42 Beautiful Braided Hairstyles For Long Hair
The best hairstyles for long hair are those that are functional, stylish, and do not take a lot of time. Toronto based professional hairstylist Laura Clark, who has a styling business of her own, says, “If I need a quick out of my face hair style, I will braid my side bangs all the way down my hair so they are on either side of my face. This gives a really cute fun look, even if I haven’t styled my hair it will look like I have done the messy beach look. It takes me no longer than 5 minutes to style this. It is great for online meetings as well if I need to pull my side bangs back”. Keeping all this in mind, we have compiled a list of the best braided hairstyles for your long hair.
1. Double Braided Updo
The most elegant hairdo of the lot, this braided hairstyle is perfect for weddings and formal events. At first glance, it may look difficult to achieve. But it is super simple to master once you get a hang of braiding your hair. Just two braids rolled up into intricate circles and you’re ready! What You Need
Bobby pins 2 hair elastics Comb Hairspray
How To Style
2. Side Braided Messy Bun
Who knew combining our comfort hairstyles – a braid and a messy bun could give such a trendy hairdo? This braided messy bun transitions easily from a busy office hairdo to an effortless party look. So, the next time you are late, don’t think much about how to style your hair. Do this simple updo instead! What You Need
Hairbrush Bobby pins Hair elastic Hairspray
How To Style
3. Easy Braided Ponytail
Let’s start out with something, shall we? Perfect for a day filled with classes, this ponytail wrapped with a braid is chic, simple, and takes less than 5 minutes to do! Honestly, what more could you ask for from a hairstyle?
Smoothing serum 2 hair elastics Bobby pins
4. Messy Loose Boho Ponytail Hair
Now, this hairstyle is definitely the very definition of boho. Loose waves, super relaxed braids, carelessly tied and haphazardly placed buns…this hairstyle definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to boho styling. And it looks ridiculously cute!
Sea salt spray Hair elastics Bobby pins Light hold hair spray
5. The Brilliant Braid
Many moons ago, when I was just starting out on my hairstyling journey, the fishtail braid was my Everest. Though now I can whip one up in 5 minutes flat, back then I could have done anything to find an easier way to fishtail braid my hair. I had to suffer – but you don’t have to! Here’s a simple hack to do this beautiful braid in the easiest way possible. You’re welcome.
Texturizing spray Bobby pins Hair elastic
6. Triple Braided Bun
You can’t say ‘no’ to a braided style this beautiful. Perfect for any formal event, this updo looks deceptively intricate but is super easy to do. Just 3 braids rolled up into 3 buns and you’re good to go!
Teasing comb Hair elastics Bobby pins Light hold hair spray
7. Four Strand Accent Braid
Who says that a braid can only be done with 3 strands? Prove all those naysayers wrong with this gorgeous 4 strand braid. It may look difficult to achieve but once you get the hang of the braiding pattern, there’s no stopping you!
Texturizing spray Hair elastic Bobby pins
8. Five Braids Bun
Here’s another long braided hairstyle that uses a simple hack to create a stunning effect. And with a name like ‘Five Braids Bun’, this hairstyle is quite self-explanatory. The four braids rolled into a bun create the illusion of having voluminous hair, so it’s perfect for someone who finds it difficult to style their fine textured hair.
Hair elastics Bobby pins Medium hold hair spray
9. Boho Braids Back Headband
Let loose your bohemian spirit with this gorgeous braided headband style. While most headband styles place the braids on top of your head, this unique hairdo pins them across the back. Simple, yet oh-so-beautiful.
Sea salt spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
10. Little Fishtails
What’s better than one big fishtail braid? Many little fishtail braids, of course! This sectioned off fishtail style creates an adorable bubbled effect in your braid, making sure that bits of your hair do not unravel through the day.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Straightening iron
11. Half Up Pull Through Braid
Flirty, fun, and carefree. This is the image you will project with this super relaxed half updo. With a unique take on the traditional braid, which makes generous use of hair elastics and the ‘pull through’ method, you are sure to make heads turn when sporting this look.
Hair brush Hair elastics Bobby pins Sea salt spray
12. Half Up 3 Boho Braids
Running late for a date and only have 5 minutes to do your hair and makeup? I’ve got you covered! This half up style only requires you to braid 3 braids together into a single braid. It’s braid-ception.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics
13. Double Boho Braid
Looking for a style that’s a tad more traditional? Look no further! This gorgeous style makes use of every braided style in the book. With a topsy tail at the top and a fishtail braid resting atop a normal one, this style is sure to make everyone who sees it do a double take.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
14. Pull Through Braid
There is a serious lack of hairstyles for people whose personal style is sporty, yet feminine. This ponytail done up in a pull through braid should remedy that. Perfect for a cozy night in or a girls-only sleepover, this ponytail braid style will make you look cute and still keep your hair out of your face.
