25 Stylish Braid Hairstyles You’ll Want to Try

Braids offer endless versatility for any occasion, from casual days to formal events.

These woven styles not only look stunning but also protect your hair while keeping it controlled throughout the day.

With so many braiding techniques available, you can express your personal style while maintaining healthy hair.

Braids work beautifully across hair textures, lengths, and colors. Ready to elevate your hair game?

Explore these 25 gorgeous braided styles that will transform your look and turn heads wherever you go.

1: Classic French Braid

The timeless French braid creates an elegant silhouette by incorporating hair from both sides as you work down the head. This versatile style works for any occasion.

Begin at your crown and gather three small sections. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left over the middle, adding hair to each section as you go.

Secure with a small elastic and gently tug at the edges for added volume and a more relaxed finish.

2: Bohemian Fishtail Braid

The intricate-looking fishtail braid creates beautiful texture with its distinctive herringbone pattern. This boho-inspired style adds instant romance to any outfit.

Divide your hair into two large sections. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to join the inside of the opposite section. Repeat alternating sides.

Pull gently at the edges once finished for an effortlessly undone look that appears more complex than it actually is.

3: Crown Braid Up-do

Channel your inner royalty with this regal style that wraps around your head like a crown. This elegant option keeps hair completely secured away from your face.

Create a deep side part, then begin Dutch braiding (crossing strands under rather than over) along your hairline. Continue around your entire head, incorporating all hair.

Tuck the ends underneath and secure with pins for a polished finish perfect for special occasions or summer heat.

4: Half-Up Box Braids

Combine the protection of box braids with the versatility of a half-up style. This trendy look offers the best of both worlds—security and styling options.

Install medium or small box braids throughout your entire head. Gather the top section from temple to temple and secure with a scrunchie or decorative elastic.

Leave the remaining braids flowing down for a style that transitions perfectly from day to evening events.

5: Dutch Braid Pigtails

These inside-out braids create a three-dimensional effect that stands out beautifully against your head. The playful double style offers sophisticated whimsy.

Part your hair down the middle and create a Dutch braid on each side, crossing strands under rather than over to create the raised effect. Secure each with clear elastics.

Gently tug at the edges of the braids to add volume and create that perfectly imperfect finish that’s currently trending.

6: Waterfall Braid

This romantic style creates the illusion of hair cascading like a waterfall around your head. The technique allows some hair to “fall” through the braid for a stunning effect.

Begin a French braid at your temple, but each time you cross a section, drop one strand and pick up a new one from the remaining hair. Continue around your desired area.

Finish with loose waves in the “waterfall” sections for a dreamy, ethereal look perfect for special occasions.

7: Rope Twist Braid

This deceptively simple technique creates an elegant twisted rope effect that looks more complex than it actually is. The style works beautifully for both casual and formal settings.

Divide a section of hair into two equal parts. Twist each section clockwise individually, then wrap them counterclockwise around each other to create the rope effect.

Secure with a small elastic and finish with hairspray for a polished braid that stays put all day.

8: Side-Swept Mermaid Braid

This dramatic style combines a deep side part with a voluminous diagonal braid. The technique creates a romantic, asymmetrical look perfect for special occasions.

Create a deep side part and begin a French or Dutch braid from the fuller side, working diagonally across the back of your head. Incorporate all hair as you go.

Finish by securing with a decorative clip or floral accessory for a whimsical touch that enhances the fairytale vibe.

9: Milkmaid Braids

This timeless style wraps braids around your head for a sweet, pastoral look. The technique creates a crown-like effect that keeps hair completely off your neck.

Divide your hair into two equal sections and create a standard three-strand braid with each. Wrap the braids around your head, crossing at the front or back.

Secure with bobby pins and gently tug at the edges for a softer, lived-in finish that prevents the style from looking too juvenile.

10: Four-Strand Braid

Take your braiding skills to the next level with this intricate-looking technique. The four-strand approach creates a thicker, more complex pattern than standard braids.

Divide your section into four equal strands and number them 1-4 from left to right. Cross strand 4 under strand 3, then over strand 2. Next, cross strand 1 over strand 2.

Continue this pattern for a dimensional braid that stands out from the crowd and showcases your styling prowess.

11: Pull-Through Braid

Despite its intricate appearance, this style isn’t technically a braid at all. The technique uses ponytails and pulling to create a voluminous, braided effect.

Create a half-up ponytail and secure with an elastic. Split this ponytail in half and create another ponytail beneath it.

Pull the second ponytail up through the divided first ponytail.

Continue this process down the length of your hair for a dramatic style that looks complex but takes just minutes to create.

12: Braided Space Buns

Combine the playfulness of space buns with the security of braids for this fun, festival-ready style. The technique creates a structured yet whimsical look.

Part your hair down the middle and create a three-strand braid on each side. Wrap each braid around itself to form a bun at the desired height on each side.

Secure with bobby pins and gently tug at the edges of the braids and buns for added volume and a more relaxed finish.

13: Lace Braid Headband

This delicate technique creates the illusion of a braided headband using your own hair.

