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Braided hairstyles have been a timeless and significant part of many cultures around the world. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they carry historical, social, and even spiritual importance in some traditions. Braids offer versatility, allowing people to express individuality while protecting their natural hair. From half-up-half-braid styles to the classic three-strand braids, these styles are celebrated for their beauty and practicality. There are many such classic and trendy styles that you can explore and make your own.
Were you among those who always hated braiding your hair as a child? The thought of those geeky, oily plaits done up in black ribbon is too fresh in your head to want to try new braiding styles. Think afresh! Check out these 15 classic and contemporary braids that look oh-so-amazing! Tie up your hair in style and jazz it up with funky hair accessories to make a statement.
We’ve got the perfect braids for you to match your every mood and occasion, from a day out at the beach to a hectic day at work. Just follow the simple steps and picture tutorial to give your hair a braided makeover. And no, they're nothing like the oily plaits of your school days.
What Is A Braided Hairstyle?
We all know and love braids – they’re simple, easy, and protect your hair strands. A braided hairstyle, however, involves weaving sections of hair together to create a variety of patterns or textures. While simple braided involves bunching up all your hair together, braided hairstyles can include wispy face-framing strands and even buns or ponytails. Popular braided hairstyles range from simple plaits to elaborate designs, making them suitable for casual or formal occasions.
Let’s explore!
10 Trendy Braided Hairstyles
1. Bubble Braid Hairstyle
Youthful, playful, whimsical – bubble braids are oh-so-cute and can help bring out your fun side. All you need to do is section strands of hair with rubber brands and pull the sections horizontally to create bubbles. You can also make the bubble part as big or small as your heart desires for different casual looks.
2. Gajra Braided Hairstyle
One of the most traditional aspects of Indian hairstyles, the Gajra is a garland of flowers that you can use to adorn your hair. While they are often attached around buns, you can also try this stunning Gajra braided hairstyle at the next wedding or festive occasion.
3. Braid Jewellery Hairstyle
Ethnic hair jewellery carry their own magic and can elevate any of your saree or lehenga looks for weddings, parties, and festivals. You can also pick from a simple three-strand braid or go for a more intricate fishtail braid depending on your preferences and skill levels and then leave it on the braid jewellery to take centre stage
4. Accessorised Braid Hairstyle
If you love the boho-chic vibe or love wearing jhumkas, this one’s for you. This super simple braided hairstyle simply requires you to plait your hair in two sections and attach hair jewellery or use your favourite jhumka to add this super dramatic touch.
5. Cross Braided Hairstyle
The criss-cross braided hairstyle adds an edgy and bold touch to the classic double braids. Begin by creating braids on each side of your head and continue braided till you reach the centre at the back. Then, layer the right side over the left and continue braiding each in opposite directions. You can also choose to elevate this with rings and other hair accessories.
6. Braided Twin Buns Hairstyle
If you want to put your hair up or just don’t like the feeling of hair touching your neck, try out this braided bun hairstyle that takes adds a visually interesting touch while being super easy to recreate. You can also create braided buns at the crown for a space bun look.
7. Scarf Braid Hairstyle
Scarves are a great way to add colour and an interesting visual appeal to your braided hairstyles. Simply start with two strands of hair and weave in the scarf as you would the third strand. However, ensure you’re using silk or satin scarves as other rough materials can damage your hair.
8. Ponytail With Crown Braids Hairstyle
Crown braids are a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still flaunting your luscious locks. Begin with create as many sections as you want and create thin braids going up to your crown. Bunch your hair together and tie it up in a pony tail for an hairstyle that is sure to make heads turn.
9. Man Bun Braided Hairstyle
We love half-up-half-down man bun hairstyles and if there’s a chance to add braids to this – why not take it and run? To get clean braids at the crown, you can use a hair gel or hair spray. This will maintain the definition of the braids even after long wear hours.
10. Long Side Braid Hairstyle
What to show off your hair while still incorporating braids? Of course, we’ve got you covered. Create a side part and brush your fingers through your hair for that tousseld look. On the shorter side, braid your hair starting at the scalp and going all the way down to the hair tips.
Classic Braided Hairstyles: Step-By-Step Instructions
11. Classic French Braid
Many of you have already tried this one but it may be completely unknown to others. Luckily for you, it’s a style that will never go out of fashion. Jazz it up by accessorizing with cool hair clips or flowers depending on the occasion. Just follow the steps below to create your very own classic French braid.
Step 1: Comb and detangle your hair. Spray on some hair spray like Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray for extra hold if you have frizzy hair.
Step 2: Take a section of hair from the crown area.
Step 3: Section it into three parts and start braiding your hair as you normally would for three-strand braiding.
Step 4: Now start adding small sections to the strand from the side at each step of braiding. For the left strand add a small section from the left side of your head and so on.
Step 5: Keep adding sections to your braid until all the remaining hair is tucked into the braid. Tie the braid with an elastic band at the bottom to secure.
