For summer 2010, braids are everywhere. We have seen them on the catwalks and on many celebrities, thing that made them become the hottest hairstyle trend of the season. At the office, at the beach or on a night out with our friends, braids can be the perfect hairstyle for a versatile look. Whether we are talking about the romantic side braid or the milkmaid braids, this is that unique hairstyle that adds a chic touch to the one wearing it.

Based on the type you are choosing, braids are the reflection of a bohemian, romantic look, or on the contrary of an elegant, stylish look. Therefore, braids can be a real lifesaver and the best emergency hairstyle. The most common type of braid is the English one. This is practically the basic braid, which is easy and quick to make.

Start by dividing the hair into three equal sections. Then, cross the right section over the middle section. As you have seen, the right segment is now in the center. Take the left section and cross it over the middle one. Repeat the process and continue alternating right and left sections over the middle section. You can tighten your braid the way you want it. Secure the plait using an elastic band or any other hair accessory you find appropriate.

Fishtail braid

This season, side braids are thick and ultra-long, with lots of crown volume and an unkept finish. For a more sophisticated look choosing the fishtail braid is the right thing to do. The look should be rather disheveled and messy. Pull hair to one side and split it into two sections. Comb each section. Take a small section of hair on the right and cross it over the left section. Pull the two sections away so you tighten the braid. Then, take a small section of hair from the left and cross over to join the right. Repeat until you reach the ends and make sure you tighten each plait as you do it. Secure the plait using a band.


Side braid

The side braid became, this season, the perfect reflection of the effortless, yet extremely sexy and romantic look. That's why it has so many different versions for every taste. Start by making a side part. Then, make a loose braid on the side leaving some face-framing flyaways, and secure it with an elastic band. For a natural touch, try to hide the band by wrapping a small section of hair around it and secure it with a hairpin. If you are more the romantic type, you can choose to braid a small section of hair starting near your forehead. This is a perfect choice if you want to hide bangs as you can braid them. You can continue by braiding the rest of the hair into a loose side plait.


Milkmaid braids

This seems to be celebrities' favorite hairstyle as it is both comfortable and sophisticated. Start by making a loose side part and divide the hair into two equal sections. Braid the two sections and secure them using elastic bands. Take the first braid, wrap it around the head crossing the forehead, and fix it using bobby pins.
Do the same thing with the other braid. Make sure you tuck the ends very well underneath the braids in order to hide the bands. You can even let some hair from the sides fall loose for a more bohemian feel.


French braid

Usually, the French braid starts at the crown of the head. Divide the hair into three sections and cross right section over middle and then left over middle.
After repeating the process for two times, the third time you cross the right section over the middle one add a small hair section from the loose hair on the right. Continue the process until you finish and secure the braid. Even if at first sight it might seem a little difficult, with a bit of practice you'll be able to make it yourself.