When it comes to finding the dream hairstyle, I'm not that hard to please. All I want is a look that works for every occasion and any time of the year, doesn’t require heat styling, and is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and versatile—is that so much to ask?! A tall order, yes, but thanks to braided hairstyles, not impossible. Braids check all the boxes, which is why they’re a classic go-to style for any situation. And if you wear braids all the time (don’t blame you) and need some new ideas, you're about to be hella inspired by these cute looks.
Keep scrolling to find the 43 prettiest braided styles of all damn time. And whether you can give yourself box braids or you're currently googling “how to braid,” we've got styles below for every skill level, so prepare to start screenshotting your faves.
1. Braided chignon
What do you get when you take a classic updo hairstyle and throw a French braid in it? This gorge hairstyle that's worthy of a bridal updo. Roll up the tail, tuck it underneath, then cover it with a large cuff hair barrette.
2. Jumbo braids
Looking for a low-maintenance but high-impact hairstyle? These jumbo braids won’t take forever to get, but you’ll get compliments for days.
3. Braids with pearl accents
This is how you make pearls look cool. Like a deconstructed pearl necklace, these gemstone accessories attached to each braid are such a stunning way to wear jewelry (one of 2021’s biggest jewelry trends, might I add) in your hair.
4. Colorful braided bun
Adding a small pop of color can make the biggest difference (see above). Start by stacking two ponytails, then wrapping colorful ribbons (like what you would use for a hair bow) around the base of the ponytails. Then, braid the ribbon into the hair down to the ends and wrap the braids around each other to create an intricate bun like this.
5. Long braids with curly ends
One way to get bouncy curled ends like these is with your trusty flexi rods. Wrap ‘em up and dip them in hot water to set the shape and add a little something special to your extra-long braids.
6. Fishtail crown
Here’s the trick to an effortless, messy fishtail braid that actually stays in place: Braid it tight and smooth and secure it first, then muss it up and pull it apart.
7. Small braided buns
Who knew a quick little twist of your braids into two small buns could make such a big difference? If your braids are long, leave a few inches of the braids down to adjust the size of your bun hairstyle.
8. Blonde braids
Hot tip: Blonde braiding hair is one of the best ways to try a new hair color without all the damage that comes with bleaching your hair.
9. Braided headband
What’s even better than a bold headband? A braided one. Use some braiding hair to create a few braids of varying widths, then wrap each strand around your head to pull your hair back.
10. Braid with middle part
Middle hair parts, so hot right now. To help maintain your part, slick it down with a whole lotta hairspray or hair gel and a boar bristle brush for a slick, flyaway-free finish like this.
4 Tools That'll Make Braiding Easier
Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush
Scalpmaster Nano Rat Tail Comb
Denman D81S Small Hair Brush with Soft Nylon Quill Boar Bristles
11. Slightly braided pony
To build up texture and body in your hair, start by adding some grit with a little texturizing powder or texture spray. This will help your loose braid stay in place with just a few decorative bobby pins.
12. Micro braids
Eight hours sitting in a chair sounds pretty daunting, but these stunning micro braids are pretty tempting, right? I’d say worth all the time spent.
13. Ponytail box braids
These jumbo box braids look just as good worn down your back as they do pulled back in a high ponytail, like the look shown here. What's not to love about a versatile hairstyle?
14. Braided half-bun
When you can’t decide whether to wear your braids up or down, meet in the middle with a half-bun hairstyle.
15. Twisted braided tails
Press play on this IG because this is one of those hairstyles that deserves to be seen from all angles. If you want to copy it, start with a zig-zag part down the back, then tie your hair into two low ponytails. Braid the tails down to the ends, then cross and wrap them around your head.
16. Double braided ponytail
A braid so nice, they did it twice. Instead of opting for one big ponytail braid, change it up and split it in two. Because, duh, two is always better than one.
17. Pigtail braids
Instead of braiding your hair all the way down to the ends, stop halfway for a look that’s part pigtails, part braids.
18. Side braid and headband
Sometimes a simple three-strand braid is the best hairstyle for a not-so-simple hair accessory, like this studded padded headband.
19. Braids with beads
Not only are your options endless with braids, but you can also customize them even further with a few beads. The white beads shown here are the perfect addition to these mid-length braids.
20. Double braided buns
If you like the look of a thicker, fuller braid, go with Ghana braids. Choose to wear them down or wear them braided into two buns like this cute style.
