Summer Braids 2025: 20 Cute And Easy Ideas For Women With Long And Short Hair

Summer is calling, and this year, braids are taking the spotlight like never before. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a breezy outdoor wedding, or simply want an easy, stylish way to beat the heat, braided hairstyles are a timeless summer staple. In 2025, we’re seeing a mix of natural textures, colorful embellishments, and intricate patterns perfect for black women, white women, and everyone in between. From casual party looks to more polished updos, this list covers ideas for every occasion and every hair type.

Get inspired with these eight fresh styles that will keep you looking chic and cool through the warm months.

Boho Crown Braid with Soft Waves

This romantic half up half down braid is all about soft femininity and effortless grace. Two side braids are pulled back and joined at the crown, creating a halo effect that’s both playful and sophisticated. The rest of the long hair cascades in loose, beachy curls, making this the perfect look for a wedding, birthday, or even a sunset picnic. It’s an elegant choice for white women who love the undone yet intentional vibe of boho hairstyles.

To recreate this look, use a large barrel curling iron to form waves, then braid two small sections from each side and pin them across the back. Finish with a texture spray to give volume without weighing down the strands. This hairstyle is simple yet memorable—ideal for special summer moments.

Side Dutch Braid Ponytail

This thick, beautifully sculpted Dutch braid runs from one temple and wraps around into a low ponytail, offering a striking frame for the face. It’s a standout hairstyle for events where you want to feel polished but not overly done. Perfect for white women with long hair, this look draws attention to cheekbones and collarbones while keeping the hair secured and sleek.

A bit of styling cream goes a long way to control flyaways. Section your hair deep to one side and start the Dutch braid, pulling hair under instead of over. Secure with a clear elastic and wrap a small section of hair around it to hide the tie. Sleek and functional, this is an easy go-to for summer parties or even low-key weddings.

Twin Boxer Braids with a Twist

Few styles scream beach-ready quite like twin boxer braids. They’re playful, practical, and perfect for long hair. This version adds a twist by incorporating tighter plaits that elongate the shape of the head, making them a flattering choice for oval and heart-shaped faces. A hit for black women and white women alike, this hairstyle transitions from the gym to the beach without missing a beat.

Prep your hair with a light leave-in conditioner for shine and control. Start braiding from the crown and continue tightly down to the nape and through the ends. Use a tiny bit of hair oil on the tips for a polished finish. These braids are cute, easy, and low-maintenance—exactly what summer needs.

Colorful Braided Bun with Beads and Flowers

If you’re craving something bold and expressive, this colorful braided bun is a work of art. Adorned with beads, faux flowers, and vibrant accessories, it’s a show-stopping look perfect for black women 2025 embracing creativity. The braids are gathered into a voluminous bun at the back, offering a practical yet ultra-stylish updo that steals the scene.

Use a strong-hold edge control to lay your baby hairs, then braid small-to-medium sections all around. Decorate with color-coordinated beads and flowers to match your outfit or theme. This hairstyle is ideal for music festivals, island vacations, or birthday events where you want to feel completely yourself—vivid and vibrant.

Mini Braided Buns with Clean Parting

Blending youthful charm with modern edge, this look features two tight braids leading into mini top buns. It’s a chic choice for short hair or shoulder-length styles, adding dimension and structure to otherwise relaxed strands. This hairstyle works beautifully for white women looking for something cute, functional, and playful for outdoor days.

Start with a precise middle part and braid two sections straight back. Twist them into buns and pin securely. A dab of shine serum on the loose parts will keep everything neat. Great for beach strolls, brunches, or spontaneous road trips—this style has a bit of attitude and a lot of versatility.

Long Braids with Wavy Ends and Highlights

This glamorous blend of weave braids and wavy hair extensions delivers the ultimate mix of structure and movement. Thin braids at the roots transition into free-flowing waves down the back, with streaks of color for added drama. It’s a luxe look for black women who love making a statement while keeping it effortlessly cool.

