Hands-down, braids have to be the most versatile of hairdos! They can be worn up, down, or on the side and can go fancy or informal. Not to mention that every hair type can benefit from a braid. Plus, they're generally easy to do, and they look good even when they're messy (see: a zillion celebrities). It's safe to say that no one can go wrong with saving a bad hair day with a pretty braid. Say no more, right?
Braids are perfect because a big one can be the entire hairstyle and get all the hair off our neck, or a small one can just be a nice little accent. Plus, braids are perfect for second day hair (or third, because let's get real, we're super busy), or basically whenever we just don't have time to wash or heat-style our manes. But for those who already have a go-to style of braid, they might be growing tired of it.
It makes sense that folks might want to have a few braid styles in their lexicon, right? We definitely think so.
For those of us who are stuck in a rut over French braiding, here are 45 braid styles that are easy to give a try, no crazy braiding skills necessary. We also made sure to include looks for a variety of hair types and lengths. Enjoy a new 'do in no time!
Romantic Fishtail Box Braids
These modern, fun, and romantic box fishtail braids look from Hollie Pocket Hair is a perfectly playful look for any season. Pigtails make the look feel fresh and youthful. Plus, as the stylist points out, it's a style that works especially well for keeping long hair away from the face when it's hot and humid.
Anna's 'Frozen 2' Double Braid-Back
Ever watch Frozen 2 for the gazillion time and wish for Anna's pretty hairstyle? It's easy to recreate Anna's double wraparound braid hairstyle from Frozen 2 with this tutorial from Cute Girls Hairstyles on YouTube. The stylist demonstrates how to easily get that one seamless braid look.
Fishtail Braid Bun
If the goal is to keep a mane out of the way and look like a fairy tale princess, this fishtail braid bun does the trick. This YouTube tutorial from Missy Sue offers a step-by-step how-to. The final result is so beautiful and intricate.
Double Dutch Braids
In an Instagram tutorial, DIYs by Sushi shows how to get these fun messy double Dutch braids. She notes how a Dutch braid differs from a regular braid (it's a matter of weaving under versus over). This is an everyday look we want to live in.
Mohawk Mermaid Braid
This soft style from SweetHearts Hair brings to mind Daenerys from Game of Thrones or an elven princess look. Plus, Beth of SweetHearts Hair has given it a catchy name: the Mermaid Mohawk Braid. If that's not enough to want to try this style, we're not sure what is.
Pull Through Braids
Bust open the drawer of elastics for this one! Check out this tutorial from DIYs by Sushi to get these cool, romantic pull-through double braids. While she styled it with a knit cap, showing how sweet it can be for a wintrer look, the casual style works well any time of year.
Elsa Braid
Anna's not the only Frozen character whose braids are totally on point. This big French braid from Anna Loves Braids feels like a twist on Elsa's look in Frozen. Check out this tutorial from Annies Forget Me Knots to get the look.
Intricate Double Fishtail Braids
These intricate fishtail braids are gorgeous. Here's a how-to from SweetHearts Hair. Stylist Beth explains that the braid can be made to look completely different by leaving it tight or pancaking the hair.
Double Messy Braids
These double messy braids are a cool way to flaunt extensions. Ombre color also looks even more gasp-worthy given the texture of this festival-esque look. Check out this YouTube tutorial from Lush Hair Extensions to see how to create the style.
Simple Messy Ponytail Braid
This braided pony is super pretty in its simplicity. Rayna of HappyCurlHappyGirl explains how to look the jumbo braid in this YouTube tutorial. She notes that it's an easy way to protect and style hair.
Down-the-Middle French Braid
A simple French braid down the middle and into a ponytail is such a cute look. It's a fun way to switch it up for people who love a good half-up hairstyle. Plus, it has a bit of a futuristic, Star Wars flair. Move over, Princess Leia!
Flower Braid
Flower braids are so pretty and perfect for springtime! They look hard, but they're not at all. MakeupWearables Hairstyles has a really good tutorial for flower braids.
