Photo: MCV Photo.Boho Braids
Start by sectioning off the top half of your hair from the tip of the ears and up, dividing it into the two even sections that you want braided. Clip aside one of the sections to keep it out of the way. On the section left out, begin a three-strand braid directed back and secure with a clear elastic. Make sure to keep your hands behind the braid going backward instead of braiding the hair forward and then taking it back. This is important to prevent the braid from sagging when you pin it up. Braid the other side the same way, also securing with a clear elastic. Finish by taking both braids and twisting them together, securing with pins into a braided, half-up style. A perfect way to wear your hair in the warm weather, this beachy look is a staple for summer months.
Photo: MCV Photo.Pony
If hair is already dry, use a little heat styling spray to wet the hair down around the hairline. Brush the hair backwards and blow dry back for a minute to make the hairline smooth. Once the hair is dry, smooth it over with a soft-bristle brush and gather all of the hair into a pony. To prevent a bump in the back, lean your head back while you are brushing it and wrapping the elastic around your hair. Once elastic is secured in the hair, take a small, one-inch section from the bottom of the pony and begin teasing it only on one side. Spray with a little hairspray to give the pony good grip and texture. On the side of the small section that isn't teased, smooth over with the brush and begin wrapping around the base to cover the elastic. Secure the end of the section with two pins crisscrossed at the bottom of the base so your pony is covering the pins. A pony is easy for hair that’s already slick and blown out or naturally straight. Leave several shorter strands out in front of the face for added texture and a softer feel for both straight and curly hair.
French Tuck
Gather all of your hair into a loose pony and secure with an elastic. Slide the elastic down three to four inches away from scalp. Begin rolling the pony upward and tuck it in entirely, hiding the elastic. Once the whole pony is tucked in, it should look like a roll from ear to ear at the nape of your neck. Finish by securing the roll with pins and spraying with hairspray to seal the style.
Photo: MCV Photo.Messy Chignon
Start by gathering hair into a slightly off-centered ponytail. Separate the hair that’s in the pony into two or three sections and tease it with a comb to create that messy appearance. Take each individual section and wrap it around in a messy bun in opposite directions, securing hair with bobby pins as you go. Put the pins an inch or two from the end of the strands and don’t be afraid to pull pieces out, especially around the face, for added softness. This look works best with hair that is not freshly clean, so it’s a perfect style when you haven’t had time to shampoo.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail is surprisingly quick and easy to execute. Start by parting hair in the center or the side and separating it in two sections. Pull a strand of hair from the outside left side over the left section and under the right section. Repeat on the outside right side and then continue alternating sides moving in and weaving over and under. Once you get to the bottom of the braid, tie hair with an elastic. The fishtail braid looks both elaborate and low-key, so it works for any type of occasion.