12 Stunning Braided Hairstyles for Summer That'll Make You Look Like a Goddess!

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1. Goddess Braids: Unleash Your Inner Earth Mother (Without the Birkenstocks…Unless You Want To)

Goddess braids. The name itself just sounds powerful, right? These are basically thicker cornrows, and they are EVERYTHING. They’re bold, beautiful, and make you feel like you could single-handedly negotiate world peace. Plus, they last for ages, meaning less morning hair drama and more time for, you know, actually enjoying summer.

A woman with rich, dark brown skin and warm undertones is facing slightly to the left

How to Get the Goddess Glow: Ask your braider for chunky cornrows. The thickness is key here – it's what gives them that "I just casually summoned a thunderstorm" vibe.

Summer Goddess Tip: Keep your scalp moisturized! Summer sun + exposed scalp = potential sunburn city. A light hair oil will be your best friend.

2. Boho Braided Crown: Flower Child Meets Modern Muse (Flower Crowns Optional, Confidence Mandatory)

Want to feel like you just stepped out of a fairytale? Enter the Boho Braided Crown. It’s romantic, it’s whimsical, and it’s surprisingly easy to achieve (even if your braiding skills are usually limited to, well, basic braids). Perfect for summer festivals, garden parties, or just feeling fancy while you’re grabbing groceries.

A woman with long, flowing, strawberry blonde hair is facing forward, with a soft smile.

Crown Yourself: Braid two sections of hair, starting near your temples. Then, gently pin them across the top of your head, creating a crown effect. Bobby pins are your secret weapon here.

Summer Boho Tip: Embrace the mess! A slightly undone braided crown is peak boho chic. Don’t worry about perfection – a few loose strands just add to the charm.

3. Fishtail Braid Ponytail: Effortless Elegance for When You Want to Look Fancy-ish (But Not Too Fancy)

Okay, so maybe you have a summer wedding to attend, or a fancy rooftop party, or just want to feel a little extra without looking like you tried too hard. The Fishtail Braid Ponytail is your answer. It’s sophisticated, it’s chic, but it’s still a ponytail, so you’re not sacrificing comfort for style. Win-win!

A woman with highlighted blonde hair in a high, sleek fishtail braid ponytail.

Fishy Business (But in a Good Way): Fishtail braids look complicated, but they’re actually not! There are tons of easy tutorials online. Promise. Start with a high ponytail, then fishtail braid away!

Summer Chic Tip: Accessorize! A delicate hair tie or a few strategically placed bobby pins can elevate this braid even further.

4. Dutch Braid Pigtails: Spice Up Your Pigtail Game (Because Regular Pigtails Are, Like, So Last Decade)

Pigtails? For adults? YES. But we’re not talking kindergarten pigtails here. Dutch braid pigtails are cool, they’re edgy, and they’re surprisingly versatile. Perfect for concerts, amusement parks, or just channeling your inner cool girl while beating the heat.

A young woman with vibrant, fiery red hair in Dutch braid pigtails

Dutch Treat for Your Hair: Dutch braids are like cornrows, but…not. Instead of braiding under the sections, you braid over, which makes the braid pop out. Then, just continue down into pigtails.

Summer Playful Tip: Color! If you’re feeling bold, add some temporary hair color spray or fun colored elastics to amp up the playfulness.

5. Braided Space Buns: Beam Me Up, Braidy! (The Galaxy Called, It Wants Its Hairstyle Back)

Space buns are already fun, but braided space buns? Next level. This hairstyle is out-of-this-world (pun intended!), and perfect for when you want to make a statement. Festivals, raves, or just feeling like a cosmic queen on a Tuesday afternoon – these buns have you covered.

A woman with sleek, dark purple hair styled in braided space buns.

To Infinity and Buns: Part your hair down the middle. Braid each side into a Dutch braid or cornrow, leading up to where you want your buns. Then, twist the ends into buns and secure.

Summer Space Cadet Tip: Glitter! A little hair glitter or sparkly hairspray will take these space buns to intergalactic levels.

6. Cornrow Braided Headband: Sporty Spice Meets Summer Chic (Sweat-Proof and Style-Approved!)

Hitting the gym? Beach volleyball tournament? Just want to keep your hair out of your face while looking effortlessly cool? The Cornrow Braided Headband is your sporty-chic solution. It’s practical, it’s stylish, and it says, "I can conquer a workout and look amazing doing it."

A woman with curly, light brown hair is facing forward, with a determined expression.

Headband Heroics: Braid a cornrow along your hairline, from one temple to the other, creating a headband effect. Secure the end behind your ear.

Summer Active Tip: Hairspray! A little hairspray will keep those cornrows sleek and in place, even during the most intense summer activities.

