33 Easy Braided Hairstyles That Make a Stylish Statement (2024)

Simple, stylish, and protective, easy braided hairstyles come with a host of benefits for your lengths. Weaving one’s lengths into plaits helps to get the hair off the face while elevating any look. Simply put: Braids can transform a bad hair day into a standout one.

“Two of my most often used and favorite reasons for braiding are to protect the hair from heat or to create soft, natural, wavy texture in the hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun, a favorite of the likes of Hunter Schafer and Nicola Peltz Beckham. Hairstylist Tippi Shorter agrees with the notion of protection, particularly when it comes to Black hair and longer-wear styles like box braids, knotless braids, and cornrows. “Braids allow hair to take a break during super hot or super cold months that could wreak havoc on already dry strands,” she says.

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Therein lies the beauty of a quick ditch braided style: cool and multipurpose, braids preserve the integrity of your lengths while leveling up your aesthetic. Whether your braid inclinations lean bohemian, Renaissance-inspired, Y2K, or somewhere in between, these 30 styles will help you to entwine some chic new vibes with your everyday looks.

Meet the expert

Rena Calhoun is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Hunter Schafer and Nicola Peltz Beckham.
Tippi Shorter is a hairstylist and global artistic director for Mizani.

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French Braid Updo

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No matter your length or texture, a classic French braid is a timeless and chic staple. Start the style higher than you’d expect, layering sections taut or loose depending on your desired results. Spritz with hairspray and enjoy—and get ready for some dreamy second-day waves!

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Braided Bun

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For an updo that feels truly timeless, try a braided bun. Try two reverse French braids that culminate in a pinned-in-place knot for a regal and romantic look.

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Tri-Braid Ponytail

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The only thing better than one braided ponytail? Three! Section your sleek midi ponytail into three separate braids for some extra texture. Secure with clear elastics for a more seamless look.

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Boho Box Braids

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This style (a Zoë Kravitz go-to!) may skew more intricate thaneasy, but box braids (in all of their decorative iterations) provide protection, added length, andeaseof styling as they're woven. Do your research and find a stylist you trust to reshape your mane.

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Fishtail Plate

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Your low ponytail is transformed into a whimsical statement with a fishtail braid. This method of plaiting is a bit more complicated than your standard three-pronged approach: Split your ponytail into two sections, then alternate moving small portions from one side to the other. The keyword with this style is patience.

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Frame Braids

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If you want to wear your hair down, but off the face, try two small braids. Start at the front of your middle part, creating small to medium-sized braids on each side. Pin them neatly back, and you’re ready to step out.

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Branded Braid

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Another reason to save your branded ribbons: they double as stylish hair accessories. Hair wound into an easy plait and finished with a designer tie communicates a cheeky insouciance.

Beribboned Braids

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A duo of braids may feel childish initially, but look again and you’ll find that the style is timeless and cool—particularly when each plait is finished in a black bow. Channel the runways of Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang and embrace the ribbon.

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Braided Midi Ponytail

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Trade the sleek midi knot for a braided iteration. Slick hair into a ponytail positioned at the middle of your head before braiding to the very end and finishing with a diminutive elastic.

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Braided High-Slung Ponytail

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Wound into one braid or two, a plaited high ponytail feels at once ‘80s retro and Y2K futuristic. As with the pictured style, try leaving the initial ponytail relatively relaxed, providing a nice balance to the tightly-woven braids

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Plaited Pigtails

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Plaited pigtails provide just the right amount of playful. Part hair at the center before binding in classic front pigtails, those secured behind or just above the ear. Next, braid away!

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Milkmaid Braid

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There’s something so sweet about a milkmaid braid. Simply braid hair into two loose reverse French braids, placing and pinning the tails into place at the nape of the neck. Loosened strands further this style’s innate romanticism.

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Multi Braid Pigtails

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Another set of braided pigtails, these worn high and segmented. A duet of super-sleek high ponytails becomes even cooler when parsed into two braids each.

