Incorporate beautiful braids to instantly transform basic hairstyles into red carpet-worthy looks. Braided hairstyles are versatile, meaning you can explore endless possibilities year-round.
Check out these easy step-by-step DIY braiding techniques for creating gorgeous braided hairstyles.
- Messy Side Braid
Part hair to one side and loosely gather into a low side tail securing with an elastic band, leaving ends slightly ragged. Lightly backcomb the top section, then fold the tail across itself, blending pieces. Tousle lightly using fingertips.
- Fishtail Side Braid
Create a deep side part and sweep hair to the opposite side before splitting it into two even sections. Take a thin strand from the outside of each section, crisscross it over into the opposite side, add hair to the top outer layers, and repeat, stepping down in a fishtail pattern.
- Most Basic 3 Strand Braids
Evenly separate clean, smooth hair into three strands. Cross the right section over the middle, then cross the left section over into the middle, continuously stepping down in a strand sequence. Finish by tying ends securely with a clear elastic band matching the hair tone.
- Flawless Fishtail Updo
Create a neat center-parted ponytail atop the crown, securing it with an elastic band matching the hair tone before splitting it into two even sections. Take a thin strand from the outer edge of each, then crisscross them over into opposite sides continuously until finishing. The fan ends out to cover the elastic tie for a polished finish.
- Boho Side Crown Braids
Create two messy Dutch braids along the hairline on both sides by splitting them into three thin strands. Cross the outer right strand under the middle, then the outer left strand under the middle, continuously adding in hair before tying off ends with clear elastics just past the crown area.
- Gorgeous Triple Braided Updo
Create three basic three-strand braids spaced evenly down the back of the head from left to right sides. Secure ends with clear elastics to create the long tail effect. Sweep all tails across the shoulder neatly before tying them together just under the right ear, allowing ends to fall freely down back.
- Messy Fishtail Crown
Backcomb the crown area thoroughly for maximum volume before sweeping hair into a voluminous messy bun shape atop the crown and tying it securely with a fabric-covered ponytail holder matching hair color. Gently pull small face-framing tendrils loose around temples.
- Half Up Crown Braid
Create a deep side part and sweep the top layers into a messy knot secured at the crown with bobby pins. Take a section across the front hairline and loosely braid using a basic 3-strand technique towards the crown before tying off just before the knot and lightly tugging ends loose for piece-y detail.
- Sculptural Low Bun With Reverse Fishtail
Split clean, damp hair into two even sections, then begin a regular fishtail pattern by taking a small strand from the outside of each one and crisscrossing them over into opposite sides continuously.
- Braiding Tips And Tricks
- Add Styling Products
Work a lightweight conditioning cream evenly through the lengths of damp, freshly washed hair before braiding to smooth strands and prevent frizz caused by friction from constant weaving and tugging throughout the braiding process from roots to ends.
- Mind The Partings
Crisp, clean partings are key to symmetrical, perfectly lined-up braided hairstyle results. According to LoveHairstyles, use the tail endpoint and handle edge of a rat tail comb to separate hair sections evenly across the sideline where desired before the braiding pattern commences.
- Tighten As You Go
Ensure braids remain tightly plaited together continuously from roots through to ends by gently pulling each fresh crossover of taut as you progress downwards into the next crossing pattern. This keeps everything neat and prevents looseness.
- Secure Properly
Look for clear hair elastics in colors closely matched to your hair tone for seamless invisibility within the braids to avoid bands sticking out like a sore thumb. Wrap bands several times around ends, twisting to fasten multiple layers together, avoiding unraveling.
- Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering intricate, symmetrical braided hairstyles requires patience and practice. Don’t worry if your first few attempts turn out differently than you envisioned. Stick with it, trying different patterns and builds, as braiding improves dramatically with time and technique.
