Gorgeous Braided Hairstyles to Elevate Your Look

Introduction

Tired of dealing with tangled, unruly hair every morning? Or maybe you’re just looking for a fresh style that’s both low-maintenance and effortlessly chic? Braided hairstyles might be the perfect solution. Whether you’re heading to work, a casual brunch, or a fancy event, braids can give you a versatile, stylish look that stays in place all day. The best part? Braids work for all hair types and lengths, making them a go-to choice for anyone looking for something easy yet beautiful.

Here are 22 braided hairstyles that are not only trendy but also simple to recreate.

22 Easy Braided Hairstyles

1. Classic French Braid

The French braid is a timeless style that’s as elegant as it is practical. It’s great for keeping your hair out of your face while adding a touch of sophistication. Perfect for workdays, workouts, or even a night out.

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three parts.
3. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle.
4. As you continue, add a bit of hair from the sides to each section before crossing them over the middle.
5. Keep repeating this until all your hair is braided, then secure it with an elastic.

2. Dutch Braid

Also known as the reverse French braid, the Dutch braid creates a more prominent, textured look. The braid sits on top of your hair rather than blending in, giving a more eye-catching, voluminous effect.

1. Start by separating a chunk of hair from the front of your head.
2. Divide this section into three pieces.
3. Cross the right piece under the middle, then the left piece under the middle.
4. Add small amounts of hair from the sides each time you cross a section under the middle.
5. Keep braiding down to the bottom, then tie it off with a hair tie.

3. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is delicate and intricate but surprisingly easy to achieve. By dividing your hair into two sections instead of three, you can create this chic look in just a few minutes.

1. Split your hair into two even sections.
2. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section.
3. Do the same with a small piece from the right section, crossing it over to the left.
4. Repeat this all the way down, making sure to keep the braid tight.
5. When you reach the end, secure with a hairband.

4. Waterfall Braid

For a romantic touch, the waterfall braid lets sections of your hair cascade down like flowing water. It’s ideal for special occasions or when you want to add a feminine flair to your everyday style.

1. Take a small part of hair from the front of your head and divide it into three strands.
2. Braid once like a regular braid.
3. On the next pass, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new section of hair to replace it.
4. Continue braiding, always letting the bottom section drop and picking up a new one.
5. Braid across the head, and secure the end with a clip.

5. Box Braids

Box braids are a protective style that works wonders for textured or curly hair. They are long-lasting and can be styled in various ways, from ponytails to buns, making them perfect for those who want low-maintenance beauty.

1. Start with clean, stretched hair.
2. Part your hair into small square sections using a comb.
3. Take one section and divide it into three pieces.
4. Braid each section tightly from the root to the tip.
5. Repeat this for each square section until your whole head is braided.

6. Halo Braid

A halo braid wraps around your head like a crown, creating an ethereal, goddess-like look. It’s a fantastic style for weddings or festivals, and it’s surprisingly easy to do with a bit of practice.

1. Split your hair down the middle into two equal parts.
2. Take one side and braid it starting at the nape of your neck, moving upward.
3. Braid all the way to the top of your head, then pin it.
4. Repeat with the other side, wrapping the braid across your head.
5. Tuck and pin the ends of both braids to complete the halo shape.

7. Cornrows

Cornrows are small, tight braids that lie flat against the scalp. This protective hairstyle is perfect for keeping hair neat and manageable while allowing you to get creative with different patterns and designs.

1. Begin by parting your hair into rows using a comb.
2. Take a section from the front of one row and split it into three strands.
3. Start braiding close to the scalp, pulling in hair from the row as you go.
4. Continue braiding down the length of your hair.
5. Repeat this for each row, securing the ends with elastic bands.

8. French Crown Braid

The French crown braid is a variation of the halo braid, with a French braid that wraps around the entire head. It’s perfect for formal events or when you want to keep all your hair off your neck during hot summer days.

1. Start by taking a section of hair from the front of your head.
2. Split it into three parts, then begin a regular French braid along the front hairline.
3. As you go, add hair from the sides to each section.
4. Braid around the entire head like a crown.
5. Tuck in the end and secure with pins.

9. Rope Braid

The rope braid is one of the easiest styles to achieve. Simply twist two sections of hair around each other for a clean, polished look. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for days when you’re short on time.

1. Divide your hair into two sections.
2. Twist each section in the same direction.
3. Then, twist the two sections around each other in the opposite direction.
4. Keep twisting until you reach the ends.
5. Secure the braid with an elastic.

10. Milkmaid Braids

Milkmaid braids are two pigtail braids that are pinned up around your head. They’re cute, playful, and a great way to keep your hair up in a style that’s more creative than a simple bun or ponytail.

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Braid each side of your hair into regular pigtail braids.
3. Bring one braid up and across the top of your head, pinning it in place.
4. Do the same with the other braid, crossing it over the first one.
5. Pin the ends and smooth any loose strands.

11. Pigtail Braids

Pigtail braids are a playful, youthful style that works well for casual days. Simply braid two sections of hair into traditional braids, one on each side of your head. It’s quick and fun for any occasion.

