This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy for more.
Planning your next summer getaway? These low-maintenance vacation protective hairstyles are the perfect solution to keep your hair looking stylish while you enjoy the sun, sand, and relaxation.
I don’t know about you, but I’m already planning this year’s vacation destinations. With summer just around the corner, I can practically taste the ocean breeze and strawberry cocktails (I really love a good beach vacation—can you tell?).
If you’re like me and can’t wait for summer and all the fun that comes with it, you’re going to love this post! There’s something so exciting about vacation prep—getting your hair and nails done. And as a Black woman, we all know that getting our hair braided for a vacation is kind of a must.
Braiding your hair in a protective style is an easy way to manage it while on vacation, and you’ll still look stunning. You want a style that’s gorgeous, of course, but also low-maintenance, so the only thing on your mind should be having fun—not worrying about your hair.
The hairstyles in this post definitely fit the bill. They’re cute, effortless, and super trendy right now, so I’m sure you’ll love them. It might even be hard to choose!
1. Black Knotless Goddess Braids
Let’s start with the classic black, mid-length goddess knotless braids. These are a gorgeous, effortless, and stylish choice that slay as a vacation hairstyle.
2. Half and Half Lemonade Goddess Braids
You thought we were done with lemonade braids? Think again! Here’s a fresh way to switch it up—half cornrows, half free-falling box braids with curls. This style transforms the classic lemonade look into something young, fun, and carefree.
3. Red Goddess Braids Bob
Have some fun with color this summer! Since you’re going on vacation, it’s the perfect time to be bold. Try a gorgeous orange-red braided bob with curls for a fun and vibrant look.
4. Black and Brown French Curl
We all love French curl braids—they’re elegant, fun, and classy. This unique mix of black and brown French curl braids adds a beautiful twist that’s sure to turn heads.
5. Mixed Brown Goddess Braids
These goddess braids in mixed shades of brown are everything you need for your vacation. The fun and bold aesthetic will absolutely slay in all your vacation photos.
6. Flip Over Fulani Bob
The new trendy flip-over method for braids is insanely cute and creative. If you’re looking for a versatile and fun hairstyle, you’ve got to try this one.
RELATED: 25 Cute Low Maintenance Protective Hairstyle Ideas for Summer
7. Messy Goddess Faux Locs with Brown Highlights
Messy boho-style faux locs with blonde-brown highlights are honestly the perfect vacation braided hairstyle—effortlessly stylish and perfect for any beach destination.
8. Golden Brown Goddess Braids
We all know and love goddess braid but this shade of brown is really pretty. So good if you’re looking for a hairstyle in a brown blonde color.
9. Ombre Lemonade Braids
Fulani braids are always a great vacation choice, but you can take them up a notch by going half-and-half, with Fulani braids in the front and goddess braids in the back. A fun ombré effect will give this style a fresh twist.
10. Shoulder Length Goddess Braids
If you love goddess-style box braids, try them in a shorter, shoulder-length style. It’s cuter and easier to manage while still looking chic.
11. Blonde French Curl Braids
French curls are always fun and chic, and this dirty blonde color brings all the vacation vibes in a bohemian, messy, yet stylish way.
12. Red Boho Goddess Braids
Want to embrace color this summer? Goddess box braids are the ultimate vacation hairstyle, and adding a fun red color will make you stand out in the best way.
13. Short Cornrow Braids with Beads
If you need a gorgeous, effortless, and stylish look for your vacation, check out these short swirl-pattern cornrows with beads at the ends. It’s the perfect carefree bohemian vibe!
14. Short Faux Locs with Curls
Faux locs are one of the best protective hairstyles you can get, but you can totally mix things up by trying them in a cute bob style with messy curls. It’s the perfect fun look for vacation.
15. Island Twists with Orange Highlights
Island twists are the ultimate mix of twist braids and loose curls, creating a messy yet cute style. Take it to the next level by adding orange highlights like the inspiration above.
16. Blonde Ombre Braids
If you love goddess knotless braids for your vacation but want to add a fun twist, consider getting them in an ombré style instead of sticking to one color. The right ombré blend will make these braids even more stylish.
17. Mixed Brown Goddess Braids
There are so many ways to elevate goddess box braids. Try mixing different shades of brown for a gorgeous and unique effect.
18. Brown Boho Braids
Switch it up with bohemian-style braids and loose curls in a delicious brown color. This look is effortless and chic.
19. Goddess Braids Bob
Vacation braids don’t always have to be long. Try a bob hairstyle for a change—you might be surprised at how cute it turns out. This bob style is absolutely gorgeous!
20. Red French Curl Braids
If you’re obsessed with long French curl braids, you’ll love these. The orangey-red color is just irresistible, making this style impossible to look away from.
21. Spanish Curl Bob
If you’re looking for a hairstyle that’s both elegant and ready for fun, this short Spanish curl bob is perfect.
22. Red Brown Braids
Bohemian-style loose, curly box braids in a pretty red-brown color are everything you need for a stunning vacation look.
23. Brown Faux Locs
When it comes to vacation hairstyles, faux locs are just as gorgeous as box braids. Try them in a beautiful brown color that’s perfect for a beachy destination.
24. Short Fulani Braids with Curls
Fulani braids are always a great option, and this short version with curls is a fun way to switch things up.
25. Red Brown Fulani Braids with Curls
Adding color to your Fulani braids is a great way to elevate your vacation hairstyle. Red-brown braids with curls are perfect for standing out!
26. Mixed Brown Goddess Bob
Box braids with curls mixed in are always a winning combination. Try this braided bob style in mixed brown colors—it’s so cute!
27. Blonde Island Twists
Bohemian-style twist braids in a dirty blonde color are perfect if you love blonde braids and want a fun, easy hairstyle.
28. Stitch Cornrows
You can never go wrong with stitch braids, especially if you want a low-maintenance, stylish look. The best part? You won’t spend hours in the salon getting this cute style.
29. Messy Medium Twist Braids
Messy twist braids in classic black are a look you can’t go wrong with. If you’re not sure which hairstyle to pick, these are a safe bet.
30. Invisible Loc Twists
Invisible locs with chunky twist braids are stylish and unique, taking the braided look to the next level. These are seriously cute!
31. Brown Braided Bob with Curls
Knotless braids in a bob style and a gorgeous brown color are perfect if you want an easy-to-style look that’s still super pretty.
32. Ombre Passion Twists
Passion twists will never go out of style. They’re always beautiful, and you can mix things up by getting brown ombré passion twists for a stunning twist.
33. Brown Boho Braids
Can’t get enough of these brown boho braids with loose curls. They’re so stylish and easygoing, perfect for a laid-back vacation look.
RELATED: 25 Stunning Vacation Nail Ideas
34. Jumbo Cornrows
Jumbo cornrows are another great vacation hairstyle if you want something cute and easy to manage. Add some loose curls for extra flair.
35. Mini Twists
For a natural, stylish look, mini twists are perfect—whether done with natural hair or extensions. It’s a simple yet beautiful style that’ll look amazing on vacation.
There you go! I hope you get inspired by these stunning, trendy protective hairstyles for your next summer vacation. Which one are you going to try?
I love the braid styles so cute ❤️
Glad you liked the post!