Easy Summer Braided Hair

Summers can be brutally hot in Charleston. Factor in humidity and it feels twice as hot as it really is. This easy braided hair style that helps me stay cool on hot summer days. It’s my go-to hair style when I want my hair out of my face and off my neck.

This style uses a reverse French braid, which you create by crossing the strands under each other rather than over. It creates a more prominent braid that sits on top of your hair rather than under. The two outside sections alternate under the middle section, which creates more elevation, rather than over the middle section like you do for a regular French braid. If you’re used to doing your hair with a regular French braid, the reverse version might take a while to master. Just go slow and I promise it gets easier with practice!

Start by parting your hair on the side and separating two small sections of hair on either side of your head. Make a reserve French braid right along your hairline by crossing the strands under each other. Work your way down until the braid is just behind your ear. Then you can just continue making a “regular” braid until it’s long enough to pull back into a pony tail. Secure the end with a small elastic to hold it in place while you braid the other side.

After both sides are braided, gather your hair into a low ponytail. Section the pony and braid it into five individual braids. Secure the ends of each with a tiny rubber band.