Long hair offers endless possibilities when it comes to styling, and braids are one of the most versatile and timeless options.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic updo for a special occasion or a casual, everyday look, braids can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any hairstyle.
In this post, we’ll explore 18 stunning braid styles for long hair that are perfect for trying out in 2024.
18 Braid Styles to Inspire Your Next Look (No. 17 Is My Favorite)
1. Dutch Fishtail Braid: A Twist on the Classic Fishtail
The Dutch fishtail braid is a modern take on the classic fishtail braid. This style involves crossing strands of hair under instead of over, creating a more textured and dimensional look.
To master this braid, start by dividing your hair into two sections and then begin a regular fishtail braid. However, instead of crossing the strands over, cross them under, and then repeat the process until you reach the end of your hair.
2. Long Boho Braid: Effortless Chic for Any Occasion
The long boho braid is a laid-back and effortless hairstyle that’s perfect for music festivals, beach days, or just a casual outing with friends. To achieve this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair and divide it into three parts. Begin a regular braid, but instead of pulling the strands tight, gently pull them loose to create a relaxed, undone look.
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Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band. Finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face for a truly bohemian vibe.
3. Waterfall Braid Crown: A Regal Touch for Your Locks
The waterfall braid crown is a stunning and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into three parts. Begin a regular braid, but instead of continuing the braid all the way down, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new section of hair right above it.
Continue this process, dropping the bottom strand and picking up a new one, until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with bobby pins and finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
4. Micro Braids: Tiny but Mighty Hairstyle Inspiration
Micro braids are a great way to add some subtle texture and interest to your hair. These tiny braids can be worn as a accent braid or as a full-head style.
To create micro braids, start by dividing your hair into small sections, about the size of a grain of rice. Then, take each section and divide it into three parts.
Begin a regular braid, but instead of pulling the strands tight, gently pull them loose to create a delicate, intricate look. Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band.
5. Fishtail Crown Braid: A Royal Treatment for Your Hair
The fishtail crown braid is a stunning and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into two parts. Begin a fishtail braid, crossing the strands over and under each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with bobby pins and finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
6. Double Dutch Braid: Twice the Fun, Twice the Style
The double Dutch braid is a fun and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for casual outings or everyday wear. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections and then begin a regular Dutch braid.
However, instead of continuing the braid all the way down, stop halfway and then start a new braid, crossing the strands under instead of over.
Continue this process until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band.
7. Goddess Braids: Channel Your Inner Deity with These Regal Locks
Goddess braids are a stunning and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into three parts. Begin a regular braid, but instead of continuing the braid all the way down, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new section of hair right above it.
Continue this process, dropping the bottom strand and picking up a new one, until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with bobby pins and finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
8. Inside Out Braid: A Reversal of Fortune for Your Hair
The inside out braid is a unique and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want to add some excitement to their locks. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections and then begin a regular braid.
However, instead of crossing the strands over and under each other, cross them under and then over, creating a reversed braid.
Continue this process until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band.
9. Twisted Crown Braid: A Chic and Easy Updo
The twisted crown braid is a chic and easy updo that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into two parts. Begin a regular twist, twisting the strands away from your face, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with bobby pins and finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
10. Long French Braid: A Timeless Classic for Any Occasion
The long French braid is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into three parts. Begin a regular braid, crossing the strands over each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with a small elastic band and voila! You’ve got a chic and sophisticated braid that’s perfect for work, school, or a night out on the town.
11. Dreadlock Braids: Embracing the Bohemian Vibe
Dreadlock braids are a great way to add some bohemian flair to your hair. To create this look, start by sectioning your hair into small sections, about the size of a dreadlock.
Then, take each section and begin a regular braid, but instead of crossing the strands over each other, twist them around each other to create a dreadlock-inspired braid.
Continue this process until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band.
12. Micro Fishtail Braid: Delicate and Dainty Hair Inspiration
The micro fishtail braid is a delicate and dainty hairstyle that’s perfect for adding some subtle texture and interest to your hair.
To create this look, start by dividing your hair into small sections, about the size of a grain of rice. Then, take each section and begin a fishtail braid, crossing the strands over and under each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
13. Braid Bun Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds
The braid bun hybrid is a chic and easy hairstyle that combines the best of both worlds. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and begin a regular braid. Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with bobby pins.
Take the remaining hair and sweep it up into a bun, securing with bobby pins. Finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
14. Side Swept Braid: A Romantic Touch for Your Hair
The side swept braid is a romantic and whimsical hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the side of your head and begin a regular braid, crossing the strands over each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with a small elastic band and voila! You’ve got a romantic and whimsical braid that’s perfect for adding some drama to your look.
15. Twisted Low Bun Braid: Understated Elegance for Any Event
The twisted low bun braid is an understated yet elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for any event. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and begin a regular twist, twisting the strands away from your face, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with bobby pins and then sweep the remaining hair up into a low bun, securing with bobby pins. Finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
16. Crown Braid Pigtails: A Whimsical Twist on the Classic Pigtail
Crown braid pigtails are a whimsical and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for adding some fun to your look. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and begin a regular braid, crossing the strands over each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with a small elastic band and then divide the remaining hair into two sections, securing each section with a small elastic band to create pigtails. Finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
17. Long Goddess Braids: Embracing the Divine in Your Hair
Long goddess braids are a stunning and regal hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions or formal events. To create this look, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Then, take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and begin a regular braid, crossing the strands over each other, until you reach the end of your hair.
Secure with bobby pins and finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
18. Knotted Braid: A Chic and Undone Hairstyle
The knotted braid is a chic and undone hairstyle that’s perfect for adding some texture and interest to your hair. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into small sections, about the size of a grain of rice.
Then, take each section and begin a regular braid, but instead of crossing the strands over each other, twist them around each other to create a knotted braid.
Continue this process until you reach the end of your hair, and then secure with a small elastic band. Finish off the look with a few loose strands framing your face.
Conclusion
And there you have it – 18 stunning braid styles to inspire your next hairstyle. From classic French braids to bohemian dreadlock braids, we’ve covered a range of styles to suit every taste and occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a chic and elegant look or a fun and playful style, braids are a great way to add some excitement to your hair. So go ahead, get creative, and braid your way to hair greatness!
FAQs
Q: What type of hair is best suited for braids?
A: Braids can be worn on any type of hair, whether it’s straight, curly, or wavy. However, some braid styles may work better on certain hair types. For example, fishtail braids look great on wavy hair, while Dutch braids are perfect for straight hair.
Q: How do I keep my braids from coming undone?
A: To keep your braids from coming undone, make sure to secure them with a small elastic band or bobby pins. You can also use a light hold hairspray to set the braid in place.
Q: Can I wear braids with short hair?
A: Yes, you can wear braids with short hair! While some braid styles may require longer hair, there are many styles that can be worn on short hair, such as micro braids or crown braids.
Q: How long does it take to learn how to braid?
A: It may take some practice to learn how to braid, but with patience and persistence, you can master the technique. Start with simple braid styles and work your way up to more complex ones.
Q: Can I wear braids to formal events?
A: Absolutely! Braids can be dressed up or down and are perfect for formal events, such as weddings or proms. Choose a more elegant braid style, such as a French braid or a crown braid, and pair it with a beautiful dress or outfit.
Q: How do I take care of my hair after wearing braids?
A: After wearing braids, gently remove the braid and brush out your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
