Welcome to our guide on 20 gorgeous braided hairstyles for long hair! Long hair offers endless possibilities for styling, and braids are a timeless and elegant choice that never goes out of fashion. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to switch up your everyday look, braided hairstyles add texture, dimension, and flair to your locks. In this comprehensive list, we’ve curated a diverse range of braided styles to suit every taste and occasion. From intricate fishtail braids to relaxed bohemian twists, there’s something here to inspire everyone. Get ready to elevate your hairstyle game and unleash your inner boho goddess or classic beauty with these stunning braided creations!
Intricate Fishtail Braid
The intricate fishtail braid is a classic choice for those seeking an elegant yet eye-catching hairstyle. To achieve this look, start by parting your hair down the middle and dividing it into two equal sections. Then, take a small strand of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to join the right section. Switch between sides and do this again and again until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently tug on the strands to loosen and create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Bohemian Dutch Braids
For a relaxed and effortlessly chic vibe, try incorporating bohemian Dutch braids into your long hair repertoire. To start, split your hair down the middle and braid it into two Dutch knots on each side of your head. To achieve a bohemian look, leave some face-framing strands loose around your temples and pull gently on the braids to loosen and create volume. Finish the style by securing the ends with clear elastic bands and gently tousling the rest of your hair for a carefree finish.
Crown Braided Updo
The crown braided updo is a sophisticated and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by sectioning off a small portion of hair at the front of your head and braiding it into a traditional three-strand braid. Then, wrap the braid around the crown of your head, securing it in place with bobby pins as you go. Continue braiding and wrapping sections of hair until you’ve created a full crown effect. Finish by tucking the ends of the braids under the crown and securing them with more bobby pins for a polished finish.
Romantic Waterfall Braid
The romantic waterfall braid adds a whimsical and ethereal touch to long hair, making it perfect for weddings, proms, or any special occasion. Start by taking a small section of hair near your temple and dividing it into three equal parts. Begin braiding the section like a traditional French braid, but instead of crossing the outer strands over the middle, drop them down and let them cascade along the side of your head like a waterfall. Continue braiding in this manner, adding in small sections of hair as you go, until you reach the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently pull on the strands to loosen and create a softer, more romantic look.
Elegant French Braid Bun
The elegant French braid bun is a sophisticated and polished hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events or professional settings. Begin by French braiding a section of hair along your hairline, starting from one temple and working your way across to the other side. Once you’ve reached the opposite temple, continue braiding the rest of your hair into a traditional three-strand braid. Secure the end of the braid with a clear elastic band and coil it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with bobby pins and spritz with hairspray for extra hold and shine.
Half-Up Braided Crown
The half-up braided crown is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that’s suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Start by dividing the top section of your hair into two equal parts and create two Dutch braids on each side. Once you’ve braided both sections, cross them over at the back of your head and secure them with bobby pins to create a crown-like effect. Leave the rest of your hair loose or style it into waves or curls for added texture and dimension.
Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail
The twisted rope braid ponytail is a modern and edgy take on the classic ponytail hairstyle. Begin by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a hair elastic. Then, divide the ponytail into two equal sections and twist each section clockwise. Once twisted, cross the sections over each other in a counter-clockwise direction, creating a rope-like effect. Continue twisting and crossing until you reach the end of your hair, then secure with another hair elastic. For a finishing touch, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic and secure with a bobby pin.
Mermaid Braid
The mermaid braid is a whimsical and intricate hairstyle that’s reminiscent of mythical sirens and sea goddesses. Start by parting your hair down the middle and dividing it into two equal sections. Then, take a small section of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to join the right section. Repeat this process, alternating sides and incorporating small sections of hair from the outer edges until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently tug on the strands to loosen and create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Side-Swept Dutch Braid
The side-swept Dutch braid is a romantic and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for showcasing long locks. Begin by parting your hair to one side and creating a Dutch braid along the hairline, starting from the temple and working your way down towards the ear. As you braid, incorporate small sections of hair from the outer edges to create a cascading effect. Once you reach the ear, continue braiding the rest of the hair into a traditional three-strand braid and secure the end with a clear elastic band. Gently pull on the strands to loosen and create volume, then sweep the braid over the shoulder for a dramatic finish.
Boho Crown Braid
The boho crown braid is a relaxed and carefree hairstyle that’s perfect for festivals, beach outings, or casual weekends. Begin by parting your hair down the middle and creating two Dutch braids on either side of your head, starting from the temples and working towards the back. Once you’ve braided both sections, cross them over at the back of your head and secure them with bobby pins to create a crown-like effect. Leave some face-framing strands loose around your temples and pull gently on the braids to loosen and create volume. Finish the look by accessorizing with flowers, beads, or ribbons for a bohemian touch.
Braided Headband
The braided headband is a stylish and practical hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face while adding a trendy accessory to your look. Begin by parting your hair down the middle or to one side, depending on your preference. Then, take a small section of hair near your temple and braid it into a traditional three-strand braid. Once you’ve braided the section, bring it across the top of your head like a headband and secure it with bobby pins behind your opposite ear. Do it again on the other side, making sure to cross the knots over at the back of your head. Finish by tucking the ends of the braids under the rest of your hair and securing them with bobby pins for a seamless finish.
