Summer is around the corner, and we all know what that means: all the sunshine, warm weather, and fun activities.
Summer is undoubtedly my favorite season because I get to wear sundresses and itty-bitty bikinis (LOL), chill by the pool, thinking about my next vacation destination.
This is the season where our hair, as black women, becomes one of our biggest worries.
This is why we need hairstyles that are both super trendy and beautiful, keeping heads turning while still protecting our natural hair underneath.
Protective hairstyles do not have to be complicated, and you certainly do not need to go to the ends of the world to find hairstyles that you will love.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably be wearing your summer hairstyle for 2 to 3 months, so we need to choose styles that are not too bulky, easy to manage, and won’t leave your scalp feeling sweaty.
In today’s blog post, we have just that: a list of 30 stunning braided hairstyles for summer. These are not only trendy but also guaranteed to make you look beautiful as you enjoy the sunny and warm weather.
How to maintain your summer hairstyles to make them last longer
1. Regularly moisturize your scalp with a mix of leave-in conditioner and water; this will leave your hairstyle soft, smooth, and easy to manipulate.
2. Use a dry shampoo if you’re in a very hot location, or try an apple cider vinegar rinse. This will prevent sweat buildup and refresh the hairstyle.
3. Always wear a silk scarf or a satin bonnet when going to bed. This will prevent wear and tear and make your hair last a bit longer.
4. Silk pillowcases are a must if you have braided protective hairstyles. They work the same as the bonnet and silk scarf, but the more protection, the merrier.
5. Use a mousse to refresh your braids and curls.
6. Gently massage your scalp at least three times a week to prevent a dry scalp.
30 Trendy summer protective hairstyles for black women to try
1. Box braids
Box braids are the original braided hairstyle, having been around for ages, and are typically the go-to beginner braided hairstyle for many Black women. It doesn’t seem like they are going out of style anytime soon.
Box braids can be customized in terms of size, length, and even accessorized; feel free to experiment with whatever you like.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, ranging from small box braids to medium box braids, jumbo box braids, colored box braids, and even knotless box braids.
Box braids can be accessorized with beads, hair clips, hair wraps, scarves, bucket hats, and a variety of other items.
Below are a few box braid hairstyles that you can draw inspiration from;








2. Island twists
Island twists scream summer and vacation. This is the perfect low-maintenance hairstyle for summer.
Use mousse on the curls to refresh them and regularly oil the scalp.
Use a dry shampoo or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to clean the scalp and avoid dirt and sweat buildup.
Don’t forget to always sleep with a satin bonnet or a silk scarf to minimize wear and tear.
Below are some ideas to draw inspiration from for this summer;




3. French curls
French curls are one of the most trendy hairstyles of the year, and no, they do not originate from France.
French curls are gorgeous and come in a variety of colors; people love them so much that they have been converted into human hair wigs.
To maintain French curls, apply mousse to the ends and trim them regularly. The use of human hair braiding extensions will make the hairstyle last much longer than using synthetic braiding hair.
Always wear a satin bonnet or a silk scarf when going to bed.
Below are some French curl hairstyle ideas;





4. Invisible Locs
Invisible locs are the perfect protective style, as they protect your natural hair and make it grow beneath the double twist invisible style.
Could you make sure that you always sleep with a satin bonnet or a silk scarf?




5. Soft Locs
Soft locs are the ideal protective hairstyle for individuals seeking to grow out their hair.
They are not heavy on the head and can be styled in many different ways.
Maintenance involves the use of mousse and regular scalp oiling to prevent itchiness.
Always wear a satin bonnet and a silk scarf when going to bed to prevent wear and tear.
Below are some inspo hairstyles;




6. Faux Locs
Faux locs are slightly heavier than soft locs, and they can be a bit challenging to style.
They are an excellent, low-maintenance, and protective hairstyle that can help hair grow.
Regularly use mousse to keep the hair fresh, while periodically massaging the scalp with oil to prevent it from becoming dry and itchy.



7. Tribal braids with barrel ends
Tribal braids are the IT GIRL braided hairstyle of this year.
They are very versatile and easy to work with, and they require minimal maintenance.
Regularly wear a satin scarf and or a satin bonnet when going to bed.
Regularly clean the scalp with dry shampoo or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
Apply oil to the scalp at least three times a week to prevent dryness and itchiness.


8. Boho bob knotless braids
Boho Bob knotless braids are the perfect vacation hairstyle.
They are very lightweight and easy to maintain.
Regularly apply mousse on the curly ends to keep them looking fresh.
Oil the scalp to prevent dryness and itchiness.
Clean your scalp with dry shampoo occasionally.
Spray your hair with a mixture of leave-in conditioner and water to hydrate it.






9. Half Feed in braids Half Sew In /Quick weave
I don’t know about you, but anytime I come across this hairstyle, I immediately get vacation vibes; somewhere on a tropical island, just sipping on Pina Coladas without a care in the world.
This hairstyle is perfect, especially if you are in a summer location that isn’t too hot.
Regular maintenance includes using a moisturizer to maintain the curls on a sew-in or weave.
Regularly oil the scalp, especially on the cornrow side, to prevent dryness and itchiness.
Spray the hair with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner.
Sleep with a silk scarf or a satin bonnet.



10. Stitch braids
Stitch braids have to be the hairstyle that takes the least amount of effort to get done.
This style won’t have you sitting in your hairdresser’s chair for hours on end.
They are relatively easy to maintain, as all they require is scalp oiling, regular water, and leave-in conditioner spray and mousse.
Wear a satin bonnet or silk scarf to bed.
They are versatile and can be styled with any and every summer outfit that comes to mind.
These should be on your summer hairstyles calendar.






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