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Multi Plait Pony

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Dress up your high, tight ponytail by dividing it into a spray of braids. This approach centers on a main braid that's surrounded by plaits of various sizes, all bound in clear elastics.

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Beachy Braids

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You don’t have to be blonde to carry-off this classic style. Two braids with no stray strands (save for some flyaways) skew surf and beach-ready, even if you’re destination is within city limits.

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Knotless Braids

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A variation of box braids, knotless braids begin using only your natural hair before giving way to extensions. The method helps toeasytension on the scalp, further protecting the integrity of your texture while maximizing the impact of your selected style.

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Reverse French Braids

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For a style that makes a statement, try the reverse French braid. The braids are woven in the opposite direction one would intuit (under rather than over), resulting in braids that sit atop the scalp. Use a styling cream and wind tightly for a sleek take on the plait.

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Decorative Detail

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A single, well-placed braid transforms even the easiest updo into something more memorable. Before you sweep lengths into the hug of a claw clip, add a tiny braid for extra flair.

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Low Braided Ponytail

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Similar to the previously mentioned fishtail, a low braid bound on both sides is a chic and simple choice. Plus, the updo is perfect for a rainy day—any potential frizz and flyaways may even seem purposeful.

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Straight-Back Cornrows

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A crown of cornrows ensures that hair is consistently stylized sans excess effort—save for the initial process, of course. The style protects natural hair from unnecessary breakage and can be executed in various stunning patterns.

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Y2K Clipped Baby Braids

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Channel the spirit of the new millennium with two baby braids accessorized with metal snap clips. Pro tip: leave a few strands loose to fall around the face for maximum throwback effect.

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Braids + Beanie

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Two braids plus a beanie equals the ultimate cool girl look, all minus any effort whatsoever. Simply style hair in two plaits and cover your crown with your cap of choice.

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Floral Braid

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A low braided ponytail provides the perfect canvas for those itching to get creative. Pin your plait with silk florets, pearls, small ribbons, or literally anything else for a quirky elevation of the signature style.

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Side-Swept Braids

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Easy waves become cooler when finished with woven details. Braid three small sections to one side of your part and secure with a single band for a side-swept style that has nothing to do with bangs.

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Braids on Braids

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Already the proud owner of a mane of baby braids? Braid your braids—and then braid them again! This tri-braided ponytail offers initial inspiration for the creations (and wealth of texture) possible.

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Interspersed Baby Braids

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Dress up loose lengths with some thoughtfully placed baby braids. Start with two to frame the face before adding a few more throughout for a subtle, eye-catching texture that lends to, rather than overrides, your look.

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High Braided Pigtails

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A set of high-slung braided pigtails becomes downright sophisticated when accessorized correctly. In this case, sleek and taut pigtails play well with a noir lip, making the style a fun choice for fall.

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Half-Plaited Pony

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A partial plait separates a standard ponytail from the pack. If you’re new to the braid game, try braiding the top section of your pony rather than the entire tail for an understated take.

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Updo Elevating Braids

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This braid-bedecked updo is for the subversive among us. Start with a midi knot (ends styled to spray), keeping the front section of your lengths parted and loose. Braid into two tight plaits styled to fall in your face and suddenly, your hair is the accessory.

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Braided Scarf

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Who says braids are down to lengths alone? Create a colorful and voluminous braided ponytail with the help of your favorite scarf. To style, secure the fabric into your ponytail before allowing it to stand-in as a section of hair.

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Braided Ribbon

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Same idea here, this one with long ribbon. Again, if it’s branded, all the better!

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Bubble Braids

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Bubbled hairstyles have been gaining favor in recent seasons. This interpretation imagines French braids as bubbles, achieved by sectioning hair into boxes and binding segments as you go.

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Chic Plaits

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And finally, an easy set of two braids is a natural go-to. Weave them loose or tight and be sure to pull strands from the style to fall around your face. Try not to restyle throughout the day—these braids tend to get even better as they fall out of form.