Beautiful Braid Hairstyles That’ll Liven Up Your Hair Routine

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

Braids are the universal tools of the hair world that can handle every occasion, from the classic French braid you wear to the farmers’ market to the dressy Dutch braid chignon you don at the cocktail party. There’s no shortage of stunning braid hairstyles, for long and short hair alike, that will make your life a lot more stylish with just a little more effort. We’re swooning over all of the side-swept waterfall braids, fishtail half-up braids, rope braid ponytails, and braid crowns—and trust us, these looks aren’t nearly as time-consuming as they sound. Keep everyone on their toes by switching between these gorgeous braid hairstyles all season long, and you’ll never go back to your basic messy bun again.

 

 

 

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Heart Half-Up Braid

Barefoot Blonde

This half-up braid feels both romantic and feminine for ladies who have a penchant for pastels. Finish off a simple cocktail or formal dress with this intricate detail. Get the tutorial here at Barefoot Blonde.

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Half-Up Fishtail Braid

Lulus

Let your side braid have the night off with this half-up look finished with a fishtail braid. It’ll be great for a formal event with a loose curl and some texturizing spray. Get the tutorial here at Lulus.

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Double Dutch Braid Bun

Lauren Conrad Blog

What do you do when you need to pull together a look, but you don’t have time? This. You do this. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.

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Pull-Through Braid Ponytail

Kassinka

You don’t need super long hair to pull off this look—just below the shoulder works well, which means this might be the perfect braid updo for your growing-out lob! Get the tutorial here from Kassinka.

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Easy Side Braid for Curly Hair

Pinterest/Brit + Co

When you want something easy to add to your natural ringlets, a faux undercut side braid is a no-brainer. It lets you play up the volume on the other side. Get the tutorial here from Brit + Co.

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Topsy Tail Fishtail Braid

Missy Sue

The trick to getting this finished look is gently tugging on the sides of the fishtail braid to make it look fuller and wider. The base of the braid starts with an inverted ponytail to make it different from your usual style. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Waterfall Flower Braid

Missy Sue

This pretty flower bun is the perfect detail to top off a romantic waterfall braid and only takes a few extra seconds. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Reverse Braided Topknot

Pinterest/Lulus

An upside-down braid gives a charming accent to a simple topknot. Though it's a little harder to master, it sure comes in handy on days when you need to pull something polished together quick! Get the tutorial here from Lulus.

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Rope Braid Ponytail

The Beauty Department

This look is perfect for your just-washed, (sometimes) late-to-work hair that needs some quick styling. A rope braid ponytail only takes a few extra seconds, but looks quite impressive. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.

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Dutch Crown Braid

Pinterest

We love the playful feel of a crown braid, and this Dutch crown braid results in any even bolder look. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Braided Low Crown

Lulus

There’s no better way to dress up your natural beachy waves—if you’ve been so blessed!—than with this low crown braid. You can throw some texturizing spray in there for extra hold. Get the tutorial here at Lulus.

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Center Cornrow Updo

The Beauty Department

This absolutely chic style can be worn with a low ponytail for Saturday night and with a smooth low bun for Sunday brunch. A relaxed curl makes the perfect base for both looks. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.

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Fishtail Braid-Wrapped Topknot

Barefoot Blonde Hair

When in doubt, a topknot is the way to go. Great for second-day hair, this braid-wrapped bun looks anything but boring. Get the tutorial here at Barefoot Blonde Hair.

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Braided Low Ponytail

Hair Romance

This casual ponytail is quick to pull together on a laidback weekend day or busy weekday morning. Tease the back of the crown and the base of the ponytail for some volume. Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance.

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Triple Dutch Braid Bun

DevaCurl

You finally have an updo that’ll last all day and night—and that works great for curly hair and straight hair alike! Three Dutch braids are tightly woven all the way down, then wrapped together. Get the tutorial here at DevaCurl.

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Dutch Fishtail Mohawk Braid

Missy Sue

The best part about this fishtail mohawk braid is that it can be worn with your hair down, pulled up in a ponytail, or tucked into a topknot. It adds an edgy touch. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Corset French Braid

Pinterest/Seventeen

This style offers curly girls a fun and fabulous braid to wear for any occasion. It involves French braiding both sides over a pulled-back secured low ponytail, then wrapping it under and securing for the finished cinched look. Get the tutorial here at Seventeen.

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Detailed Braid

The Beauty Department

Update any braid of your choosing with some ribbon or string, using this method that lets you literally weave fabric into your braid. Thin, metallic twine would create such an ethereal look for summer. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.

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Dutch Faux-Hawk

Refinery29

This throwback to the 90’s knotted faux-hawk gets a elegant twist with a Dutch braid. Get the tutorial here at Refinery29.

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Side Braid for Short Hair

Lauren Conrad Blog

Short hair might not give you quite as many options when it comes to braiding, but this simple side braid offers a great deal of style. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.

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Headband Braid

Ouidad

It’s easy to accentuate voluminous curls or jazz up short hair with a quick headband braid, keeping your hair out of your face and your look oh-so-stylish. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Curly Hair Crown Braid

Hair Romance

Curly hair can be finicky to braid, but this easy crown braid tutorial is made specifically for the curly girls who want to pull their wet hair or second-day hair into an easy updo. Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance.

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Side-Swept Waterfall Braid

Missy Sue

We can’t think of a better way to wear our hair this summer for a wedding or cocktail party than this elegant side-swept waterfall braid. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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