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.

It would be easy to make a case that braids never actually disappeared from the radar screen of hair trends over the past 50 years, but it is quite clear to see that they have recently made a resurgence. The variation of braids worn by public icons has run the gamut from neon weaves to naturally messy and wild creations, of which no two are alike.

After being spotted on the likes of Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian, it is clear that the messy and wild side braid is currently the hottest trend in the North American fashion world. Here are a few reasons that a messy side braid might be the perfect new look for you.

Separate Yourself from the Pack

While it may seem silly to suggest that someone should follow the latest trend in order to separate themselves from the pack, the truth is that many women lack the gusto and confidence to rock this messy side braid look. Whether it is a result of a conservative approach or a job environment where co-workers would scoff, the vast majority of women choose to enjoy the latest trends by witnessing them on others as opposed to embracing it themselves. Go boldly in the direction of individuality in upcoming weeks with the messy side braid. Fortune favors the bold.

Get the Attention of Adventurous Peeps

Much like the male peacock spreads it wonderful array of feathers in an attempt at gaining the attention of the most coveted mate, side braids can be worn at bars and clubs in order to garner the attention of potential mates. Only those with an appetite for adventure and uniqueness will be drawn toward a woman rocking a side braid, and only the most confident and charismatic people will be comfortable approaching her. In short, you can scare off the riff-raff and lure in the Mr. Rights.

An In-Home Cosmetology Lesson

Creating a look such as the messy side braid involves a handful of steps, but you will become more familiar with your hair and how to manipulate it throughout the process. It begins with a light coat of spritzer or wax spray on a deep side part, which can be volume-ized with a quick blow dry while the hair is still damp with product. Next, divide the section of hair into three or four parts and simply weave them together, making sure not to be too delicate or consistent with your technique. A personal touch can be put on the entire braid and the loose hair below it by teasing or curling, which creates the signature look of messiness and confident disregard for detail.

If you are interested in a creative beauty career in which the possibilities for advancement are endless – a hair career may be perfect for you. And choosing one of the many reputable hair design schools to get your education is the first step!

Finally! A resolution has been reached for hair braiders licensing laws, bringing much relief. To catch up on the licensed hair braider versus women who braid hair debate, read our previous entry on “Should Hair Braiders Be Required To Have a Cosmetology License?”

The answer to this proposed question is – sort of. Hair braiders won’t be required to get the typical cosmetology license but rather a simpler and special license to braid hair. Before, they were required to go to cosmetology school and pass the state cosmetology exam to become licensed. Sounds simple enough, but throw in the $15,000 cost for school and the language struggle of having English as a second language, and this becomes a difficult feat.

Under the new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2011, hair braiders can apply for a special hair braiding license. The license will require 300 hours of training on hair technique and sanitation methods. A win-win for both sides; hair braiders will be able to stay in business and customers won’t have to worry finding business elsewhere.

It became official July 1. North Carolin hair law now requires anyone who braids hair to have their cosmetology license. Why the sudden regulation? Health concerns! Many customers complained to North Carolina legislation about insanitary conditions and head wounds received at their salons.

“People often got lacerations on the scalp because the braiding was too tight for their hair,” said Rep. Earline Parmon, D-Forsyth. Now, state law enforced by the State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners requires all hair braiders to obtain a cosmetology license in North Carolina. The process involves passing a  state cosmetology exam, which usually has two parts: a written portion and a practical portion.

Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Many hair braiders are from West Africa and primarily speak French, knowing little English. Passing the cosmetology exam suddenly becomes a huge obstacle. Many salon owners are worried that they will be forced to close shop and lose their jobs due to being unable to meet these new requirements. Parmon tries to reassure saying, “I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that these people have a fair chance.”

It’s going to be an interesting road up ahead.

For information on this topic:

How to obtain a cosmetology license for hair braiding:

Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina