Braids have been around for ages, but they’re still super popular.

Remember the basic braid you wore to school? Now, there are so many more styles to choose from! Whether it’s the popular French braid or twisty ones, there’s a lot to pick from.

The best thing? Braids work for everything! Going to a fancy event, a work meeting, the gym, or a fun date night? There’s a braid for that. They also protect your hair and are great for days when you might not have had time to wash it. Plus, you can mix braids with other hairstyles like ponytails or just let them flow freely.

Feeling neat or messy? There’s a braid style for every mood. Let’s dive in and explore all the cool ways you can style your hair with braids. Ready? Let’s go!

Braiding Basics: What You Need to Know First

Hair Texture Matters: If you’ve got wavy or curly locks, you’re in luck! These hair types tend to grip braids better than super smooth, straight hair.

Boosting Grip in Silky Hair: If your hair is on the sleeker side, sprinkle some volumizing powder on it. This adds some grit and makes braiding easier.

Using a Texture Tool:  A texture or micro crimping iron can help give your hair the grip it needs. But be mindful: it leaves a crimped look which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Best Hair Day for Braiding: Believe it or not, freshly washed hair isn’t always the best for braids. Hair that’s a day or two old (not freshly washed) tends to hold braids better.

Making Braids Last on Straight Hair: Want your braids to stick around? If you’ve got straight hair, making tighter braids can help. Secure with hairspray and wrap it up with a silk scarf when you hit the sack. This can keep your braids intact for 2-3 days.

Natural Hair Braiding: For those with natural 4A-C hair, braids aren’t just a style; they’re a protective measure. Properly done, these braids can even last up to 12 weeks!

Remember, braiding is as much an art as it is a science. So, practice and find what works best for your hair type and style. Happy braiding!

Exploring Braid Styles: From Viking to Halo

1. Viking Waterfall Braid

The Viking Waterfall Braid isn’t just any braid; it’s a work of art. Imagine combining the beauty of a waterfall with the intricacy of Viking patterns. This hairstyle isn’t just about braiding; it’s about creating a masterpiece.

What You Need:

• A hairbrush
• A hair tie

How To Style:

• First, smooth out any tangles using a brush or a comb.
• Begin on the right side, selecting a section of hair about an inch wide.
• Split this section into three and kick off your waterfall braid. If you’re wondering, this braid is a sibling of the French braid, but with a twist. Every time you make a move, drop the bottom section of hair.
• Once you’ve braided till the crown, secure it there.
• Now, those dropped strands? Braid each of them into thin, individual braids.
• As you continue your waterfall journey, incorporate these thin braids.
• End with a classic three-strand braid and tie it up.

2. Halo Braid

A touch of angelic charm with a sprinkle of style – that’s the Halo Braid for you. It’s like the crown braid’s Dutch cousin. Instead of laying flat, this braid has a beautiful raised texture.

What You Need:

• A hairbrush
• Hair bands or ties
• A few trusty bobby pins

How To Style:

• Start by combing out any knots and part your hair on the side.
• On the side with more volume, section out some hair and divide it into three parts.
• Channel your inner Dutch heritage and begin braiding. Remember, in a Dutch braid, the side strands go beneath the central strand.
• As you braid, add more hair to the mix, and follow the natural curve of your head to achieve that halo effect.
• When you’ve come full circle, secure the braid with a hair tie.
• Now, wrap the end of the braid to complete your halo and pin it discreetly.

3. The Classic 3-Strand Braid

Everyone’s go-to and probably the first braid you ever learned. It’s versatile, timeless, and a lifesaver on those ‘hair won’t cooperate’ days. You can jazz it up or keep it simple, and it never disappoints.

What You Need:

• Your trusty hairbrush
• A hair tie

How To Style:

• Start with a tangle-free mane. Give your hair a good brush through.
• Part your hair into three even sections. Think of them as: left, middle, and right.
• Overlap the left section on the middle.
• Now, the right section goes over the new middle (which was your left section).
• Continue this dance – left over middle, right over middle, and so on until you reach the end.
• Fasten with a hair tie. Voila! Classic and neat.

