Rooftop day party, brunch, happy hour, destination wedding, girls' trip, baecation… These are just the first few weeks of my summer social calendar. While flights have to be chosen, I can’t commit to anything until I’ve booked my summer braids appointment. Last year, all I had to worry about was picking boho braids or cornrows, but this summer I’m also focusing on hair health, and that means opting for styles that prioritize protection over convenience. Thankfully, the braids of summer 2026 reflect the Black community’s new focus on hair health. There is more attention on minimizing scalp tension. People want styles that let them cleanse their hair without ruining the look.
Mateo Kirkpatrick, a hairstylist in Dallas who specializes in textured hair, says many of his clients want to wear their beloved braids all summer but are more aware of keeping their scalps healthy. But while the goal is healthy hair, that doesn’t mean we’re forsaking stylish looks. Protective styles this summer are breezy and cool, but with an emphasis on natural textures and live-in finishes. Boho braids are still all over our feeds and on the streets, but miracle knots, a recently popular crochet method, make the style lighter, more natural-looking (and easier to achieve). Folks are also getting creative with hybrid styles, like Tyla-inspired Fulani braids and curly half-wigs attached to cornrows-two-in-one styles that are easily customizable so you can avoid a who-wore-it-better situation mid-party.
Despite the surge of trendy braids, old-school looks, like flat twists, boneless braids, and cornrows, also have a strong presence this summer, especially among those interested in length retention and damage repair. These looks we leaned on early in our natural hair journeys are now more refined, thanks to increased education through online tutorials and diversity in textured extensions. Overall, “the girls want something versatile, lightweight, and cost-efficient, but they aren't afraid to invest,” says Ariana Greene, a hairstylist in New York City, who points to higher-quality extensions as the added “investment” that comes with this summer’s trendy braids.
As you plan what will look best for your vacation Instagram post, consider what your hair will require most this summer. It’s the season of increased sweating on the scalp and frizz-inducing humidity-not to mention back-to-back events that may leave you with limited styling time. So, you’ll need hairstyles that are easy to maintain, allow for consistent cleansing, and still look cute enough to post. Braider Helena Koudou, who is based in New York City, says all her clients are getting boho braids during the summer. “It just looks like vacation hair,” she says. It’s done up, curly, and you can get in and out of the water, and it still looks good.
In 2026, the style has gotten a few updates that make it look even more natural and romantic. Previously, the style required a mix of human and synthetic extensions, but the stylists we spoke to say that in 2026, everyone is exclusively using human hair. Kirkpatrick says the shift is for both aesthetic reasons and hair health. “Synthetic fibers can cause scalp irritation, which you don’t typically get with human hair,” he says, adding that using human hair for boho braids results in a softer, more natural-looking style. “It's like wearing your natural hair; you're just adding extensions to it.”
A newly popular installation method called miracle knots also gives boho braids a more organic look-plus it cuts down on the appointment time. Traditionally, a braider will begin a knotless braid (by feeding in extensions about an inch or two down) before adding in the loose, curly pieces as they braid. Miracle knots eliminate the need for feeding in the braiding hair. This DIY-friendly technique allows you to create single plaits using your natural hair, then attach loose human hair pieces with a crochet hook. “I recommend miracle knots because they’re lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective,” says Greene. If you don’t know how to braid, you can still go to a braider to section your hair and create the base braids, then add the curly pieces yourself at home. The price for this service will likely be lower than getting boho braids done fully at a salon.
Tyla-inspired Fulani braids Courtesy of Ola IdowuGetty Images If you see a girl in these Fulani braids this summer, just know that she’s the coolest one in her friend group. She probably has a trip to Japan coming up, is friends with the hottest DJs in town, and can get you into any party. And her muse, of course, is South African pop singer Tyla, who has popularized the look. The edgy style is especially great for summer since it features bob-length extensions that are flipped up at the ends-ideal for those humid days when no one wants hair sticking to their shoulders and neck. The style features Fulani cornrows (an ancient African braiding technique) in the front and a traditional sew-in in the back. If you're considering the style, be warned: It is time-consuming. “You're braiding down your hair for the sew-in, actually installing the tracks, then braiding the cornrows in the front, and you still have to cut and style the hair. “It's a lot,” says Koudou, “but it's a really cute style.”
If you’re prioritizing weekly washdays this summer, this may not be the style for you. It involves a traditional sew-in, which is typically worn for four to six weeks at a time. “More people are going the natural route and just getting braids and twists using their own hair,” says Kirkpatrick, who adds that many of his clients in Dallas ask for this look because it’s a style that allows them to keep up with their scalp care, including washing their hair weekly and applying scalp serums and other hydrators. The caveat is that it looks best on those with longer, fuller hair. If you want the style but need a little length or density, Kirkpatrick says you can add a small amount of braiding hair to each plait.
There’s a misconception that you need copious amounts of gel and a tight grip to braid textured hair into neat styles, but Kirkpatrick points to flat twists as an option that still looks polished but doesn’t require as much pulling. “People are just wanting to give their hair a break from styles that cause too much tension,” says Kirkpatrick, who adds that his clients love flat twists in the summer because they’re easy to maintain, plus they serve as a two-in-one style-perfect for switching up your look mid-vacation. “They keep their flat twists for about a week and then unravel them to reveal a fluffy twist-out,” says Kirkpatrick.