Hair elastics Bobby pins
15. Chic Shoelace Braid
Get experimental with your hairstyling game with this new style of braiding! Though the name may sound bizarre, shoelace braids actually look super chic and edgy. AND they are so easy to do! Pair them with a fishtail braided bun and you are ready to walk down a high-fashion red carpet.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins Medium hold hair spray
16. Mohawk Braid Ponytail
Have a sports tournament coming up? Or maybe you plan on engaging in a hardcore session of working out? Whatever the case, this Mohawk braid ponytail is sure to make you look cute while you sweat it out!
Texturizing spray Paddle brush Hair elastics Bobby pin
17. Fishtail Merged Crown Braid
Honestly, I’ve watched so many tutorials for crown braids and I can safely say that they are a pain in the you-know-where to do. So here’s a super easy way to get that pretty crown braid look without going crazy! The bonus here is that the combined fishtail and normal braids actually create a much more intricate effect than a normal braid would do.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins Light hold hair spray
18. Triple Braided Bun With A Flower Crown
Now here’s a wedding hairstyle that is sure to light up the simplest of dresses. With its simple triple braided updo and a colorful flower crown, you don’t even need to worry about your hairstyle drooping or unraveling through the day.
Paddle brush Hair elastics Bobby pins Flower crown Light hold hair spray
19. Faux Braided Crown
Look, I know it’s damn difficult to French braid around your head to get a crown braided look. So here’s a simple hack to achieve the same effect with significantly lesser effort. You’re welcome.
Tail comb Hair elastics Bobby pins Light hold hair spray
20. Topsy Tail Braided Flower
Go ultra soft and feminine with this intricate braided flower hairstyle. Looks impossible to achieve, I know. But it’s actually super easy! You just need to know how to do a basic 3 strand braid and you’re good to go!
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
21. Game Of Thrones Braids
Yeah, we all agree that Cersei Lannister is a pretty awful person. But there’s no denying that her hairstyling game is on point. These pinned up simple braids style takes about 5 minutes to perfect and make you look like an absolute queen.
Hair elastics Teasing comb Bobby pins Sea salt spray
22. Half Up Lace Rose
Be your girliest best by sporting this floral hairstyle that will make everyone fall in love with your hair. The half French braids at the sides create a unique illusion that makes them look like twists and the braided flower at the back almost looks like it was cut out of lace (hence, the name).
Teasing brush Fine toothed comb Hair elastics Bobby pins Light hold hair spray
23. Topsy Fishtail Braid
Now, here’s another style that lets you sport that elusive fishtail braid, without actually making you go through all that trouble. It makes use of repeatedly topsy tailing sections of your hair to create the illusion of a fishtail braid. Hair elastics
24. Double Dutch Braid Bun
Perfect for prom or a night out partying, this double Dutch braided bun updo is the cutest hairstyle to pair with that sparkly dress of yours. Just throw your hair into this loose bun style and dance away your night carefree!
Texturizing spray Bobby pins Hair elastics
25. Braided Headband Side Ponytail
Kick back and relax over the weekend with this hairstyle that is pretty, yet functional. While the French braided headband does look chic, it serves an even more important purpose – that of keeping your hair out of your face while you spend hours on end on Netflix.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
26. Boho Top Knot
Be on top of your boho style game with this half up top knot that is the epitome of ‘messy chic’. The highlight of this look is the messy braid that cascades down your back and adds oomph to your overall style.
Sea salt spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
27. Hippie Braids
Heading to a music festival? I have got you covered! Regardless of the dust and grime that are an inevitable part of music festivals, you still want to look fresh as a daisy. Well, these super hippie braids will help you do just that AND keep your hair out of your face.
Hair elastics Light hold hair spray
28. Ponytail Braids
Tied your hair into a high ponytail but want to add a little something more to it? Try out braiding random sections of hair in your ponytail to accent your otherwise boring ponytail and step out in style.
Texturizing spray Paddle brush Hair elastics Bobby pins
29. Easy Curly Side Braid
Going for that cute and sexy look that is so hard to pull off? I’ve got the perfect solution! While the diffused curls in this look give off the perfect sexy vibes, the Dutch braid ponytail takes care of the cuteness factor.
Volumizing mousse Blowdryer, with a diffuser attachment Bobby pins Hair elastics
30. Pancaked Braided Ponytail
Want to spice up your same old boring ponytail? Here’s a simple way to do so! Just braiding a section of hair and wrapping it around your ponytail is enough to elevate your style quotient from ‘drab’ to ‘out of this world’!
