New Braided Hairstyles - A Classic Look Is Reborn

How do you get a fresh new look this summer? By reviving a fashion classic with a romantic pedigree and giving it a modern twist... literally. Twist up your hair into one of the many new braided hairstyles. There's a summer braid for every occasion, from casual to business to formal.

For inspiration, you need look no further than the trendy braids worn by celebrity style setters. Stars like Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, and countless runway models have embraced the soft elegance of the side braid or partial braid.

No longer are you limited to the "pigtails" we used to wear as little girls (although that's still an option!) Anyone with medium length or long hair has a wide range of glamorous summer braid alternatives:

The Milkmaid Braid

This romantic throwback uses one or two side braids pulled over the top of the head to frame the face. It holds the rest of your hair back much like a headband while creating a classically feminine look.

This uber trendy braid also works well with bangs.

The French Braid

This old-but-new braiding hair style gathers in strands of hair as the braid lengthens, holding it snugly to the scalp. The classic French braid pulls all the hair into a single braid at the back of the head. More popular these days is to make two or more partial braids at the front and draw them to the back, hiding the ends in a loose bun or ponytail.

The Braided Bun / Chignon

This neo-Victorian look twists long hair into a single tight braid and then coils it at the back of the neck where it can be secured with a stick pin, chopsticks, or any decoration of your choosing.

The Adorned Braid

Your side braid or partial braid can be decorated with colourful ribbons, strips of leather, tiny hair jewels, or even flowers. It's a summer braid style that signals you're ready for some footloose fun in the sun.



Braiding Tips

Flyaway ends are a common occurrence with braids, especially on fine hair. Before braiding, mist each section with hairspray so ends stay under control while you complete your style. Then wrap the braid ends with a covered elastic and apply hair serum to protect them from damage.

Hair too short to braid? Consider a human hair extension or a clip-on in the same color as your hair. A less costly and easier-to-style alternative is a braided headband that lets you fake the milkmaid braid without a salon visit.

Whatever type of braid you choose, think of it as one component of your new braided hairstyle. In other words, pair your braid with another feature such as a loose bun or ponytail, face-framing tendrils, long wavy hair, bangs, or hair accessories. This blending of fashion motifs is what has reconfigured grandma's tidy, austere braid into what we see on the catwalks today. Have fun trying different summer braid styles to add texture and a "twist" to your holiday hairstyle.

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