Summer-ize Your Hair Routine With Braids


The problem: Frizz

The Duchess of Cambridge (known aliases: Kate Middleton, Princess Shinylocks) may normally be known for her immaculately polished waves, but even she knows there's no greater summer annoyance than spending time and effort on your look only to let nature have it's way with it once you step outside. While visiting the tropical climate of the Solomon Islands last year, the royal experienced what I can only assume is her very first case of the summer frizzies. She still looked better than most mortal women, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that this frazzled event could have been avoided. If our dearest mom-to-be had opted for an updo instead of her signature cascading, soft curls she might have dodged the frizz entirely.


Learn from HRH's rare misstep and go for a no-fuss braided style this summer. A braided crown like Hayden Panettiere's keeps hair tamed and in place all day long. Bonus! You don't even need to blow dry! You can achieve this style with slightly-damp hair and it will look just as good. To achieve the look, start fighting humidity with a lightweight smoothing cream like Frederic Fekkai's Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream. Finger comb the cream through towel-dried, damp hair from root to tip. Part hair in the center--this means the back of your hair, too--and begin braiding from behind your ears. If you have bangs, you can choose to leave them out or incorporate them in to the plaits. The secret to this style is to be sure to braid up along the crown of your head by holding the section skywards--this will ensure that the braids will lay flat on your noggin. When you've finished the first braid, pin it in place and repeat the process with the other section.

For the elite among us, you can even attempt a French braid-version of this frizz-fighting style, a la Julianne Hough. Starting at one side of your forehead, French across the crown of your head and along the side. Once you reach the nape of your neck, pull the rest of your hair in to a low messy bun for a romantic take on the braided look, or continue braiding for a sleeker take.

Will you be trying these styles? Tell us in the comments and be sure to check in with The Thread all season long for summer tips and tricks. For more, be sure to check out our Twitter and Facebook page!