^{This post is sponsored by Mirum Shopper. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the brand that make Diary of a Debutante possible!}
 I’ve always been a fun of efficiency. While I love getting blowouts (aren’t they the best?) and having my hair professionally done every once in a while, my daily schedule really doesn’t allow for more than 10 or 20 minutes for my hair in the morning. In all honesty, I could definitely prioritize differently… or just get up earlier, but I start to get antsy and usually give up halfway through anyways. That’s why I’m the world’s biggest advocate of 5 minutes hairstyles— specifically simple braided hairstyles for medium hair that are created for situations like mine. Keep scrolling for two fun braided looks that you can hammer out in minutes. And trust me, if I can do them, anyone can do them!

I should also mention that I’ve done my fair share of damage to my hair during those dreaded blonde pageant days of mine, and let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than dry damaged hair that doesn’t style easily. When I have committed to more intricate hairstyles in the past, all the products and heat I’ve tried used have resulted in dull hair with split ends and a bad attitude. In short, the less heat (and the less effort), the better in my book. To reverse years of damage from pageantry, hair dye, and a general lack of knowledge about the structural integrity of hair, I’ve started using TRESemmé® Repair & Protect 7 shampoo, conditioner, and intense treatment mask. The entire line smells amazing, and I’ve really been thrilled with the results so far. It seem intuitive, but it really is so much easier to style hair and tackle new trends when you have healthy hair to work with. 

As promised, there are two braided hairstyles for medium hair below, and they both legitimately take under five minutes. For more hairstyle inspiration, go to CVS.com/YourStyleYourWay and take the quiz to see which hair care trend you should try! This is actually what gave me the idea to try the half-a-halo updo in the first place– and I loved it so much that I wanted to share with y’all! Once you take the quiz, you can get $2 off any Dove, Suave or TRESemmé products (including the fabulous Repair & Protect 7 line) at CVS.

Easy Braided Hairstyles for Medium Hair #1: Half-A-Halo Braided Updo

This sophisticated half-a-halo updo is perfect for pretty much any occasion– whether it be going to a nice dinner or reading a book at home. It’s way easier than it looks, too. Start by washing your hair with TRESemmé® Repair & Protect 7 Shampoo and Conditioner. I also recommend blow drying your hair with a round brush as it dries. This technique gives your hair the most effortless silky-smooth look!

Flip your hair and gather into an ’80s style side ponytail. 

Brush out any bumps and secure with a thin elastic hair tie that matches your hair.

Tightly braid your side ponytail and secure with another elastic. 

Pin the base of the braid down with a bobby pin and wrap around your forehead. You can position the braid as high or low as you’d like or as is comfortable. Secure with another bobby pin. 

Gently pull apart the braid for added volume and securely pin in place. 

You’ll most likely have quite a few fly-aways at this point. Generously spray maximum hold hair spray to tame stray hairs. Level off any remaining bumps with bobby pins. 

Enjoy! In addition to the title of half-a-halo, I like to refer to this easy braided hairstyle for medium hair as the “princess updo.” It looks like you’re wearing a crown, and I love it! For another one of my favorite easy yet sophisticated updo’s (that also happens to be my go-to hairstyle when I’m running late for work), click here!

Easy Braided Hairstyles for Medium Hair #2: Half Up Half Down Double Crown Braid

While it’s definitely worth styling on its own, this easy braided hairstyle for medium hair is a perfect “next day alternative” to the half-a-halo updo. You can literally just take down the half-a-halo and use the heatless curls from its braid for volume. If you are styling it from scratch, I recommend washing your hair with TRESemmé® Repair & Protect 7 Shampoo and Conditioner and blow drying your hair with a round brush for added volume and bounce beforehand. Part your hair down the middle and gather hair into two medium-sized side ponytails. 

Tightly braid the first ponytail and wrap around your forehead. Secure in place with a bobby pin. Repeat with the second ponytail and wrap around your forehead (on top of the existing braid) in the opposite direction. 

Tame fly-aways with maximum hold hairspray. Level off any bumps by securing with bobby pins. 

And you’re done! Super easy and super cute!

Recommend Products for Styling

Again, if you haven’t tried TRESemmé Repair & Protect 7 yet, I recommend that you do! Not only is at ultra affordable (and available at CVS), it visibly repairs damage in just one use. How? It contains a Pro Repair Complex that progressively repairs hair from within by instantly rejuvinating the hair’s surface texture from seven types of styling damage– most of which I’d be you didn’t know were harmful to your hair. The 7 (yes, the same 7 in Repair & Protect 7) common types of styling damage restored by TRESemmé Repair & Protect 7 are: brushing, braiding, blow drying, curling, flat ironing, bleaching, and coloring. Guilty on all counts, governor. 

My favorite, though, has to be TRESemmé® Repair & Protect 7 Instant Recovery Mask. It gives my hair an instant boost and protects against future styling damage. I use it all the time, and I’m always so excited to feel my hair every time I get out of the shower. This mask makes my hair super shiny, smooth, and irresistible to touch. 

Which easy braided hairstyle for medium hair are you most excited to try? For more hairstyle inspiration, go to CVS.com/YourStyleYourWay and take the quiz to see which hair care trend you should try! It’s quick and fun, and once you take the quiz, you can get $2 off any Dove, Suave or TRESemmé products (including the fabulous Repair and Protect line) at CVS! Happy (almost) Friday, y’all!