Classic French Braid
The classic French braid is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that’s suitable for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. Start by gathering a section of hair at the crown of your head and dividing it into three equal parts. Begin braiding the section like a traditional three-strand braid, crossing the outer strands over the middle and incorporating small sections of hair as you go. Continue braiding in this manner, working your way down towards the nape of your neck, and then secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic. Gently pull on the strands to loosen and create volume, if desired, and finish with a spritz of hairspray for extra hold.
Triple Braided Bun
The triple braided bun is a chic and sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for formal occasions or professional settings. Begin by dividing your hair into three equal sections and creating three separate braids, such as Dutch braids or traditional three-strand braids. Once you’ve braided all three sections, coil each braid into a bun at the nape of your neck and secure them with bobby pins. Arrange the buns in a triangular pattern and secure them together with more bobby pins for added hold. Finish the look by tucking any loose strands under the buns and spritzing with hairspray for a polished finish.
French Fishtail Braid
The French fishtail braid is a sophisticated and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for adding texture and dimension to long locks. Begin by gathering a small section of hair at the crown of your head and dividing it into two equal parts. Then, take a small strand of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to join the right section. Next, repeat the process on the opposite side, taking a small strand from the outer edge of the right section and crossing it over to join the left section. Continue braiding in this manner, incorporating small sections of hair from each side as you go, until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently tug on the strands to loosen and create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Half-Up French Braid
The half-up French braid is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Begin by gathering a section of hair at the crown of your head and dividing it into three equal parts. Then, begin braiding the section like a traditional three-strand braid, crossing the outer strands over the middle and incorporating small sections of hair as you go. Once you’ve braided the section halfway down, secure it with a hair elastic to create a half-up style. Leave the rest of your hair loose or style it into waves or curls for added texture and dimension.
Side-Swept Fishtail Braid
The side-swept fishtail braid is a romantic and whimsical hairstyle that’s perfect for adding a touch of bohemian flair to your look. First, pull all of your hair to one side and split it into two equal parts. Then, take a small strand of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to join the right section. Repeat this process, alternating sides and incorporating small sections of hair from each side as you go, until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently tug on the strands to loosen and create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Braided Low Bun
The braided low bun is a sleek and polished hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events or professional settings. Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and securing it with a hair elastic. Then, divide the ponytail into three equal sections and braid each section into a traditional three-strand braid. Once you’ve braided all three sections, coil them into a bun at the base of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Gently tug on the strands to loosen and create volume, if desired, and finish the look with a spritz of hairspray for added hold.
Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid is a playful and modern hairstyle that’s perfect for adding texture and volume to long locks. Begin by dividing your hair into two equal sections and securing them with hair elastics to create two ponytails. Then, take a small section of hair from the top of one ponytail and divide it into two equal parts. Bring the bottom ponytail up and through the divided section, creating a loop, and secure it with a hair elastic. Repeat this process, alternating sides and incorporating small sections of hair from each ponytail as you go, until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the ends with another hair elastic and gently tug on the loops to create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Dutch Fishtail Braid
The Dutch fishtail braid is a unique and eye-catching hairstyle that combines the elegance of a Dutch braid with the intricate detail of a fishtail braid. Begin by parting your hair down the middle and dividing it into two equal sections. Then, take a small section of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it under to join the right section. Repeat this process, alternating sides and incorporating small sections of hair from each side as you go, until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band and gently tug on the strands to loosen and create a fuller, more textured appearance.
Braided Top Knot
The braided top knot is a trendy and effortless hairstyle that’s perfect for adding a touch of edge to your look. Begin by gathering your hair into a high ponytail on the crown of your head and securing it with a hair elastic. Then, divide the ponytail into three equal sections and braid each section into a traditional three-strand braid. Once you’ve braided all three sections, coil them into a bun at the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Gently tug on the strands to loosen and create volume, if desired, and finish with a spritz of hairspray for added hold.
Side-Swept French Braid
The side-swept French braid is a romantic and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for showcasing long locks. Begin by parting your hair to one side and creating a French braid along the hairline, starting from the temple and working your way down towards the ear. As you braid, incorporate small sections of hair from the outer edges to create a cascading effect. Once you reach the ear, continue braiding the rest of the hair into a traditional three-strand braid and secure the end with a clear elastic band. Gently pull on the strands to loosen and create volume, then sweep the braid over the shoulder for a dramatic finish.
These are just a few of the many gorgeous braided hairstyles that you can create with long hair. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and polished or bohemian and carefree, there’s a braided style to suit every taste and occasion. Experiment with different braiding techniques and accessories to customize your look and make it your own. With a bit of practice and creativity, you can achieve stunning braided hairstyles that will turn heads wherever you go.
Conclusion:
Incorporating braids into your long hair routine adds versatility and charm to your look. Whether you prefer sleek and polished styles or effortless bohemian vibes, there’s a braided hairstyle to match every personality and occasion. Embrace your creativity and experiment with different braiding techniques to discover your signature look. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can effortlessly achieve stunning braided hairstyles that turn heads wherever you go. Elevate your hair game and unleash your inner goddess with these 20 gorgeous braided hairstyles for long hair.
FAQs:
1. How do I ensure my braids stay intact all day?
To ensure your braids stay intact, start with clean, dry hair and consider using a lightweight styling product like a mousse or texturizing spray for added grip. Secure your braids tightly, and for extra hold, spritz with a flexible hold hairspray.
2. Can braided hairstyles work for different hair textures?
Absolutely! Braided hairstyles can work for a variety of hair textures, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. However, the techniques and products used may vary depending on your hair’s natural texture. Experiment with different braiding methods and adapt them to suit your unique hair type for best results.
