Braids remain timeless in a world where trends come and go faster than the seasons. From the intricate patterns woven by ancient civilizations to the modern masterpieces gracing red carpets and runways, braids have always symbolized creativity, elegance, and femininity.
So, whether you’re blessed with Rapunzel-like tresses or simply looking to elevate your everyday style, these 16 gorgeous braid styles will inspire you.
1. The Classic French Braid
A timeless classic, the French braid is a go-to style for many long-haired beauties. This elegant and versatile braid works for any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal event.
To achieve the perfect French braid:
- Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles
- Divide your hair into three equal sections at the crown of your head
- Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle
- Gradually add small sections of hair from each side as you continue braiding down the length of your hair
- Secure the end with an elastic and gently tug on the braid to loosen it for a more relaxed look
2. The Bohemian Fishtail Braid
For a more laid-back, bohemian vibe, try the fishtail braid. This intricate-looking braid is simple to create and adds a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
Here’s how to achieve the perfect fishtail braid:
- Divide your hair into two equal sections
- Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair
- Secure with an elastic and gently tug on the braid to create a fuller, more relaxed look
3. The Romantic Waterfall Braid
For a softer, more romantic look, try the waterfall braid. This dreamy style looks complex but is quite easy to achieve.
Follow these steps:
- Part your hair to one side
- Take a small section of hair from the front of the heavy side and divide it into three equal parts
- Begin a French braid, but only add hair from the top of the head – let the bottom hair fall naturally
- As you braid, drop the bottom piece of hair each time and pick up a new section from the top
- Continue this pattern until you reach the back of your head, then secure it with bobby pins
4. The Edgy Dutch Braid
Try the Dutch braid for a more edgy, modern take on the classic braid. This style is an inside-out French braid on top of the head. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Brush your hair and part it down the middle
- Take a section of hair from the front of one side and divide it into three equal parts
- Begin braiding by crossing the right section under the middle, then the left section under the new middle
- Gradually add small sections of hair from each side as you continue braiding toward the back of your head
- Once you reach the nape of your neck, finish braiding normally and secure with an elastic
5. The Crown Braid
Nothing says royalty quite like a crown, and with the crown braid, you can wear one made of your luscious locks. This regal style involves creating a braid that encircles your head like a coronet, perfect for casual and formal outings.
To create a crown braid:
- Start by parting your hair down the middle
- Begin a Dutch braid (where you cross sections under instead of over) on one side of your head, working your way around to the back
- Continue the braid around to the other side, incorporating all your hair as you go
- When you reach the starting point, tuck the end of the braid underneath and secure it with bobby pins
- Gently tug on the braid to loosen it and create a fuller appearance
6. The Rope Braid Ponytail
Look no further than the rope braid for a modern twist on the classic ponytail. This style combines a ponytail’s simplicity with a braid’s intrigue, resulting in a casual and sophisticated look.
The rope braid ponytail is perfect for keeping hair out of the face without sacrificing style.
To create this eye-catching look:
- Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic
- Divide the ponytail into two equal sections
- Twist each section clockwise
- Cross the right section over the left section, moving counterclockwise
- Continue this pattern down the length of your ponytail
- Secure the end with another elastic and gently tug on the braid to loosen it slightly
7. The Pull-Through Braid
Prepare to be mesmerized by the pull-through braid, which looks incredibly complex but easy to master.
This braid is created by dividing the hair into sections and pulling them through each other, resulting in a voluminous, textured look perfect for special occasions.
To create a pull-through braid:
- Divide your hair into three sections, securing the top two with elastics
- Split the bottom section in half and pull the top section through the middle
- Combine the top section with one of the bottom halves and secure with an elastic
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair
- Gently tug on the braid to loosen it and create a fuller appearance
The pull-through braid is a showstopper, and everyone will ask, “How did you do that?” It’s a great choice for weddings, proms, or any event where you want to make a statement with your hair.
8. The Side-Swept French Braid
There’s something undeniably romantic about a side-swept French braid. When combined with loose, flowing waves, this classic style gets a modern update, creating an elegant and effortless look.
To achieve this dreamy style:
- Begin a French braid on one side of your head, starting at the hairline and working your way back
- As you braid, gradually incorporate more hair from the opposite side, pulling it across the back of your head
- When you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with an elastic
- Gently pancake the braid by tugging on the edges to create a fuller, more relaxed look
- Curl the remaining loose hair with a large-barrel curling iron for soft, beachy waves
9. The Braided Headband
For those days when you want to keep your hair out of your face without compromising on style, the braided headband is your go-to look.