21. Box braids
Box braids are always a good go-to protective style if you've got the time (you can always go with jumbo braids to make the process a little faster) and there's lots of room for customizing the look exactly how you want it. Take, for instance, the style shown here, which features a few different shades.
22. Half-up braided hairstyle
If you're looking for a cute way to style your box braids, aside from wearing them down in all their glory, pull some back. Leave a few braids down around the face, then gather half of the braids up to the very top of your head and tie them in a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
23. Braided ponytail
This show-stopping ponytail is made even better by the silky shine all the way down to the ends. Use some hair oil or a touch of serum to smooth it all down.
24. Two-tone braids
Braids are a really easy way to try out a bright, bold hair color without needing temporary hair dye. As you braid, just weave in some hair extensions in whatever shade you want for a little bit of color.
25. Baby braids
Trust me: If you can do a three-strand braid, you can pull off this look with zero problems. IMO, hair tendrils around the face are here to stay forever and this braided version is a nice little twist on the look.
26. Fulani braids
One of the best parts about braided hairstyles is the never-ending options for how to wear them. Case in point: these half-up Fulani braids, which is just one gorgeous example of how to style this braided look.
27. French braids
Here's an idea: Wear your French braids tight and down your back, or muss them up and pull out your bangs and a few pieces for a beachy braided look, like the one shown here.
28. Dramatic braided ponytail
Not your average three-strand braid, this ponytail braid stands out from the rest, thanks to the perfectly laid edges, dramatic length, and the blink-and-you'll-miss-it tiny braided detail wrapped around the base of the pony.
4 Styling Tools You Need for a High Ponytail
Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush
Curls Ultimate Styling Collection B N Control Curl Sculpting Gel
Diane D6801 Ponytail Hooks 5-pack
Kim Kimble Premium Styling Hairspray
29. Cropped braided ponytail
This braided side ponytail hits that sweet spot of being a '90s-inspired hairstyle and a cool, modern look. Go with a style like this when you want a bit of both.
30. Knotless braids
If you love the look of box braids but not the feel, go with knotless box braids for a similar effect but with less tension on the scalp.
31. Fishtail braid
Once you've figured out how to fishtail braid, incorporate it into all your favorite hairstyles or just wear it simple and down your back like the one shown here.
32. Cornrow braids
Another extremely versatile braided hairstyle, cornrows can be worn a million different ways, but the example shown here features straight-back braids of equal widths.
33. Long pigtail braids
Say it with me: Simple is not boring. Styling the hair tight and slicked to the head gives this braided pigtail hairstyle a sleek finish that doesn't read too young.
34. Braided bob
Everything about this braided bob feels cool and classic. Experiment with different parts, lengths, angles, and accessories to give your bob a totally different feel each time.
35. Pierced braids
Piercing your ears? Kind of a commitment. Piercing your braids, though?! A genius way to get the feel of stacked jewelry without all the fuss. Looping a few metal hoops through your braids instantly ups the edge factor.
36. Braided braids
"Braided braids" sounds redundant, but once you get a look at this style, you'll see what I mean. One quick way to temporarily switch-up your braids is with larger three-strand braids all over, like the ones shown here.
37. Crown braid
One classic braid choice for longer hair is the crown braid. You can achieve the look by Dutch braiding the hair around your head (like the look shown here), or for an easier version, you can fishtail or three-strand braid your hair and wrap the tail around your head.
38. Braided bun
Even if your hair wasn't originally styled into a braided bun, you can still create the look with box braids by wrapping your braids into a bun yourself. Whether you decide to leave a braid or two down to frame your face is up to you.
39. Cornrows into a ponytail
Instead of wearing your cornrows all the way down your head, stop them halfway and gather the rest into a braided curly ponytail. Add extensions if you want a little extra length, because why not?!
40. Infinity braid
Picture an infinity symbol. Now, imagine creating that figure-8 shape with your hair and you've got yourself an infinity braid. Just like this look, infinity braids are kinda similar to fishtail braids, only with a tighter, more polished finish.
41. Embellished braids
Sometimes all your braided hairstyle needs is a little color. Grab some string or thread in whatever shade you want (and a crochet tool for extra precision) and weave or wrap the string around and across your braids in the pattern of your choice.
42. Side braids
These side braids (sometimes called Lemonade braids) are the perfect summer hairstyle for when you want to keep your hair off your neck. But TBH, they look just as good any time of the year.
43. Boho braids
Boho braids are all about keeping the look organic, easy, and not too perfect. Instead of braiding all the way down to the ends, leave some braids undone at varying lengths for a really effortless, easygoing vibe.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
