13 DIY Braids and Braided Hairstyles - Lulus.com Fashion Blog (2024)

13 DIY Braids and Braided Hairstyles - Lulus.com Fashion Blog (1)

The verdict is in: Braids are in and we’ve studied style trends to find the most perfect plaits! This year is going to be all about elegant hair braid styles; it’s time to finally learn how to master those difficult weaves like the French braid or fishtail ponytail. These quick, simple, and easy braid hairstyles will elevate your entire look. Couple this with a glowy makeup look and you’ll be a show-stopper! As you’re shopping for formalwear or planning your next big event, try some of these hair braid ideas to pair with your next cute outfit!

What Are the Different Types of Braids for Hair?

There are dozens upon dozens of different braid styles, but here are a few of our picks for the hottest looks. Pick one of these trendy hair braid designs to learn how to do it!

French Braid
Dutch Braid
Fishtail Braid
Crown Braid
Waterfall Braid
Half-Up Easy Flower Braid
Double-Braided Ponytail
Headband/Halo Braid
Upside-Down Braid
Knotted Simple Braid
Cinnamon Bun Braid
Faux Undercut Braid
Four-Strand Braid
Other, More Difficult Braids

We’ve included the simplest and most popular types of braids with pictures to help you DIY them without help. Master these looks by watching braid tutorials or reading our instructions!

How Many Different Types of Braids Are There?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of braids! Right now, we’re focusing on the most common dozen or so braids: Hairstyles are likely to feature braids that put a unique spin on the classic style, including ones that are easy to turn into an up-do. But braids themselves, whether they be traditional weaves, box braids, or cornrows, date back thousands of years, plenty of time to develop many, many different types. In fact, some believe that the famous Venus of Willendorf even sports braids, and this statue dates back to 25,000 B.C.!

How to Braid Hair: 13 Step-By-Step Tutorials

Want to master the most popular simple braid styles? Here’s how to braid hair step by step in the coolest new fashions of the year. Become a master of these cute braided hairstyles in minutes!

Want to know how to make different braids step by step? We can help you master each of these different types of braids: YouTube tutorials and step-by-step instructions will make you a pro in no time! It’s easier than you think: These quick braid hairstyles for long hair are simple enough to do in minutes, and you won’t need your BFF to help you, either. Learn how to plait hair the easy way and rock the cute, casual, natural looks that will be hot this year!

French Braid

Learn how to French braid your own hair and it will open up a world of new style options! There are dozens of French braid hairstyles you can master once you have the basics down. Follow along with our French braid tutorial!

Length: Medium or long hair (doing one with short hair is possible but difficult)
Materials Needed: A hair tie, comb, and hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 15 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Emily Blunt
Looks Great With: French braids go with pretty much anything, but try pairing it with a soft sweater dress or knitwear.

How to Do a French Braid

(source: Luxy Hair)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Take some hair at the top of the head and separate into three equal sections.
Take the left section and cross it over the middle section.
Take the right section and cross it over the middle section (the section that used to be on the left).
Take the left section and cross it over the middle section. Continue this pattern down to the nape of the neck, pulling in more hair from the sides as you go.
Finish with a regular three-part braid.

Simple Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid, also sometimes called the inside-out braid, can be done either off to the side or down the center of the head.

What’s the difference between French braids and Dutch braids? In essence, a Dutch braid is the reverse of a French braid; rather than bringing sections over the middle one, you bring them under. It creates a gentler overall look. When learning how to Dutch braid your own hair, be sure you’re not accidentally falling back into doing a French one!

Length: Medium or long hair (doing it with short hair is possible but a little difficult)
Materials Needed: A hair tie, comb, bobby pins (if curling into a bun), and hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 15 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Hailey Baldwin
Looks Great With: This would match a simple winter dress or boho-style outfit.

