Braids were all over the runways this season including Fendi, Miu Miu and Isabelle Marant. This easy summer styles adds unique texture to your look. It also keeps the hair out of your face! The following lists represents the best and easiest braids that you can do yourself to keep your look fresh and trendy.

1) French Chic- The French Braid

The classic French braid is one of the easiest to do. It also looks great in every situation from the beach to an afternoon wedding. This braid is easy to start do; start at the crown of the head and work your way towards the end of the hair by adding strands in to the braid. It is that simple! You can also make this braid more interesting by doing two braids or doing a reverse french braid starting at the nape of the neck. For a super cool celebrity look, french braid from one side of your head to the other to create a super cool crown of hair! This is also known as the crown braid and it can take some practice. However, do not worry about the braid being perfect!

2) Simple and Easy- The English Braid

The standard braid is also known as the English braid. It refers to the most common type of braid: three pieces of hair woven together to create a polished look. You can begin at the base of the neck with three even sections. Then, just cross the left portion over the middle followed by the right. Repeat these steps until you get to the end of the hair. For a more modern take on the standard braid, gently tug on the braid in different sections to create a messy bohemian look.

3) Mermaid Beauty- The Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is very cool and one of the easier braids to do. It is done in the same method as the English braid. However, very small sections must be used as they are woven together. Many people pull their hair into a ponytail before the begin to create a solid base for the braid.

4) Remain Neutral- The Swiss Briad

In order to achieve this look, you will need long hair that can be piled on top of your hair. First, you will need to braid two even pigtails. Then, take the braids and cross them around the head until they reach around the towards the crown. After, secure the braids with bobby pins or pretty clips for an elegant summer look.

If you are looking to start a career in hair braiding check out our list of schools here!

Braids and cornrows are easily some of the most popular ways for African woman to wear their hair. They require little maintenance and they offer a variety of versatility to a woman’s look. Braids also allow the hair to recover from rigorous products and chemicals in order to keep in silky and manageable. Both cornrows and braids are quite simple to do. Braids feature taking three sections of the hair and laying one on top of the other until the braid reaches its end. Cornrows are more complex because they braided tightly into the crown of the head to create a variety of patterns or sections. The following list represents the most common braids and cornrows to help you decide which look will work best for you.

1) Straight Braid

This braid is also known as the Bob Marley. It works great on thick and unruly hair because of the texture. There are many ways to do this braid such as creating many thick braids starting at the crown. You can also put in micro braids that look more like locks of hair then braids themselves.

2) Ghana Weaving

These braids are also ideal for coarse hair because these are very tight braids that will not damage the hair. Synthetic hair is often used with this braid in order to add more personality to the look.

3) Pick and Drop Braids

This intricate style can take many hours to finish. However, it is one braid that lasts a much longer time compared to other styles. This is one of the most popular looks because it is comfortable and durable.

4) Unisex Braids

Kinky braids are ideal for both men and women. They are made with original kinky braids or other hair pieces. Cornrows are also a viable option for a classic look.

5) Basket Weaving

These braids have been made popular by Alicia Keys. There is no need for a hairpiece in these style, but they can be used.

In conclusion, any of these braids, weaves or cornrow styles will transform your look from boring to sassy. In order to prepare your hair, you will want to make sure that it has been washed with a deep conditioner. Also remember not to use a heavy hair cream because this will cause and itchy and flaky scalp. You should never leave a braid in for more then two months. Any longer then this will cause the hair to break. At night, you should wrap a satin scarf around your head to avoid any frizziness.

Most hair schools will give you training in hair braiding. Go here to find out how to get started in hair school.