This simple yet chic style involves creating a thin braid across the front of your head, mimicking the look of a headband.
Here’s how to create a braided headband:
- Take a small section of hair from one side of your head, near the hairline
- Divide this section into three equal parts and begin a standard braid
- As you braid, add small sections of hair from the hairline to incorporate more into the braid
- When you reach the other side of your head, secure the braid with a small elastic
- Wrap the braid across the back of your head and pin it in place with bobby pins
- Style the rest of your hair as desired – you can leave it down, create beachy waves, or pull it back into a ponytail or bun
10. The Fishtail Flower Braid
Look no further than the fishtail flower braid for a unique and eye-catching style. This whimsical look combines a fishtail braid’s intricacy with a flower’s delicate beauty, resulting in a hairstyle that turns heads.
To create this enchanting style:
- Gather the top half of your hair and tie it into a ponytail
- Divide the ponytail into two equal sections
- Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of the ponytail
- Secure the fishtail braid with an elastic
- Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, forming a circular shape
- Pin the braid in place with bobby pins, tucking the ends under to create a seamless look
- Gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it and create a more organic, flower-like shape
11. The Mermaid Tail Braid
This intricate braid combines the texture of a fishtail braid with the volume and drama of a traditional three-strand plait, resulting in a truly unique look. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to make a splash at their next beach outing or summer soirée.
Creating this aquatic-inspired style requires patience and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how to bring this underwater fantasy to life:
- Start by dividing your hair into three equal sections
- Begin a standard three-strand braid, incorporating small fishtail braids into each section as you go
- Continue this pattern down the length of your hair, alternating between three-strand and fishtail techniques
- Secure the end with a clear elastic
- Gently tug at the braid to create a fuller, more textured appearance
- For added mermaid magic, consider incorporating temporary colored hair chalk or spray in shades of blue and green
12. The Cascading Waterfall Braid
Imagine a gentle stream of hair flowing down your back, interwoven with an intricate braid that seems to float effortlessly alongside it.
This is the essence of the cascading waterfall braid, a style that combines the romance of loose waves with the structure of a traditional braid.
To create this enchanting look:
- Begin with a standard French braid at the crown of the head
- As you work your way down, instead of incorporating all the hair into the braid, let small sections “fall” through, creating the illusion of a waterfall
- Maintain consistent tension and select the right-sized sections to drop for a seamless effect
- For an extra touch of magic, consider adding small flowers or delicate pins where the hair falls, enhancing the waterfall effect
13. The Dutch Lace Half-Up Braid
Imagine a hairstyle that combines the elegance of a crown with the casual charm of loose waves. Enter the Dutch Lace Half-Up Braid.
This look perfectly balances sophistication and effortlessness, making it ideal for formal events and laid-back weekends.
To achieve this regal look:
- Start by parting your hair down the middle
- Take a small section of hair from the front and divide it into three strands
- Begin a Dutch braid by crossing the outer strands under the middle strand
- As you braid, incorporate small sections of hair from along the hairline
- Continue braiding until you reach the back of your head
- Secure the braid with a small elastic and gently tug at the edges for a fuller look
14. The Triple Braid
Why settle for one braid when you can have three? The Triple Braid is a show-stopping style that combines classic braiding techniques with a modern twist.
This look is perfect for making a bold statement without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Creating this eye-catching style is simpler than it looks:
- Divide your hair into three equal sections
- Braid each section using your preferred technique (French, Dutch, or classic three-strand)
- Secure each braid with a small elastic
- Gently tug at the edges of each braid to create volume
- Combine the three braids into one larger braid
- Secure the end with another elastic and fan out the braid for a fuller look
15. The French Braid into Sleek Ponytail
Sometimes, the most impactful styles combine timeless techniques with modern flair.
The French Braid into a Sleek Ponytail offers a sophisticated look perfect for the boardroom and the dance floor.
To master this chic style:
- Begin by brushing your hair back and dividing a section at the crown
- Start a French braid, incorporating hair from the sides as you go
- Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck
- Gather all remaining hair and secure it into a ponytail with the braid
- Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for all-day hold
16. The Twin Fishtail Braids
Twin Fishtail Braids are the perfect choice when you’re feeling playful and want to channel your inner schoolgirl (with a grown-up twist).
This style combines the youthful charm of pigtails with the intricate beauty of fishtail braids, resulting in a fun and fashionable look.
Here’s how to create this playful yet sophisticated style:
- Part your hair down the middle
- Divide each side into two sections
- Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the inner edge of the other section
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of the hair
- Secure each braid with an elastic
- Gently tug at the braids to create a fuller, more relaxed look
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.