Summer 2011 Hair Trend: Do-It-Yourself Braids

Posted by Heather W. | Monday June 13, 2011

I abandoned braids as a suitable style after a lengthy sixth grade pigtail phase that earned me the nickname Pippi Longstocking.

Hardly juvenile anymore, pretty plaits appeared on Spring/Summer runways at Erdem, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy, weaving their way on to the list of must-try summer styles.

Backstage Spring 2011: Behnaz Sarafpour, Erdem (via Marie Claire and Glamour)

Spring 2011 Runway: Lela Rose, Georges Chakra (via Primped and Marie Claire)

Red carpet braids, clockwise from top left: Jessica Alba in February at a London awards ceremony; Teresa Palmer at a movie premier in March; Karen Gillan at an awards show last year; and Kirsten Dunst at Cannes (via Celebuzz and Glamour)

Always wanted to master a fishtail braid with (count ‘em!) just two hands? Or wear a French braid without looking like you’re making a guest appearance on Big Love? This is the summer to do it.

If you can’t take another top knot-induced migraine and you’re so over beachy waves, we’ve rounded up hands-on tutorials for loose and lovely braided styles. Bonus: they should be a little messy and require minimal tools – perfect for summer’s hazy, humid days.

Pretty Side French Braid/Low Updo Hair
This slightly left-of-centre French braid is a definite do for fuss-free fancy hair. Wear this style on a date or to a summer celebration like a wedding or graduation. Instructions, more photos and a video for this look are at ...Love Maegan.

Maiden Braids
These maiden braids may fall into man-repeller territory, but can you think of a more suitable style to try on a sticky, sweaty summer day? Try this one out yourself by following the steps at A Beautiful Mess.

Fishtail Braid
If there’s a long-haired girl alive who hasn’t wanted to get this look, reveal yourself. ...Love Maegan makes it look effortless in her video tutorial.

Triple Trouble
This style combines the best of two trends: braids and ballerina buns. (Don’t miss this blog’s other simple styles), and you can find full instructions (beyond photos) in Hair Romance's e-book 30 Days of Twist & Pin Hairstyles.

Will you try this trend?

By Heather Watterworth

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12 Comments

	on October 05, 2011 AlexJC 50 said: I am so excited to try these. They look so awesome and gorgeous in pictures though and I always feel like the expectations will not add up to the reality haha But @beachbabe if you can do it successfully then I am thinking I can too!
	on October 05, 2011 beachbabe 4,164 said: Just tried the Pretty Side French Braid/Low Updo Hair. I didn't really expect to be able to do it since, to be honest, I just learned to do a french braid like a couple months ago. But somehow I did it and it looks awesome! I think this is a style that could be worn for holiday parties as well. And it's alot easier than it looks!
	on June 17, 2011 Ali de Bold STAFF said: So I tried the German maedchen look (3rd set of images) and was told by my loving husband that it made my head look bigger. With that in mind, this may be a look better suited to those with smaller noggins.
	on June 13, 2011 LadyFlash 8,899 said: I love the looks of all of these. But like a lot of others have said I am waaaaaay too awkward to do them on myself.
	on June 13, 2011 rubanxrose 347 said: i love the fishtail
	on June 13, 2011 Heather W. 203 said: My goal is to master the fishtail before the end of summer!
	on June 13, 2011 beachbabe 4,164 said: I love braids! They look so elegant and feminine. I had my hair in a side braid just a few days ago. Now that I know how to do a fish tail braid I will do that next time! Love the look. I love doing side braids with a pony tail (a la Lauren Conrad). Looks awesome too!
	on June 13, 2011 takoda 28,648 said: I've also had long hair most of my life and I still can't do things like that to myself. LOL You're good mamaluv!!
	on June 13, 2011 jskim07 50 said: I'm really liking the Maiden Braids!!!! I always wanted to learn how to do so. Thanks for the tutorials!
	on June 13, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: I know how to do all of these styles since I've had long hair nearly my whole life. However, despite the practice, they never quite look this polished :/ Probably does look more like Big Love - haha! Gorgeous styles, great inspiration! Now I just need someone to come over and play with my hair.