my new summer look & 3 EASY summer braids

This shop has been compensated by Schwarzkopf #KeratinKBondPlex #sponsored

Summer is the one time that I really hate using heat on my hair. I feel as if the weather makes my hair dry enough and I don't need to add to it to make my hair fancy. I mean, sure I love to have straight hair sometimes, but usually I go heat free and my hair is up in a pony tail, bun, or even a braid. AND I love braids! For me, braids are a super easy way to turn dirty hair into a work of art (exaggeration, I know). So today, I am sharing with you three of my all time favorite summer braids, because a) they're easy, and b) who wants to spend a ton of time on your hair? 

Before I get into my FAVORITE summer braids, I just have to gush about my new summer hair color --->

NICE, YEAH?

I love to change up my look for different seasons, especially summer. My natural hair color is strawberry blonde- a blondish color with red undertones, and in the summer, my hair lightens so much that I look BLONDE. I hate it. With my fair skin and lack of pigment in my eyebrows, the lightened hair makes my face look too washed out. So in short, I like to start the summer with a darker hair color. 

This year, I used Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color from Walmart. Number 5.7- Chestnut Brown, to be exact. I had used Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color last year and really liked my results. Personally, I am no stranger to using a box dye. Sure, sometimes it's not good for your hair, but the nice thing about the Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color is the K-BOND PLEX™. Basically it is salon inspired anti-breakage technology that repairs the inner hair structure for strong and healthy looking hair. It also coats the hair surface after the coloration process for strong and healthy looking hair.

With using Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color, I have also experienced even color from root to tip, lasting color intensity, less hair breakage, and professional quality hair color at home that is easy to use and produces beautiful color results that last! My ULTIMATE FAVORITE thing about the Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color is the Pre-Color Serum. It's a fourth step that Schwarzkopf® has added to condition the hair, particularly the dry ends, for a more even color result. It is the bomb dot com.

I really like the Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color and would use it again. And again.

And now onto the EASY SUMMER BRAIDS

1. Double Dutch Mohawk Braids

Honestly, I don't know what the actual name to this double braided hairstyle is, but we'll go with the double dutch mohawk braids; and they are super easy. 

1. Section hair as if you were going to do that bump thing that everyone loves and then use a clip to hold the rest of your hair.
2. Split the section of hair into two. As you can see in the picture, my hair isn't sectioned right down the middle and follows my natural part. That is perfectly fine- this hairstyle can be as messy as you want it to be.
3. Dutch braid each section back and secure with a clear elastic. 
4. Leave hair straight or add some quick lazy curls with a 1 inch curling wand. 
5. Add hairspray or texturing spray for hold.
6. ENJOY your effortless hair :)

2. Wrap around braid (with or without a bun)

1. Start at the temple and French braid one side of you head. I like for my pony tail or bun to be in the left side of my head, so I start with the right side. 
2. French braid down around the base of your head and the across to the other side. Once you reach below your ear, use a clear elastic and tie the braid off. 
3. Starting at the temple on the opposite side of your head, french braid down until you meet the other braid. 
4. Combine braids into a pony tail. Loosen up braids so they're not tight. 
5. Leave as is or make a messy bun.
6. Pin any crazy hairs or not... then add some hairspray for hold. 
7. Go out and enjoy the sun.

3. Upside down dutch tuxedo braid into a bun

1. Flip all of your hair upside down and brush. 
2. Starting from the base of your neck, Dutch braid the hair up to about your temple. You can go higher or lower- it's just your preference. 
3. Secure with a bobby pin. 
4. Gather up the rest of your hair, combine with braid, and secure with a clear elastic. 
5. Make a messy bun out of your pony tail.
6. Spray with hair spray for hold. 
7. Go to the beach and get some color. 

All three of the easy summer braids are so simple if you know how to braid. If not, go look on Pinterest for some braiding tutorials; and ps. French Braid means that the pieces of hair go over each other, and Dutch Braid means that the pieces of hair go under each other. 

If you are interested in changing up your look (aka hair color) for summer, you can find the exact Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color I used at your local Walmart in the hair care aisle.

Have you ever dyed your hair at home? 

Would you ever try Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color?