10 Chic Braided Hairstyles

With the heat of summer quickly approaching, many women opt for an easy up-do or ponytail. This season, braids are all the rage. You can see them popping up on the runway, magazine covers and the school pick up line. Looking for easy and gorgeous braids you can sport this summer? Here are 10 chic braids that will get heads turning!

1. Braids for Accents

tiny2Not overly confident in your braiding skills? They start out small, with a few accents here and there or added to a sexy up-do for a little extra pizzazz! (Photo Credit: Julia & Company)

2. Twisted Braids

14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards With Presenting Sponsor Lacoste - ArrivalsA little more skilled in your braiding skills? Try adding this fishtail braid to a low sloppy bun for an instant pop of flair. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

3. Elegant Braids for an Updo

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - UK Premiere - Outside ArrivalsAdd this small and tight french braid to the crown to glam up a simple bun. This is also a great way to get bangs or longer layers off your face during the heat of the summer. (Photo Credit: About Beauty)

4. Textured Braids for Casual Chic

textureNot all braids have to be smooth and perfect. Pull out the sections of your braid to create more width for a sexy put together style. (Photo Credit: Best Hairstyles)

5. Accessorized Braids

mixedAccessorize your braid with a headband, flower or broach to add a piece of your own fashion panache. (Photo Credit: Phununet)

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6. Boho Style With Braids

messyBoho style is elegant, feminine and very in this season. Curl the ends and add more tiny braids to accentuate the messy bun. (Photo Credit: About Beauty)

7. Loose and Wavy Braids

bigCurl hair before braiding for a loos and wavy braid that is full of volume. (Photo Credit: Zimbio)

8. Sideways Braids

2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - ArrivalsA sideways french braid is an easy fix to fly away hair or to simply dress up your hair while wearing it down. (Photo Credit: About Beauty)

9. Briaded Buns

bunChannel your inner Princess Leia with these low braided buns. A fun and flirty way to wear braids this summer. (Photo Credit: Teen Vogue)

10. Knotted Braid Pigtails

kolay-orgu-sac-orgusuThis is an easy twist and tie braid that can be worn alone or even under a hat or scarf. (Photo Credit: Seventeen)

While braiding hair can be intimidating, don’t be afraid to try something new! Remember – practice makes perfect. And don’t forget, messy braids are in style this summer, so you can say your look was totally planned.

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