The style frames your face beautifully while keeping strands off your forehead.

Begin a French braid at your part, incorporating hair only from the hairline side as you work around the front of your head. Continue until you reach the opposite ear.

Secure with bobby pins hidden beneath the remaining hair for an elegant style that works for both casual days and special events.

14: Reverse Fishtail Braid

This inside-out variation of the traditional fishtail creates a raised, three-dimensional effect.

The technique adds unexpected texture and visual interest to the classic style.

Divide your hair into two sections and begin fishtailing by crossing small sections under rather than over each side. The under-crossing creates the raised effect.

Secure with a clear elastic and gently tug at the edges for a more volumized, lived-in finish that showcases the intricate pattern.

15: Bubble Braid

This playful style combines the security of a ponytail with the visual interest of a braid. The technique creates a fun, segmented look perfect for casual days.

Create a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Place another elastic 1-2 inches down, then gently tug at the hair between elastics to create a “bubble.”

Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles down the length of your ponytail for a quick yet eye-catching style that’s perfect for the gym or casual outings.

16: Halo Braid

This angelic style wraps around your entire head for a sleek, sophisticated look. The technique keeps all hair secured away from your face and neck.

Begin a Dutch braid at the nape of your neck, working upward and around your head.

Continue incorporating all hair until you complete the circle back at the starting point.

Secure the ends with bobby pins tucked underneath the braid for an elegant style that’s perfect for formal events or hot summer days.

17: Cornrow Braids

These flat braids lie close to the scalp, creating sleek lines and patterns. The technique offers both protection and style for various hair textures.

Section your hair according to your desired pattern. Begin each braid at the hairline, working Dutch-braid style toward the nape or however long you want the cornrows.

Secure the ends with small clear elastics or allow them to flow into loose hair for a style that can last for weeks with proper care.

18: Infinity Braid

This distinctive style creates a figure-eight pattern that resembles the infinity symbol. The technique adds unexpected visual interest to a standard braid.

Begin with a small section at your crown. Create a small loop with the left strand, then thread the right strand through and around it to create the infinity shape.

Continue this pattern down the length of your hair for a conversation-starting style that showcases your braiding expertise.

19: Braided Bangs

Keep fringe off your face with this practical yet stylish technique. The method works beautifully for growing out bangs or for hot summer days.

Take your bangs or front sections and create a small Dutch or French braid along your hairline. Continue braiding until you reach your ear or desired endpoint.

Secure with a small clear elastic or bobby pins for a face-framing style that highlights your features while keeping hair out of your eyes.

20: Stacked Braid

This dimensional style creates the illusion of multiple braids stacked on top of each other.

The technique adds unexpected volume and texture to a standard three-strand braid.

Begin a regular three-strand braid, then gently pull at the center of each segment to create a stacked effect. Continue braiding and pulling for the entire length.

Secure with a clear elastic and set with hairspray for a dramatic style that makes fine hair appear much thicker and more voluminous.

21: Five-Strand Braid

Take your braiding skills to expert level with this complex technique.

The five-strand approach creates an intricate, eye-catching pattern that stands out from typical braids.

Divide your section into five equal strands. Number them 1-5 from left to right. Bring strand 2 under strand 3, then bring strand 5 over strand 4 and under strand 3.

Continue this pattern down the length of your hair for an impressive style that showcases your advanced braiding abilities.

22: Lattice Braid

This architectural style creates a woven, lattice-like pattern across the back of your head. The technique offers a unique alternative to standard braiding methods.

Create multiple braids in parallel rows across the back of your head. Loosen slightly, then weave them together in an over-under pattern like a lattice pie crust.

Secure with bobby pins at the intersection points for a conversation-starting style that works beautifully for special occasions.

23: Dragon Scale Braid

This advanced technique creates a textured, scale-like pattern reminiscent of dragon scales. The method adds unexpected dimension and visual interest to your style.

Begin with a ponytail sectioned into multiple small segments. Braid each segment, then pinch and flatten portions of each braid to create the scale effect.

Arrange the scaled braids around the ponytail base, securing with bobby pins for a fantasy-inspired style perfect for costume events or creative expression.

24: Macramé Braid

Inspired by the knotting art of macramé, this technique creates intricate knot patterns rather than traditional braiding. The style offers unique texture and visual interest.

Divide your section into four strands. Create a series of square knots by bringing the outer strands into the center in an alternating pattern.

Continue this knotting technique down the length of your hair for an artisanal style that showcases your creativity and attention to detail.

25: Twisted Crown Braid

This elegant style combines the simplicity of twists with the sophistication of a crown braid. The technique creates a romantic look perfect for special occasions.

Divide your hair down the middle and twist each section away from your face. Wrap the twists around your head, crossing at the nape and pinning in place.

Add small flowers or decorative pins for a wedding-worthy style that keeps hair secure while creating a soft, feminine frame for your face.

Conclusion

From simple three-strand braids to complex five-strand creations, these 25 styles will revolutionize your hair game.

Master a few key techniques and you’ll never have a bad hair day again!