While flat twists are nothing new, Kirkpatrick says more and more people are wearing them as a standalone style, rather than as a means of getting to a twist-out. He points to more sophisticated styling products that create flatter and neater twists than stylists had been able to achieve in the past. “It's all about the products you use,” Kirkpatrick says. He prefers foam over a gel as he finds it causes less buildup over time, and chooses Influence It’s Natural Rosemary Foam, an airy styler that gives hair a firm hold with a soft, touchable finish. Creating smaller twists also helps with longevity. “It will never go out of style,” Koudou says of the look.
Straight-back braids were once just a way to flatten your hair before putting on a wig. Over the years, they’ve evolved into a trendy style, becoming more and more intricate. Last summer, Koudou says that most of her clients wanted freestyle braids-an elaborate style with cornrows braided in different patterns. But this summer, simplicity is returning to the look, with more people opting for simple straight-back cornrows. There’s still room to play around, though. Susan Oludele, a braider in New York City and Los Angeles, likes to wrap the ends of her client’s cornrows into pinwheels to create Koroba braids (a style with Nigerian roots). “A lot of the old hairstyles from Africa are resurfacing again,” Oludele previously told Allure. “People want more cultural and artistic looks.”
Alternating the widths of the braided rows is another popular way to spruce up this simple style, like Chase Infiniti’s stitch braids at the recent Louis Vuitton cruise show in New York City. One of the biggest perks of cornrows is the easy access it gives to your scalp for weekly hydration. Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, recommends using a scalp spray with jojoba seed oil or tea tree oil. “Tea tree is undefeated when it comes to its well-known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Oyetakin, who adds that jojoba oil also has antimicrobial properties in addition to being highly moisturizing.
FAQ: How to prevent scalp buildup with braids? If you’re doing your own braids, you may be tempted to pack on the gel for a neater finish, but experts say that’s a fast track to flakes and scalp buildup. “Remember, your scalp is also part of your skin and wants to be moisturized at all times,” says Dr. Oyetakin. Heavy stylers with alcohols can dry out the hair and scalp, causing product buildup that leads to dandruff-like flakes. To avoid this, consider using a light hand when applying gel to your parts or choose water-based products, like Sheamoisture Define and Shine Edge Gel, made without alcohol and containing moisturizing agents, like flaxseed oil and glycerin. You can also use a mousse or foam, which Kirkpatrick finds results in less buildup.
How to make protective braids last in humid weather? Hotter temperatures and humidity can cause your scalp to sweat more, which can result in frizzy braids soon after your appointment. To combat this, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night to help your style last as long as possible. “Silk is a natural protein fiber, and its breathable, smooth, and slip-rich qualities allow hair to glide rather than snag overnight," Cataanda James, a licensed cosmetologist in New York City, previously told Allure. A satin scarf will tame any frizz or flyaways while you sleep for a smoother style in the morning. Greene also says using braiding hair or extensions that match your natural texture can help camouflage inevitable frizz.
How long should protective braids stay in? Most protective styles should not be worn for more than eight weeks. “After about two months, the hair will have new growth and may cause tangling and twisting,” says Diane Bailey, a hairstylist in New York City. Dermatologists also warn against getting protective styles back-to-back. Even when done gently, “repeated tension on the hair root [from protective styles] can lead to mechanical damage, hair loss, and shortening of hair,” says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
Discover more summer trends: The Summer Nail Color Trends of 2026 Will Have You Walking on Sunshine. This Summer’s Top Nail Art Trends Are All About Feel-Good Finishes. Get Ready for Body-Shimmer Summer 2026. Read our latest cover story: Created in the K-pop mold, the girl group has gone from green trainees to global sensations with something to say. For the past six years I thought Goddess Braids were synonymous with Crown Braids, aka Halo Braids, because when I think of a goddess I think of someone crowned or haloed. But that is apparently not the case. So, what are Goddess Braids?
Goddess Braids are large inverted cornrows that are created with added hair and wrap around the head in various patterns, forming a halo effect. They’re sometimes confused with Ghana braids, but Ghana braids are smaller and are the sister style. Braids have long been a staple hairstyle, beloved for their mix of practicality and style. From sleek plaits to undone textures, there’s a braid for every occasion. A lot of this season emphasizes protective, lightweight looks that let you care for hair health while staying chic.
- A braided ponytail combines two classics in one, equal parts sleek and practical.
- The braided high puff offers height and texture while keeping hair secure.
- A braided bun provides a chic, polished updo for special occasions.
- Braided space buns create a playful, festival-ready vibe that remains secure.
- Box braids protect natural hair by reducing manipulation and heat, with versatile styling options.
- Box braids with curls use curly hair for a voluminous finish.
- Cornrows are a classic, protective option with easy scalp access for hydration.
- Fulani braids blend front cornrows with back box braids for a two-in-one look.
- French braids start at the crown and incorporate new hair as they braid down.
- Braided headbands offer a quick, textured accent along the hairline.
