Browse through the trendiest summer beach braids to inspire your next trip to the beach.
I hope you’ve booked an appointment with your braid stylist, because this summer is going to be a HOT one and beach braids are the perfect protective style to keep you cool and frizz-free.
From beachy island braids to intricate fulani braids, we’ve got you covered with five protective style beach braids that you need to try. Make sure to save this page for the next time you need beach braid inspiration before a summer trip, spring break or any vacation.
Half-back Cornrow Braids aka Island Braids
Every summer growing up, especially before a sports camp or trip to visit family, my mom would braid my hair into half cornrows to ease the burden of caring for it. I always loved the freedom of not having to think about my hair, and now that I’m grown (apparently) I’ve kept the same mentality before vacations. Cornrows braided half way back are perfect for the beach because they keep your hair out of your face but still leave enough hair out to try various styles.
Here is some inspiration to get you started.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are having a major moment right now, and to be honest I get it. They are the perfect style for vacations or the beach because they help keep your hair out of your face (the main character), and still feel like a switch up from traditional box braids. Add beads or shells at the bottoms for added beachy flair.
Jumbo Box Braids
The ease and longwear of box braids make them the perfect candidates for longer trips and vacations, but if you need a quick style for a beach getaway, try getting them jumbo sized. Jumbo box braids are generally less expensive and a lot quicker to install than other styles, while still giving you more freedom to enjoy your vacation (rather than worry about styling your hair).
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are the perfect mix between a sew-in and traditional feed-in braids. Plus, they look amazing in a half-up, half-down style. Opt for using real human hair for the parts of hair left out of you want this style to last longer.
Braided Bantu Knots
Closing out with braided bantu knots, the best style if you truly want to turn heads this Summer. This style is playful, quicker to install than traditional braided styles, and allows for so much creativity while still making styling easy while on vacation.
No matter which beach braids style you choose, make sure to keep your hair moisturized and protected from the sun. Pro- tip, bring a scarf and mousse to refresh your scalp and keep the scalp looking neat and freshly braided. Tag us in your summer styles on Instagram @NaturallyCurly for a chance to be featured.
Read next: How to Maintain Your Braids this Summer