Nicole Richie, Zoe Deschanel Kourtney Kardashian, and Myself…what do we all have in common? We’ve surrendered to the braided hair trends of  Summer 2012; and proud of it too! If you check out any of the fashion magazines lately there is an ongoing occurrence of different braided updo’s. It’s a great way to get your hair out of your face during the hot sticky summer months, it usually takes less than 5 minutes and there is no need for a hot styling tool. What more could you ask for?

     This past week I decided to try out 4 different hairstyles all incorporating braids. Each style took only a few minutes, which is great because I don’t want to get up any earlier than I have to!

 

 Look 1: Braided Bangs

Ok so this one might be a little basic.I’m sure we’ve all done it…and may

even be sick of it. But try giving a fresh new twist on this old classic. For

example, part your hair on a different side, wear the braid back in a top

knot, or do multiple rows of braids to get a more textured look. Here is a

picture of Rachel McAdam’s sporting the double braided look into a low

bun.

                                                                               

 

                                                                           Look 2:  Milk Maid Braid

This trend is a little crazy, even for me! But I decided  to try it anyways. If you have

short hair you may need to get a clip in piece.If your hair is longer, try doing 2 low

pigtail braids and then crisscrossing them to form the crown.  I love how Sienna

Miller made her braids messy and beachy it looks really effortless and cute.

 

 

 

 

Look 3: The Katniss Braid

I never thought I would want to copy the style out of  The Hunger Games

until I saw what they did with Jennifer Lawrence. I love how this

dutch braid is simple and classic, but still messy and boho. I love

to sleep in this braid and take it out the next morning for

heatless beach waves.

 

 

 

Look 4: Blake Lively Sleek High Braid

This braid is sleek but still modern; it’s great for the beach or for those fun summer

nights. To get the dramatic look of this braid try adding in some clip in extensions

to make your braid fuller and longer. This reminds me of an Anna Kournikova braid

that’s appropriate for night-time not just the gym!

 

 

 

I love how every one of these looks can transition from day to-night. Any of these styles would pair beautifully with a dress from Rent the Runway! Please try out these hairstyles or a few of your own and send me pictures on Facebook or Twitter! I would love to see what you girls come up with!

Happy braiding!

-Alexandrea Garza


Alexandrea is a cosmetologist and makeup artist from Michigan. She makes how- to videos on beauty and fashion on youtube under the name TheAlexandreaGarza. Her favorite designers are Michael Kors and Tory Burch.
Alexandrea Garza has 5 post(s) on RTR On Campus