Braided Hairstyles with Loose Hair: 18+ Elegant Styles for You

Longing for summer breezes and elegant glamour in your hair? Dive in and let yourself be enchanted by everything from mini braids to Hollywood curls.

Table of content

Casual Beach Waves

Want a touch of summer vibes in your hair? With casual beach waves, you can bring the relaxed beach look right into your home. Without any heat, you can easily create soft waves overnight that combine naturalness with sophistication. Slightly dampen your hair, work in some mousse, and twist the strands into mini buns - it's that simple. The next morning, just a few finger movements are needed to loosen up the waves. Bonus point: no hair breakage since you're avoiding the use of heat. A spritz of hairspray sets the style, and voilà – your hair sways with the rhythm of summer breezes!

Hollywood Curls

Hollywood curls are the epitome of elegance – a tribute to the glamour of bygone times while being completely up-to-date. With a bit of skill, you can easily create this glamorous look yourself. Begin by using heat protection, as the health of your hair comes first. Then, with a high-quality curling iron, you create the perfect waves. Make sure to wrap the strands away from your face so that your curls fall casually and don't bounce into your face. A little hairspray as a finish, and voilà – you feel like a star on the red carpet. Pure glamour for any occasion!

Hair Clips or Barrettes as Accessories

With a hair clip or barrette as an accessory, you can instantly add a special touch to your look. Whether as a sparkling accent amidst gently falling waves or as an eye-catcher highlighting individual braid patterns, hair accessories are true chameleons of style. Become the stylist of your own hair masterpiece! Choose from a kaleidoscope of designs – from minimalist gold slides to colorful cabochon clips or quirky shapes that instantly catch the eye. When placing the accessories, keep in mind that they should be both decorative and functional: They can tame stray strands or provide extra support to braided styles. Experiment and discover how a simple hair clip can create an entirely new style.

Mini Braids

Mini braids are your secret weapon for an easy yet stylish summer look. They enhance any mane in no time and are versatile enough to always bring a fresh breeze to your hairdo. Start with clean, dry hair—a little dry shampoo adds extra grip. Then, section off small strands and start braiding. Whether you go for face-framing strands or integrated braids in an undone look is up to your individual style. Secure the ends with clear mini hair ties and enjoy your summery flair! Isn’t it amazing how a few simple braids can elevate your entire outfit?

Optimal Hair Preparation for Braided Hairstyles

Before starting a braided hairstyle that you want to wear partially open, proper preparation of your hair is crucial. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and then use a conditioner to make it smooth. Let it air dry naturally or use a blow dryer on a cool setting to protect the hair structure. If you have fine hair, a little texturizing spray or dry shampoo can help provide more grip and stability. However, avoid too many styling products as they can make braiding difficult and weigh the hair down. Hair that is detangled and slightly damp or completely dry is ideal for braiding—it allows you to better handle and shape the strands.

Practical Tips for Caring for Braided Hair

Braided hair, especially when incorporated into open hairstyles, requires special attention to remain beautiful over time. Avoid going to sleep with braided hair, as this can cause unnecessary friction and lead to breakage. If it can't be helped, gently secure the braided section with a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction. In everyday life, lightweight oils help protect the braided areas from drying out and prevent frizz. Brush your hair gently before rebraiding to prevent knots and tangling. Braided sections should be pulled only as tight as necessary to minimize scalp tension and hair breakage.

Styling Play: Integrating Creative Braided Details

Experimenting with various braiding techniques and incorporating them into your flowing hair can be a lot of fun. Try, for example, thin fishtail braids on the sides of your head that blend seamlessly into your open hair. Or create an accent with a French braid on the top of your head that flows into soft waves. Be creative and add playful highlights by braiding in small colorful ribbons or weaving in beads and flowers into your braid. Combining different braiding styles in one hairstyle, such as transitioning from a Dutch braid into a regular braid, can create a beautiful symbiosis of elegance and playfulness. With all these variations, the key is that the result should be harmonious and blend smoothly with the rest of your open hair.