Messy braids are the latest and hottest hair accessory – from Fishtail Braids to Side Braids to Classic Braids, you can’t go wrong! It’s a great way to style your hair that looks casual and chic at the same time.

Pro tip – use a salt beach spray for better handling while braiding. And of course, don’t be afraid to experiment!

Here are a few of our favorites styles:

Loose Side Braid

Gather a small portion of your hair and weave it into a loose braid, finishing down the side of one shoulder. Rough up the hair a bit before braiding to make it look tousled. Scrunch up and tease the rest of your hair so that it flows about your head in a tousled, wild manner. Then give a spritz of finishing spray to set the style.

Fish-Tail Braid

The fish-tail braid got its name because it looks like the tail of a fish. While the fish-tail is casual enough for every day, it does take a little longer to do than a regular braid, so you may want to save it for a night out or another special occasion. You make a fish-tail by dividing your hair into two equal sections. You then move small portions from the outside of each section into the inside of the other section until you reach the end of your hair.

Watch a video tutorial here.

Half-Up Braid

For this braid, gather the sides and top of hair and hold loosely at the back center of head. Braid 4 or 5 times. Then, turn braid under to one side and criss cross pin with bobby pins until secure. Finish with a shine spray or oil on the ends.

What’s your favorite braid style?