Get Salon-Worthy Hair Without the Price Tag

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means: beach days, road trips, and trying to keep your hair looking cute while battling the humidity. We all love the look of fresh, professional protective styles, but let's be real—dropping hundreds of dollars at the salon every few weeks just isn't in the budget right now.

What if I told you that you could achieve gorgeous, vacation-ready hair at home? You absolutely can! Today, we are diving into the best budget-friendly braided looks that will save you serious cash. These styles are completely beginner-friendly, incredibly chic, and the best part? You can grab all the supplies for less than a single takeout dinner.

Materials & Tools You Will Need

Before we get into the tutorials, let's set up your styling station. You can find all of these items at your local beauty supply store or online, keeping your total spend well under our fifty-dollar goal!

• Rat tail comb (essential for crisp, clean parts)
• Edge control gel (to keep flyaways smooth and sleek)
• Clear hair elastics (for securing ends invisibly)
• 3-4 packs of pre-stretched braiding hair
• Styling mousse (to set the final look)
• Alligator clips (to section your hair easily)

1. The Jumbo Knotless Braids

If there is one style that screams summer vacation, it is jumbo knotless braids. They are lightweight, tension-free, and surprisingly fast to do yourself once you get the rhythm down. Because we are doing jumbo sections, you only need to create about 15 to 20 parts total!

Start by parting your freshly washed and blow-dried hair into large, even boxes using your rat tail comb. Apply a generous amount of edge control to the roots to make the sections pop. Begin braiding your natural hair, and after two cross-overs, feed in a small piece of the pre-stretched hair. Keep feeding in hair until you reach your desired thickness, then braid all the way down. Dip the ends in hot water to seal them, and you are ready for the pool!

2. The Effortless Boho Crown Braid

Need something elegant for a summer wedding or a brunch date? The boho crown braid is your best friend. It looks intricate and romantic, but it is actually just two simple braids pinned together.

Part your hair down the middle. Create two loose Dutch braids (braiding under instead of over) on each side of your head, starting from the front and working your way to the nape of your neck. Secure both with clear elastics. Now, gently pull at the edges of the braids to pancake them—this makes them look thick and voluminous. Wrap one braid across the top of your head and pin it securely, then do the same with the other, tucking the ends out of sight. Pull out a few face-framing pieces, and you are done!

3. The Sleek Braided Ponytail

For those busy mornings when you need to look put-together in ten minutes flat, the sleek braided ponytail is a lifesaver. It is chic, professional, and keeps your hair completely off your neck during those sweltering afternoon commutes.

Brush your hair up into a tight, high ponytail. Use your edge control and a bristle brush to smooth down any bumps. If you want extra length, take a pack of braiding hair, loop it around your ponytail holder, and blend it with your natural hair. Braid the ponytail tightly all the way to the bottom and secure it. Wrap a small piece of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic, and set everything with your styling mousse.

Ready to Try These Looks?

You do not need to spend a fortune to have flawless hair this season. With a little patience, the right affordable tools, and these easy tutorials, you can master these gorgeous styles right in your own bathroom. Grab your comb, put on your favorite playlist, and get styling!