How to Make a Dutch Braid

(Source: Pretty Hair is Fun)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Divide hair at the top of the head into three sections.
Begin braiding, but instead of crossing strands OVER the middle piece, cross UNDER.
After you have crossed under twice, take a section of hair from the side and add it into one of your strands. Cross this new section UNDER the middle strand.
Repeat on the next side, consistently crossing under the middle every time.
Keep braiding until you reach the bottom.
(Optional) Twist the bottom of the braid around itself into a bun and pin.

Get Fancier: You can also do a gorgeous braided up-do by doing two different Dutch braids on the sides of your head (a “double Dutch” braid). See how to do a D utch braid in that style here.

Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids are the hottest braided hairstyle! A lot of ladies don’t know how to do a fishtail braid, but it’s actually super-easy, and it looks amazing when you match it with formalwear.

Length: Medium or long hair
Materials Needed: A hair tie, comb, and hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 15 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Eleanor Tomlinson
Looks Great With: Try pairing it with lace!

How to Braid a Fishtail

(Source: Kayley Melissa)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Split your hair into two equal sections and pull a skinny strand of hair from the outside of the left section.
Cross it over and add it to the right section. Pull it tight.
Pull a new skinny strand from the outside of the right section.
Cross it over and add it to the hair of the left section. Pull it tight.
Repeat steps 1-4 until braid is complete.

Get Fancier: Cross a fishtail hairstyle with a French braid and you get the beautiful mermaid braid!

Messy Crown Braid

There are dozens of ways to d a crown braid, also sometimes called a halo braid with bangs. This way is kind of the “cheating” way, by simply folding over two simple braids. Crown braids and halo braids can also be done using a French style that picks up hair from around your head (see our “get fancier” section). Note that doing a proper crown braid is pretty advanced!

Length: Long hair
Materials Needed: Two hair ties (preferably clear elastics), comb, bobby pins (if curling into a bun), and lots of hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 15 minutes (versus 1 hour or more for more complicated halo braids)
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Sarah-Jessica Parker
Looks Great With: This look is great for formalwear, like if you’re going to be a wedding guest.

How to Do a Crown Braid

(Source: Sazan Hendrix)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Part hair down the middle and separate into two sections. Braid both sides traditionally as low as you can go and tie with small elastics.
Spread both braids apart with your fingers to make them bigger. Don’t worry about little strands falling out. Apply hairspray.
Grab a braid and pin it to the top of your head with bobby pins that match your hair. Use several to make it secure. Keep expanding the braid as you go. Repeat on the other side.
Remove elastics from bottoms of braids. Twist ends of braids together and add bobby pins to secure. Spray.
Pull and spread braids to achieve desired messiness.

Get Fancier: Is this cheating a little bit? Maybe. Do we feel bad? No. But if you want to learn how to do a full halo braid without cheating, go for it!

Waterfall Braid

\The waterfall is one of the most gorgeous side braid hairstyles, but it’s not too hard to do in the back, especially if you have a friend to help. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a formal look appear so much classier!

Length: Short, medium, or long hair
Materials Needed: A few bobby pins
How Long it Takes: < 25 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Jennifer Morrison
Looks Great With: This look is so versatile! It can pair with anything from a bridesmaid dress to a laid-back summer outfit.

How to Do a Waterfall Braid

(Source: Missy Sue)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Create a deep side part and pick up two sections of hair.
Cross the section of hair along your hairline over the other section, moving it away from your face.
Take a new section of hair from the top of your head, and let it fall on top of the section you just pulled away from your face.
Drop the section of your hair you just placed so it falls through your twist, creating a waterfall effect.
Take the bottom section of hair and pull it over the waterfall section. Then, take another section of hair from the top of your head to make another waterfall piece.
Let it fall through the other sections of hair.
Repeat the process until the waterfall braid is the desired length. You can do one or both sides of your head.
When you reach the end, braid the woven section of hair traditionally and secure with elastic. Secure the end with a bobby pin under an unbraided part of your hair.

