Incorporating Braids Into Your Summer Hair Routine Oh, sweet summer! Incorporating braids into your summer hair routine: It’s time to ditch those heavy winter hairstyles and embrace the freedom of having gorgeous, sought-after braids as your hair’s new best friend. Why, you ask? Not only do braids help keep your neck refreshed on those scorching hot days (crucial, am I right?), but they’ve also come a long way since the basic summer camp plait. Gone are the days when braids were simply the go-to look for a messy hair day. Today, they have become chic statement makers, perfect for every summer occasion (beach, barbecue, wedding, or even a swanky rooftop party!). The possibilities are endless, and this blog, my friend, is here to guide you on your exciting braiding journey. Buckle up; we’ll take your braid game up several notches this summer! And remember, keep it quirky, and embrace that sarcastic humor, because why be boring when you can be gradational (yeah, I just coined that)? Braid Prep: Your Hair’s New Bestie Are you braiding, eh? It’s not just wrapping strands around each other; it’s a full-blown ceremony, buddy! And like every ceremony, the joy lies in the prep! So, grab a cuppa, ’cause we’ve got a chat about Braid Prep, or as I like to call it, ‘Your Hair’s New Bestie.’ First things first – Products. Navigate the endless aisles of confusing hair products at your own risk, or keep it simple. Get yourself a killer shampoo and conditioner duo to take care of cleanliness and hydration. Add a cherry (read: leave-in conditioner or detangler) on top for those stubborn knots. Now, the thriller movie part begins, detangling and sectioning. Remember, it’s about precision, not speed. Using a wide-toothed comb, detangle your hair like you’re disarming a bomb – with utmost caution. Your mission is also to section the hair flawlessly. Secret tip? Use duckbill clips! I know, I know, patience isn’t everyone’s strong suit. But if you race through it, you’re more likely to end up with a bird’s nest than a braid. Speaking of birds, let’s not forget the precious nest your hair lives in – Your scalp. It’s like high school; hydration is crucial, people! A nourished scalp will ensure your braid game stays strong. That’s your braid prep in place. I told you, it’s not rocket science; it’s hair science! Now, joke apart, the proper prep stands between you and a braid that starts to resemble road-kill by midday. So comb, section, nourish, and prepare for those braids to become your hair’s new BFF. Onto the next phase – it is mastering the tantalizingly twisted world of braids. Sit tight because it will be a thrilling ride, ladies and gentlemen! Basic Braid Styles: Not Your Average Playground ‘Do Do you want to leave those playground hairstyles behind and evolve into a braid-savvy goddess? Fear not, lazy-beach-day-hoppers and sunbeam-chasers, because we’re about to dive into braid heaven! Presenting: Basic Braid Styles: Not Your Average Playground ‘Do. First on our braid journey is the classic French braid. Bonjour, elegance! Learn the art of gracefully weaving strands of hair together like a tranquil ballerina. What – did you imagine yourself floating through Paris, snacking on croissants? Parfait! With a dash of practice, the French braid could become your go-to summer style for years. Next up is the Dutch braid, our hair’s fabulous new BFF. Its sweet simplicity is like your older sister’s French braid. It’s trendy with an edgy twist (pun intended). The Dutch braid has an undeniably magical power to make your hair look thicker and more voluminous than you thought possible. With just a switch of the weaving direction, suddenly, your hair is bestowed with a fancy braid upgrade. Trust us, you’ll want to make your hair relationships permanent with these braids. Speaking of romance, have you ever dreamt of embracing your inner mermaid? Flutter your tailfins because the fishtail braid answers all your underwater hair fantasies. A bit more intricate than its braid brethren but oh-so worth the effort, this style splashes onto the scene as your summer hair’s pièce de résistance. Craft it tight or messy, sleek hair or boho; the fishtail adapts to your every fashion whim. Before you run off to become the next braid prodigy, remember that braid practice makes braid perfect. Slowly but surely, you’ll escape the “How do I hold all this hair?” vortex and emerge as a braid aficionado. Ready to elevate your summer hair game? No more playgrounds ‘dos for you! Let’s embrace our newfound braid-savviness with glorious braiditude. Braided Updos: Elevate to a Whole New Level Slide out of those sandbox braids, ladies. It’s time we take our hairstyles to new heights that scream sophistication, mirroring those summer soirees. Let’s dive into three braided updos to set your summer vibe ablaze. Rest assured, none of them require milking cows or wearing crowns. Our first stop? Milkmaid braids. The name may reek of barnyard chores, but trust me, there’s nothing country bumpkin about it. We’ve upgraded the traditional milkmaid braid to fit into any uptown gala or beachside wedding. This look is achieved by creating two simple braids and securing them atop your head, giving you an effortless, chic style that masks those bad hair days like a dream. Next in line for our braided monarchy are braided crowns. Think of it as the hairstyle equivalent of a crown and a mimosa at brunch – it’s pure, unadulterated luxury. Braided crowns involve creating a braid around the head, giving you a sophisticated look that says, “Yeah, I’m the queen bee in this hive. Any problem?” Plus, you’ll feel fantastic, and isn’t that the only rule in the style bible? And finally, but surely not least, we’ve got the braided bun magic. It’s the triple threat of sophisticated, fashionable, and practical hairstyles. Wearing it is like having a well-kept secret. It whispers, “Sure, maybe I read Proust on weekends, but I also know how to throw down...