7. Knotless Box Braids: The Low-Maintenance Summer Dream (Seriously, You Can Basically Roll Out of Bed)

Want a hairstyle that looks amazing with minimal effort? Knotless box braids are your summer soulmate. They’re lightweight, they’re comfortable, and they require basically zero styling. Perfect for vacations, busy moms, or anyone who just wants to hit snooze one (or five) more times.

A woman with warm brown skin and long, knotless box braids, styled loose and flowing down her back.

Knotless Magic: Knotless braids start with your natural hair and gradually add in braiding hair, creating less tension on your scalp. Ask your braider for knotless box braids – your scalp will thank you.

Summer Lazy Girl Tip: Dry shampoo! Even low-maintenance braids need a little love. Dry shampoo will keep your scalp feeling fresh and your braids looking voluminous.

8. Lemonade Braids: Beyoncé Approved, Need We Say More? (Okay, We'll Say More – They're Fierce!)

Channel your inner Queen Bey with Lemonade Braids. These side-swept cornrows are iconic, they’re fierce, and they instantly make you feel like you can conquer the world (or at least, you know, get a table at that super popular brunch spot).

A woman with long, dark hair in side-swept lemonade braids. The braids are sleek and fall dramatically over one shoulder.

Lemonade Stand Chic: Ask your braider for long cornrows braided to one side. The key is the dramatic side sweep and the length.

Summer Fierce Tip: Statement earrings! Lemonade braids are all about showcasing your face and neck, so rock some bold earrings to complete the look.

9. Braided Low Bun: Effortless Elegance for Those "Adulting" Moments (Because Sometimes You Gotta Look Like You Have It Together)

Need a hairstyle that’s polished enough for a summer internship, a fancy dinner, or meeting your partner’s parents? The Braided Low Bun is your sophisticated savior. It’s elegant, it’s understated, and it says, "Yes, I can handle spreadsheets and look effortlessly chic."

A woman with smooth, honey blonde hair in a braided low bun at the nape of her neck.

Bun-believable Braids: Create a low bun, then braid a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of the bun for a touch of detail.

Summer Sophisticated Tip: Sleek it up! Use a styling cream or gel to smooth down flyaways and create a super polished finish.

10. Bubble Braid: The Braid That’s Actually Easier Than It Looks (Seriously, If I Can Do It…)

Confession time: complicated braids sometimes make my brain hurt. Enter the Bubble Braid. It looks intricate, but it’s secretly the easiest braid ever. Seriously, it’s just a series of ponytails! Perfect for braid beginners or anyone who wants a fun, textured look without spending hours in front of the mirror.

A woman with bright, playful pink hair in a long bubble braid. She is holding a popsicle and winking at the camera, standing in front of a colorful ice cream shop.

Bubblelicious Braiding: Create a ponytail. Then, tie elastics down the length of the ponytail, creating “bubbles” by gently pulling out each section. That’s it!

Summer Fun Tip: Colorful elastics! Use bright, fun elastics to tie off the bubbles and add an extra pop of summer color.

11. Pull-Through Braid: Faux Braid Magic for Maximum Volume (Cheat Your Way to Braid Perfection!)

Another braid that looks way harder than it is? The Pull-Through Braid. It’s technically not even a braid – it’s a clever series of ponytails that create the illusion of a braid. Genius, right? Perfect for adding volume and texture to your summer hair without any actual complicated braiding.

**A woman with thick, caramel blonde hair in a long, flowing pull-through braid.**

Pulling Off the Look: Again, tutorials are your friend here! But basically, it involves creating a series of ponytails and “pulling” them through each other to create a braid-like effect.

Summer Volume Tip: Texturizing spray! This braid is all about volume, so a texturizing spray will help enhance the fullness and keep it looking bouncy all day long.

12. Braided Top Knot: Cool, Casual, and Ready for Anything (From Beach Days to Brunch Dates)

Top knots are a summer staple, but let’s be honest, sometimes they can feel a little…basic. Enter the Braided Top Knot. It’s the same easy, breezy top knot you know and love, but with a braided twist (literally!). Perfect for throwing your hair up in style after a swim, or adding a touch of cool to your weekend brunch look.

A woman with dark, curly hair in a high braided top knot

Knot Your Average Top Knot: Create a high ponytail, then braid sections of the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with pins.

Summer Casual Tip: Don’t overthink it! The beauty of a braided top knot is its effortless vibe. A few loose curls and a slightly messy bun just add to the charm.

So there you have it! 12 braided hairstyles to conquer summer in style. Whether you’re feeling like a bohemian goddess, a sporty spice, or a cosmic queen, there’s a braid here for you. Now go forth, braid your hair, and prepare for a summer filled with compliments (and maybe just a little bit of hair envy). You deserve it, goddess!