20 Gorgeous Types of Braids for Every Occasion
Whether you call it a “braid” or a “plait,” it’s universally agreed that the weaved hairstyle is a sure way to add intrigue to your strands. The intricate patterns and ornate designs transform your tresses from a final touch to the focal point of your look. Whether you’re looking for a protective hairstyle, a casual look for work, or a sophisticated updo for a black-tie event, there are so many different types of braids to satisfy your needs.
Whether you’re ready to embark on a DIY journey or have a salon appointment booked, we’re here to give you some inspo. We’ve rounded up 20 types of braids, along with celebrity inspiration, and detailed instructions on how to achieve them.
Three-Strand Braid
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The three-strand braid is likely what you picture when you think of the braid. It’s the hairstyle at its most basic—this braid walks so other variations can run. You can achieve the braid by sectioning your hair into three portions. Next, cross the left strand over the middle to make it the new middle. Then, take the right strand and cross it over the middle, once again creating a new middle. Repeat this process until you run out of hair and secure with a hair tie or ribbon. You can keep it centered and behind you or angled to the side, like Emily Ratajkowski has here. The model pulled out some face-framing tendrils for a softer look.
French Curl Braids
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Ah, the French curl braid—2024’s ‘It’ style. The playful, bouncy look is achieved by parting the hair into small sections, adding loose, pre-curled braiding hair to the root, and partially plaiting them, leaving voluminous curls cascading down. The style allows for body without the heat or maintenance.
Goddess Braids
Also known as bohemian braids, the ethereal goddess style optimizes volume and texture. They’re achieved by plaiting traditional three-strand braids with curly pieces of hair added throughout the middle and end of each braid.
French Braid
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Take the three-strand braid up in sophistication with a French braid. Start with a small portion of hair from the top of the head and split it into three sections. Follow the same process as the three-strand braid, except each time you cross over, add a small piece of hair from the respective side your crossing over from. The result is an elegant ‘do that weaves your locks from top to bottom.
Dutch Braid
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Now, to top off the classic braid trifecta is the Dutch braid. The good news about this variation is once you know how to French braid, you basically know how to Dutch braid. The style follows the same process, except instead of crossing strands over one another, you cross under. The result is an intricate plait that appears like it’s popping out from the head. Here, Kim Kardashian has opted for Dutch braid pigtails.
Fishtail Braid
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The fishtail braid immediately pulls intrigue, and it’s surprisingly easy. The ornate hairstyle is achieved by splitting the hair into two portions. Next, pull a small section from the outermost right side and cross it over to the innermost left side and vice versa. Continue the process until you reach the end of your tresses, giving way to an intricate, symmetrical design.
Box Braids
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Box braids are a free-flowing braid style loved by many for their protectiveness and versatility. They are completed by securing hair extensions at the root of the natural hair with a knot and braiding down. You can easily zhuzh up the look by adding beads, lace, and extensions of different lengths and colors. The possibilities are endless, as the braids can be worn down or in various updos, like this half-up, half-down on Gabrielle Union.
Knotless Braids
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Similar to box braids, knotless braids are small braids with extensions. However, unlike box braids, and as the name suggests, the extensions are not secured with a knot. Instead, they are created with the feed-in method, meaning extensions are added to the natural hair as it’s braided. These long, dainty plaits also lend themselves to a range of styles.
Micro Braids
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Talk about endless options—micro braids can be styled in just about any hairstyle. Here, the angelic Zoë Kravitz went with a romantic updo with face-framing bangs. The protective style consists of tiny portions of hair plaited close to the scalp for a delicate look.
Four-Strand Braid
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The four-strand braid is where things start to get a little bit complicated, but the outcome is so worth it. Just look at Olivia Palermo’s long, luscious plait. To start, divide the hair into four equal portions. Next, take the farthest right strand and cross it over one strand to the left. Then, take the farthest left strand and cross it over both middle strands. Repeat until you reach the end of the hair.
5-Strand Braid
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If you can do a four-strand braid, what’s one more strand? The design doesn’t just produce elaborate friendship bracelets, but a stunning hairdo. Start with five equal sections and cross the outer left strand over the second strand and under the third strand. Do the same with the outer right strand and keep repeating. For some extra oomph, Blake Lively braided one of the five sections to add even more whimsy.
Waterfall Braid
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For those who take their half-up, half-down with some extra delicate interest, this one’s for you. The waterfall braid is like half of a French braid—allow me to explain. Start by sectioning the hair into three pieces and cross the top section over the middle. Except, instead of grabbing more hair, let this piece go. Cross the remaining two pieces over one another and grab a new piece of hair from the top of the head to restore the third strand. Keep repeating until you reach the back of the head. The hairband effect has some serious fairy vibes.
Cornrow Braids
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Cornrows are a classic protective braid style that take less time than box braids or micro braids. They’re achieved by dividing the hair into sections and braiding close to the head, all the way down. The design possibilities are vast, as it all depends on how the hair is parted. Here, the stunning Zendaya went with gorgeous, ultra-long cornrows going straight back.
Crown Braid
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For a regal air, try a crown braid. While the style is fit for royalty, it’s actually quite unfussy, easily achieved by wrapping two side braids around your head and securing it with bobby pins.
Milkmaid Braid
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Similar to the crown braid, the milkmaid braid is also achieved by wrapping and securing two side braids to your head. However, the braids are positioned farther back from the head as if they’re a headband. The small adjustment quickly takes you from The Crown to The Sounds of Music.
Halo Braid
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Here to round out the braid updos is the halo braid. The graceful, airy style is basically a milkmaid braid but with two Dutch braids for extra dimension. On Ciara, is turns hair from a final touch to the main attraction.
Rope Braid
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The rope braid might just be the easiest plait on this list, but it packs double the punch. After you’re done with the elegant ‘do, you can let your tresses loose into beachy waves. But, first things first, divide your hair into two portions and twist each into tight spirals. From there, twist them around each other and secure with a rubber band. The rope braid turned Anya Taylor-Joy into a modern-day Rapunzel.
Pigtail Braids
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On Bella Hadid, this school-girl classic grows up. The model turned the cutesy style edgy by braiding two, slicked-back ponytails. Although she opted for regular three-strand braids, you can switch things up with any braid variation.
Ponytail Braid
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The three-strand braid goes from casual to glamorous by simply starting with a ponytail. This additional step gives the braid more height, power, and drama for a stunning look, like on Beyoncé.
Bubble Braid
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Hair is supposed to be fun—so it’s no surprise bubble braids are pop musician Griff’s signature look. Plus, they actually require no braiding at all. This lively, uncomplicated style starts with a ponytail. From there, add more hair ties every few inches and pull the hair outwards for a robust, bubble effect.