That’s it! You’ll have a pretty braid in just a few minutes. Although it may take some time to master this braid, practice will make you better. Besides, even a messy French braid looks cool!
12. Dutch Braid
If you know how to make a French braid, making a Dutch braid is a breeze. It looks like a French braid, with just one tiny difference. But when you look at a completed French braid and a Dutch one, you’ll be able to spot the difference right away.
Step 1: Part your hair in the crown area in the same way you did for the French braid.
Step 2: Section the hair into three strands and start normal braiding with just a minor change. Instead of braiding the strands over one another as you did in the Dutch braid, do just the opposite. Weave your strands below each other while braiding. So for this braid, you will tuck the strands under one another rather than over as you would do with the normal braid.
Step 3: Add small sections from the corresponding side while braiding as you did in the French braid.
Step 4: Repeat the steps until all the strands are tucked away neatly in the braid. Secure with an elastic band at the bottom.
As a final touch, you can pull the strands of the braid lightly to make it look nice and fluffy.
13. Fishtail Braid
The easiest braid of them all and the prettiest too! If you want an Ariel-like braid this is the one you should be learning! A loose braid, this one looks so pretty and mermaid-like that you could sport it every other day. This one is also perfect for a beach vacation or party with the right accessories. Want to try it? Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Tie your hair into a ponytail. You may start without this step if you want a loose, messy fishtail braid.
Step 2: Section your ponytail into two equal parts.
Step 3: Grab a small section from the extreme end of the left strand and cross it over on the right side. You may allow this strand to mingle with the other hair of the right strand. There is no need to keep it separate.
Step 4: Now grab a small section from the extreme end of the right strand and cross it over on the left just like you did in Step 3.
Step 5: Keep repeating Step 3 and Step 4 for the remaining hair. Remember, the smaller the sections you grab for crossing over, the prettier the braid will look. Secure the braid with an elastic band.
You may again want to pull the strands gently from the sides to make the braid look fluffy. Add some cool bow clips or accessorize with a pearl headband to get the perfect beach babe look.
14. Rope Braid
With different types of braids to try, this is a very simple braiding technique if done correctly. It looks very pretty on long hair. This braid can be worn in a neat or messy style, and both look equally good for everyday wear and at chic evening dos where you can pair it with nice glittery accessories. Follow the simple steps below to copy the super-easy rope braid.
Step 1: Part your hair into two equal sections. You may want to apply hair mousse to strands (like TIGI Bed Head Hook Up Mousse Wax) to avoid stray, frizzy flyaways.
Step 2: Start twisting both the strands in an anti-clockwise manner till the end. Remember to twist it tightly to avoid any flyaway strands.
Step 3: Now twist both the twisted sections in a clockwise manner till the end. Remember to twist in the opposite direction to when you twist the individual strands or the braid will come apart.
Step 4: Secure the braid with an elastic band.
You may again want to pull the strands gently from the sides to make the braid look fluffy. Add some cool bow clips or accessorize with a pearl headband to get the perfect beach babe look.
15. Four Strand Braid
Amongst the different braid hairstyles this is a little tricky but nevertheless the final results are amazing and well worth a try. Girls with long hair will love this pretty braid style. An unusual braid that looks voluminous and different. In fact, it’s dressy enough to sport at a wedding too. You do need a little practice to get this perfect. Just follow the steps below to get it right.
Step 1: Comb and detangle your hair. Apply a hair serum (like FX Silk Drop Hair Serum) to smooth out frizz.
Step 2: Divide your hair in four equal sections. For reference, I have numbered them 1-4 from left to right.
Step 3: Now grab strand number 1 and cross it over strand 2.
Step 4: Now cross the strand 1 under strand 3. So now strand 1 will be the third from the left.
Step 5: Now grab strand 4 from the extreme right and bring it under strand 1 as shown in the picture.
Step 6: Bring strand 4 over strand 3 so that it becomes the second strand from the left. The order will now be 2-4-3-1.
Step 7: Repeat step 3 again considering strand 2 as 1 and braid it till the end. Secure with an elastic band.
Parting Thoughts
Braided hairstyles protect your tresses while looking amazing. While it is a bit complicated, we promise you will learn them quickly. Just remember – one strand from the extreme left goes over and under the other strands and one strand from the extreme right goes under and over the other strands. Sport this unique four-strand braid at a party or glitzy wedding and you’re sure to make a lasting impression.
Jinal Patel owner of the blog http://dazzlingbelle.com/ is a Delhi-based beauty blogger, adviser and makeup junkie with a serious passion for writing
FAQs
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How long do braided hairstyles last?
Braided styles can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type and care given.
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Are braids damaging to hair?
Braids are generally protective but can cause damage if installed too tightly or left in for too long.
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Can all hair types be braided?
Yes! All hair types can be braided, though the technique and style may vary depending on the hair’s texture.
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How do I maintain braided hairstyles?
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, and protect your braids at night with a satin scarf or bonnet.
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What are the benefits of braided hairstyles?
They reduce daily styling, protect natural hair, and can help with length retention.
