braids for women

Whether you’re a hair-styling novice or a seasoned pro, braids offer endless possibilities to elevate your look. From classic cornrows to intricate fishtails, this comprehensive guide will empower you with 75 stunning braids that will keep your hair game on point.

1. Cornrows: A Timeless Staple

Cornrows, also known as “African braids,” have been a cultural symbol for centuries. They are simple yet effective, creating raised rows of hair that can be styled in various patterns. With cornrows, you can achieve both protective styling and a bold, statement-making look.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into small, even sections.
2. Braid each section tightly, starting from the root.
3. Keep the braids close to your scalp, creating a lifted effect.
4. Secure the ends with hair elastics or bobby pins.

2. Box Braids: A Versatile Classic

Box braids are a popular choice for women seeking a protective and stylish option. They involve sectioning your hair into square or rectangular “boxes,” which are then braided tightly. Box braids come in various lengths, thicknesses, and colors, allowing for endless customization.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into small, even squares.
2. Apply braiding hair or extensions to add length or volume.
3. Braid each section tightly, starting from the root.
4. Continue braiding down the length of the hair, creating square boxes.
5. Secure the ends with hair elastics or bobby pins.

3. French Braid: An Elegant Updo

French braids are a timeless and versatile updo that can add instant sophistication to any outfit. They involve weaving three strands of hair together while incorporating new hair from the sides as you braid. A French braid can be left down, pinned up, or styled into a bun.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into three equal sections.
2. Cross the right section over the middle section.
3. Take a small piece of hair from the left side and add it to the right section.
4. Cross the new section over the middle section.
5. Repeat steps 3-4, alternating sides and incorporating new hair until you reach the nape of your neck.
6. Braid the remaining hair down to the ends.
7. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.

4. Fishtail Braid: A Delicate Masterpiece

Fishtail braids are known for their intricate, interwoven pattern that resembles a fish’s tail. They are a bit more challenging to master than other braids, but the results are stunning. Fishtail braids can be styled into a loose, romantic updo or a sleek, polished ponytail.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
2. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.
3. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.
4. Continue alternating sides, crossing small sections of hair from the outside to the inside.
5. Braid down to the ends, keeping the strands tight and evenly spaced.
6. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.

5. Halo Braid: A Celestial Statement

Halo braids, also known as crown braids, create a stunning effect that encircles your head like a halo. They are perfect for weddings, prom, or any special occasion where you want to feel like a princess. A halo braid can be styled with flowers, ribbons, or other hair accessories to enhance its beauty.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into two equal sections at the top of your head.
2. Braid each section tightly, leaving the ends loose.
3. Wrap the right braid over your head, starting from the back and securing it on the left side with bobby pins.
4. Repeat on the left side, wrapping the braid over your head and tucking it under the right braid.
5. Adjust the braids to create a halo-like effect.
6. Secure all loose ends with bobby pins.

6. Waterfall Braid: A Cascading Delight

Waterfall braids are a breathtaking style that combines a braid with loose, flowing sections. They create the illusion of a waterfall flowing down your hair, adding movement and volume. Waterfall braids can be left down or pinned up into an elegant bun.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into two sections, one large and one small.
2. Start a French braid on the small section, closest to your face.
3. Once you reach the end of the small section, take a small piece of hair from the large section and add it to the outermost section of the braid.
4. Cross the outermost section over the middle section.
5. Let the outermost section fall down your hair, creating a loose strand that resembles a waterfall.
6. Continue braiding down to the ends, adding hair from the large section to the outermost section as you go.
7. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.

7. Side Braid: A Casual Chic

Side braids are a simple yet stylish option that can add a touch of interest to your everyday look. They are perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while adding a bit of flair. Side braids can be worn with various hair textures and lengths.

How to:

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Create a deep side part.
3. Braid one side of your hair tightly, starting from the root.
4. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.
5. Loosen the braid slightly to add volume and texture.

8. Dutch Braid: A Topsy-Turvy Classic

Dutch braids, also known as inside-out braids, are a variation of French braids that create a raised, voluminous effect. They are perfect for those who want to add dimension and height to their hair. Dutch braids can be styled into a variety of updos or worn down for a casual chic look.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into three equal sections.
2. Cross the left section under the middle section.
3. Cross the right section under the new middle section.
4. Continue alternating sides, crossing the outer sections under the middle section.
5. Incorporate new hair from the sides as you braid.
6. Braid down to the ends and secure with a hair elastic or bobby pin.

9. Half-Up Braid: A Versatile Updo

Half-up braids combine the best of both worlds: the elegance of an updo with the convenience of leaving some hair down. They are perfect for those who want to keep their hair out of their face while maintaining a stylish and feminine look. Half-up braids can be styled in various ways, from simple twists to intricate braided designs.

How to:

1. Divide your hair into two sections, top and bottom.
2. Braid the top section of your hair, using any braiding technique you prefer.
3. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.
4. Bring the braid over to one side of your head and pin it into place.
5. Style the bottom section of your hair as desired, leaving it down or creating loose curls.

1. Tension Braiding: This technique involves using different amounts of tension to create interesting texture and visual effects in your braids.
2. Inverted Braiding: This technique involves braiding from the bottom up instead of the top down, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
3. Pull-Through Braiding: This technique involves pulling sections of hair through the braid as you go, resulting in an intricate and voluminous effect.
4. Chain Braiding: This technique involves creating small loops of hair that are linked together, forming a delicate and delicate chain-like braid.
5. Ribbon Braiding: This technique involves incorporating ribbon or other embellishments into your braid, adding a touch of color and flair.
6. Macrame Braiding: This technique involves using knots to create intricate braids, resulting in a unique and artistic effect.
7. Spiral Braiding: This technique involves twisting sections of hair around each other to create a spiral-shaped braid, adding volume and texture.
8. Rope Braiding: This technique involves twisting two strands of hair together to create a rope-like braid, providing a simple yet effective style.
9. Lace Braiding: This technique involves creating a delicate and lacy pattern in your braid by crossing sections of hair over and under each other.
10. Waterfall Twist Braiding: This technique combines a waterfall braid with a twisted braid, creating a cascading effect that resembles a waterfall.

1. Braided Bangs: Add a twist to your bangs by braiding them into a side braid, a headband braid, or a French braid.
2. Braided Ponytails: Elevate your ponytail by incorporating braids into the base or the length of the ponytail. Try a fishtail ponytail, a Dutch braid ponytail, or a halo braid ponytail.
3. Braided Buns: Create a unique and stylish bun by incorporating braids into its design. Try a braided top knot, a braided low bun, or a braided messy bun.
4. Braided Headbands: Create a bohemian or ethnic-inspired look by using braids as headbands. Try