Summer Style Tips: Beach-Ready Braids

It’s finally that time of year again! Break out your sun hats and beach bags…summer is here! And no girl’s summer ensemble is ever complete without a chic, effortlessly cool braided ‘do. Lucky you, we’re sharing how you can create two of our favorite beach-ready looks. (And a big shout-out to our hair stylist Alyssa for showing us how!)

Half-Up Fishtail Braid: Step 1: Section off your hair from either temple, gathering the hair together in a half-up ponytail. Secure the divided section with a small elastic band. Step 2: Grab a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it over the elastic (to hide the elastic from showing) and pin it underneath. Step 3: Begin by splitting the ponytail into two sections. Grab a small piece of hair from underneath the left section and combine it over to the right section, wrapping to the outside then swooping underneath.Step 4: Grab from the right side and cross it over to the left section. Re-grip your hair to keep tight, still holding the two sections. Step 5: Continue the criss-cross with small sections until you reach the end of the ponytail. Secure with another clear elastic band. Step 6: Hairspray it and give a gentle tug on the braid for a loosened, beach-ready look.

French Braid Updo:

Step 1: Divide your hair in half, at a slight angle from front to back.

Step 2: Start on the right side. If you want a little softness around the face, leave some strands loose around the perimeter of your hairline. Step 3: At the top of the head, divide your hair into 3 triangle-like sections. Step 4: Take the right side section up and over into the middle, then left side section up and over into the middle. Start incorporating outer hair into the outer sections as you start working down towards the nape of the neck. Before crossing a section over to center, grab some hair from that side of your head and include it in the cross-over. When you get to the bottom, tie off with a small elastic band. Step 5: Hairspray both sections lightly. Gently tug on the braids with your fingers to loosen it for an effortless look. Step 6: Cross the ends of the braids, draping them onto your head, and then start pinning away to secure the braids to your scalp. The result is a beautiful, easy-to-create braided updo made for an evening by the ocean! Have you tried one of these breezy, beach-ready looks? We want to see! Post your pic and use #kendrascott to show us your summertime style!