It is so important to have great friends. Friends who will tell you that your dress may just not be right for that occasion.  Or perhaps, “seriously, put your hair up so you don’t melt like a popsicle.”

If you have been blessed with a full head of hair, chances are, summer is NOT your best friend.  Fortunately, this summer my lovely friends reminded me of the power of the braid.  Believe it or not, it is still possible to style your hair while also putting it neatly out of your face keeping you a bit cooler during those hot and steamy summer months.

Even the women of Hollywood sweat, so it comes to no surprise that they too embrace the braid for those tedious red carpet walks.  My favorite braided celeb is definitely Blake Lively.

Both of these looks are bold yet simple and quick ways to style your hair.  The great thing about braids is that there aren’t any black and white rules.  From neat and tidy to messy and fun, you really can’t go wrong.  If you mess up, you can just play it off as an intentional style tactic. 🙂

Depending on the texture of your hair, you can literally achieve these looks in a matter of minutes.

LOOK 1

1. Section your hair into two parts leaving one to the side.
2. Take one half and began braiding down the side keeping the braid tight and applying hair spray if necessary.
3. Using a small rubber band, tie a knot at the end of the braid.
4. Take both parted portions and twirl them in a loose bun.
5. Either pin the sides or use a hair tie to hold the bun in place (if you have thin, fine hair, you may need to do both).
6. Loosen portions of the hair to create an effortless look.

LOOK 2

This is a great way to make a statement, yet it is about as easy as it gets to do!

1. Tie your hair into a tight ponytail.
2. Braid only the free strands of the ponytail.
3. Tie off the end of the braid by using your hair to form a knot or using a hair tie, and voila!

Blake’s stylist created a “messy” look by being inconsistent with the size of of each braided portion and by loosening parts of the braid.  If you are sporting this style to work, it is best to keep the braid tight and consistent.  You can always loosen alternating parts of the braid to create a bolder look.

I must admit that I am terrible awful at braiding my own hair, but there are certain styles that even a novice can do.  The key is to practice and just go with whatever you create.  There is no right or wrong, but the great benefit is that you will have a style that will liven up your look while also keeping you lighter and more refreshed.

I have to give credit to my lovely friend Milly for teaching me the ways of the braid.  My hair took all of a minute and a half to accomplish.  For someone who has more hair than Mufasa from the Lion King, this is definitely a WIN!

Hope you are all off to a great start of the weekend!

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