To achieve this hairstyle, opt for pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair and alternate with natural wavy bundles. Use mousse and setting foam to set the braids and define the waves. Great for day-to-night wear, this style fits any occasion from festivals to glam rooftop dinners.

Burgundy Box Braids with Beads

Rich, deep burgundy box braids bring heat to any summer outfit. These short-to-mid length braids are styled into a loose half pony and accented with beads for a playful finish. The color choice is ideal for black women 2025 who want something bold yet still wearable every day. It’s fresh, fun, and a fantastic match for warm weather vibes.

Get this hairstyle done professionally or DIY with patience and plenty of sectioning clips. Use jam to slick the roots and beads to personalize each braid. This style is versatile—perfect for a tropical getaway or even just running errands in style.

Double French Braids with Blonde Tips

These tight, symmetrical French braids finish with long blonde-tipped ends that dance in the summer breeze. They’re a sporty and simple solution for long hair, especially when you’re out on a boat or hiking along the coast. Sleek and protective, they work well on natural textures and heat-styled hair alike.

To nail this hair style, part hair evenly down the center and braid close to the scalp, continuing to the ends. Add a touch of leave-in cream for control and protection. These braids are perfect for active summer women who still want to serve a look—even mid-adventure.

Relaxed Side Braid with Face-Framing Strands

Few looks embody carefree elegance like this relaxed side braid with soft front pieces left loose to frame the face. This hairstyle is ideal for white women who love a polished yet breezy vibe for afternoon strolls, open-air lunches, or summer city days. The braid itself is slightly pulled for that intentionally “undone” look, while the overall structure remains chic and graceful.

To achieve this easy style, start a French braid just above the ear and work diagonally toward the opposite side, leaving out some face-framing strands. Tease the crown lightly for volume and finish with a flexible hairspray. It’s a cute, go-anywhere braid that looks just as good with jeans as it does with a sundress.

Layered Cornrow-Inspired Braids with Natural Ends

This edgy mix of thick and thin layered braids creates dimension and contrast that turns heads. It’s a hybrid cornrows look with free-flowing natural ends, making it a perfect beach-to-festival transition style. Ideal for white women looking to channel global influence in a wearable way, this braid style is versatile, stylish, and wonderfully unique.

Use styling mousse to prep the hair and keep parts neat. Varying braid thickness is key—alternate between chunky three-strand braids and micro plaits, leaving the ends loose. A little sea salt spray at the bottom adds texture to the long hair and amps up the summer vibe.

Boho Beach Braids with Texture and Edge

The combination of tight micro braids up top and tousled waves at the bottom gives this hairstyle a serious bohemian edge. Perfect for poolside lounging or live music nights, it’s a carefree look that still packs plenty of intention. A winning style for white women, especially those with a love for beach days and adventure.

Start with a middle part, and braid a few fine sections close to the scalp. Let the rest of your natural hair flow in soft, undone waves. Dry shampoo or texture spray can help boost volume and grit. Add metallic cuffs or subtle hair extensions for a little extra pop.

Twin Braids with Soft Glam Makeup

This symmetrical set of tight twin braids is a timeless hairstyle that never goes out of style. Paired with softly glowing makeup, it’s a picture-perfect look for white women wanting to blend youthful charm with classic beauty. It works well for both casual settings and more put-together moments.

Part your hair cleanly down the middle and braid each section tightly to the ends. A lightweight mousse keeps everything neat, while some setting spray holds flyaways in check. This simple yet stunning style is low-maintenance and always camera-ready—especially flattering for those with long, oval faces.

Half-Up Braided Crown with Beach Waves

Talk about dreamy! This half up half down braid style combines a sculpted crown braid with tousled curls that fall like waves to the waist. It’s ideal for long hair, and suits everything from birthday beach parties to romantic boardwalk dates. The key here is balance—structured up top and breezy below.

Start by sectioning off the top layer and braiding two mid-sized strands toward the center, connecting them at the back. Curl the rest of your hair with a wand for that relaxed wave and use a touch of oil for shine. This is hair goals for summer 2025.

