Braided hairstyles are a Summer essential for a handful of reasons; they keep your hair off your face, they transition flawlessly from the beach to the dinner table, and they're incredibly beautiful. But not every plait you pull off needs to be the typical braid we've seen a million times. Need some inspiration? Click through to see some gorgeous celebrity braid inspiration.
Heather Graham vs. Jamie Chung: Who Had the Best Sideswept Style?

At last night's The Hangover Part III premiere, Heather Graham and Jamie Chung were spotted wearing the same sideswept style, but both women put a special spin on the classic. Heather went with a beachy texture with plenty of tousled volume, while Jamie styled her look in smooth, sleek curls. They were both stunning styles, but which woman wins your vote for the best wavy hairdo?
Blonde Ambition: 20 Surprising Celebrities Who've Tried the Golden Hue
Blondes are having a serious moment in Hollywood, with celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Demi Lovato recently making the switch. But they aren't the first ones who have taken the plunge with a color change. Click through to see some stars you may have forgotten, who have experimented with lightened locks.
Scandal Alert! Kerry Washington's Hairstyles We Can't Stop Talking About
Kerry Washington is making waves as one of the best hair-dressed in Hollywood today. Her hit show, Scandal, has come to an end for this season, so we're taking a look back at some of her most memorable styles. Kerry's beauty repertoire, which includes a treasure chest of half-up hairstyles and chic updos, is sure to elicit serious hair envy. Click through to see 12 of her top red carpet moments (because 10 wasn't nearly enough).
Heidi Klum, Hayden Panettiere, and More Celebrate Versace's Latest
Last night marked the launch of Versus Versace, and the event was a star-studded affair. Celebrities like Heidi Klum and Hayden Panettiere stepped out sporting some seriously gorgeous beauty looks that almost distracted us from the beautiful clothing. Want to see more? Just keep clicking.
An Expert Spills on Taking Your Hair From Brown to Blond Fast
Ever wonder how stars go from dark hair to blond hair almost instantly? Allure spoke to the experts and got the scoop.

Whenever I talk to colorists about dyeing my naturally dark hair light blond, they act like I just decided to get a tattoo on my face. And both times I've tried it, the colorist has taken me on a six-month, multiple-salon-trip odyssey, by the end of which I didn't even want to be blond anymore. Maybe this is just how things are, but if that's true, then how is it that celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, and Jennifer Lawrence are able to bypass the weird, partially highlighted phase and go from dark to light without destroying their hair? Get the answers from stylist Tracey Cunningham when you keep reading.
Celebrity Braids That Are Perfect For a Wedding
Whether you're a guest, bridesmaid, or even the bride, weddings are a perfect time to add a braid into your dressed-up style. They can add a touch of romance or bohemian coolness to your look, and there are a variety of ways to incorporate woven strands into your style. Click through to see how the following stars plaited their coifs to perfection.
Celebrity Ombré Pics to Bring to Your Next Salon Visit
You might think the ombré hair trend has been played out, but it's actually still going strong for 2013. The proof is in all the starlets who are rocking face-flattering, lightened tips. Go with blond accents this season with just a hint of color at the ends, or better yet, just let your color grow out. It's the perfect time of year to be low maintenance. Click through to get ombré inspiration from these celebrity looks.
Ashley Benson's Easy Way to Dress Up Boho Braids

Braids are a Summer hair staple, and this weekend at BottleRock, Ashley Benson showed off a chic braid that was fun and supereasy to re-create. The actress wore a marigold rope wrapped around her two small braids, which she wore pinned back to either side. To get her look, start off with beach waves. Next, part your hair down the middle and braid a small front section of hair. Braid about halfway down and secure with a clear elastic. Then, tie a ribbon, rope, or bright thread at the base of the plait and wrap it around and tie at the elastic. Pull the braid back and secure with pins into the side of the hair. Repeat on the other side. Ashley may have rocked her look at a festival, but this colorful style is also a great option for the beach or a poolside party.
Check Out Kate Middleton's Best Blowouts
Being the Duchess of Cambridge means a lot of public appearances, and while many have been keeping an eye on her growing belly since the announcement that Kate is expecting her and Prince William's first child, we can't stop swooning over her gorgeous hair. And according to a recent poll done by Kérastase, Kate Middleton's mane came out on top as the most coveted hair in Britain. Also, the poll found that women's hair is at its best at age 29, because women have money to spend on their locks. At 31, we think Kate's brunette mane is quite envy-inducing, which we've seen styled with everything from bouncing curls to soft waves, and even bangs. We've rounded up her best blowouts over the years. So just keep clicking!






