Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for holidays and travelling. Add summer weddings, parties and the seasonal celebrations to your schedule and you are pretty much left with little or no descent me-time. With such a packed schedule, hassle free spring hairstyles for black women are a must. A sister cannot afford to be caught with raggedy hair, ever. This is why braids as a hairstyle transcend beyond the cold winter season into spring. Braids are fun, protective, versatile and low maintenance. Low maintenance being the key if one is to enjoy a fun filled spring and summer with no hair drama. Check out these four no-fail braided hairstyles that will keep you relevant this spring.

1. Box Braids

If you’ve considered them a relic from the Boom Shaka and Da Brat days, then the Knowles sisters have certainly revived the box braids. These braids are very forgiving even to the roll out of bed and go-go type of sister. Box braids deliver no styling demands and they can lend themselves to an up do albeit a bulky one.

2. Cornrows

Ladies who refuse to fiddle with their hair can do no better than cornrows. This style has come a long way from being a rapper’s style of choice. Cornrows have become sophisticated and adaptable. No longer is it necessary for the whole hair to be woven. A portion of the hair can be left loose to be styled as desired. Even when the hair is all plaited into cornrows, a pony tail or curly hair pieces can be added to upgrade this simple style into a fabulous hairdo.

3. The Micro Braids

Micro braids are smaller than the box braids and may be created with human hair or the traditional synthetic fibre. Micro braids with human hair can be plaited halfway leaving the rest of the hair loose to be hot water styled. Micro braids can be piled up into an effortless elegant bun or curled into sexy beach curls depending on the occasion. With proper care this hairstyle can easily last through the spring season into summer.

4. Twist Box braids

This two strand twist hairstyle is great for ladies that prefer styles with no limitations. A twist is easier to manoeuvre into intricate hairstyles but they need to be handled with the utmost care because excessive pulling can loosen the synthetic hair from the natural. Loose braids can drop at the most inopportune time; make sure you keep your twist fresh and tight.

Like with all hairstyles, ethnic hair care and maintenance is crucial. Building healthy relationships with your hairstylists may help to make you comfortable enough to ask for tips on how to keep your braids immaculate. The most important lesson in my book will be how to fix a loose single braid. I swear this skill is invaluable and possible face saving. Believe me 😉

Article By Meka Mpofu