Beaded Braids with Gold Accents

This bold and stylish look is all about glam. Long, neat box braids are detailed with beads in brilliant gold, creating a radiant style for black women 2025 who aren’t afraid to stand out. It’s regal, expressive, and ideal for celebratory occasions like birthday bashes, cultural events, or summer carnivals.

To pull off this hair style, use pre-stretched hair and part cleanly for box braids. Add metallic beads near the roots and ends for shimmer and dimension. Finish with an oil sheen spray for glow. It’s a protective style that’s both statement-making and practical in warm weather.

Side Braid into Low Beach Bun

This braid-to-bun transformation is your perfect oceanfront dinner look. A thick French braid sweeps across one side of the head, ending in a messy updo that rests just above the shoulder. It’s an elevated alternative to beach hair, ideal for anyone seeking hairstyles for black hair or white women looking for texture and flair.

Begin with a deep side part and braid along the hairline. Once behind the ear, twist the remaining hair into a messy bun and pin. Add a few sprays of sea salt mist to enhance grit and volume. Elegant yet unfussy—exactly what summer styles should be.

Glitter Braids with Embedded Sparkle

Braids meet shimmer in this glam update on classic cornrows. With glitter threads and sparkle beads braided right in, this is a head-turning hairstyle for black women and anyone who wants to dazzle. It’s a statement look, perfect for party nights, concerts, or celebratory events where boldness is the dress code.

Create several cornrow-style plaits along the scalp and integrate metallic thread or decorative beads throughout. A light edge control cream will keep the base sleek and flyaways under wraps. This style shines—literally—and gives natural hair lovers a sparkling way to celebrate 2025.

Honey-Toned Braids with Defined Parts

This style blends precision and volume effortlessly. Clean, sharply sectioned cornrows lead into chunky, honey-blonde braids cascading down the back in a perfectly defined pattern. It’s a striking protective style for black women, blending beauty and durability—ideal for hot summer days when you want a no-fuss look that still turns heads.

The neat parting is essential, so use a rat-tail comb and gel for crisp lines. Pre-stretched braiding hair gives length and thickness, while mousse helps reduce frizz and enhance shine. Whether you’re at a rooftop brunch or hopping between beachside events, this hair style balances edge and elegance.

Long Braids with Curled Ends and Highlights

This voluminous braid look combines small box braids with loose, spiral curls at the ends, and a touch of honeyed color that gives the style depth and movement. It’s perfect for black women 2025 who want a soft, feminine aesthetic without compromising on protective styling. The curls add a flirty bounce, perfect for evening parties or glowing golden-hour selfies.

Have your stylist use knotless box braids and blend in hair extensions that match your curl pattern. To maintain, hydrate the ends with curl cream and re-braid overnight if needed. This style blends structure and softness in a way that feels effortlessly cool for summer.

High Braided Ponytail with Cornrow Base

Sleek and sculptural, this high ponytail braid is equal parts bold and beautiful. It begins with tight cornrows at the scalp and leads into long, thick braids flowing down the back. Ideal for black women wanting a lifted silhouette that shows off the jawline and neckline, it’s great for wedding, birthday, or tropical occasion looks that require both glam and comfort.

Edge control and a strong hold gel are key here—start with clean sections and smooth braiding, then gather into a high pony and wrap a braid around the base for polish. Lightweight yet dramatic, it’s a heat-friendly go-to for 2025.

Braided Side Sweep Ponytail

This carefree look pulls together multiple French braids into a high pony for a sporty, sun-ready finish. Ideal for white women and those with natural light or highlighted long hair, it’s the perfect mix of pretty and practical for beach vacations, volleyball matches, or weekend road trips.

Section and braid from one side toward the crown, incorporating strands as you go. Once everything meets in the middle, secure with an elastic and wrap a small section around the base. Finish with a salt spray for texture. This easy, active-girl hairstyle keeps you cool while looking effortlessly styled.

Whether you’re aiming for a low-maintenance beach day or dressing to impress for an elegant occasion, braided hairstyles are your best friend this summer. With looks that suit black women, white women, and everyone in between, the possibilities are endless in 2025.