Not only do these braids make for a practical quick protective style for natural hair, but they also elevate a casual summer dress or a simple tank top into something fancy—perfect for a festival or a casual meetup with friends.
Sweet and Polished: The Satin Bow Ponytail
For those who covet a blend of sweet sophistication, the satin bow ponytail is your answer. It’s a simple, elegant style that’s ideal for work, school, or even a daytime wedding event. This style favors those with straight to slightly wavy hair and can give the illusion of long length even on medium hair.
The trick to a smooth ponytail is a good paddle brush and a reliable smoothing balm, like the Sleek Chic Ironless Balm, to keep everything in place. It’s particularly helpful for those with thick or unruly hair. Those with finer hair might benefit from a texturizing spray to add volume to the ponytail before tying it up.
This style is not just for grown-ups; it’s also adorable for school for teens quick preparation in the morning, adding a touch of girly charm to the everyday look.
Cascading Elegance: Tied With Tenderness
Imagine the softness of summer’s golden hour captured in a hairstyle—that’s the magic of these cascading locks, tied gently with delicate satin bows. It’s an ode to simple casual elegance, suitable for long or medium-length hair, especially with some natural wave or body.
A light texturizing spray, perhaps with a hint of sea salt, like the Mermaid Waves Spritz, will give your hair that natural, beachy texture that’s perfect for a casual or party setting. Although if you have straight hair, a curling iron can create those waves for an updo shoulder length style.
For those busy school mornings or when you need a quick lazy solution, this simple yet fancy style is a swift way to look put-together.
Velvet Dreams: The Scrunchie Ponytail
Velvet isn’t just for winter; it can be a summer staple, too. This simple casual ponytail accented with a velvet scrunchie is a testament to that. It’s a breeze for those with layered or shoulder length hair, adding a touch of texture and interest.
Keep your ponytail sleek with a dab of the Gloss Boss Shine Serum, which is especially helpful for those with curly or thick hair. If you’ve got fine hair, the scrunchie adds volume and flair, making it perfect for an everyday style or when you’re heading to work.
What’s lovely about this style is its adaptability—it’s equally at home in a college setting as it is at a party or even a wedding.
Romantic Twist: The Rosette Bun
Lastly, we’re wrapping up with a romantic twist on the classic bun—the rosette bun. It’s elegant enough for a bride but also simple enough for a day at the office. This style is wonderfully versatile and can accommodate most hair types, from natural black to layered cuts.
To create the perfect bun, a stronghold shaping cream is key, especially for those with thick or curly hair. For those with finer strands, a volumizing mousse can provide the necessary lift and fullness.
It’s the ultimate updo shoulder length style for a balmy summer evening or a school event where you want to add a touch of sophistication. It’s a style that carries a whisper of timeless beauty, perfect for making everyday feel a bit more special.
Playful Elegance: The Ribboned Braid
Stepping into a sun-drenched morning, why not pair your lighthearted mood with a hairstyle that’s equally playful and elegant? The ribboned braid is a perfect example of how a simple casual touch can transform a look. It’s especially becoming for those with highlights or balayage, as the braiding will weave the colors through each other, creating a stunning visual effect.
To achieve this look without the hair looking greasy, I always suggest a dry shampoo to add some texture and volume, particularly for those with fine or straight hair. If you have thick or curly hair, a smoothing serum might be necessary to keep the braid sleek. This hairstyle is not only simple for beginners step by step, but it’s also versatile for various occasions, from an everyday look to something more fancy for a party.
Hollywood Waves: The Timeless Glamour
Sometimes, nothing speaks louder than the classic Hollywood waves—a hairstyle that exudes timeless glamour. This style is perfect for medium-length hair that wants to showcase long length volume and movement. It’s particularly flattering for those with natural or dyed hair, as the waves catch the light and highlight different tones.
To ensure your curls hold through the warmest of summer nights, use a setting spray after curling. The Luxe Locks Stay Spray will be your best friend here. While this look is ideal for school dances or weddings, it requires some skill, so it may not be the best for beginners step by step unless you’ve got a bit of time and patience to practice.
The Avant-Garde Fishtail: A Bold Twist
Daring to be different? The avant-garde fishtail is a bold twist on the conventional braid and is stunning on shoulder length or long hair. This fancy style can be a standout choice for an art event or a casual yet chic brunch.
When working with layered or curly hair, I suggest a pomade or wax to keep the strands in place. For a simple, no-fuss version suitable for quick lazy days or when you’re short on time before heading to school, a bit of hairspray will do the trick.
