5 Must-Try Braid Styles For Summer Music Fests—and How to Get the Look

There’s one hairstyle that is an absolute must for any music festival plans this summer. “Braids right now are hot period, especially at festivals. To stand out from the crowd, think color and multiple—the more the better," says Sarah Tevis, an OC-based hairstylist who has worked on everything from GQ shoots to the Billboard Music Awards. French braids, crown braids, cornrows are all a must and should be mixed for an effortless, cool look. For festivals, you want them out of your face and tight to last all weekend long. Kylie Jenner does the color and braids well." Here's a closer look at the twisty styles that are trending this summer, as modeled by some of our favorite celebs.

As Seen On Shay Mitchell

The style is universally flattering, and simultaneously glam and boho chic. This style works best for individuals with long, thick hair. “The thicker the braids, the more of a ‘crown’ statement this style becomes,” says celebrity hairstylist Scott Yance, owner of Scottfree Salons in Milwaukee.

If you have short or delicate hair, don’t fret. Extensions can easily be applied to create the style. “To create the style on your own, first curl hair with a curling wand and spritz with a beach spray to create as much texture as possible. If hair still seems a little too limp, tease your locks with a teasing comb. Once you’ve achieved maximum volume and texture, create a thick braid at your hairline above your forehead, and another in the opposite direction directly behind it. Secure each with bobby pins. (Choose bobby pins the same color as your hair so they do not become a focus). Wrap the rest of your hair into a messy bun and secure with pins, then tease the braids to create volume at the crown. A few undone pieces that frame the face finish the look. “The effect should be messy and carefree; a little undone is a must,” Scott says.

As seen on Hailey Baldwin

“Before beginning a braid, always make sure to brush the hair smooth. If a product is needed, reach for a hair gel like White Sands Gel-Us Volumizing Hair Gel. This will keep flyways at bay while silky strands are easier to grip for a smoother base,” says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare.

Here, Hailey proves something so simple can be chic in the heat. “Plus, anyone can master this style without the help of a personal stylist. All you need to do is part hair in the middle and have this part continue all the way to the back of the head. Create two 3-strand brands and secure with a bold elastic. Remember never pull hair too tight; you want a gentle, yet snug technique,” says Salas.

As seen on Kylie Jenner

“This 'braid' is the perfect way to change up your typical French braid because it looks so intricate and detailed. To copy it the easy way? This style is made by creating a bunch of topsy tails stacked on top of one another,” says Melissa Cook, contributor for Latest-Hairstyles.

To get the look: Cook says to start by separating off a small section of hair at the top of the back of the head. Tie it off with a clear elastic band. Then, says Cook, create a small gap right above the band and flip the end of the ponytail up and through the gap,  pulling the tail back down, creating a topsy tail. Cook says to follow by picking up two new sections of hair to the right and left of the first topsy tail. Tie these two sections together and create a second topsy tail directly beneath the first one. Create two more topsy tails with the remaining hair along the sides of the head. Separate off two outside pieces from the remaining hair and tie it into a fifth topsy tail. Continue, says Cook, creating topsy tails using outside sections of the remaining hair, stacking them one below the next. After creating your last topsy tail, spray the style with hairspray and comb through the tail to remove any tangles. To create a fuller effect, gently pull on the edges of each individual twist until they become the size and shape you prefer. Mist the style with a firm hold hairspray to finish and set it.

“The main trends we saw [at Coachella] were bright colors interwoven into braids, inside and outside double sided braids, knotted braids and overall something different with the braid which looked unique and individual, which is why this one was so popular. People are really expressing their individuality through hair more than ever before. A unique color, texture or material woven into the braid have been right on trend. Most festivals face hot temps so hair being out of the face and off the neck is key. I love to work products into the braids, like label.m Powder Color Sprays or Texturizing Volume Spray for a more lived-in look of the moment,” says Richard Mannah, International Artistic Director, label.m USA, who headlined with their NYLON party braid bar this festival season kicking off at Coachella in the spring.

One braid style that is particularly hot right now is the Braided Ponytail. "This style has been seen most recently on stars such as Beyoncé, Justine Skye, and more. It's definitely a great style for a summer music festival because it's not too complex and it will go with any look. The Hairstyle can also be turned into a bun as well," says L'Oreal Multi-Cultural Beauty Division Style Squad Member, Kahh Spence.
Achieving this look is pretty simple; it requires braiding extensions for length and a few Bobby pins. "All the hair is braided cornrows-style into medium/small braids toward the crown area using extensions. Use a braiding custard such as Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Length Retention for Protective Styles Nice and Neat Braiding Custard to keep the hair moisturized and soft while keeping the style looking new," says Spence.  Then you'll need to take another set of braiding extensions, and braid the hair into a long braid detached from your head and then prepare to attach it. "Using additional Bobby pins, begin pinning the long braid in the center of the cornrows you originally created. Once pinned, wrap the ends of the cornrows around the attached braid, pin them. Use Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Length Retention for Protective Styles Tame and Strengthen Edge Saver to smooth out your edges and viola, you're festival ready!" says Spence. 

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