Easy Flower Braid

There are dozens of ways to do braids going up into a bun, like the lace braid bun, which can be tricky to do by yourself. The flower braid is one of the easiest half-braided hairstyles you can do, and it’s a go-to when you’re looking for half-up braided hairstyles that will match any outfit with fairly little fuss. It’s a very youthful look; this is a cute braid for little girls, tweens, and teens, too!

Length: Medium or long hair
Materials Needed: Two hair ties (preferably clear elastics), comb, about a half-dozen bobby pins, and lots of hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 20 minutes
Looks Great With: Floral print dresses and floral hair can be super-cute!

How to Do a Simple Flower Braid

(Source: Annies Forget Me Knots)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Either braid or twist two small sections of hair, one from each side of your head, combine them into a small ponytail, and secure.
Braid the ponytail traditionally and secure. You can add more hair from the surrounding hair if the braid is too small.
Twist the braid into a circle on top of your head. Placing the end of your braid toward the center can help it look more full.
Secure twist with bobby pins.

Double Braid and Ponytail

There are lots of ways to pull off an easy high ponytail braid. This one looks great and is a cinch to do!

Length: Medium or long hair
Materials Needed: Three hair ties (or two hair ties and a more fashionable tie or clip), comb, dry shampoo, and hair spray for setting (optional)
How Long it Takes: < 15 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Ri h anna (who loves the butterfly look)
Looks Great With: This look is very boho chic. Also, a backless dress can really show off the length of your hair!

How to Do a Ponytail Side-Braid

(Source: The Freckled Fox)

Headband Braid

A headband braid is like the crown braid or halo braid, but it leaves fewer bangs. Our version is kind of like the opposite of our messy crown braid.

Length: Long hair
Materials Needed: Hair tie (preferably elastic), a half-dozen bobby pins, comb, and hair spray for setting (optional)
How Long it Takes: < 30 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Kate Bosworth
Looks Great With: Try showing off your long neck with a maxi dress when you have your hair in an up-do braid like this!

How to Do a Halo Braid

(Source: Pockets and Bows TV)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Separate hair down the middle into two equal parts.
Starting with the left side, take a handful of hair and separate into three pieces.
Follow the Dutch braid mantra of “left under, right under,” adding small sections of hair as you go.
Continue braiding around the hairline and secure on top of head.
On the right side, create a second Dutch braid (steps 2-4) and wrap around head on opposite side, meeting the first braid.
Wrap the end around the first braid and pin in place.

Get Fancier: There are many other ways to do headband braids for the more experienced weaver!

Under Braid

This look is so hot right now! The under braid or upside-down braid can have any number of braids going up the back of the neck to the top of your head. How do you do the upside-down braid? It’s as simpler as flipping over and doing either a simple or French-style braid.

Length: Short, medium, or long hair
Materials Needed: One or two hair ties (preferably clear elastic), comb, bobby pins (if curling into a bun), and lots of hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 20 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Millie Bobby Brown
Looks Great With: This is a cool, slightly punk look! Pair it with a romper or jumpsuit or maybe a bold tank!

How to Do a Cute Upside-Down Braid

(Source: nina starck)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Flip head upside-down. Take a large section of hair on the bottom and split into two.
Start braiding left section up. Secure. Repeat for right section.
Flip head up, pulling all of your hair into a high ponytail.
Twist ponytail into a bun and secure with pin.

Knotted Simple Braid

Knotted braids are pretty much exactly what they sound like. They can be done by knotting around a middle section, or you can just tie two sections of hair in knots.

Length: Medium or long hair
Materials Needed: A hair tie, comb, and hair spray for setting (optional)
How Long it Takes: < 10 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Elizabeth Olsen
Looks Great With: Get a casual look to match this casual braid!

