Emma's Favorite Summer Hair Style

For the most part I am a wear-my-hair-down kind of gal. I like braids and up-dos a lot, I just tend to mostly end up wearing my hair down with a few curls most days.

But, the summer is the one season I tend to wear my hair up more often because when it's hot, it feels good to get your hair off your neck. Am I right? The style I do most often is a super simple version of milkmaid braids. So I thought I would share a super simple and quick tutorial for how I style this look with my hair length.

First I brush and part my hair in the center all the way down the back of my head. If you have bangs or shorter bits of hair in the front, you can leave them out.

Second I braid each side and fasten with a clear elastic band. I like to use a clear band because often the ends are somewhat visible since I have longer hair but not necessarily super long. After braiding I will gently pull at the braids to fluff them out a bit so they will appear a little fuller. This actually works even better when my hair hasn't been washed for a day or two, or I can use dry shampoo to get a little texture (my hair is super fine).

Next I pin the first braid (you can start with either one) with a couple bobby pins to the top, center of my head. The end usually sticks up at this stage which is pretty funny looking. When Trey sees me doing my hair like this in the morning, I usually tell him it's my Whoville hair.

Last I pin the other side into place and tuck the ends under each braid. I usually give my head a shake to see if the braids feel secure, and if not, then I add another bobby pin or two.

That's it! Easy, right? This style seriously only takes me around five minutes to do, and I really like how it looks with my face shape, plus it gets my hair off my neck in case it's a hot, humid day. Thanks for letting me share! Do you have a favorite summer hair style? xo. Emma

Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.