a protective and practical style to maximize during the hottest season. 

10. Goddess Braids

Braided closer to the scalp, these plaits are the thicker version of cornrows. They are created by braiding your natural hair first. Then the excess, whether it’s your hair or an extension, is wrapped around the braids, appearing like curly tendrils.

The goddess braids take less time to complete compared to box braids and other braided summer hairstyles. Snag this look if you want to protect your hair as it grows and explore many styling possibilities this season.

Enjoy the Benefits of Summer Braids Done Right

So you have made your choice from the braiding hairstyles for the summer list. Will your look take a short or long time to complete? Does it have multiple maintenance requirements?

Tap into the skills of 4HR Braid Bar professionals to ensure your braid hairstyle is done properly this summer. In addition, our specialists see to it you’re equipped to care for your hair as you brave the heat of summer.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your hair healthy and beautiful. We’ll make your braiding experience the kind you will keep coming back to.