Braids never go out of style, but not all plaits are created equal. Some braided looks elevate your entire vibe, while others might leave you feeling less than impressed. I’ve rounded up the absolute stunners worth saving to your inspiration folder—plus a few that might be better left in the past.
1. Boho Fishtail Braid
Effortlessly romantic with a touch of whimsy. The fishtail technique creates intricate texture that looks complicated but only takes minutes to master once you get the hang of the two-strand weaving pattern.
2. Crown Braid Updo
Regal elegance meets practical styling. Your hair wraps around your head like a natural tiara, keeping strands off your face while creating a stunning 360-degree view that’s perfect for special occasions.
3. Boxer Braids
Sporty, sleek, and seriously cool. These tight, close-to-the-scalp double Dutch braids stay put through workouts, travels, and busy days while giving major street style points to any casual outfit.
4. Waterfall Braid
Magical cascading strands create a flowing effect. This half-up style lets pieces “fall” through the braid pattern while keeping your face framed perfectly—ideal for showing off dimensional color or natural waves.
5. Braided Space Buns
Playfully sophisticated with an edge. Start with pigtail braids, then wrap each into a bun at the crown for a look that’s equal parts festival-ready and fashion-forward—plus they stay secure all day long.
6. Goddess Braids
Bold, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. These thick, rope-like cornrows lie flat against the scalp in stunning patterns that protect natural hair while showcasing incredible artistic skill and personal expression.
7. Side-Swept French Braid
Romantic asymmetry with timeless appeal. This diagonal plait starts at your temple and curves around your head, creating a soft frame that’s both elegant enough for weddings and casual enough for everyday wear.
8. Halo Braid with Natural Texture
Celebrates natural coils and kinks in a majestic circular design. This protective style wraps around the head like a crown, highlighting your beautiful texture while keeping hair safely tucked away from manipulation.
9. Messy Pull-Through Braid
Voluminous, lived-in texture that only looks complicated. This technique uses ponytails pulled through each other rather than traditional weaving, creating maximum fullness that’s perfect for fine-haired folks wanting more dramatic width.
10. Braided Mohawk
Edgy meets artistry in this statement style. Tight braids along the sides lead to a dramatic center section that can be braided up, left loose, or styled into a voluminous faux-hawk for serious head-turning effect.
11. Rope Twist Ponytail
Elevates the basic ponytail into something special. Two strands twisted away from each other create a gorgeous rope effect that stays put all day and adds unexpected texture to an otherwise simple style.
12. Lace Braid Accent
Delicate detail that elevates any hairstyle. This French braid variation only gathers hair from one side, creating a feminine accent piece that can frame your face or decorate the back of more elaborate updos.
13. Dutch Bubble Braid
Playfully structured with eye-catching texture. This inside-out braid gets sectioned with small elastics then gently pulled apart to create round “bubbles” that add unexpected dimension and a modern twist to classic plaiting.
14. Micro Braids
Tiny, time-consuming, and tough on your edges. While these super-skinny braids offer versatility, the installation takes forever, and the weight can cause traction alopecia along your hairline if worn too long or too tight.
15. Single Side Braid
Stuck in middle school energy. This basic side plait lacks the sophistication of other braided styles and often falls flat, literally and figuratively. There are so many more interesting ways to incorporate braiding techniques.
16. Too-Tight Box Braids
Painful installation, problematic long-term. When these protective styles are braided with excessive tension, they cause bumps, breakage, and even permanent hair loss along your edges—beauty should never equal pain or damage.
17. Awkward Braided Bangs
Unflattering face-framers that miss the mark. Braiding your bangs straight back creates an awkward forehead-exposing effect that rarely complements anyone’s features and can make your face appear disproportionately large.
18. Chunky Highlighted “Skunk” Braids
Dated contrast that looks unintentional. When thick, contrasting highlights get braided, they create a disjointed, stripy effect reminiscent of early 2000s chunky highlighting trends that haven’t aged well in today’s blended color landscape.