5 Must-Try Braided Festival Hairstyles

Creating a fishtail mermaid braid looks difficult to create, but it’s actually rather simple. Just part the hair into two sections and create two ponytail-like braids. “Next, wrap the braids in different directions to create a halo,” says celebrity stylist Tym Wallace, who has worked with Taraji P. Henson, Brandy and Jennifer Hudson.” Secured them with hairpins and then add a hair accessory or flowers.” The key to this chic look is imperfection, so keep in mind the messier, the better.

Whether small or big, cornrows are an easy look for all textures this festival season. “Cornrows are apart of our culture,” says Wallace. “It’s chic and sleek no matter what length.” For extra fun, add a rainbow of colors, create elaborate designs or go wild with a floor-length style. Just make sure to keep your scalp moisturized, says Wallace.

Sure pastel braids look fun, but using temporary chalk can be rather messy. However, according to hairstylist Ashley Rubell—who has styled socialite Hannah Bronfman—it doesn’t have to be. “Throw that chalk out and add some pastel extensions to sport a look similar to Chanel Iman's pastel plaits,” she says. The idea: Using hair extensions are less daunting and permanent.

Tired of fussy, over-styled and super intricate braids? Just rock double braids. Best of all, they’re a great way to stylishly keep your hair off your neck so you can spend less time pushing back your hair, and (much) more time dancing says Wallace. Upgrade this look with a touch of bobby-pin art on the sides.

Bantu Knots have been apart of the African culture for centuries, but not all are created the same. To ensure your knots outlast the desert heat, Wallace suggests applying a curly pudding like Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Original Leave-In Moisturizer ($12, target.com) to braid the hair into knots. “After you’re done wearing the look, you can unwrap the knots for gorgeous, voluminous curls,” says Wallace.