Braids hairstyles have been a staple of hairstyling for centuries, offering both practicality and beauty. From their cultural significance to modern-day versatility, braids are a timeless way to express personal style. Whether you’re looking for a protective style, a chic evening look, or something casual and fun, braids can be adapted to suit any occasion.
Braids can vary in complexity, from simple three-strand plaits to intricate designs like fishtails, Dutch, or waterfall braids. They come in countless variations — single or double, tight or loose, structured or messy — giving you endless possibilities to experiment with. Plus, braids can add volume and texture, making them ideal for those with finer hair.
French braid styles
French braid styles are timeless, elegant, and versatile. The classic French braid starts at the crown, weaving sections of hair into a neat, tight braid down the back. For a softer, romantic look, the loose French braid adds volume and texture. Double French braids, also known as boxer braids, create two symmetrical braids, perfect for active or casual days. A side French braid drapes gracefully over one shoulder, adding a chic twist to the traditional style. For special occasions, a French braid crown circles the head like a halo, offering a regal, polished finish. You can also combine French braids with buns, ponytails, or fishtail braids for unique, customized hairstyles that suit any vibe or event.
Pull-through braid
A pull-through braid is a stylish, eye-catching hairstyle that’s perfect for adding volume and texture to your look. Unlike traditional braids, this one is created using small elastic bands to section the hair into ponytails, which are then pulled through each other in a way that mimics the look of a chunky braid. It’s a great option for those who want a braid-inspired style without the need to weave strands in the typical braiding method.
This braid works beautifully on both long and medium-length hair. You can wear a single pull-through braid down your back for a bold, dramatic style or split it into double pull-through braids for a sporty, playful look. It’s also versatile enough to be styled into a braided ponytail, half-up half-down look, or an elegant braided bun.
One of the best things about a pull-through braid is its fullness — it makes your hair appear much thicker and more textured. This makes it an ideal choice for people with fine or medium-density hair. You can also dress it up by adding accessories like hair cuffs, beads, or colorful elastics to match your outfit or mood, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Fishtail braid
A fishtail braid is a beautiful, intricate-looking hairstyle that’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Unlike traditional three-strand braids, a fishtail braid is created by dividing the hair into two sections and then taking small pieces from the outer edges of each section, crossing them over to the opposite side. This creates a delicate, woven pattern that looks like the tail of a fish — hence the name.
Fishtail braids are incredibly versatile and work well for both casual and formal occasions. You can wear a tight, sleek fishtail for a polished, elegant appearance, or a loose, messy version for a more relaxed, boho vibe. This style is perfect for weddings, date nights, beach days, or even as a quick everyday look.
One of the best things about fishtail braids is how well they hold accessories. You can easily weave in ribbons, beads, or small flowers to customize the look. The braid can be styled to fall down the back, to one side, or incorporated into updos like a braided bun or crown.
Though it looks complex, a fishtail braid only takes a little practice. It’s an excellent choice for medium to long hair and works beautifully with both straight and textured hair types.
Dutch braid hair
A Dutch braid is a classic and bold hairstyle that stands out because of its raised, three-dimensional appearance. Often called an “inside-out” or “reverse French braid,” it’s created by weaving three sections of hair under each other, rather than over. This technique makes the braid sit on top of the hair, giving it a fuller, more pronounced look.
Dutch braids are incredibly versatile and suit a variety of styles and occasions. You can wear a single Dutch braid down the back for a sleek, elegant vibe, or opt for double Dutch braids (sometimes known as boxer braids) for a sporty, edgy style. These double braids are popular for active days, workouts, or casual outings because they keep hair neatly in place.
For a softer, romantic look, you can loosen the braid slightly by gently pulling at the sections to create a fuller, more textured appearance. Dutch braids also work beautifully as part of more intricate hairstyles, like braided buns, crowns, or half-up styles.
This braid looks best on medium to long hair and works well with straight, wavy, or curly textures. It’s a great way to show off highlights or balayage, as the raised sections highlight color variations beautifully.
Waterfall braid
A waterfall braid is a delicate and romantic hairstyle that creates the illusion of cascading strands, much like a waterfall. It’s a variation of the traditional French braid, but instead of pulling all the hair into the braid, you drop one section after crossing it over, letting it fall naturally while picking up a new section to continue braiding. This creates a beautiful, flowing effect with strands gently weaving through the braid.
Waterfall braids are perfect for weddings, dates, festivals, or any occasion where you want a soft, feminine look. They can be worn with straight, wavy, or curly hair, and work especially well on medium to long lengths. You can style a single waterfall braid across the back of your head or combine two braids to meet in the middle for a crown-like effect.
To enhance the look, you can curl the loose strands or add small flowers, beads, or decorative pins for a more whimsical, boho vibe. The waterfall braid also pairs beautifully with other styles, like loose waves, ponytails, or braided buns. While it may look intricate, with a little practice, it becomes an easy and elegant way to elevate your everyday hairstyle.