Four Tiny Loose Braids
This bohemian hairstyle uses two tiny braids toward the front of a wavy hairdo. It also incorporates two more slightly thicker braids being that. The full tutorial, as well as many other braided hairstyles, can be found on Lyss Ryan's YouTube channel.
Zipper Braid
The zipper braid is one of the most interesting braided styles. It looks amazing! And although it may appear complicated, it's totally possible to achieve with this tutorial by Nina Stark.
Two Half-Up Side Braids
This whimsical braided hairstyle is so pretty. Just take two loose braids from the sides of the head and pull them back to form one center braid. Boom — you have a fairy tale storybook-esque look that looks just as fresh and gorgeous today as it might have centuries ago.
Upside Down Braided Space Buns
Space buns are already a fun look, but they can be made even more interesting with upside down braids. These ones are neat, tight, and flawless.
Half-Up Fishtail Braid With a Ribbon
A half-up fishtail braid or any kind of braid can be made even cuter with a fun ribbon tied around it. We love this trendy polkadot ribbon! Consider perusing Etsy for sweet ribbon options.
Looped Over Half-Up Side Braids
This looks a little complicated, but it's so easy! Roxxsaurus's YouTube tutorial really breaks it down. It's so cute, it kind of looks like a heart. Perfect for date night.
Half-Up Braided Back Topknot
A topknot can be easily spiced up with a front braid. This half-up look uses a French braid, pulled into a messy topknot. Curling the ends for the complete, romantic and super stylish look.
Glitter Space Buns With a Braided Part
Use a skinny braid as a middle part for buns or even ponytails. And the glitter added to this look is a fun touch! Very on trend right now.
Two Low French Braid Ponytails
One of the styles in this Missy Sue YouTube video is this adorable low ponytail style. It just takes two French braids that end on the scalp to form two low ponytails. Then, weave a chunk of hair wrapped around them to hide the rubber bands.
Four Small Braids Pulled Back
This tutorial by Roxxsaurus shows how simple and quick this braided hairstyle is. It really just involves making two small braids on each side of the head. Then, pull all four to the back and rubber banding them together.
Braided Headband
This fun hairstyle just involves one braid done with a side piece of hair, wrapped around the head to the other side, and bobby pinned down. It can be as thick or thin as one desires. The end result is definitely one that would be an obvious choice on Game of Thrones or at a festival like Coachella.
Three Braided Buns
This look is created by making three loose braids in the back and simply rolling them up into buns. Check out the full tutorial on Malibu's YouTube channel. What a sweet, romantic way to keep hair out of the face on a sweltering hot day!
Low Mini Bun Braids
This Instagram user explained her cute braided hairstyle: "This is a simple double Dutch braid style pulled apart a bit to look thicker. She has super thin/fine hair so I almost always pull her braids to loosen them, plus I like the looser look better anyways." She rolled up the ends into two little flower buns, then pinned them with a bobby pin.
Waterfall Braid
Check out the tutorial for how to create this partial French braid look from … Love Meagan. Known as a waterfall braid, the look is super-romantic. Meagan points out that it's kind of beachy, as well.
Messy Side Braid Bun
That's me! In one of my favorite summer hair-dos. I just start with a side French braid, and then bundle it all into a bun on the other side. Since my hair is pretty thin (thanks, Mom!) I only need a few bobby pins to keep it in place.
Messy Yet Glam Ponytail Braid
Such a step above a regular old ponytail, but really not that much harder to create. This is an opportunity to get creative. It's not about perfection but about having fun and playing while creating a ponytail/braid hybrid.
Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids are SO pretty and different. Here's a great post on how to create a simple fishtail braid. After all, the final result is all about the right technique!
Classic French Braid (With a Twist)
A classic French braid is a really pretty, beachy summery look. This one is oriented to one side, which is easy to do — just build the braid using an off-center line rather than down the center back of the head. Add some spice to it with a colored hair extension or a little dip-dye!
