There’s something about summer that makes you want to romanticise everything: your coffee order, your walk to the corner shop, and most importantly, your hair. If cottagecore had a cooler older sister who spent her weekends baking bread, wandering lavender fields, and looking devastatingly good while doing it, it would be the milkmaid aesthetic. And the cherry on top of this sun-drenched fantasy? The perfect milkmaid braid or updo, best accessorised with ribbons and ruffles. Here’s the not-so-secret hair weapons behind crafting Pinterest-worthy milkmaid hairstyles!
Easy Milkmaid Hairstyle Tutorial
If you’ve been anywhere near the internet lately (TikTok, Reels, or that YouTube rabbit hole you definitely weren’t supposed to fall down at 1AM), you’ll know the half-up bow ponytail is becoming more and more popular.
In this tutorial, we watch hair transformation magic in motion. Begin by clipping in your seamless clip in hair extensions. This instantly gives you that thick, voluminous base that every girl dreams of.
Next, gently tie up the upper half of her hair into a sleek ponytail using a hair tie. Once this is neatly in place, take the top strands of the bottom half of your hair and tie it again, this time only pulling the ends halfway through the elastic, creating a delicate mini bun.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: begin to intertwine the two ponytails in a series of twists, crafting a bow-like structure that sits pretty like a floral centrepiece on the back of your head. Finish by letting the rest of your locks fall freely down your back.
How to Style Milkmaid Braids: 3 Cute Ways to Wear Them
Of course, we can’t talk about milkmaid hair without paying homage to the milkmaid braid. Braids have been the forefront of romantic hairstyles since forever, and when you throw clip in extensions into the mix, you get something truly swoon-worthy. Here are three utterly dreamy ways to embrace milkmaid-inspired braiding this season…
The Crown Braid
First up, the classic crown braid. This is your go-to for that whimsical Jane Austen vibe. Start with two simple braids, one on either side of your head, then wrap them over your crown and pin them in place. Add clip in double weft Remy hair extensions for a fuller, luscious texture that looks like you’ve been growing your hair for a century. This look pairs beautifully with a soft white corset or milkmaid top and a floral midi skirt. Bonus points for including a silk ribbon or two.
Fishtail Braid
Next, try the fishtail braid – this one screams ethereal fairy meets rustic princess. Fishtailing might sound intimidating, but trust me, once you get into the rhythm, it’s super easy. Use a Wrap Around clip in ponytail or even permanent hair extensions to add thickness and dimension to your braid. Pair with a gingham dress and delicate jewellery and you’re ready to frolic through your favourite field!
Braided Low Bun
Finally, there’s the braided low bun with a centre part, a more subtle nod to the milkmaid trend but no less impactful. This look works wonders when you’re heading somewhere fancy but still want to keep it sweet. Extensions help keep your bun full and structured, having you looking like a countryside dream in no time.
Milkmaid Outfits and Accessories to Match Your Hair
Now that your hair is looking gorg, you’ll need an outfit to match. The milkmaid aesthetic is all about soft femininity, nostalgic silhouettes, and details that feel like an afterthought. Think ruffles, puff sleeves, and white dresses.
White Broderie Blouse
Start with the white broderie blouse – it’s practically the patron saint of milkmaid fashion. Pair it with a flowing midi skirt and some sandals for a model off-duty look.
Milkmaid Top
A milkmaid top (square neckline, puff sleeves, corset details – you know the drill) is a summer staple that pairs perfectly with vintage denim and high-waisted shorts.
Gingham Print
Gingham is another essential. Whether it’s a mini skirt, a full-length dress, or an oversized hair scrunchie: it’s simple, nostalgic, and ties your whole look together.
Ruffled Bloomers
Although this item may seem old fashioned, ruffled bloomers in blues, pinks, reds, and whites are being added to everyone’s checkout basket this summer.
Hair Accessories
Ribbons, headscarves and even flower claw clips are the perfect finishing touch to your clip in or professional hair extensions.
Conclusion:
This summer, don’t just style your hair, tell a story with it. From swoon-worthy milkmaid braids to flirty bow-tied ponytails, and every twist and turn in between, there’s a hairstyle for every day of the week and every outfit in your wardrobe. Whether you’re leaning into clip-in hair extensions, committing to permanent extensions, or simply playing dress-up with the occasional ribbon, the milkmaid aesthetic is the perfect excuse to romanticise your summer!
