braids

This scorching weather means tons of time in the water. To limit the damage (and time spent) on your hair, take a cue from Beyoncé and Solange Knowles and get braids. Box braids, Senegalese twists, microbraids, and two-strand twists will protect your hair from harm. And by the end of the season, you'll have plenty of hair growth to admire. Check out a few of our favorite styling ideas for extra-long braids.

Lea Michele was glowing at last night's Fox All-Star Party. The Glee leading lady opted for dewy makeup that was accented with a pastel pink lip, rosy cheeks, and lengthy lashes. But what really stole the show was her messy, rope-like side braid, which she paired with piecey bangs. This style is a perfect blending of fuss-free ease and glamour, easily transitioning from sidewalk to red carpet. To achieve her done-up undone look, prep your hair with a texturizing spray like Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves ($22) to give it some body and grip. Gather your hair behind one ear and braid. Secure with an elastic and then gently pull on the braid to widen it. Don't worry if a few pieces fall out — this style is meant to be undone. To give it a polished look, wrap a piece of hair around the elastic to hide it and secure with a bobby pin.

Blake Lively has a way with making any hairstyle all the more interesting. Take this thick, tousled fishtail braid, which she wore at the Savages premiere in New York. Instead of your average, off-to-the-side fishtail, Blake opted to break up the braid for an edgier, less-than-polished finish. She also played around with contrast, wearing a dressed-up, shimmery ponytail holder at its base, tying the bottom together by wrapping her matte-textured hair around the elastic.

To copy the coiffure, use a thickening spray before braiding (or you can even add extensions to increase bulk). Next, create a fishtail braid, and complete with a metallic ponytail topper, such as Free People's Stingray cuff ($18), or Elle's metallic square beads holder ($10), near the crown. Wear this braid during the day for a cool-girl look, or in the evening for a dressy, not-too-serious feel.

This side-swept braid is something of a cross between a waterfall braid and the French braid Katniss Everdeen wore in The Hunger Games movie. Not only is it a chic way to keep hair out of your face on a hot day, but it also looks elegant on a night out. See step-by-step photos, along with instructions on how you can re-create this side French braid yourself, when you keep reading.