Bring Back Braids: Your Ticket to Healthier Hair by the End of Summer

jennysmithmattfeldt
May 14
5 min read

Slick backs are making us all bald, time to bring back braids.

Published May 14, 2026

Hot girls are bringing back braids this summer. I think it's time for us to let go of the slick backs before they send all of us into a receding hairline crisis (or at least a few less in the rotation.)

If you want healthier hair by fall think less hot tools, more braids. Braids can give you that effortless, beachy, slightly undone look while also protecting your hair from all the things summer throws at it: boating, swimming, workouts, wind, chlorine, sun damage, you name it. Less pulling, less heat, less constantly messing with your hair. By the end of summer, your hair will thank you.

There’s been a major shift toward messier beauty lately: undone braids, imperfect hair, grungier makeup, even intentionally knotted hair at fashion week. And you’re only going to see less polished looks from here. In a world full of filters and AI perfect beauty, human messiness has become the instant giveaway that a photo is real.

The key to getting that big, sexy, slightly undone braid without constantly fixing it all day is securing the top first with a small flipped ponytail. Once that’s locked in, you can gently pull and tease pieces out until you get that effortless messy look you’re going for. The braid underneath can stay loose, soft, and beachy without having to redo it by hour two.

Scarves woven into braids have always had that boho feel, but this summer the vibe feels way more western chic. Think less music festival more cowgirl on vacation energy. There’s something about a scarf braided into the hair that instantly makes an outfit feel styled, pair it with a little denim dress or a bikini, oversized sunglasses, and zero makeup.

It’s also one of those hairstyles that looks way more complicated than it actually is. The scarf adds texture, keeps the braid more secure, and gives that intentionally undone look without needing a ton of effort. Equal parts practical and hot girl summer.

Silky Hair Scarves

These muted earth tones will style perfectly in a braid. Weave them in for some boho, western vibes.

Shop Hair Scarves

My one exception to the “less slick backs” rule is the braided ponytail for chaotic days. If you’re doing RZRs, jet skis, boating, swimming to the beach bar, whatever—this is the hairstyle. It keeps your hair secure, contained, and protected while still looking sleek in photos (no matter how much it's whipping around all day.)

I may or may not have worn this style for multiple days straight in the Caribbean last week. It survived jumping off a waterfall and I could still brush my hair that night without wanting to cry. Pure magic.

You’re going to see tiny braided front pieces everywhere this summer. Not only do they add that cool, interesting texture while still letting you wear your hair down, but they also solve one of the biggest summer hair problems: hair sticking to a sweaty forehead every five seconds.

The best part is little braids make your hair look styled without actually having to fully do your hair. Just braid two small front sections near the bang area and leave the rest loose, beachy, and natural. It gives that slightly western, slightly surfer, off duty model look that will always hit during summer.

Little metal charms, cuffs, and hair pins are just enough to elevate your look. Braids have always been the base but there's so much fun in the little details.

Cuffs and charms have been around forever, but right now it’s the hair pins I'm obsessed with. They're little metal accessories with a pin on the back you can feed through the braid to secure it. It’s the easiest way to take a relaxed, slightly undone braid and make it feel intentional enough for a nicer night out.

Metal Hair Pins

These faux silver and turquoise hair are the perfect little details on the end of a braid. Pin them on for a rodeo outfit, beach pics, or a night out.

Shop Braid Accessories

This is where we actually start protecting your hair from everything summer throws at it.

Double French braids down the back might feel a little high school volleyball-coded (but that’s kind of the point.) We’ve been sleeping on braids, and it’s time to bring them back. Start with two French braids at the crown, then take it wherever your day goes. You can twist them into a high bun, keep it low and sleek, or turn them into two little space buns if you’re feeling cute. Or just leave them as classic boxer braids all the way down.

This is the ultimate hack for my long-haired girls, or really anyone who can’t get a claw clip to stay in place in a cute way. Start with a loose braid, then wrap it around your claw clip and pin it into place. It instantly transforms a basic claw clip updo into something a little more interesting, a little more styled, without trying too hard.

The best part is it actually holds better. Instead of constantly slipping out or collapsing halfway through the day, the braid gives it structure and grip. So you get that effortless “I just threw my hair up” look… that also stays put all day. (We have a real effortless appearance theme going today.)

If you’re really serious about healthier hair this summer, there are a few simple changes that make a big difference (my proof of authority is in the pictures). The mindset shift is this: how can I be as gentle as possible with my hair this season? Because less wear and tear, fewer hot tools, and less tangling all add up to significantly healthier hair down the road.

My best hack: before you get in the water, rinse your hair and apply a layer of deep conditioner before braiding it up. This goes for pools, lake water, the ocean— all of it. It creates a light protective barrier so your hair isn’t absorbing as much damage upfront.

Another easy one: instead of ripping those small elastic bands out of your hair at the end of the day (taking a clump of your hair with it), dip a Q-tip in a little nail polish remover and lightly dot the elastic. It will break down and snap on its own.

And one purchase that is absolutely worth it: microfiber hair towels. Your hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet, so swapping aggressive rubbing with your body towel for a soft wrap-and-press approach genuinely adds up over time.