Messy Braid
A messy braid is a relaxed, effortless-looking hairstyle that combines casual charm with a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for days when you want to look put-together without seeming too formal. Unlike neat, tightly woven braids, a messy braid embraces texture, volume, and a slightly undone finish, making it ideal for boho, beachy, or everyday styles.
You can create a messy braid using different braiding techniques — like a regular three-strand braid, French braid, Dutch braid, or even a fishtail braid — and then gently loosen the sections by pulling them apart with your fingers. Let a few face-framing pieces fall naturally to enhance the laid-back, carefree vibe.
Messy braids can be worn in different ways: a side-swept braid, a loose low braid, or even double messy braids for a playful, youthful look. This style works beautifully with textured or wavy hair, as it adds dimension and fullness to the braid. You can also add hair accessories like ribbons, scrunchies, or small flowers to give it a personal touch.
Whether you’re heading to a brunch, beach day, casual event, or just want an easy yet stylish look, a messy braid is a versatile choice that flatters almost everyone.
Mermaid braid hair
A mermaid braid is a gorgeous, intricate-looking hairstyle that creates the illusion of cascading, overlapping strands — much like the shimmering scales of a mermaid’s tail. It’s a romantic, eye-catching braid that’s perfect for special occasions like weddings, proms, or festivals, but can also be worn as a statement everyday style.
This braid is typically created by combining small sections of hair into a loose, wide braid, often using a fishtail braid technique or a modified French braid. The key to a mermaid braid is adding small pieces from the sides as you move down, blending them into the main braid while keeping it soft and voluminous. The braid is usually gently pulled apart afterward to give it that signature, airy, and textured appearance.
Mermaid braids work beautifully with long, thick, or wavy hair, and they especially shine when paired with balayage, ombré, or highlighted hair — as the color variations make the intricate pattern stand out even more. You can style it down your back, to the side, or wrap it into a whimsical braided bun.
For extra flair, weave in ribbons, tiny flowers, or hair jewelry to complete that dreamy, underwater-inspired look.
Box Braids
Box braids are a classic and highly versatile hairstyle that has stood the test of time. They are created by sectioning the hair into square-shaped parts (hence the name “box”) and braiding each section individually from root to tip. Box braids are typically done using synthetic or natural hair extensions, which help add length and volume to the style, though they can also be done with just natural hair.
These braids are not only a protective style but also provide a low-maintenance way to keep hair neat and stylish for weeks at a time. Box braids can be worn in various lengths, from short to long, and can be styled in different ways. You can wear them down for a bold, chic look, or pull them up into a ponytail, bun, or even a half-up, half-down style for more versatility.
One of the benefits of box braids is that they can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you choose to wear them sleek and neat or opt for a more voluminous, messy style, they’re perfect for both casual and formal events. Additionally, you can add beads, cuffs, or colorful hair ties for a personal touch and extra flair.
Box braids are ideal for people with curly, coily, or thick hair, as they protect natural hair and reduce the need for daily styling.
Halo braid
A halo braid is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that wraps around the head, resembling a crown or halo, making it perfect for formal events like weddings, proms, or special occasions. This timeless braid offers a polished yet romantic look and is versatile enough for both casual and dressy settings.
To create a halo braid, the hair is typically parted down the middle or side, and two braids are created on either side of the head. These braids are then wrapped around the crown, connecting at the back to form a circular “halo” shape. The braids can be done using a Dutch braid or a French braid, depending on the desired texture — a Dutch braid gives a raised, 3D look, while a French braid creates a more subtle, smooth finish.
One of the key elements of a halo braid is its ability to frame the face beautifully while keeping the hair secured. For a softer, more relaxed style, the braids can be loosened a bit, allowing some strands to fall around the face or neck, giving it a more bohemian or ethereal vibe.
The halo braid works best on medium to long hair and can be enhanced with hair accessories like flowers, pearls, or beads to match the occasion. It’s a go-to hairstyle for a polished yet graceful appearance!
Side braids
Side braids are a fun, versatile, and effortless way to style your hair while adding a bit of flair. They’re ideal for a relaxed, chic look, but they can also be dressed up for more formal occasions. A side braid is simply a braid (whether it’s a three-strand braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid) that is worn over one shoulder, allowing it to cascade down the side of your body.
One of the most popular side braid styles is the side-swept French braid, where hair is braided along the side of the head, starting from the temple or crown and working toward the shoulder. This look can be tight and neat for a more polished appearance or loosened for a casual, textured style. Another trendy side braid is the side Dutch braid, which creates a raised braid that stands out from the scalp for a more dramatic effect.’
Side fishtail braids are also a great option, with their intricate, woven look that adds a touch of sophistication. For a more relaxed vibe, you can opt for a side ponytail braid, where the hair is first gathered into a low ponytail and then braided.
Side braids are suitable for medium to long hair and can be accessorized with ribbons, beads, or hairpins for extra personality. They’re perfect for everything from beach days to date nights!