How to Do a Simple Knotted Braid

(Source: Luxy Hair)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Apply smoothing serum to tame flyaways. Gather hair on side of head and part into two even sections.
Keeping hair neat, tie two sections into a knot. (Note: You can do that either by leaving a section in the middle to tie around, as in the video, or by simply knotting all of the hair, as in the infographic.)
Grab two tail ends of knotted sections and knot again.
Knot a third time, and continue knotting until full length is used. Secure bottom with clear band. Carefully tug on knots to loosen and tousle. Set with hairspray.

Get Fancier: Want to combine a knotted and fishtail braid? You totally can.

Cinnamon Roll Braid

The cinnamon roll braid bun, also sometimes known as the rose braid bun, seems like a super-complicated up-do, but it’s fairly tame. If you’re trying to arrange braids into a bun, this is the way to go for a modern look! If this one’s too daunting, try the half-up easy flower braid first.

Length: Medium or long hair
Materials Needed: Hair clips, three hair ties (preferably elastics), a half-dozen bobby pins or more, comb, and lots of hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 45 minutes
Looks Great With: This is a fairly complicated up-do that deserves a gorgeous formal gown!

How to Do a Braided Bun

(Source: MakeupWearables Hairstyles)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Pin back a circular section of hair in the middle back of the head.
Dutch braid hair beginning above one of your ears and working all the way around the head.
Braid the middle section you pinned out of the way earlier.
Wrap both braids around the head so they create a roll around the center circle and pin.

Faux Undercut

It’s like an undercut hairstyle, but with a fraction of the commitment. And it’s super-hot right now! Dozens of celebrities are rocking the braided undercut look. Simply put, it’s just braids on the side of the head running front to back, creating a cool look without shaving off a section of hair. Note that this will go tight to the scalp, and it’s a lot easier to do if you have a friend helping.

Length: Short, medium, or long hair
Materials Needed: Two or more hair ties (preferably elastic), comb, and hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 30 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Cara Delevingne
Looks Great With: This youthful look would look great with a skater dress.

How to Do a Simple Undercut Braid

(Source: Ariba Pervaiz)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Part deeply to one side. Section from the temple on the side with less hair and split into three strands.
Start braiding. Bring outside piece over middle and then bring opposite outside piece over middle.
Begin adding hair. Bring alternate outside strand over middle, picking up a section of hair to add to this strand as you cross over the middle.
Keep going toward ear while continuing to add hair to your outside section before passing over middle.
Keep braiding under you get behind the ear.
Transition to braiding regularly (without picking up extra strands) until you reach the end. Secure.
Wrap braid toward opposite side of head, keeping it low around the nape of neck. Secure with pins underneath other side of hair so it is hidden.

Four-Strand Braid

Warning: This one is not for the faint of heart! The four-strand braid takes some definite weaving skills, as it’s easy to get confused. Be patient, though, and you’ll rock a really unusual and lovely look!

Length: Short, medium, or long hair
Materials Needed: Comb, hair tie, a half-dozen bobby pins, and hair spray for setting
How Long it Takes: < 30 minutes
A Celebrity Who Loves It: Olivia Palermo
Looks Great With: This look can be very office-chic as well as formal!

How to Braid Four Strands

(Source: Missy Sue)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Make a side part. Then, on the side with the most hair, split into four strands. Number them 1, 2, 3, 4.
Start braid by crossing 4 over 3. They should now be 1,2,4,3.
Now weave 4 under 2, so they order 1,4,2,3.
Weave 1 under 4. They should now be 4,1,2,3.
Similar to what was done with 4, cross 1 over 2. It should now be 4,2,1,3.
Now, start adding more hair. Pick up a small piece of hair, and join it with 3. Do the same as before — cross it over the strand next to it and under the next strand.
Weave 3 over and under; pick up another small piece and join it with 4. Cross it under the next strand and over the next.
Continue the same way diagonally until you have incorporated all of your hair and reached the side of your neck. Secure braid with elastic. Wrap hair around elastic to hide it.

Get Fancier: Note that instead of doing this in a side-braid style, you can also do it in a rope style.

