Braids have come a long way sincethe classic three-strand variety from our schoolyard days. And while we will forever be nostalgic for those pretty braids, we’re still excited for the whole new slew of pretty braids we’ve seen splashed across our Instagram feeds. Whether you’re going to the gym and need to tie your hair up or you’re looking for the perfect hairstyle for a formal occasion, there’s a pretty braid out there that can transform your hair in a matter of minutes. To help you find the perfect pretty braids for you, we’re sharing a whole bunch of our favorite pretty braids. Read on to get inspired!
23 Pretty Braids for Long Hair
1. Unicorn Braid
Tap into the unicorn trend by opting for the single braided look. A quirky style that’s actually pretty easy to master, simply focus on a braid on the center of your hair, then secure it with hair tie for a middle braided look. A low pony that’s tied with your own hair is one of our favorite ways to complete this style. For even more guidance, check out our unicorn braid tutorial and be on your magical way.
2. Pull-Through Braid
Get ready to turn heads with this pretty braid. A chunkier braided option, this braid is all about a hairstyle that brings your braid front and center. If you’re bored with the standard braid and you’re looking for ways to mix things up a bit, this is the braid for you. Master the steps to this braided style by checking out our easypull-through braid tutorial.
3. Milkmaid Braid
If there’s one pretty braid that you have to get in your repertoire, it’s this milkmaid braid. The ‘it’ look of festival season, these pretty braids for long hair will also work for summer weddings, work events and weekend getaways. Get in on this classic look by following our milkmaid braid hair tutorialfor an ethereal goddess look.
4. Fishtail Braid
Up your braid game a few notches by learning how to nail the gorgeous fishtail braid. We’re all about these pretty braids that look super romantic and whimsical. Once you know the basics, as outlined in ourfishtail braid tutorial, you can really have fun with the placement of this braid that you canwear as a half-up style, towards the back or on the side.
5. Top Knot
A top knot works on all sorts of hair textures and types and is one of our all-time favorite pretty braids. We love how these pretty box braids highlight your facial features and your unique sense of style. To achieve this look, simply collect half of your hair, then loop the top part of your hair into bun. Secure with some bobby pins ora hair tie and you’re good to go.
6. Upside Down Braid
A look that’s been garnering some attention as of late is the stylish upside down braid. This hairstyle is all about a sleek base that you can achieve by smoothing down your frizz or flyaways withTRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum. Then divide the back part of your hair into three even sections as you work section-by-section to create your braids. When finished, have that section of your hair meet the rest of your hair in alow or high bun. Get even more tips on how to create this on-trend braid in our upside down braid tutorial.
TRESemmé
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum
7. Hidden Braid
Maybe you’re a the kind of girl who wants something a little simple that still packs a punch. Then the hidden braid trend might be perfect for you. This look is all about rocking your natural texture, or enhancing it, and then subtly placing a skinny braid underneath your hair for a pretty yet subtle effect. It’s also one of our favorite looks for rocking pretty braids last-minute without having to do all that much.
8. Dutch Pigtails
Pigtails aren’t just for the elementary school years. You can easily rock themfor your weekend look or as a stylish way to get your hair out of your face when you get your sweat on. Master the Dutch pigtails in our recent tutorial to easily embrace this carefree hairstyle.
9. Braided Bun
Another way you can show-off your hair is with this chic braided bun. This look is all about creating various braids throughoutthe sides of your hair and a richer, chunkier one in the middle. After you create your braids, create a low pony or bun. Spray someDove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspraythroughout your hair to lock in this style.
Dove
Dove Style+Care Compressed Extra Hold Hairspray
10.Thick Braids
Double up on braids and keep your hair out of your eyes at the same time. These two thick braids will take minutes to create and will stay in place all day long.
11. Classic Ponytail
Pull your pretty box braids up into a classic ponytail and let it fall over one shoulder for an extra chic touch.
12. Off-Center Bun
Give your usual bun a flirty twist by styling it slightly off-center.
13. High Bun
Or keep things simple and classic with a regular high bun.
14. Dutch Braids into a Ponytail
This look is bold and demands attention. Create three tight Dutch braids across your head and lead it into a high ponytail. You can even add some chic charms to the braids, too.
15. Tucked Back
Tuck your braids behind your ears and pin them back for a unique tucked back style.
16.Half-Up Volume
Use a half-up style to add more volume at your roots.
17. Two Cornrows
Adding a few cornrows is a great style for a festival! This look will keep hair out of your face and also looks awesome with some glitter in the part.
18. Multi-Colored
Why settle for one color when you can opt for multiple? We love this combination of purple and gold braids.
19. Flipped Over
Another quick way to add volume is by flipping your braids over to one side in a super deep side part.
20.Braid Charms
Accessorize your braids with tiny beads and charms.
21. Braided Bangs
Hydrate your braids and curls by spraying some Suave Frizz Reducing Refresher Spraythrough them.
Suave
Suave Frizz Reducing Refresher Spray
22. Bantu Knots
Create some bantu knots with your braids to add texture to this fun, protective style!
23. Add a Beanie
When in doubt, accessorize!