4. The Elegant French Braid

An upgrade from the classic three-strand braid, the French braid weaves sophistication with simplicity. It’s your answer to bad hair days, hot summer afternoons, or when you just want an elegant twist to your usual hair.

What You Need:

A hairbrush for smooth strands

A hair tie to seal the deal

How To Style:

• Smooth out your hair with a good brush to remove any knots.
• Grab the front section of your hair (the part between your temples) and split it into three – this is your starting point.
• Begin with one basic braid stitch.
• From the second stitch, add a bit of hair from the outside to the side sections before overlapping it over the middle section. This is the French twist!
• Continue braiding, adding hair as you go, until you reach your neck’s base.
• Once all your hair is woven in, continue with a simple three-strand braid till the end.
• Secure with a hair tie. For added flair, gently pull on the braid sections to ‘pancake’ it, making it look fuller.

5. The Sleek Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid, also known as the herringbone braid, is a hairstyle that exudes elegance. It’s a detailed braid, which when done right, can be the highlight of any outfit. Its unique weave makes it look like the overlapping scales on a fish’s tail, hence the name. Perfect for a fancy night out or when you just want to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday look.

What You Need:

• A trusty hairbrush
• Two hair ties

How To Style:

• Start by ensuring your hair is tangle-free. Brush through it well.
• Pull your hair back and secure it into a ponytail. This helps in keeping the braid neat as you weave.
• Now, split your ponytail into two even sections.
• Here’s where the weaving begins: Take a thin strand from the outer edge of the left section. Cross this strand over to the inside of the right section.
• Similarly, take a thin strand from the outer edge of the right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.
• Continue this dance, crisscrossing strands from the outer edge to the inside of the opposite section, until you reach the end.
• Once done, fasten the end with a hair tie.
• For a seamless look, snip away or untie the initial hair tie at the top.

6. The Elevated Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid, sometimes called the “inside-out” French braid, is a chic style that pops out, adding a textured appearance to your hair. Great for casual outings or even a more polished look, it’s versatile and stylish.

What You Need:

• A good-quality hairbrush
• A sturdy hair tie

How To Style:

• First things first, brush through your hair ensuring it’s free from knots and tangles.
• Starting from your forehead, section off the front bit of your hair, roughly from temple to temple.
• Split this section into three even parts.
• Now, instead of braiding over like a French braid, go under. Pass the side sections beneath the middle section.
• As you move along, incorporate more hair from either side into your braid.
• Continue this braiding technique until you reach the base of your neck.
• From here, traditionally braid the lengths of your hair and tie off with a hairband.

Intriguing 4-Strand Braid

For those times when the regular three-strand feels a bit too mundane, the 4-strand braid is a delightful twist!

What You Need:

• Your favourite hairbrush
• A dependable hair tie

How To Style:

• Begin by brushing your hair for a smooth base.
• Section your hair into four even strands. Let’s label them 1 to 4 from left to right.
• Start by weaving strand 1 under strand 2 and then over strand 3.
• Now, take strand 4, weave it over strand 3 and then under strand 2.
• Repeat this pattern, adjusting as necessary, until you’ve reached the ends.
• Secure with a hair tie, and voilà!

8. Quick Rope-Twist Braid

For those days when you’re racing against time, the rope twist braid is your hair’s best friend. It’s simple, quick, and still oh-so-stylish.

What You Need:

• A trusty hairbrush
• Two strong hair elastics

How To Style:

• Start with a smooth canvas. Brush out any knots or tangles.
• Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure.
• Split this ponytail into two even sections. If you have a texturising spray or powder, now’s the time to use it for added grip.
• Twist these sections separately towards the right till the end.
• Now, twist these individual sections around each other to the left, creating a rope-like structure.
• Fasten the end with your second hair elastic, and you’re done!

9. The Voluminous Pull-Through Braid

This style is perfect for adding a touch of volume and elegance. It might appear complicated at first glance, but it’s just a series of ponytails stacked together to create the illusion of a braid.

