Nine Out-Of-The-Box Ways to Wear Braids This Spring

As much as we love warm, sunny days, we don't always love what they do to our hair. Between frizz, oiliness and environmental damage, the spring and summer months can feel like an uphill hair battle. So to keep it in check, it's key to choose a style that endures the elements-and for that, nothing beats a braid.

The style is a go-to for film hairstylist Linda Flowers, who's responsible for creating Jennifer Lawrence's infamous Katniss braid from The Hunger Games. Perfect for long days of shooting outdoors, she says, a braid "is contained, but it doesn't sacrifice beauty. Plus, touch ups are as simple as a bobby pin or a shot of hairspray."

This soft crown braid, seen at WHIT's fall presentation, is polished enough for a summer wedding but loose enough for weekend plans.

Update a basic braid with a colorful ribbon.

Keeping your bangs out of your face is as easy as a side braid.

Use a braid as a headband.

To recreate Kerry Washington's voluminous fishtail braid, add texturizing spray and tease hair at the crown before styling.

Braids add texture to a sleek ponytail.

For a modern take on the milkmaid braid, mess it up!

A whole head of cornrows may not be your thing, but Kristen Stewart proves that just a few can look pretty darn cool.

Whitney Port's half-up,-half-down look for Coachella was very Game of Thrones.