Chic Braided Hairstyles You'll Want To Wear Every Day
If you're looking for a fashionable hairstyle to elevate your hair game, you can't go wrong with a braided coif. From the classic French braid to intricate feed-in braids, chic braided hairstyles have stood the test of time. They ease the burden of people with textured, natural, or unmanageable hair while also carrying cultural significance in many cultures (via Genesis Career). Traditional styles have evolved alongside new techniques, allowing wearers the chance to express their personality and individuality with every versatile style.
Braids in all of their forms add a touch of sophistication or whimsy to any outfit, any time of year. However, they are also an awesome protective hairstyle with numerous benefits for your overall hair health. Braiding your hair helps avoid hair breakage, prevent frizziness, and protect against sun and pollution damage that causes split ends (via Health Shots). Wearing braids prevents constant detangling and protects the scalp by tucking the ends away, promoting hair growth and maintaining proper hair moisture. Many styles, such as the chic braided styles below, are also easy to do at home with a little patience and practice.
French braids
French braids are a classic hairstyle that looks as great for running errands as it does for a night out. They can be worn in a single braid or pigtails and are suitable for various textures. After detangling your hair, separate the hair into three sections at the top of the head. Begin braiding the hair, adding new hair into each section as you move down the scalp (via Ogle School).
Knotless braids
Knotless braids are a comfortable, natural-looking alternative to box braids. The style requires braiding around an inch of natural hair at the root before feeding in synthetic extensions, relieving tension on the scalp (via The New York Times). The result is flat, smooth, and lightweight braids that are easy to care for and maintain.
Feed-in braids with beaded ends
Feed-in braids create thick, natural-looking cornrows by weaving in natural hair with synthetic hair (via Essence). Similar to knotless braids, the look reduces strain on the scalp and hairline while allowing for the creation of intricate styles. Beads at the end of each braid are a beautiful and elegant way to give this style a dose of your personality.
Dutch braided space buns
Can't decide between a Dutch braid or ultra-cute space buns? Try combining them! To accomplish this party-perfect look, create a center part. Turn upside down and braid three sections of hair under the middle strand to create a 3D look on each side of the part (via Hair Romance). Continue braiding until you reach the top of the head and pin the remaining ends into sleek or messy buns to finish the look.
Braided ponytail
Few styles are as effortlessly chic as a braided ponytail. Simply pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair band before braiding it into a simple plait (via All Things Hair). Embellishing with a bow, ribbon, or bedazzled hairpiece can take a look from day to night, too.
Crown braid
Boho babes should give the crown braid a try. It's a chic style that involves French or Dutch braiding the hair around the head, situating it above the forehead in a crown-like shape (via Instructables). This braid requires a hefty dose of patience to get right. However, once you do, it will be your go-to style for weddings, date nights, and even yoga classes.
Goddess braids
The soft, romantic vibe of goddess braids is perfect for the modern woman who wants a protective, low-maintenance style (via Curl Centric). The long, thin, and rope-like braids are commonly braided into large cornrows at the scalp and free at the ends. Their beautiful length allows for versatile styling, especially for women with coarser hair.
Box braids with curls
For a chic, regal alternative to the traditional box braid, consider curling the ends. Curly box braids are rapidly growing in popularity, adding visual interest and versatility to the classic braided style (via Hairstyle Camp). Due to the heat required for curling, the style only works with natural box braids. However, the result is a beautifully modern braided hairstyle sure to turn heads everywhere you go.
Loose French braids with open ends
If you're burnt out on the classic French braid, this relaxed, romantic version is sure to up your hairstyle game. It can be worn in a single plait or loose pigtails depending on your preference. Simply French braid your hair down your head as normal, tying them closed at the nape of your neck. Keep the braids loose as you go, or pull on the plait to create a more voluminous look (via The Habitat). Finish the look by giving the long, open ends some loose curls.
Fishtail braid
Despite their intricate appearance, fishtail braids are an easy braided hairstyle that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes. Simply divide your hair into two sections, bringing a strand from the outside of each section and adding it to the opposite section (via Makeup.com). This chic braided hairstyle looks amazing as a side braid or in a single plait hanging down your back
Braided Bantu knots
Braided Bantu knots have been a powerful and stylish hairdo for more than 2000 years (via Nappy by Natural). Originating with the Zulu tribes of South and West Africa, the simple twists are a protective hairstyle that can be worn by people with natural, relaxed, and styled hair. The symbolic knots are normally created by twisting the hair, but styling them with long braids is a great way to introduce fun and sophistication into your look.
Pigtail braids
While pigtail braids often bring to mind Anne of Green Gables or Laura Ingalls vibes, the classic braided hairstyle can be as chic, intricate, or romantic as you'd like. Keep the braids tight and close to the scalp to keep it high-fashion (via Hairdo Hairstyle). For a more boho-chic look, style the hair into two Dutch braids, pulling the plaits apart for a loose, fuller braid once you've tied the ends closed.
Triple braided updo
The triple braided updo is a gorgeous style for summer weddings (via The Effortless Chic). Section your hair into three low ponytails, braiding each individually. Pull the plaits apart until they have a flat appearance, then wrap them around the base of your head, crisscrossing the individual braids before pinning them in place.
Braided side-bun
A braided side bun is as chic as it gets, especially when combined with an accent braid wrapped around the side of the head. Start with French or Dutch braiding on the opposite side, curving around the head at the nape of the neck (via Inspired By This). Wrap the tail of the braid in a roll towards the neck until a bun forms behind the ear. The final look is perfect for dressy occasions like prom, homecoming, or weddings.
Long bob with braids
Long braided bobs are a modern hairstyle popular for their chic look and minimal upkeep. Whether you're working with an A-line or asymmetrical cut, the long bob with braids is a surprisingly versatile style. You can opt for feed-in or regular braids, colors, or accessories to give the look your own spin.
Crochet box braids
Crochet box braids are popular for their endless versatility and their ultra-modern look. They are an excellent way to add extensions to natural hair or cornrows and require minimal upkeep. It takes about three hours to complete this style as each synthetic braid needs to be attached via a crochet latch hook (via Jorie Hair). However, the final look is stunning.