Remember those days when you sported a simple ol’ three-strand braid to school! Now, everyone has a personalized version of the braid! From a French braid to braid twists, if you are baffled by the umpteen types of braids, let us simplify things for you. It can be a wedding or a business meeting, going to the gym or on a date, you can find a braid for every occasion. Braids are a protective hairstyle that shields your hair from damage. Also, on days when you have not washed your hair but suddenly have to go somewhere, braid hairstyles can be lifesaving. And you can pair it with literally any other hairstyle: ponytails, updos, twists, and loose hair. Not to mention, there is a braid for every mood – messy, neat, and everything in between. That is how versatile braids are! To help you navigate your way through this big world of braids, here is the complete guide to all the different braid styles, how to braid hair, and how you can try all these different styles out! Keep reading to know more!
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Discover our collection of different types of braids, from classic three-strands to intricate fishtail styles, perfect for any and every occasion!
This Viking braid is a complex yet beautiful braiding style. It’s intricate and enhances the look of a traditional waterfall braid. While you start off in this stunning braid, you can end this hairstyle with braiding hair styles like the Dutch, French, or three-strand braids.
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Much like crown braids, halo braids are also wrapped around the head. However, the braiding pattern is slightly different, as halo braids follow the Dutch braiding style rather than the French method. In French and regular braided hairstyles, the side sections of the braid go over the middle section. In the Dutch braid, the side sections of the braid go under the middle section. This makes the braid stand out rather than lay flat with the hair.
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The most basic of braids, the simple 3 strand braid is one of the most common braids for women that each one of us has grown up with. It’s also probably one of the first and easy braided hairstyles you learned to do all by yourself. This simple braid can be styled into an endless number of hairstyles by playing around with their sizing and textures.
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Now, here’s another classic braid that is a classic style around the world. The French braid is the most simple and chic way to keep your hair out of your face on a hot summer day. It also is the perfect hairstyle for work or school. It may take you a little bit of practice to get the hang of French braiding, but once you do, it will take you less than 3 minutes to do it perfectly. For a quick guide, here’s a simple French braid tutorial to help you master different French braiding styles. But, let’s first start with the basic steps.
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Fun Fact
French braids did not originate in France! The first depictions of rowed braids are over 6000 years old, found in rock art from the Tassili n’Ajjer mountain range in Algeria.
Perhaps the most intricate of braids, the fishtail or herringbone braid is a favorite when it comes to hairstyles for fancy occasions. This trendy braid involves delicately weaving thin sections of hair together to create a symmetrical effect that looks like the perfectly aligned scales on a fish’s tail. If you are wondering how to do a fishtail braid, it is all about mastering this precise technique to achieve that elegant look.
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Celebrity hairstylist Andrea Claire adds, “The base and structure of this braid is better if you can just jump right into the fishtail. As you get used to executing this braid, you can weave it without the ponytail. Remember, your goal is to avoid the initial tying off into a ponytail step.”
A Dutch braid is nothing but a French braid done in reverse. This braid look has some great dimension to it because of the way it sits on top of your hair. The Dutch braid can be incorporated in a half up style to give it a flirtatious vibe or styled with a bun to make it work appropriate.
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A 4 strand braid is a fun way to shake things up when you’re bored of the same old 3 strand braid. This cool twisted braid is a cute hairstyle that you can sport to class. The best part about the 4 strand braid is that at first glance it looks like a regular braid, and then makes people do a double take!
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When it comes to braiding, it doesn’t get easier than a rope twisted braid. Since it involves just twisting 2 sections of hair together, it takes about 2 minutes to perfect this adorable braid. The rope braid is perfect to be sported on days when you’re running late and have to be out of the door immediately.
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All you ladies with fine textured hair, listen up. Here’s a gorgeous braid that will make your hair look super voluminous. The pull through braid is an ultra trendy braid that involves tying your hair into a bunch of ponytails and pulling them through each other to create a braided effect.
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Quick Tip
The pull through braid is also referred to as the bubble braid. You can accessorize it with a broad satin ribbon bow to add to its cutesy appeal.
Reverse braid is exactly what its name suggests it to be. This quirky braid starts from the nape of your neck and goes up your head to create a stunning look for your bun. It can also be sported under a ponytail and is perfect for workouts and sports practice. It is one of the simple yet classy braided hairstyles for long hair.
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When it comes to stunningly beautiful hairstyles, nothing can beat the waterfall beauty. This delicate braid looks exactly the way you would imagine it – like a waterfall of hair on the side of your head. Because of its gorgeous and feminine vibe, waterfall braids are the perfect do to sport on a wedding or prom. If you are looking for a more complex and elegant variation, you can also go for the feathered or ladder braid.
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Classy, elegant and oh-so-sweet – milkmaid braids are the best hairstyle to wear if that’s the vibe you’re going for. Though this braid looks like you’ve taken ages to perfect it, it’s actually super simple to do and takes less than 5 minutes. Milkmaid braids are especially popular as a wedding hairstyle as they make anyone who sports them look like an absolute angel.
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Maria Aiello, a YouTuber, takes on the challenge of Dutch braiding her hair, sharing a beginner’s guide for her audience. She shares some tips with viewers, saying, “Just make sure that your hair is thoroughly combed out because you don’t want any knots. I am starting with wet hair. I just find it so much easier to braid (i).”