1. Divide your hair evenly into two parts.
2. Braid each section starting from just above your ears.
3. Cross the outer strands over the middle, working your way down.
4. Once the braids are complete, tie each with a hairband.
5. Adjust the braids so they sit evenly on both sides.

12. Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are larger and thicker versions of cornrows. They create a bold, dramatic look that’s also a protective style, perfect for textured hair types.

1. Section your hair into large parts using a comb.
2. For each section, split the hair into three pieces.
3. Start braiding from the root, grabbing hair as you go to form a large, chunky braid.
4. Braid all the way down to the end.
5. Repeat with each section and secure with hair ties.

13. Pull-Through Braid

The pull-through braid looks complex, but it’s one of the easiest braids to master. It’s achieved by creating a series of ponytails and pulling them through one another, creating a faux-braid effect.

1. Tie your hair into a ponytail.
2. Split the ponytail into two sections.
3. Tie another small ponytail beneath the first one.
4. Pull the top ponytail through the second and repeat, creating a braid-like effect.
5. Continue this until the end of your hair and secure with a hairband.

14. Ladder Braid

The ladder braid involves two braids running parallel to each other, with smaller strands creating a “ladder” effect between them. This intricate style is perfect for when you want to show off your braiding skills.

1. Create two parallel braids down the side of your head.
2. Take small sections from one braid and weave them into the other.
3. Continue this pattern down your hair, creating a ladder-like design.
4. Braid to the ends, and secure with elastics.
5. Gently pull on the braids to loosen them for a fuller look.

15. Bubble Braid

If you’re not quite ready to commit to traditional braids, try a bubble braid. This hairstyle uses hair ties to create the illusion of a braid by separating sections of a ponytail into “bubbles.”

1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
2. Place hair ties every few inches down the length of the ponytail.
3. Gently tug on each section between the ties to create a “bubble” effect.
4. Continue adding hair ties and pulling to create more bubbles.
5. Finish with a final tie at the end.

16. Twist Braids

Twist braids are similar to rope braids, but instead of twisting two strands of hair, you twist individual sections before wrapping them together. This style works beautifully for both formal and casual occasions.

1. Part your hair into sections.
2. Divide each section into two pieces.
3. Twist both pieces in the same direction.
4. Then twist them around each other in the opposite direction.
5. Secure the end with a small elastic.

17. Side Braid

The side braid is a simple yet stylish option when you want to keep your hair out of your face but still want it to look chic. It can be as loose or tight as you like, making it versatile for any event.

1. Sweep all your hair to one side.
2. Divide it into three parts.
3. Begin braiding from the base of your neck, crossing the outer strands over the middle one.
4. Braid down to the end, then secure with a band.
5. Loosen the braid slightly for a relaxed look.

18. Double Dutch Braids

For an edgier look, try double Dutch braids. These braids are perfect for gym days or casual outings, and they keep your hair secure while adding a cool, sporty vibe.

1. Divide your hair into two even sections.
2. Start with one side, creating a Dutch braid by crossing the strands under instead of over.
3. Continue braiding down the back of your head.
4. Repeat the same process on the other side.
5. Secure both braids with hair ties.

19. Crown Twist Braid

A crown twist braid is similar to a halo braid but with a twisted section of hair instead of a traditional braid. It’s easier to achieve and still gives you that regal, crown-like appearance.

1. Part your hair to one side.
2. Take a section from the front and divide it in two.
3. Twist the two pieces together, pulling in hair from the front as you go.
4. Twist around your head, pinning as you go.
5. Secure the end and tuck it under the twist.

20. Zipper Braid

The zipper braid looks as intricate as it sounds but is well worth the effort. It’s a unique style that intertwines strands in a criss-cross pattern, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.

1. Start with a small braid on one side of your head.
2. As you go, grab small sections of hair from either side and weave them through the braid.
3. Keep weaving until you reach the bottom.
4. Tie it off with a hair tie.
5. Gently pull on the braid to enhance the “zipper” effect.

21. Braided Ponytail

Add a braid to your standard ponytail to give it a fresh twist. Whether you braid the whole ponytail or just a small section, this style is quick and perfect for an easy upgrade to your everyday look.

1. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a tie.
2. Braid the ponytail like a regular braid, splitting it into three parts and crossing them over each other.
3. Continue braiding to the end.
4. Tie the braid with another hairband.
5. Add volume by gently pulling on the braid to loosen it.

22. Snake Braid

The snake braid involves weaving a small section of hair into a standard braid and then pulling the end to create a snake-like curve. It’s a fun, unique style that adds a playful element to your hairstyle.

1. Create a small, thin braid on one side of your head.
2. Hold the middle strand and slide the other two strands upwards to create a “snake” effect.
3. Pull the strands back down to smooth the braid into a wavy shape.
4. Secure with a clip or elastic.
5. Adjust the snake braid for the desired look.

Conclusion

Braided hairstyles are not only beautiful but incredibly versatile, offering options for every occasion, hair type, and skill level. Whether you’re going for a simple, everyday look or something more elaborate, there’s a braid for everyone. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master any of these 22 styles, adding a personal touch to your appearance. From the classic French braid to the intricate Zipper braid, each style brings its own charm and practicality. So go ahead, grab a comb, and start experimenting—your next favorite hairstyle might be just a braid away!