Braids Are Having A Major Moment. Here Are Our Fave Ways To Make A Statement

Braids have never gone out of style, and even though braided hairstyles can be worn year-round, it is particularly during spring and summer that they tend to be more popular. Clearly, 2023 is no different, and with the festival season right around the corner, many are looking for easy braided hairstyles that are damage-free and intricate but also keep their hair out of their face. Plus, braids are a protective hairstyle that holds a deep and significant meaning for certain cultures, especially within the Black community. 

If you're looking for fun and different ways to wear braids this year, we've got you covered. No matter what your braiding skill level is, there's something for everyone. And here's a little tip: If you struggle with braiding your hair as pieces constantly tend to fall out, it's best to do braided hairstyles on second or third-day hair, as the greasy strands will keep the hair in place. However, if your hair is freshly washed, just lightly dampen it before braiding — this will make the process much easier. Now let us introduce our favorite French, Dutch, fishtail, and bubble braid hair designs!

Ah, the classic French braid: A hairstyle so delicate and classy but so difficult to execute, especially on yourself. However, as with everything, practice makes perfect, as there are ways to get the perfect French braid. We recommend wetting your hair or adding some wax before you start to ensure clean parts, and remember to always add in more hair from the sides to achieve that intricate style. And if it turns out messy, embrace that too — a messy braid can totally look intentional. While you can do just one French braid, two always look more playful and fun.

While some would argue that Dutch braiding your hair is a breeze, others aren't so sure  — especially if you're a beginner. However, if you like the look of them, you'll be happy to hear that you can easily create a fake Dutch braid. To start, separate the front of your hair from the back and clip it away. Then separate the back into two low pigtails. Take the front out of the clip, divide it in two, and braid each into a classic loose braid. Now, flip the braids towards the pigtails and pull them through each of the braids. The braids should be loose and sit on top of your head, but if you're worried they might move around, pin them into place with a few bobby pins.

If you want an ultra-dramatic braid that's still easily done at home, consider braiding some extension pieces into it to make it a bit (or a lot) longer. This way, your braid will be super fun and such a statement, but your hair will also be out of your face all day and night.

Those who love the cottagecore aesthetic will adore a braided headband. While you can do a thick French braid from one side to the other, it's much easier and faster to just do two thinner braids with a chunk of hair from right behind your ear. Once you're done, all you have to do is pull them up and towards the other ear and pin them into place with bobby pins.

You might think that a fishtail braid is way too complex to create, but once you get the basics down, you'd be surprised how quickly you can make it. All you have to do is divide your hair into two strands, then take a thin piece from the left strand's outer side and add it to the right strand's inner side. Follow that by taking a thin piece from the right strand's outer side and adding it to the left strand's inner side. Keep repeating those steps until you reach the end, and that's pretty much it!

The mohawk braid is a great choice for those who want to keep their hair down but also out of their face. Essentially, it is a half-up hairstyle. To get the look, section off the "mohawk" part of your hair and braid it into a French braid ending with a half ponytail.

Those with box braids can also explore tying them together, as the braided hair will stay put and create a unique design. For this style, it's best to start around your face and work your way toward the back. Depending on the thickness of your braids, you may want to pick up more at a time to make the knots more prominent. Plus, it will cut down the time this hairstyle will take to achieve. 

A low bun has been popular for years now, and for a good reason — it's potentially one of the easiest hairstyles you can quickly do on yourself. To get the look, start with a low ponytail, braid it, and then twist the braid into a bun! This additional step will only take an extra minute, but the result is definitely worth it.

A French braid looks great when it ends in a low ponytail, as it adds a bit of texture to an everyday hairstyle. Braid your hair as always, but once you get to the nape of your neck, tie the hair into a classic low ponytail. You can opt to braid the top as tightly or loosely as you prefer.

A braided halo or crown is always a safe choice when you want all of your hair up but don't want a ponytail or bun, either. Simply part your hair into two sections, braid each, and then wrap them around your head and pin them into place with bobby pins. Alternatively, you can also achieve this hairstyle by French braiding your hair around your head (but that will take much longer).

Bantu knots originate from the Zulu people of southern Africa, and today they represent a way for many to reconnect with their African heritage. If you're already rocking braids, regardless of whether they are thinner or thicker, Bantu knots are a fun way to style them differently.

A French braid is a great way to create a faux undercut, especially if you love the look of it but don't dare to shave a part of your head. You can braid it loosely, as seen in the image above, or you can do it very tightly to mimic an undercut even more.

Any braid (or hairstyle in general) can be spiced up with some glitter, especially for big events or nights out. All you need is a bit of hair glitter! Alternatively, you can also use hairspray and loose glitter. Spray some hairspray where you want the glitter to stick, and then use a makeup brush to dab the glitter onto it while the hairspray is still tacky.

Rocking a super high ponytail like Ariana Grande is an incredibly trendy choice. However, if you're getting ready for a night full of dancing, chances are the ends of your hair will become a sweaty and tangled mess. To prevent this, simply braid the high ponytail into a braid that will look fierce and won't budge all night.

Y2K hairstyles are making a comeback, and the accent baby braids are no exception — not to mention they are so easy to create. They are the perfect way to add that bit of extra detail to your hair when it's down. You can opt to braid just one thin braid, or you can do one on each side for that symmetrical early aughts look.

A waterfall braid is great for any formal event, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to create one very quickly. Essentially, it's similar to a French braid, which you braid diagonally across your head. However, instead of picking up the strand that is hanging down, you let it go and pick up the hair next to it instead. This will ensure that a part of the braid is always falling down, creating that waterfall effect.