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TODAY's ultimate guide to braids for every event and occasion

Brave TODAY staffers modeled some fresh, funky and elegant braid hairstyles to get you through every occasion.
/ Source: TODAY

There's no doubt about it: Braids are always in! You can use a simple style to tame the all-mighty frizz on a casual day or create a more complicated style for a formal event. (Wedding season, we're looking at you!)

So whether your hair is long or short, thin or thick, curly or straight, prone to frizz or flat as a pancake, we have a braid for you. See some of our brave NBC volunteers below and head to our Pinterest board for full tutorials and even more fresh hair ideas.

Romantic braided updo for curly hair

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I love it!" said NBC senior tech writer Julianne Pepitone of her formal updo style. "I wouldn’t have chosen an updo for myself, honestly, because I typically feel those styles don’t emphasize the curls that make me feel like me. This style not only retained the curls, but worked with them to create a flow. I love that this updo looks nice but not overly 'done.'"

Here's how to get the look.

The ultimate rocker braids

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I want to try to push washing my hair out as long as possible just to keep this," said TODAY.com editor Elizabeth Murray on her side-shave mimicking style. " I could see this working for everything from a casual weekend to an edgy look for a more formal event."

Here's how to get the look.

French-braided side bun

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

For TODAY.com associate lifestyle editor Rebekah Lowin, this braided style felt secure and perfect for battling summer frizz. "I would wear it to an al fresco cocktail party in July or an outdoor wedding. I'd pair it with some sparkly jewelry and bright-colored clothes and feel like a million bucks!" she said.

Here's how to get the look.

Triple-braided twist bun

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Amber Payne, managing editor of NBC BLK, said she loved her "very classy updo" and would wear it on date night. "It's great for summer because it gets my hair out of my face and off my neck," she said. "My colleagues almost didn't recognize me!"

Here's how to get the look.

Staircase ponytail braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"It's very Rapunzel inspired and makes me feel really elegant," said 14-year-old Mina Fletcher, the daughter of TODAY Health editor's Jane Weaver.

Here's how to get the look.

Rope braided twist

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

As the executive producer of TODAY Digital, Ashley Parrish calls her new updo "the ultimate exec-braid" that she'd happily rock at the office.

Here's how to get the look.

Connected waterfall ladder braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

TODAY.com writer Randee Dawn was shocked by how easy this style was to create. "I will try it, but I'll have to follow the tutorial!" Dawn said, adding that the look inspired her to grow out her hair longer to try even more creative braid styles.

Here's how to get the look.

Ever-so-elegant, half-back braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I think it's a good everyday style," said TODAY digital strategy producer Zoe Marcus. "But it could be for a fancy event, too. It's very versatile!"

Here's how to get the look.

Milkmaid crown braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Supervising multimedia producer Carissa Ray was impressed with the tucked-back end result. "I would love to wear this to a summer evening outdoor party or wedding — I might even attempt this year!" she said, adding that it might take some practice first.

Here's how to get the look.

Retro braided-headband updo

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I'd rock that again," said TODAY Food senior editor Vidya Rao, though she feels less confident about trying it on her own. "I'd try the braid if someone was there to spot me. It's too much of a heavy lift to do it on my own."

Here's how to get the look.

On-the-go French-braided ponytail

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Mary Cathryn Suhocki, mulitmedia producer for TODAY.com, said, "It's nice to have my hair pulled back away from my face (since I normally don't pull it back). It's definitely great for summer!"

Here's how to get the look.

Festival-ready boho fishtail braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I like that it's a little messy and bohemian, which makes it seem more grown-up," said TODAY pop culture editor Erin Clements, who said she finds this the perfect style for a weekend brunch with the girls.

Here's how to get the look.

Classic waterfall braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I've actually seen this braid on Pinterest, but have been too intimidated to try it myself," confessed TODAY Show associate producer Charisse Larado. "I'm planning on wearing this out to dinner tonight!"

Here's how to get the look.

Tucked baby braid updo

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"This is a great style for a formal event," said Rachel Becker of TODAY.com and NBC Brand Partnerships. "If I had a wedding or a gala, it would be perfect."

Here's how to get the look.

Half-up "Game of Thrones" braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I'm feeling like Sansa Stark with this new 'do," said Ashley Parrish. "Watch out, Boltons!"

Here's how to get the look.

The sweetheart braid

Summer braided hairstyles for all hair types and lengths
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"I would definitely try this on my own," said Mina Fletcher. "It only took 10 or so minutes to complete the actual braid and it’s a lot easier to do than it looks."

Here's how to get the look.

For more summer hair inspiration, follow TODAY on Pinterest.

This article was originally published on July 29, 2015 on TODAY.com.