Long locks are made for braiding. From chic updos to boho plaits, braided hairstyles take long hair from bland to bold. Braiding looks beautiful on all hair colors and textures and allows for endless styling creativity. Keep up with the latest trending braided hairstyles for long hair and beyond.
Braided hairdos minimize tangling, breakage, and split ends by weaving strands into intricate patterns. Braiding long hair can be meditative and fun, too! Explore endless possibilities, from basic three-strand plaits to waterfall braids, French braids, chunky braids, and gorgeous updo variations of braided hairstyles.
Basic Braided Hairstyles
Mastering basic braid techniques paves the way for more elaborate braided updo styles. Once you get the hang of neatly weaving three equal strands or dimpling hair to create braided buns and chignons, add beads, ribbons, and jewels for extra flair.
These fundamental braids teach muscle memory for intricate updos, halo braids, plaited buns, knot braids, and French braid variations ahead. Master basic techniques first before advancing.
Braided Updo Hairdos
Braided updos transform braids into elegant hairstyles. Braids become red carpet-ready by sweeping long braided hair into chic buns, chignons, and knots. The neat finish keeps hair off the face while showing gorgeous braiding handiwork.
Updo basics like ponytails can also be excited by braiding the length first. Braided updos add flair and polish to any outfit for polite events or big nights out. Mix chunky, knotted, coiled, or netted braids into countless chic permutations.
French & Dutch Braid Hairdos
French and Dutch braids impart European sophistication. French and Dutch braids add intriguing dimension by crossing strands over or under as you plait. Work neatly with small, uniform sections for clean diagonal lines. Or braid loosely with thicker strands for intentionally messy, romantic allure.
Milkmaid Braid Hairstyles
Quaint milkmaid braids recall old-world charm. These sweet braided styles involve two braids drawn neatly back from the temples. They meet at the nape to create a chic-tied finish. Milkmaid braids keep long hair off the face while adding feminine charm.
Milkmaid braids exude storybook beauty and innocence. For event dressing, intertwine ribbons down the back of the double plaits. Or accessorize with dainty hair clips and pins. This nostalgic hairstyle is having a major comeback.
Halo Braided Hairdos
Blessed be the halo braid! This angelic style delicately traces the hairline with slender woven strands. Braiding a subtle crown accentuates the face radiantly. Halo braids also work with intricate fishtails, waterfalls, and lace stitching. The key is keeping braids uniform and snug to the head.
Halo braids encapsulate ethereal beauty and charm. Style with loose cascading locks or messy buns and ponytails. This flattering frame softens features and adds delicate detail.
Waterfall Braided Styles
The whimsical waterfall braid creates rippled tresses as strands fall loose from the plait. This flowing braid effect works beautifully as an accent. Create single waterfall braids to accent cascading blowouts or updos. Or double them up symmetrically across the head in crowned halo styles.
Let waterfall braids enhance soft hairstyles with their tumbling, fluid shapes. The unraveling strands create natural-looking fullness, too. Have fun accenting loose waves and romantically undone texture with this ethereal plait.
Inside-Out Braided Hairdos
The inside-out braid lends everyday hairdos an element of surprise. These hidden reverse braids expose the seam side outward rather than hiding it inside. Inside-out plaits create unusual ridges and texture. Integrate them as accents by leaving ends loose. Or fold into intricate buns and chignons to display prominently.
Inside-out braids demonstrate great skill and intricacy. Let these unorthodox plaits take center stage among cascading locks or shiny ponytails for exotic allure. This unexpected touch is intriguing.
Pull-Through Braided styles
The innovative pull-through braiding technique crafts chunky plaits minus the strain. Divide hair into a temporary basic plait, then gently tug on the strands. This fans the hair into an airy, crisscrossed shape. Add or loosen strands and retry for customized widths.
Pull-through braiding creates fashionably imperfect and romantic allure faster than regular braiding. Have fun bouncing these light yet substantial plaits in ponytails, leaving them loose with beachy waves or smoothing blowouts.
Fishtail Braided Styles
Of all intricate braids, fishtail plaits intrigue with their cool herringbone shape. Fishtailing involves gently pinching alternating strands and then sliding them under the opposite side to interlink. The smooth, angled texture exudes mermaid vibes. Accent loose hair with single plaits or neatly fishtail entire heads.