Photo: Courtesy of TRESemmé

Girl, the back of your head is ridiculous—and we mean that in the sincerest way possible. Texture + braids = one pretty hair party in the back (so, not a mullet). Summer shows no signs of slowing down especially at this year’s Swimwear Fashion Week. Although we adore designer Mara Hoffman and her tribally chic inspired bathing suits, we couldn’t help but be drawn to her models hair! Fishtail braids are definitely the way to go this summer. Besides keeping the summer sun off your neck, fishtail braids are so visually appealing. Follow TRESemmé stylist Elsa Canedo’s steps and you’ll have the perfect mermaid-esque hair to compliment your glistening skin.

Photo: Courtesy of TRESemmé

1. Part your hair down the middle, creating two sections.
2. Use a curl activator spray on each section then curl each section with a 1-inch barrel iron and pin them to the head.
3. After the curling and pinning of each section is finished, remove the pins and brush the curls with either a paddle brush or your own fingers to achieve the natural wave look.
4. Add that ever important texture by flipping your head upside down and spraying some dry shampoo through and combing with your fingers.
5. French braid each section as you normally would from the top of your head to the base of your neck.
6. When you reach the base of your neck, create two fishtail braids where you left off to the end and secure with clear elastics. To fishtail, pull a thick strand from outside of your first section and pull it over to your second section of hair. Do exactly the same with a strand from the outside of the second section. Do the same steps with a skinny strand and keep alternating the steps, making the strands as loose or tight as you want.
7. Loosen up some remaining pieces or even pull some out for an even more natural look.

Have a few wisps that don’t belong? That’s what we’re going for here so leave em! You’ll look effortlessly cool (in both instances of the word).