Stylish & Easy Summer Braids

In case you missed the memo, we’re obsessed with braids. Not only are they an easy way to tame unruly (read: frizzy!) strands during the hot summer months, but they’re chic as well. Here are a few of our favorite  easy summer braids that will redefine your go-to summer look all while staying cool and stylish, whether you’re hanging by the pool or on the beach.

The Side Braid Chignon

A great way to keep bangs in place, the side braid flatters any face while the chignon elevates the look to a whole new level. Keep it loose and pull out a few strands for a refreshing update on a classic summertime style.

The Fishtail

This edgy braid tames frizzy locks while capturing a flirty and fun summer vibe, perfect for long days on the beach. Start at the crown and pull it over one shoulder, loosening sections as you go, for a pretty boho look.

The Crown

For those who can’t stand the heat when the summer sun comes out, a braided crown keeps hair tucked up and away without sacrificing style. Start on one side of your head and braid around, bobby pinning any strands threatening to pop out, for a whimsical and fun final look.

The Half-Up

A good option for those who aren’t quite so adventurous, this easy summer braid style features two small braids (one on each side of the head) connected in the back. This flattering look pulls back those annoying front pieces that frame your face while still allowing the rest of your hair to flow with summertime ease.

An Easy, Yet Chic Way to Wear Braids

Back in August I reported on the top five hair trends for fall (see post here) and one came as no surprise as it's been hot for years and just keeps reinventing itself - braids. It seems we just can't get enough of the intertwined style.  Like you, I admire intricate braids like box styles, waterfalls and fishtails, but just can't do them on myself. Braids don't have to be complicated to look chic.  Check out my video tutorial to see for yourself.

Top 5 Fall Hair Trends

The September issues are out!  While I'm soaking up as much of summer as we have left, my fall schedule is already jam packed and NY Fashion Week invites have already started flooding my inbox.  Therefore, it's only appropriate I prepare you with the hottest hair styles for fall as I saw last fashion week.  To dissect each one, I spoke with Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson.  

Braids – Braids are so huge right now and I love this uncontrived, half up, half down look! We are doing fashion braids like this everyday with my new braid luxe service at my W Fort Lauderdale salon.  Braids are great for any occasion – they’ve been all over the red carpet lately! A woman with braids has a bit of  wild side, but knows how to keep it all together. The look pictured features two small braids taken from the front of the head and meets down the middle to form one braid. I love how the look is kind of messy – it adds a fashion element. To achieve this look, use a blow drying spray like ted gibson build it blow drying agent to add texture to the hair.

Sleek, straight, center parted – I love the pin straight, center parted look – it’s just so sexy!! I love this look for to add sleekness to your daytime look or for date night. The look pictured is super shiny, sleek and straight with a  center part. For this look, use a shine serum like tame it shine lotion to add incredible sheen and to smooth flyaways.

Side swept – I love this look because it’s super sophisticated. A woman with side swept hair is strong, determined and knows what she wants. This look showcases a deep side part with the hair pulled across her forehead. For the look, make sure you have a good hairspray like ted gibson beautiful hold to keep everything in place.

Low ponytails – Low ponytails are super hot for the Fall! They are great for night or day and scream sexy, yet sophisticated. To achieve the glossy look pictured, smooth the hair back into a low ponytail using a gel like ted gibson fix it gel.

Out of control volume – I loved the 80s and this look brings me back there! It’s so Jerry Hall! Wear this hair to stand out in the crowd at any party. To achieve this look, wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner such as L’Oreal Professionnel’s Volumetry line. Next, curl your hair with a curling iron, then back brush to your desired volume.

How to Rock Dirty Hair

Did you know that people with thick hair should only be washing their hair 2-3 times a week? Even if you have fine hair, a wash every other day is the right amount. While this may be what’s healthy for your hair, it can sometimes result in undone, messy looking styles. I spoke with Stylist, Jan Marie Arteca who works at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC, about the best ways to wear your hair, well, dirty.

Mistakes: 

One of the biggest mistakes women make when sporting dirty hair? “Wearing a center part,” says Arteca. This kind of part attracts can reveal an oily scalp. Another major mistake that I myself am also guilty of, is not brushing your hair.  I know I think it sometimes makes my hair look messy chic. When in reality, it just looks messy.

Products: 

The obvious product choice for dirty hair is dry shampoo. It can save your hair for a day or two longer. Arteca recommends Serge Normant Dry Shampoo. Texturizing spray also works like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Style:

“The thicker the hair, the more options you have to style it,” explains Arteca. This ranges from anything from curls to braids. For finer hair, she recommends deep side part ponytails, buns, or any sort of braid. I personally like to pull my hair into a side braid when my hair goes a day or two unwashed. Braids keep my texture from looking greasy and with it to the side I avoid a too-sleek part. Hair accessories are also a major help. A headband can cover up almost the dirtiest of looks.

Also keep in mind that dirtier hair is easier to style than slick clean hair. If you’ve been dying to sport some beach waves, curl it when it’s a day or two dirty and shake out for a waved look that’ll stay in.

The Hunger Games Beauty: Katniss Approved Braids from the Spring 2012 Runways

I have to admit, I've haven't been posting as much as I should be lately because I've been a bit preoccupied.  Once I tell you why, I'm sure you'll excuse me.  It was The Hunger Games! For the past week and a half the triology has completely consumed my life!  Every aspect of it: social, work and sleep.  The only positive side of finishing is that I can get on with my life now, but I'll never find a story that compares (and as a dorky English major, I've read a ton!). In honor of the time I devoted to the Games and my new found relationship with the main character, Katniss, here's a collection of haute braids I'm sure she'd approve of. Even though Katniss always simply braided her hair straight down the center of her back, a variety of braids popped up through the novels just as they did on the Spring 2012 runways. From fishtails to halos, designers like Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Moschino, John Galliano, Sass and Bide and Ruffian all incorporated braids into their final looks.  Check them out and make sure you read The Hunger Games before the movie comes out!