Let’s address the obvious: braids aren’t just a hairstyle, they’re practically a lifestyle, like living your best life, but with better hair.
Doesn’t matter if you fancy a neat basic braid or something a bit more, err, dramatic, this is your go-to list. Forget the group chat – these are the styles everyone’ll be asking about, trust.
Braided Hairstyles Worth Trying Right Now
Braids are having a serious style moment – and the best part is there’s a version for every occasion, from five-minute morning styles to elaborate weekend looks. Here are the most popular ones right now and what makes each one worth trying:
Styles to Know
- Dutch braid – an inverted, raised braid that sits on top of the hair rather than flat against it, great as a single braid down the back or as double braids
- Crown braid – braided sections wrapped around the head like a halo, elegant and surprisingly versatile for both casual and dressed-up looks
- Braided bun – a classic bun with a braided element woven in, either as the base or wrapped around the bun itself for extra detail
- Twisted braid – softer and more relaxed than a traditional braid, using a simple two-strand twist technique that works beautifully on second-day hair
- Boho fishtail – loosely pulled apart for a undone, textured finish, works best with a little dry texture spray beforehand
- Bubble braid – sections tied off with elastics and gently pulled apart to create a full, rounded effect, effortless and very on-trend
A Few Tips Braids almost always look better on hair that isn’t freshly washed – second or third day hair has grip and texture that makes styles hold longer and look fuller. Pulling sections apart gently after braiding adds volume and softness, taking any style from neat to effortlessly undone. For styles like crown braids or Dutch braids, securing with small clear elastics and finishing with a light-hold hairspray keeps everything in place without stiffness.
Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves
Waterfall braids might be the most romantic thing you can do with your hair without writing a sonnet. This style weaves like a true waterfall, with sections cascading down over wavy lengths. Everyone will think you spent an hour with a curling wand, when really it’s all about that artful “I just let these strands fall, oh so perfectly” effect. Best paired with a breezy maxi dress, wildflowers optional.
Rope Braid
If you’re a minimalist but still want shape, the rope braid (aka two-strand twist) brings easy sophistication. Just twist two sections around each other –– not brain science, but the impact? Surprisingly major. This one holds up under headbands, hats, whatever winter throws at you. Plus, it looks just as good undone as it does freshly wound up.
Messy Braided Updo
Sometimes a little chaos is chic (hello, 4th coffee of the day?) The messy braided updo bundles playful sections into something that reads, ironically, very grown up. It’s that bit of Parisian insouciance, like you just tossed it up and left for a gallery opening. Bobby pins? Required, but not as many as you think.
Twisted Crown Braid
For anyone aiming to channel their inner woodland nymph or music festival goddess—twisted crown braids are it. This look wraps around your head like the prettiest, low-key tiara. Messy bits? That’s literally part of the charm. And as random as it sounds, it can make even a grown-out blowout look intentional and. well, regal. There’s a reason the crown braid is every summer bride’s Pinterest darling.
Halo Braid
Step aside, literal angels—a halo braid circles your head with angelic symmetry that’s fit for, well, anyone who loves a statement. Start with a long braid from ear to ear, pinning as you go, and before you know it you’re feeling ready for a Vogue cover. There’s no wrong time to wear it, but summer evenings and wedding season? That’s when this one shines.
Side French Braid with Ponytail
There’s something very “didn’t even try, but here I am” about a side French braid that flows right into a ponytail. It’s playful. It’s slightly rebellious. Sweep the braid along the hairline, then wrangle everything into a high (or low) pony; result? A grown-up version of the gym-class side pony, but like, with actual style.
Braided Ponytail
Braided ponytails are like the smoothie bowl of hair: healthy, easy, a crowd-pleaser. Simply braid the pony, fasten the tail, and you’ve got yourself a hairstyle that swings with sass (and stays out of your lip gloss, thank you). Braided ponies look sharp with a central part and do double duty for both lazy Sundays and nights out.
French Braids into Bubble Braids
A hybrid with main character energy, French braids into bubble braids offer the best of both worlds. The classic, scalp-hugging braid transitions into playful, puffed-out bubbles down the tail. It practically begs for a festival wristband or a weekend brunch reservation. Expect compliments at every stop.
Double Dutch Braids into Pigtails
You might’ve spotted this one sported by athletes and TikTok teens. Double Dutch braids into pigtails combine throwback nostalgia with a seriously cool vibe. They hold through a HIIT workout, or a dance-off, or – let’s be honest, a long day of errands. The braids start from the scalp, giving that tight definition, then spill out into two perky pigtails; irresistible for days when your hair has zero volume but you’re faking sick energy.
Side Braids into a Low Bun
For the “I woke up like this” crowd, Dutch braids into a low bun manage to be both practical, and statement-making (which is rare, and we love that.) The braids frame your head, then wind together for a chill, off-duty bun at the nape. Ideal if you want to look somewhat elegant but also can’t find a single bobby pin. Sometimes simple really is best, especially with those sculpted lines running along your crown.
Classic French Braid
If hair trends were a high school, the French braid is the student council president. Elegant, disciplined, and honestly, never in trouble. Starting at the top of your head, strands get methodically folded in, creating a smooth, ropey line straight down your back. This style works for literally every occasion, and yes, it’ll outsmart even the most stubborn cowlick (that’s a fact). Can you do it in the back seat of a car? Well, try it—some have succeeded.
Braided Top Knot
A braided top knot is a jack-of-all-trades, doubling as both office-appropriate and Friday-night glam. Start with getting some braids in around your crown, braid it all the way, then twist into a bun. Add a metallic scrunchie or leave a few wispy face-framers; fancy or not, it gets the job done. There’s an athletic spirit here—think of Gabby Douglas doing flips, only you’re flipping meetings instead.
Side Braid with Face-Framing Pieces
The beauty here is in the details. A relaxed side braid draped over the shoulder, paired with soft, wispy strands left out at the front. It’s flirty, flattering, and secretly, it camouflages grown-out bangs or a not-so-fresh hairline. A lifesaver (and look enhancer. Try it with a deep side part for double flair.
Thick Messy French Braid
Bigger is absolutely better sometimes, especially with braids. A thick, messy French braid isn’t about precision—it’s about attitude. Pull sections gently after you braid to get that lived-in, editorial look. Imperfection is the whole point. Best worn with a slouchy sweater and a “too cool to care” smirk.
Double Bubble Braids
Double bubble braids are total fun, bit cheeky and honestly, so easy it’s silly. Just split your hair in two sections and tie up two high ponytails. Use elastic bands down each pony to make the “bubbles” and pull them out a bit for extra volume—proper 90s vibes but somehow way more stylish now. Great for festivals or when you just want to look like you put in effort (but didn’t, really).
Fishtail Braid
Okay, you want instant drama? The fishtail braid is your showstopper. Two strands, crossed over and over, create that intricate, textured plait — picture mermaid hair, but for real life. The tighter the weave, the sharper it looks, but even a loose, “I slept in this, sort of” fishtail packs major wow. It’s Instagram-guidebook stuff, basically.
Double Dutch Braids
Not to confuse these with the pigtail version above—double Dutch braids go straight down the back, parallel-style. This look channels a little bit of athlete, a little bit of pop star, and maybe some secret superhero energy. Super tight or a little loose, these are always trendy, and they give you built-in, day-two waves after you take them out.
High Bubble Braid
Bubble braid ponytails say, “Normal isn’t for me,” with every segment. Just tie off sections down the length of your pony, then gently pull for that fun, cartoon-bubble effect. It’s the fastest trick for turning a basic ponytail into a TikTok-worthy, show-offy style, and it’s great for shorter hair too.
