7 Gorgeous Matching Mother-Daughter Braids to Try This Summer: Easy Tutorials for Every Skill Level

There’s something truly magical about sitting down with your daughter, brushes and hair ties in hand, ready to create matching hairstyles together. It’s not just about the braids — it’s the giggles, the “hold still!” moments, and the way she lights up when she sees you two look like twins in the mirror. 💕

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with matching braids. Whether you’re heading to the pool, a family vacation, or just running errands together, coordinated braided styles keep hair neat, cool, and absolutely adorable. Plus, it’s a beautiful bonding activity that my daughter and I look forward to every week.

I’ve put together seven of our favorite matching mother-daughter braid styles — from super-easy beginner-friendly options to a few that’ll challenge you just enough to feel like a total pro. Grab your combs and let’s get braiding!

Why Matching Braids Are the Ultimate Summer Activity

Before we dive into the tutorials, let me share why I think every mom should try matching braids with her daughter this summer:

• Quality one-on-one time — No screens, no distractions. Just you and your girl.
• Teaches patience and new skills — Braiding is a life skill, and she’ll love learning from you.
• Keeps hair protected — Braids minimize tangles, sun damage, and chlorine exposure during summer activities.
• Instagram-worthy moments — Let’s be honest, twinning photos are always a hit! Follow us at @betsydianna for our matching looks!
• Works for ALL hair types — Every single style below can be adapted for different textures and lengths.

1. Classic Three-Strand Side Braid

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 5 Minutes Each

Let’s start simple! The classic side braid is timeless, effortless, and looks adorable when you’re twinning. This is perfect for moms who are just getting started with braiding or daughters who can’t sit still for long.

How to do it:

1. Brush hair thoroughly to remove all tangles (a good detangling brush makes this painless — see our picks below!).
2. Sweep all hair to one side of the head.
3. Divide into three equal sections.
4. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle. Repeat all the way down.
5. Secure with a matching hair elastic or colorful band.

Twinning tip: Use matching colored elastics or ribbon bows at the ends. My daughter and I love using pastel pink bands for this one — it’s giving total summer vibes!

2. Double Dutch Braids (Boxer Braids)

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 10 Minutes Each

Double Dutch braids are one of the most versatile summer styles out there. They’re sporty, chic, and keep every strand locked down during pool days and playground adventures. When you and your mini-me rock these together? Showstoppers.

How to do it:

1. Part hair straight down the middle from forehead to nape.
2. Clip one side out of the way.
3. Starting at the top, take a small section and divide it into three parts.
4. Begin braiding by crossing the right strand under the middle (not over — that’s what makes it “Dutch”).
5. Continue adding small sections of hair from each side as you braid down.
6. Secure with an elastic and repeat on the other side.

Twinning tip: Add matching butterfly clips or small flowers along the braids for a summer garden party look!

3. Waterfall Braid Crown

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 15 Minutes Each

This one always gets the most compliments when my daughter and I wear it out. The waterfall braid looks incredibly intricate but it’s really just a French braid with a twist — you drop one strand each time to create that beautiful cascading effect.

How to do it:

1. Take a section of hair near the temple and divide into three strands.
2. Do one regular braid cross.
3. Now, instead of picking up the bottom strand again, drop it and pick up a new section of hair from above to replace it.
4. Continue this pattern across the head, dropping the bottom strand each time.
5. When you reach the other side, secure with a bobby pin or small elastic.

Twinning tip: This style looks absolutely dreamy for family photos. Pair it with matching sundresses and you’ve got yourself a Pinterest-worthy mommy-and-me moment!

4. Fishtail Braid

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 10 Minutes Each

The fishtail braid looks SO much harder than it actually is, which makes it one of my favorites to wear with my daughter. It uses only two sections instead of three, so once you get the rhythm, it’s actually easier than a traditional braid!

How to do it:

1. Gather all hair into a low ponytail (optional, but it makes it easier for beginners).
2. Divide the ponytail into two equal sections.
3. Take a thin strand from the outside of the right section and cross it over to join the left section.
4. Take a thin strand from the outside of the left section and cross it over to join the right section.
5. Repeat all the way down. The thinner the strands, the more detailed the braid looks.
6. Secure and gently pancake (pull apart) the braid for a fuller, boho look.

Twinning tip: Pancake both your braids for a relaxed, beachy vibe. Wrap matching scrunchies at the bottom and you’re summer-ready!

5. Pull-Through Braid (No Braiding Required!)

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 10 Minutes Each

Here’s a secret: this isn’t actually a braid at all. It just looks like one! The pull-through braid uses small elastics to create a gorgeous woven effect. It’s perfect for moms who struggle with traditional braiding or for little ones with shorter, layered hair.

How to do it:

1. Take a section of hair at the crown and secure with a small elastic.
2. Take another section just below it and secure with another elastic.
3. Split the first ponytail in half, bring it around the second ponytail, and clip it forward out of the way.
4. Combine the split first ponytail with the next section of hair below and secure with an elastic.
5. Continue this pattern all the way down.
6. Gently tug each section to puff it out for maximum volume.