- Double crown braids create a halo effect ideal for formal occasions.
- Pigtail braids bring a playful vibe while remaining versatile.
- Y2K braids channel early-2000s nostalgia with two thin plaits framing the face.
- Dutch braids cross strands under for a raised, three-dimensional effect.
- Fishtail braids feature a distinct, intricate pattern resembling fish scales.
- Halo braids circle the head for a romantic, ethereal vibe.
- Boho braids are loose and undone, perfect for a relaxed vacation aesthetic.
- A braided fauxhawk emphasizes edge and height with center braids and slicked sides.
- A zipper braid creates a crisscross pattern reminiscent of zipper teeth.
- Stitch braids offer a graphic, modern take on cornrows with defined parting lines.
- Micro braids are ultra-thin and lightweight, best left to pros for long installs.
- Half-up braids switch up the classic half-up style with a braid centerpiece.
- Braided accents weave small braids throughout for texture without committing fully.
- A four-strand braid adds thickness and intricacy over the classic braid.
- A waterfall braid creates a cascading, romantic effect by weaving hair while letting pieces fall through.
Weaving your hair into an intricate plait is only half of the battle-the other half is ensuring your hard work holds up. If you have fine or thin hair, working with second-day hair can provide grip, making your braid less likely to fall loose throughout the day. If you’re starting with clean or damp strands, try prepping your hair with a volumizing mousse, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, to create texture and help your style hold. For those rocking a protective style such as cornrows or boxed braids, gentle care is key. These styles can often remain installed for two weeks or more, so they’re relatively low-maintenance. Still, it’s a good idea to gently lather up around once a week to remove excess oil and buildup that can irritate your scalp. Use a gentle shampoo, such as the L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron + Pure Hydrating Shampoo, to purify your roots without drying out your ends. At night, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet before hitting the sheets.
These slippery fabrics can help reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, minimizing damage and helping to keep your style intact. If your hair does start to feel dry at the ends, add nourishment with a lightweight hair oil. Finally, keep in mind that while braids are a protective style for many, constantly wearing tight hairstyles can put strain on your scalp. After taking out your braids, give your scalp some TLC and wait a few days before wearing another tight hairstyle. Your scalp-and strands-will thank you for the break.
Braids have become an important part of hairstyling. There are so many braid styles to explore, but we’ve compiled some of the most popular ones here. This “hair half up, half down” braid style frames your face by keeping your hair away from the face. Start by creating two smaller braids, one each on the left and right of your hair. Pull each one up and create a circle going the opposite direction on the back of your head towards the front. Brush your hair back, and separate into three even sections. Braid starting with the front-most section, overlapping from the two side sections as you go down the length of the hair. Part your hair down the middle, and do a reverse French braid on one side, and then on the other side. Braid your hair into two French braids then pin them up together at the nape of your neck. Create the first ponytail using a top layer of hair starting from the top of the head, then pin it out of the way. Create a second ponytail, pulling hair from the sides of the head, not at the very top, but right below that. Release the hair clip, letting down the first ponytail, which should be resting on top of the second. Split the top ponytail into two equal sections. Pull the bottom ponytail through the middle of the top ponytail and clip it out of the way. Make a new ponytail from the remaining hair and pull hair from the horizontal sections of hair to the sides. Release the clip from the (now) top ponytail so it layers on top of the newest ponytail. Split the top ponytail into two sections again, and pull the bottom ponytail through the middle, and clip it up out of the way. Make a new ponytail as before, etc. This process repeats until you get to the end of the length of hair. When you get past the hair on the head, you can pull small sections of the ponytails to give it a fanned-out, voluminous effect. Hold the middle braid section at the bottom of the hair strands, and simultaneously slide the outer two braid sections up towards the roots. This creates a curvy, meandering, snake-like pattern. Create small braids from sections of hair, narrow enough to pull beads over them. Pull up the beads until they stay in place, then add chunky elastic bands at the ends of the braids to keep them in place. The hair is separated into five sections, with three sections in one hand, and two in the other. The result is strips of hair falling vertically in a gradually descending pattern, hence the waterfall name. A three-strand braid is created from the front of the hair, moving towards the back, and at specific intervals, a section of hair is woven downward and allowed to fall naturally, with a new section of hair being woven into the braid. Pull two sections of hair from either side and ponytail them together in a V-shape, leaving it slightly loose. Loop the hair under the elastic band over the gap in the middle and pull down. Do another layer the same way, laying it on top of the previous plait. Your hair needs to be in good condition before the braids are weaved into your hair, so remember to deep condition your hair leading up to the hair appointment. These are knotless braids that have been extremely popular in 2024 and 2025. The process takes some time, but small braids are made in rows, starting from the hair at the bottom of the neck going up towards the roots. By the second or third row, human hair extensions are braided into the natural hair to create long, luxurious braids that create a breathtaking, impressive look. A Boho bob braid style adds volume to the hair.
Summary This article includes tips on maintaining and caring for box braids Over 50 images of box-braid styles and box-braid ideas for inspiration Tips from the experts on what to know before getting box braids, pros and cons, and advice on how to get the most out of this protective style