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
31. Rope Twist Braid
Fling all your preconceived notions about what braids are supposed to look like out of the window. Because this is a style that is a unique takeoff from the traditional braid. The rope braid requires just 2 strands and a little bit of twisting to create an unconventional and new-age hairstyle.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics
32. Festive Side Ponytail
Celebrate Christmas and bring in the new year in style with this appropriately named Festive Side Ponytail. This fishtail and braided flower style pairs well with casual, as well as fancy, clothes. But it’s the side ponytail element that adds a hint of glamour to this look.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins Medium hold hair spray
33. Braid Ponytail With Bow Accessory
It is difficult to look your stylish best while still dressing appropriately for work. But, with this hairstyle, you won’t have to face that dilemma! This cute Dutch braided ponytail may not be very out of the ordinary. But it’s the bow clip attached to it that makes a world of difference and makes your hairdo ‘work chic’.
Hair elastics Bow hair accessory
34. 3D Chain Link Braid
You don’t only have to take clothing inspiration from fashion show runways. Hair styling is also a major part of the look that fashion designers create to showcase at their shows. This 3D chain link braid, for example, was first seen at a Donna Karan New York show and is unique in the 3D effect it creates, compared to the traditional braids that lay flat.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics
35. Half Up Fishtail Braid
If you lean towards more delicate styles, here’s a hairstyle that you will definitely fancy. This combination of a topsy tail and a half up fishtail is one that seems tailor-made for a wedding. Throw on a fancy dress and pair the style with minimal makeup to steal all the hearts in the room.
Teasing brush Texturizing spray Fine toothed comb Hair elastics
36. Accented Side Braid
You don’t always have to go for complicated hairstyles when braiding your hair. Here’s an easy way that you can shake up your braid style. Just adding 2 small accent braids to your regular braid will make people sit up and take notice of your style game. And you can try your own variations of this trick, with different kinds and number of accent braids, to suit your own personal style! Hair elastics
37. Twisted Fishtail Side Braid
How about trying different braid styles for long hair that is fit to be paired with a grown? Yes! A braid with a gown! Never thought those two could be paired together, did you? Well, this twisted and bubbled fishtail braid style is so elegant and pretty that it seems to just belong in a ballroom.
Hair elastics Bobby pins
38. Half Up Fishtail Do
Going for a casual coffee meet-up with friends but still want your style game to be on point? Throw your hair into a half fishtail braid and a couple of simple braids that make for a super cute and easy hairstyle that can be paired with a casual denim jacket and jeans.
Heat protectant 1 inch curling iron Hair elastics Sea salt spray
39. Khaleesi Braid
Suppresses the urge to scream “Where are my dragons?!” Besides being totally badass and the Mother of Dragons, Khaleesi (a.k.a. Daenerys Targaryen) is also #goals when it comes to hair styling. This is but out humble attempt to recreate her iconic Dutch braided style.
Texturizing spray Hair elastics Bobby pins
40. Messy Pigtail Braids
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – just because you’re all grown up now doesn’t mean you have to leave all your childhood styles behind. These Dutch braids make for super cute pigtails and are perfect for a night with your bae, all cozied up in a sweater and sipping hot chocolate, and listening to chill music. Hair elastics
41. Braid In A Side Braid
Yes, we know you don’t have all the time in the world while dressing up in the morning. But it’s nice to put in just a little more effort to look more polished, isn’t it? And you don’t even have to do much! Doing this braid braided into a braid style is as easy as it gets! Hair elastics
42. Fishtail Pony Braid
When I braid my hair, I always have this nagging thought that it is going to get loose and unravel completely. The perfect way to prevent this from happening is to throw your hair into a ponytail before braiding it. Simple and effective! This particular fishtail braid ponytail pairs perfectly with summer sun dresses as well as warm winter jumpers.
Paddle brush Texturizing spray Hair elastics
What is the easiest braid to do? Classic three-strand braid is the easiest braid to do. What are lemonade braids? Lemonade braids came into the picture in 2016, when Beyonce released her visual album Lemonade. This protective hairstyle is fashioned by side-swept cornrows. What is a butterfly braid? A butterfly braid is made of two large braids on each side of your head that create a single braid on the back of the head. What are knotless braids? Knotless braids do not include a single knot and are like traditional three-strand box braids. This hairstyle may help prevent traction alopecia. What is the difference between Goddess braids and bohemian braids? Nothing. Goddess and bohemian braids are the same.
