Braiding hair is a very old practice and one that continues to delight. There are just so many braid styles, many of which look stunning. If you’re new to braiding, many of them can be daunting – but others look more complicated than they really are!
We’ve collected five of our favorite braid styles that are impressive and can be done in five steps or less. With just a bit of practice, you’ll have a whole new level of style to rock that gorgeous hair of yours.
All five of these braids are super easy, but they require knowing how to French braid to complete. (Here’s how to French braid your hair – it’s also super easy!) Have fun!
1. Make Your Braid Pop with a Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid is a twist on the French braid. Rather than sitting nestled against your head, the Dutch braid creates a braid that pops from your head. It’s a modern, bold style that’s rather easy to create.
- Detangle your hair. Either finger-comb your hair or brush it until it’s smooth (if your hair is straight).
- Section off the front hair that runs between your forehead and your temples. This will pick up your bangs.
- Divide that section into three and braid it one stitch – but flip the side sections under the middle section (a normal braid goes over the middle section).
- With the next stitch, add hair from the outside of the braid but continue to flip them under the middle section.
- Once you’re past the nape of your neck, simply braid the remaining hair normally to complete the braid.
2. Look Polished with a Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is a sophisticated-looking hairdo that will fool everyone into thinking that you’re a braiding guru. This procedure creates an intricate, plated appearance that resembles delicate weaving reminiscent of fish scales.
- Detangle your hair and tie it into a ponytail at the bottom of your neck. Then, divide that ponytail into two sections.
- Start by picking up a thin section of hair from the outside of one section, then flip it over and add it to the inside of the opposite section of the divided ponytail. You can experiment with how much hair to pick up to create different “scale” sizes.
- Repeat step two from the opposite direction (the section you just fed into). Don’t pull it tight, but rather let it sit loosely.
- Repeat steps two and three until your whole braid is finished. Alternatively, you can switch to a regular braid further down to help it hold tighter. Secure the end with an elastic tie.
3. Crown Yourself with a Halo Braid
Braided crowns have a long history in fashion. They’re also extremely easy to do! Whereas the Fishtail braid works with thin hair, this braid style is perfect for ladies with thick, textured hair.
- Part your hair down the center and detangle it. Since you’ll need to tilt your head to do this one, decide which side you want to do first and clip or secure the other one.
- Dutch braid your hair like above starting at the nape of your neck. You’ll want to work in the direction of your temple, feeding your hair in such a way that it creates a gentle curve.
- Once you get to the top, continue Dutch braiding across your hairline. Go down the other side from the top. So, it should look like your braid goes in one direction around your head (because it does).
- Once you get to the other side, tuck your end under the original braid. Use bobby pins to keep it in place.
4. Rock Tradition with an Upside-Down French Braid
The upside-down French braid is a French braid that starts at the nape of your neck and ends with a ballerina bun at the top of your head. This is a refreshing twist on the classic hairstyle, which is unique, creative, and still super easy to pull off.
- Comb your hair over your head. It may be easier to lean over to do this.
- Grab the hair at the nape of your neck – try not to pick up any on the sides. Part this into three sections and start a braid.
- Feed hair into the braid as you move up along your head, just like in a French braid.
- When you get to your desired height, put your hair into a bun and secure it. Alternatively, finish braiding your hair normally, then wrap the loose end into a braided bun for a little extra intricacy.
5. Mesmerize With a Mermaid Braid
The mermaid braid is a complicated-looking style that resembles a mermaid’s tail. It’s actually a variation of the French braid, but you’ll leave more space between each strand that you feed into your braid. The mermaid braid is a versatile hairdo. Here’s a fantastic video showing how it’s done.
- Detangle and/or brush out your hair. Then, create a three-inch strip of hair that runs down the center of your head. Use clips to hold the rest of your hair down and out of the way for just a moment.
- Start a regular braid with the hair in the center strip.
- When you get to the top back of your head, begin feeding in small sections of hair from the front of your hair. This is the major difference between the mermaid and French braids – you aren’t picking up all of your hair at once.
- Continue down your back, always feeding from the front of your hair. Alternatively, you can stop at any point, leaving the remainder of your hair loose.
Enjoy Braid Styles for Every Occasion
There are so many different braid styles out there – but these are our favorite. Beautiful, impressive, and simple to do, you’re now equipped with killer braiding skills for every occasion. Enjoy!
Did you know that healthy hair is actually easier to braid? Help keep your hair healthy by being gentle with it. Use a hair towel and a satin pillowcase to keep it smooth, frizz-free, and beautiful.