What You Need:

• A hairbrush for detangling
• Multiple hair elastics for sectioning

How To Style:

• Start by brushing through your hair to ensure it’s smooth and free from tangles.
• Take a section of hair from the crown of your head and secure it into a ponytail.
• Directly below the first ponytail, secure a second ponytail.
• Split the first ponytail in half and bring the halves underneath the second ponytail, securing with another hair elastic.
• Gather a new section of hair below the previous ponytails and combine it with the two halves from the first ponytail to create a third ponytail.
• Repeat the process until you’ve reached the ends of your hair.
• Secure the final ponytail with a hair elastic and fluff out each section for added volume.

10. Upturned Charm: The Reverse Braid

This innovative take on the traditional braid gives a fresh, modern twist to an old classic. It’s the perfect way to surprise someone who thinks they’ve seen every hairstyle under the sun!

What You Need:

• A handy hairbrush
• One hair elastic
• A few bobby pins

How To Style:

• Start by brushing your hair to get rid of knots and tangles.
• Bend forward, allowing your hair to fall in front of you.
• Begin at the nape of your neck and gather a section of hair, dividing it into three even parts.
• Start creating a Dutch braid by crossing the side sections under the middle, adding more hair as you move upwards.
• Continue braiding until you’ve reached the crown of your head.
• Secure all your hair into a ponytail.
• Twist the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Tuck the ends under and secure with bobby pins.
• For a softer, more relaxed look, gently pull apart sections of the braid to add volume and dimension.

11. Cascading Beauty: The Waterfall Braid

This mesmerizing braid gives the illusion of strands cascading down like a waterfall, making it an enchanting choice for special events.

What You Need:

• A hairbrush for detangling
• Bobby pins to secure the braid

How To Style:

• Begin by brushing your hair to ensure it’s smooth and free from tangles.
• Create a side parting.
• Take a thick section of hair from the wider side of the parting.
• Split this section into three smaller sections.
• Start braiding by placing the bottom strand over the middle, followed by the top strand over the middle.
• Drop the bottom strand, allowing it to cascade down.
• Pick up a new strand from beneath and continue the braid.
• As you move along, keep adding new sections of hair to the top strand before crossing it over the middle.
• Continue this process until you reach the back of your head.
• Secure the braid with a few stitches and pin it at the back using bobby pins.

12. Ethereal Elegance: Milkmaid Braids

The milkmaid braid, reminiscent of European folklore and fairy tales, is a timeless updo that exudes sophistication and innocence.

What You Need:

• A hairbrush for detangling
• Rat tail comb for precise parting
• Hair elastics
• Bobby pins

How To Style:

• Brush through your hair to remove any knots and tangles.
• Use the rat tail comb to create a neat middle parting, continuing it to the nape of your neck.
• This will divide your hair into two equal sections.
• Begin braiding the right section in a simple three-strand style, securing the end with a hair elastic.
• Repeat with the left section.
• To add volume and a touch of whimsy, gently tug at the edges of your braids, creating a fuller look.
• For a softer look, pull out a few strands around your face.
• Lift the right braid and place it across the crown of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
• Do the same with the left braid, placing it parallel to the first and tucking the ends underneath the right braid.
• Secure with bobby pins, ensuring everything is snug and in place.
• These hairstyles not only add a vintage charm but also ensure you stand out with minimal effort. Practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t come out right the first time. Enjoy the process and the stunning results!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the four braids called?

The four main types of braids are the regular braid, fishtail braid, French braid, and Dutch braid.

2. Which braids last the longest?

Protective African braid and twist styles, such as cornrows, box braids, and Goddess braids, typically last the longest. With proper care, these styles can be worn for anywhere between 1 to 3 months.

3. What is a regular braid called?

A standard or regular braid is often referred to as a 3-strand braid because it is woven using three separate sections of hair.

4. What are 2 braids called?

When you create two braids, one on each side of the head, they are commonly referred to as pigtails or twin tails.

5. What are micro braids?

Micro braids are very fine, protective braids that are much smaller in width than traditional braids, like cornrows or twists. They offer versatility in styling and can be worn loose or in various updos.

6. Name some other types of braids that can be created using multiple strands of hair?

Beyond the basic three-strand braid, there are a variety of multi-strand braids, including the four-strand braid, five-strand braid, six-strand braid, seven-strand braid, eight-strand braid, nine-strand braid, and even ten-strand braid. Each of these braids offers a unique and intricate pattern, and mastering them can lead to striking and impressive hairstyles.