These twin braids on either side of the head radiate an innocent, youthful, and carefree spirit. You can style them in various ways, such as tying them with ribbons or wearing a hairband. Because of their playful vibe, they are perfect for occasions like a casual day out with friends, music festivals, and laid-back beach picnics.
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Popular cosmetologist and hairstylist, Laura Dale, also suggests a unique way to incorporate a scarf into a braid hairstyle. She states, “For a stylish twist, weave a scarf into a braid, then wrap the braid into a low bun. This adds texture, color, and a chic, effortless vibe while securing your style all day.”
Now that you have seen some amazing braiding styles, here are some tips to make sure your braids are on point always. Keep reading!
Before you begin braiding your locks, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Before braiding, you need to make sure your hair is clean and completely dry. Braiding damp hair may lead to breakage and dirty hair can cause build-up, making the process more difficult. Using a small amount of leave-in conditioner can help smooth your hair out and reduce frizz.
Tangles can make braiding difficult and messy, so be sure to detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb beforehand. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to avoid breakage.
Even sections are key to neat, professional-looking braids. Use a comb or your fingers to divide your hair into equal sections before braiding your locks. For more intricate styles like box braids or cornrows, use a rat-tail comb to create clean lines for precision.
Avoid weaving the braid too tightly as this can damage your hair and scalp. Tight braids can lead to discomfort and even hair loss over time, especially around your hairline. Hair specialist and stylist, Kate Ross, further opines, “When braiding, avoid pulling too tight, especially around your hairline. Too much tension can lead to breakage and even those pesky little bald spots. Instead, aim for a snug but gentle grip.”
Use small elastic bands that are gentle on your hair to keep your braids from unraveling. You can also apply a small amount of styling gel to the ends before securing them to ensure they stay in place without frizzing or coming loose. Another great tip by hair stylist, Kate Ross, is, “If you want your braids to last, wrap your hair in a silk scarf before bed. It reduces friction and keeps your braids staying in place and frizz-free.”
Throughout the braiding process, don’t forget to keep your hair moisturized, especially if you have dry hair. Use a lightweight oil to keep your hair hydrated.
Following these tips will make sure your hair looks pretty and stays protected as well.
There was a time when a simple three-strand braid was enough. Today, there are several fashionable braids you can experiment with – be it for work, a nice date, or on days when you are feeling lazy, we have got you covered. We have rounded up a comprehensive guide on the three most unique and stylish braids you can try at home. Check out the infographic below to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Braids are handy in protecting your hair from damage and sporting a new look for every occasion. From the 3-strand braid to milkmaid braids, the different types of braids discussed in this article look classy and are suitable for specific occasions, needs, and conditions. For example, French braids are ideal in summer as they keep the hair off the face. Similarly, fishtail braids are a perfect fit for fancy occasions. So, choose from the above list of numerous types of braids and amp up your look as per the demand of the occasion!
What are the four braids called?
The four types of braids are regular braid, fishtail braid, French braid, and Dutch braid.
Which braids last the longest?
African protective braid and twist styles, like cornrows, box and Goddess braids, last the longest. Since thin sections of hair are weaved into these braids and the ends are sealed with hot water, these braids last for 1-3 months.
What is a regular braid called?
A regular braid is commonly called a 3-strand braid as you weave the braid with your hair divided into three sections.
What are 2 braids called?
Two braids (one on each side of the head) are called pigtails or twin tails.
What are micro braids?
Micro braids, as the name suggests, are thin protective braids that are smaller than regular-sized cornrows, twists, and other African braids.
Name some other types of braids that can be created using multiple strands of hair?
Four-strand braid, five-strand braid, six-strand braid, seven-strand, eight-strand, nine-strand, and ten-strand braid are a few types of braids that can create looks ranging from simple and elegant to complex and striking.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Learn how to create 10 beautiful and easy braids for any occasion in this following video! From French braids to fishtails, become a pro at creating these hairstyles.
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Beginners Guide to Dutch braiding your own hair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0xwHfpLh90
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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker
Andrea Claire is a Canadian-licensed celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist with over 30 years of experience in advertising, beauty, and editorial portfolios. She has done campaigns for brands like L’Oreal Paris, Revlon, and Lancôme and editorials for Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Shape, and more.
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Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and Licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. She has graduated from Seminole State College of Florida, and has worked as a Global Education Director for beauty brands specializing in hair care. As a Beauty Editor, Laura is passionate about sharing her love for beauty products and hair tools.Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and Licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. She has graduated from Seminole State College of Florida, and has worked as a Global Education Director for beauty brands specializing in hair care. As a Beauty Editor, Laura is passionate about sharing her love for beauty products and hair tools.
Kate RossHairstylist Kate Ross has a diploma in Cosmetology and over 8 years of experience in styling. She specializes in innovative hair solutions, including extensions, human hair wigs, and toppers at Irresistible Me (a beauty company specializing in human hair extensions and wigs). Her approach combines artistry with practicality to create effortlessly beautiful looks tailored to every client’s needs.Kate Ross has a diploma in Cosmetology and over 8 years of experience in styling. She specializes in innovative hair solutions, including extensions, human hair wigs, and toppers at Irresistible Me (a beauty company specializing in human hair extensions and wigs). Her approach combines artistry with practicality to create effortlessly beautiful looks tailored to every client’s needs.
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
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Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.
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