Twinning tip: Use rainbow-colored elastics for a fun summer festival look! This is hands-down my daughter’s favorite style because she thinks it looks like a caterpillar. 🐛

6. French Braid Pigtails

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 15 Minutes Each

French braid pigtails are THE quintessential mother-daughter summer hairstyle. They’re neat, polished, and last all day — even through sprinkler runs and trampoline sessions. My daughter begs for these on pool days because they stay put no matter what.

How to do it:

1. Part hair down the middle.
2. On one side, start at the top with a small section divided into three strands.
3. Begin French braiding — cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the middle, adding new hair each time.
4. Continue until you run out of loose hair, then finish with a regular three-strand braid.
5. Secure and repeat on the other side.

Twinning tip: Tie matching bows or ribbon at the bottom of each braid. For an extra-cute touch, use coordinating colors — like mom in dusty rose and daughter in blush pink!

7. Braided Space Buns

Skill Level: Easy-Intermediate | Time: 10 Minutes Each

Braided space buns are the ultimate fun summer style. They’re playful, trendy, and absolutely adorable when you and your daughter match. Think of them as the cool-girl upgrade to regular space buns!

How to do it:

1. Part hair down the middle into two sections.
2. On each side, create a simple three-strand braid from the nape of the neck upward (or from a regular ponytail).
3. Wrap each braid into a coil on top of the head to form a bun.
4. Secure with bobby pins and an elastic.
5. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a soft, effortless finish.

Twinning tip: Add matching star-shaped clips or gem stickers near the buns for a sparkly summer look. My daughter calls these her “princess buns” and honestly, she’s not wrong! 👑

Tips for Making Braiding Easier (Especially with Wiggly Kids!)

• Start with damp or freshly spritzed hair — A little water or leave-in conditioner gives you more grip and control.
• Use a good edge control gel — This smooths flyaways and keeps braids looking polished all day.
• Put on a movie or show — This is my number-one trick for keeping my daughter still during longer styles!
• Practice on yourself first — Get comfortable with the braid pattern before working on tiny heads.
• Don’t aim for perfection — Messy braids are trendy, and the bonding time matters way more than symmetry.
• Invest in quality tools — A good detangling brush and a proper rat-tail comb make ALL the difference.

🏆 Our Top Picks: Must-Have Braiding Essentials

Here are the products my daughter and I use every single braiding session. These make the process faster, easier, and way more fun!

1. Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush

This brush is a game-changer for tangle-free prep. It glides through knots without pulling or tears — which is essential when you’re working with a sensitive-headed kiddo! Works beautifully on wet or dry hair, curly or straight. I bought one for each of us so we can brush at the same time.

👉 Get the Crave Naturals Detangling Brush on Amazon (~$12)

2. Winkeyes Hair Braiding Tool Kit

This all-in-one kit comes with everything you need for braiding — including a topsy tail tool, bun makers, styling clips, and more. It’s super affordable and perfect for experimenting with different styles. My daughter loves using the topsy tail to create her own “fancy” ponytails!

👉 Get the Winkeyes Braiding Tool Kit on Amazon (~$10)

3. JC’s Instant Control Edge & Braid Gel

This gel is a braiding essential in our house. It provides a strong, long-lasting hold without flaking or making hair crunchy. A little goes a long way — just smooth it along the hairline and over flyaways for a polished, salon-quality finish. Quick-drying and non-greasy!

👉 Get JC’s Edge & Braid Gel on Amazon (~$8)

4. JASVERLIN Colorful Rubber Bands (2000 Pieces)

You can never have too many tiny elastics when you’re braiding — trust me, they disappear like socks in the dryer! This pack comes with 2000 bands in 25 gorgeous rainbow colors. They’re soft, stretchy, and don’t snag or pull hair. Perfect for pull-through braids and accent braids.

👉 Get the JASVERLIN Rainbow Hair Bands on Amazon (~$6)

5. Pluspace Hair Gem Stamper Kit

Want to take your matching braids to the next level? This gem stamper kit lets you add sparkly gems and glitter to your finished braids for a totally dazzling effect. It comes with 600 gems, clips, and clip-in hair extensions. My daughter is OBSESSED with this kit — it turns every braiding session into a full-on glam party!

👉 Get the Pluspace Hair Gem Kit on Amazon (~$15)

Make It a Summer Tradition

One of the best things about matching mother-daughter braids is that it can become a weekly ritual — something your daughter looks forward to and remembers forever. Every Sunday evening, my daughter and I pick a new style from this list, put on some music, and have our “braid date.” It’s become one of our most cherished summer traditions.

So grab your brushes, stock up on those colorful elastics, and start creating some beautiful matching looks together. Whether you’re a braiding beginner or a seasoned pro, the most important thing is the time you spend together. The braids are just the bonus! 🥰

Pin this article for later so you never run out of matching braid ideas! And if you want to see these styles in action, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel at BetsyDianna on YouTube — I’m working on video tutorials for each of these styles! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @betsydianna for daily hair inspo and mommy-and-me twinning pics. 💕