Hello, ? lovebug. Someone on my Facebook feed kindly reminded me yesterday that there are officially 20 weeks left until Christmas, to which I was like, “Woman, you’re cray!” It’s 80+ degrees outside, and I’m not ready to think about roasting chestnuts on an open fire…which I’ve never done before, BTW, but it sounds hella dangerous, especially while wearing hair styling products, because I’m not about to spontaneously combust over roasted nuts…
Which brings us to summer hair and easy summer hair styles.
As you know, I’ll do almost anything in the name of le beauté, but who wants to stand in front of a hot hair dryer while it’s broiling outside? I love a marvelous mane as much as the next girl, but these are the dog days of summer. I’d like to avoid sweating more than necessary, thanks very much.
Over the next four days, I’ll be showcasing some totally doable everyday hair styles that don’t require heat styling tools, and I’ll be using some of my favorite products from Oribe.
Say it with me: “OAR-bae.”
Today is all about “the braid.” It’s simple, chic and easily my top summer fave because…have you ever noticed that it doesn’t really matter what type of braid you do — fishtail, French braid, Dutch braid, etc. — as long as you do something, people usually notice and give you props for it, even if the braids are messy as hell (a.k.a. my style!)? LOL! It’s so true, though!
For today’s plait…
1. Start with a shampoo and conditioning sesh
I’m using Gold Lust (the LOVE OF MY LIFE) Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner because I have demi-permanent hair color at the moment, and this particular pairing gets everything super clean without stripping my color.
2. Towel dry that ‘do
Blot or squeeze the excess water out, and avoid aggressively rubbing your hair to minimize frizz. I also like to use a super water-absorbent towel to help reduce the drying time.
3. Prep, nourish and protect
It’s already August, and your hair may need some TLC after all of the sexytime summer fun you’ve been having, so do your hair a solid by working a restorative hair oil through your strands to moisturize and prep.
I do a squeeze or two of Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, a lightweight repairing hair serum for dry hair to moisturize and condition. Added bonus: it also has UV protection (a must for color-treated hair!). I massage it into my hair, concentrating most if it on the ends.
4. Part your hair down the middle, then do a Dutch or French braid on each side.
Leave about an inch of hair at the ends, because you’ll want that much to be straight for tomorrow’s style.
Yup, we’re planning ahead. 🙂
Oh, and if a Dutch braid or a French braid aren’t your thing, try a single fishtail or simple braid instead. Whatever’s easiest for you. It’s all good. We just want a little something to set you up for some waves.
5. Set your braids in place with a lightweight hairspray
Again, looking ahead, mist a lightweight, brush-able hair spray over your braids to prep your style for today AND tomorrow.
I used Free Styler Working Hairspray.
6. Admire your handiwork in the mirror, and get ready for tomorrow!
Before you go to bed, let your hair down, gently run your fingers through your waves to remove any knots, and hit the haaaaaay. Or, you can leave your braids in overnight. Totally up to you.
Braids to keep you looking and feeling cool all day, babe! Now your hair is ready for today AND tomorrow… Stay tuned!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
You have amazingly thick hair! Can I have some? My maternal side (the side you inherit you balding pattern from) all have see thin hair. I can see the scalps in most of my aunts. Lucky you!
If I could hook you up I would, LOL!
Believe it or not it’s thinner now. I lost a lot of it shortly after giving birth to Connor Claire, and it’s never been the same as it was pre-baby.
Oh girl, you and me both. Still have some baby hairs growing in that look ridiculous which probably would not look good in a braid. The things we do for our children!
I have baby hairs on my hair line and they are basically nuts! This hairspray really helps to tame them. I spray a little bit in my hands and then smooth them down. You can also use spray a toothbrush with the hairspray first and use it to comb down the hairs. 🙂
How’s your baby doing? From what I recall you were pregnant a year or so after me?
Wow, you have an amazing memory! Yes, she’s turning 2 in about a month. Can’t believe how quickly time goes by. So much energy but you know about all that lol.
Thanks for the advice. I usually stay away from hairspray but I’ll give it a go!
I find it really depends on the hairspray. Go with a flexible one if you can — less crunchy, but you still get good hold. Sometimes I use a wax, too. R+Co makes a good one. Baby hairs are the bane of my existence and they got 1000% worse after pregnancy!
Happy early birthday to your sweet girl. The time REALLY does go by fast! We just finished potty training and I cried (happy tears) when I saw her for the first time in big girl underpants. Wasn’t it just yesterday when she was wearing those teeny, tiny diapers?
That’s an adorable black and white top, Karen!
Braids are cute, too, but my hair’s too short for them. 🙂 But I’m still interested in how tomorrow’s style will look!
Thanks, Amy. It’s from Loft from a while back. I dug through my closet recently and found a few pre-pregnancy dresses, and this was one of them. I don’t have to iron it and IT HAS POCKETS! (The best!)
How short is your hair these days? You could always do some teeny, tiny braids in the bang area just for fun. 🙂
That’s so true! I do put teeny tiny braids in the parts that are longest sometimes. They frame my face and go to just under my chin. Thanks for reminding me!
I love those dainty braids and do them all the time. They’re fast and easy and you can secure them with a bobby pin. And it’s kinda cute when they get a little messy, don’t you think?
Your braids are so THICC! My hair is long, but my hair is really fine, so my braids are never as fat as I like. My hair is also really slippery, so I really have to prep it. This look is so cute though! And I love your top!
You could make yours nice and big by kinda roughing them up a little with some dry shampoo and a comb or a brush. 🙂 What do you usually use to prep?
Have a nice Wednesday! I’m taking the baby to storytime in a bit.
Dry shampoo is usually what I use, though I’ve bought specific braid paste too, but I find it too heavy.
I’m working from home today, still sick but getting better! I hope you ladies have fun at the library!
This is amazing! Exactly what I needed. Thanks, Karen
Look at you! This is a great idea and, like everyone else, I’m totes jealous of your thick hair. 🙂 It looked great with the next day waves, too. I didn’t comment on the Chanel lipstick in that post because I thought it was best to try to forget about it. It didn’t work. HAHA! It’s a gorgeous color.
I’m really starting to have a love affair with Oribe products, so pricey but so good. Oh and the scent to me is heavenly, I am not a fan of too florally or girly perfumes, so this one just does it for me. I have yet to try the shampoo and hair oil, but you best believe it that it is on my love list. Have you tried the dry shampoo yet? Yes, I do have the texturizing spray but I don’t prefer that on my scalp I’ve noticed, it tends to make my scalp greasier as the days go by and that is with any texturizing product, not just Oribe. Where do you purchase your Oribe products from and any money saving tips?
Hi Anu,
I usually buy from SpaceNK because they have a lot of overall sales, both online and in store. Right now they’re doing one where you get $20 off every $100 you spend, and that includes Oribe products. 🙂 I think it lasts until August 13!
Great! I have yet to purchase anything from them, will definitely do that, Thanks!
You’re welcome. I get their newsletter so I always know when the sales happen (and they happen pretty frequently).
French braids and Buns have been a lifesaver this summer! Thanks for these summer hairstyles!