Other, More Challenging Super-Cute Braid Styles for Women

Up for something a little more tricky? Try out these super-stylish plaits that are more difficult but definitely worth a try if you want a bold look:

Rope Braids — This is a two-strand type of braiding that’s good for beginners with long hair. It’s one of a few different options for twist braids; styles typically start with this technique, though.
C hinese L adder B raids — The “Chinese staircase” is a knotting and looping braid for those with long hair. It’s especially good for young girls with strong locks.
Mohawk Braid Styles — Fluff up braids on top to give yourself a Mohawk look.
Goddess Braids — Goddess braids are thick, scalp-tight braids that are typically used with extensions.
P ull-Through Braids — Also called an “inverted heart” braid, this braid is good to use with extensions and long hair.

How to Pick the Right Braid for You

Ever see cute braids and wonder, “Is this braid style for me?” Consider your fashion and your whole look for sure, but also consider your hair. Thick, thin, curly, long, and short hair all have their own needs. Also, consider your own experience with braids. Hair can have a mind of its own! Here are some helpful tips for picking the right plaited hair looks.

Which Braid Is the Easiest for Beginners?

If you’re asking, “how do you do a simple braid?” start with the simplest, normal, three-strand braid. Here’s a tutorial on the simplest braid for beginners.

If you already have a good idea of how to do a simple braid and are trying to find more braids you can wear to work or for a casual look, try some of these:

Start with the simple braid.
Try the knotted simple braid.
Move up to the messy crown braid. It’s just two simple braids pinned up.
The double braid and ponytail combois just two simple braids put back into a ponytail.

Which Are the Best Braids for Short Hair?

The secret of how to braid short hair is to start farther up and stay close to the scalp. The best braided hairstyles for short hair typically are different variations of French and Dutch braids because they start at the scalp and can be near the top of the head. Here are some different braids you can do with short hair:

Women with short hair should try the waterfall braid.
Braids that are tight to the scalp are perfect, like the faux undercut.
The popular upside-down braidslook great with short hair.
Do a Dutch braid,but as pigtails.
Try a t op knot or Mohawk style French braid.

Which Are the Cutest Up-Do Braid Styles for Long Hair?

There are dozens of up-do braid styles that don’t involve sitting down in a stylist’s chair. Take any one of these styles and then throw your braids into a bun to create a cute braided up-do:

Try the messy crown braid.
Or do the opposite: the messy headband braid.
Do a Dutch braid, but keep going around the head or end in a bun.
For fancy events, try the cinnamon roll braid.
Do a more advanced technique by learning to make a full halo braid.

For Those With Curls: Which Are the Best Braids for Curly Hair?

Can curly hair be braided? Thick, curly hair needs to be braided more tightly than normal hair, but it’s absolutely possible. Use these tips to get started; for instance, don’t start with combing out your curly hair, as you’ll end up with frizz! Be patient, use product, and chose to go with smart braids. Curly hair can fit into almost all of these braids, from French to four-strand, but it may be smart to avoid styles like the waterfall braid, which tend to only look good with straight hair. Try these braids with curly hair:

Show off your curls with a half-up braided hairstyle like our easy flower braid.
Try a half-up headband braid.
If you really want to tighten and manage your locks, try the cinnamon roll braid.

For Those With Flat, Straight Hair: Which Braid Gives the Best Curls and Waves?

Yes, sleeping on wet braids really can lead to curly or wavy hair. For the best effect, chose two French braidson either side of your head.

For Those With Thin or Damaged Hair: Are Braids Damaging?

Like with any hairstyle, it’s important not to overdo it. Braiding hair that’s wet can lead to damage and breakage, so if you’re nervous about hair loss, don’t braid when wet, and don’t braid close to the scalp. And consistently having braids without taking a break and not letting your scalp rest can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, if you’re a person who over-grooms their hair, braids may prevent more breakage. For most, though, a braid here and there should be fine.

Which braided hairstyle is your favorite? Share your braid tips in the comments and shop hair accessories to decorate your plaits!