22 Lazy-Girl Braids For Summer

If there's any updo that's synonymous with the sun and sand of a beach, then it's the braid. Whether plaited across your head, fishtailed over your shoulder, or french-woven down your back, braids are the go-to for occasions when a casual style is needed. Now that the weather is warmer (finally), it's high time for these woven strands to take center stage. Scroll through to get some serious inspiration from celebrities, the runway, and our own hair tutorials. Source: Getty

The Pony-Tail Braid
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The Pony-Tail Braid

For truly balmy days, opt for plaiting your pony to avoid any frizz like Blake Lively.

Extratwisted Bun
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Extratwisted Bun

Jennifer Morrison had the right idea: braid your topknot to give it some extra pizzazz.

Loose Side Braid
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Loose Side Braid

Slept-on strands look chic when pulled over to one side and loosely plaited.

The Braided Undercut

The Braided Undercut

This side-braid look is both edgy and functional for the warmer Spring months. Source: Lexi Lambros

Multibraided Undercut
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Multibraided Undercut

Take the braided undercut to the next level like Heidi Klum by doing multiple braids on half of your head.

The Braid-Bun Combo
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The Braid-Bun Combo

Cara Delevingne's headband braid and braided bun combination is one to try at the next music festival you attend.

French-Braid Ponytail
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French-Braid Ponytail

This french braid/ponytail hybrid, worn by Jessica Alba, is a great option for a polished take on the plait trend.

Simple Side Braid
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Simple Side Braid

When in doubt, pair a simple side braid with a thin headband for a classic look, like Valentino showed for Fall 2013.

Fishtail Pigtails
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Fishtail Pigtails

Fishtail braids don't need to fly solo. Put a spin on your pigtails by fishtailing them for a boho feel, like Tory Burch did at her Spring 2013 show.

Braided Pixie Cut
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Braided Pixie Cut

Even shorter styles can sport a great braid, as Julianne Hough proves here.

Inverted French Braid
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Inverted French Braid

This inverted french braid, spotted at Badgley Mischka, flows up into a crown-level bun. Think of it as an adult twist on two classic styles.

Multibraided Updo
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Multibraided Updo

Lea Michele's multiple braids are a fun and intricate way to keep your hair off your neck in warmer temps.

Milkmaid Braid
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Milkmaid Braid

The classic milkmaid braid, like this one at Alice + Olivia, is so versatile, it can be worn casually or for a more formal affair.

Half-Up Braid
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Half-Up Braid

Rodarte's rocker braids are a fun alternative to a typical half-updo.

All-Over Braids
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All-Over Braids

Conjoined braids, like Jennifer Hudson's here, are a popular trend that keeps the hair off your face and neck. Oh, and it looks gorgeous, too.

Braided Headband
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Braided Headband

Bella Thorne's rope braids add some feminine flair to a regular old updo.

French Braid
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French Braid

Emmy Rossum brought back the classic french braid, showing that this style is still gorgeous and relevant.

Box Braids

Box Braids

Sporting box braids this season? Styling them is surprisingly easy and gorgeous. Source: Jessica Cruel

Reverse Milkmaid Braids
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Reverse Milkmaid Braids

Reverse milkmaid braids, like these at Christian Siriano, are a hot trend that can easily jazz up any style.

Crown of Braids
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Crown of Braids

Mesh your milkmaid braids and your reverse milkmaid braids to create an entire crown of plaits for some royal flair, like these ones at Viktor & Rolf.

Side Fishtail Braid
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Side Fishtail Braid

Stacy Keibler showed off a simple fishtail plait that can be polished or mussed up for a more casual feel.