Five-Strand Braid
SO. COOL. Doesn't seem too terribly hard to create a Five-Strand Braid, amazingly! Check out this tutorial from Luxy Hair, which incorporates hair extensions.
Simple, Messy Side Braid
This has been a celebrity favorite for a while now. It's really easy to create a messy side braid. This tutorial from ThatsHeart shows how to get the simple, sweet look.
Rope Updo Braid
Such a cute look for short hair! Here's how to create this rope braid updo. In her YouTube tutorial, stylist Alyssa Marie demonstrates the easy technique.
Little Braid & Ponytail
Another easy-peasy twist on the ponytail. Check out this YouTube tutorial from Missy Sue to get a similar look, which she refers to as a lace braid ponytail. She says adding a simple, lace braid is such a great way to take your basic pony to the next level.
Upside Down Braid Bun
Whoa. This one is SO pretty and different. Referred to as a back French plait with bun, this look is demonstrated by Hayley Jones in her YouTube tutorial. What an interesting twist on the classic bun that can be worn for all occasions.
Half-Up Loose Fishtail Braid
Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa has a plethora of amazing braid styles on her Instagram. This one is so pretty! Here's a great Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial for some pointers. By the way, Sarah created that pretty, wavy hair with a tool she invented, a rotating curling iron called The Beachwaver ($199, ulta.com).
Dutch Fishtail Braid
A Dutch fishtail is also known as an "inverse" fishtail, which sounds really hard to do. But check out this easy-to-follow Dutch Fishtail Braid Tutorial! The key to the whole look is loosening it up at the end.
Stacked Topsy-Tail Braid
The Topsy-say-what-now?! Melissa Cook of Latest-Hairstyles.com explains:
"This 'braid' is the perfect way to change up your typical French braid because it looks so intricate and detailed. The best part is that it isn't actually a braid at all! This style is made by creating a bunch of topsy tails stacked on top of one another. The final look is created by gently pulling everything loose to create voluminous, romantic twists that are perfect for any occasion."
Cool, right? Check out Melissa's Topsy Tail Braid Tutorial for all the details.
The Fishtail Braid-Wrapped Bun
Another great idea from Melissa Cook of Latest-Hairstyles.com: This is quick and easy (really!). Check out Melissa's Fishtail-Wrapped Bun Tutorial for the how-to. It's a classic that's worth mastering.
The Rope Braid
Allan Ruiz, Aveda global artistic director for hair styling, created this sleek, strong look for the Public School runway show. Once the ponytail is set, wrap a section of hair around it at the base. Then, it's just a matter of dividing it into two sections and tightly twisting both sections in a clockwise manner, then securing it at the bottom of the ponytail. Allan used Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme ($26, aveda.com) to prep hair before the ponytail, and then after to tame flyaways. Check out the tutorial.
Half-Up Snake Braid
Another great idea from hair expert Sarah Potempa, this half-up look is simple to do. Watch this Snake Braid Tutorial. The video guides viewers through creating the eye-catching snake braid.
Relaxed French Braid
This is such a chic, pretty take on a French braid! This Relaxed French Braid Tutorial is easy to follow along. It's a no-brainer for anyone who abhors tight styles.
Knotted Milkmaid Braid
This Knotted Milkmaid Braid Tutorial shows viewers how to create this super cool braid. Plus, she offers four ideas for how to wear it! Nothing beats being able to create different options from one technique.
Pull Through Braid Up-Do
This Pull Through Braid Tutorial is great! Don't worry if the concept is hard to grasp right away. Just stick with it, and over time, it'll become easier to do.
The 2-Minute Fancy Pony-Braid
Quick, easy, and pretty. Watch this 2-Minute Fancy Pony-Braid Tutorial for the how-to on this fancy pony braid. It looks like the ultimate go-to for an awe-inspiring summer wedding.
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