10 Braided Hairstyles For Long Hair: Get Creative With Your Tresses

Honey, let’s talk tresses! You know we can’t resist a good braid moment, and with your long, luxurious locks, the possibilities are endless. But who says braids have to be complicated or time-consuming? Forget spending hours in front of the mirror – we’re all about effortless elegance here.

Today, we’re spilling the tea on 10 stunning braided hairstyles that are perfect for the busy boss babe on the go. These styles are all about maximizing impact with minimal effort, leaving you looking polished and put-together, no matter how hectic your day gets. So, grab your favorite hair tie (because girl, you’re about to become a braiding pro!), and let’s get started!

1. The Classic French Braid With A Twist (Or Two!)

This timeless favorite gets a modern upgrade with a few simple tweaks. Start with a classic French braid along one side of your head, but instead of braiding all the way down, leave a loose fishtail braid for the last few inches. This adds a touch of whimsy and keeps the style from looking too severe. For extra texture and volume, try the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray from Amazon before braiding. And here’s a pro secret: for a lived-in, effortless look, gently tug on a few strands within the braid to loosen it up slightly.

2. The Messy Side Braid: Effortless Chic in Minutes

This style is perfect for those mornings when you hit snooze a few too many times. Simply braid a loose three-strand braid along one side of your head, incorporating wispy pieces from the crown for a textured, romantic look. Secure the braid with a chic hair clip or a silk ribbon for added elegance. The Virtue Texturizing Spray  from Amazon is a great product to add texture and hold to this style without making it look stiff.

3. The Dutch Braid Updo: Sophisticated with a Sporty Edge

Who says braids can’t be glamorous? Dutch braids, which are essentially French braids “inside out,” create a beautiful, raised effect perfect for an updo. Dutch braid two sections on either side of your head, then secure them at the back with bobby pins. Wrap the remaining hair around the base of the braids and pin securely. Finish with a spritz of hairspray like the ghd Final Fix Hairspray from Amazon for all-day hold.

4. The Waterfall Braid: A Show-Stopping Half-Up Style

This stunning braid is easier than it looks! Start with a French braid near your temple, but instead of incorporating all the hair, leave a section loose. This loose section then becomes part of the regular hair, and you repeat the process, creating a cascading waterfall effect down the side of your head. Finish the braid and secure it with a bobby pin. This style is perfect for showing off your gorgeous hair with a touch of intricate detail.

5. The Braided Headband: Bohemian Chic for the Free Spirit

Channel your inner flower child with this whimsical braided headband. French braid a section of hair along your hairline from one ear to the other. Secure the braid with bobby pins and gently loosen it up for a relaxed look. This style is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face on a hot summer day while still looking effortlessly chic.

6. The Boxer Braids: Sporty Chic with a Polished Edge

Who says braids can’t be fierce? Boxer braids are perfect for the gym or adding an edge to your everyday look. Separate your hair down the middle and braid two tight three-strand braids on either side of your head. Secure with hair ties and finish with a hair oil like the Moroccanoil Treatment Oil from Amazon to add shine and tame flyaways.

7. The Fishtail Braid: Effortlessly Romantic and Easy to Master

This braid adds a romantic touch to any hairstyle. Start with a regular three-strand braid, but instead of taking sections from underneath, take them from the outside of each section and incorporate them into the opposite side. This creates a beautiful, woven fishtail effect. For a bohemian vibe, try incorporating a silk scarf into the braid for a pop of color and texture.

8. The Crown Braid: A Regal Updo for Special Occasions

Feeling fancy? The crown braid is a show-stopping updo perfect for a night out or a special event. French braid a section of hair around your head, incorporating hair from the crown as you go. Once you complete

the loop around your head, secure the braid with bobby pins and tuck the remaining hair underneath the braid, pinning it securely for a polished look. Finish with a shine spray like the Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray from Amazon to add a touch of glamour.

9. The Braided Ponytail: A Classic with a Twist

The classic ponytail gets a braided upgrade with this easy style. Start with a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then, separate the ponytail into two sections and braid them individually. Secure the ends of the braids with hair ties and wrap a section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the band. Pin it securely for a polished finish. You can also braid just the top section of your ponytail for a more subtle twist on the classic.

10. The Double Dutch Braid Buns: Playful and Perfect for Second-Day Hair

Don’t underestimate the power of second-day hair! Dutch braid two sections on either side of your head, all the way down to the ends. Secure the braids with hair ties, then wrap each braid around itself to create two buns. Pin the buns securely and gently loosen the braids for a textured, playful look. This style is perfect for hiding greasy roots and adding a touch of personality to your second-day hair.

Pro Tips For Effortless Chic

Now that you’ve got your braiding repertoire ready to go, here are a few extra tips from your resident hair guru:

• Invest In Quality Hair Ties: Ditch the flimsy drugstore elastics that can damage your hair. Silk or satin hair ties are a gentle and stylish option. The Slip Silk Hair Ties are a cult favorite for a reason.
• Dry Texturizing Spray Is Your New BFF: This magical product adds volume and grip to your hair, making it easier to braid and hold the style throughout the day. The Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo from Amazon doubles as a texturizing spray and a hair refresher – a win-win!
• Embrace Hair Accessories: Don’t be afraid to elevate your braids with hair accessories. Chic bobby pins, silk ribbons, or even a statement hair clip can add a touch of personality to your style. Think of them as the jewelry for your hair!
• Don’t Be Afraid To Get Messy: The beauty of these styles is that they’re meant to look effortless. Don’t strive for braid perfection – a few loose strands here and there add to the overall charm.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Like anything else, the more you braid, the easier it becomes. Don’t get discouraged if your braids aren’t perfect the first time. Just keep practicing, and you’ll be a braiding pro in no time!

Bonus Section: Braiding Beyond The Basics – Advanced Techniques and Inspiration

Feeling like you’ve mastered the essential braids? Ready to take your braiding game to the next level? Hold onto your braided buns, because we’re diving into the world of advanced braiding techniques and show-stopping inspiration!

1. The Milkmaid Braid: A Whimsical Updo For The Modern Milkmaid

This romantic updo is perfect for weddings, garden parties, or a day at the polo club. It requires some practice, but the results are undeniably stunning. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

• Start with two Dutch braids on either side of your head, beginning near your temples and working your way back.
• Once the braids reach the crown of your head, secure them with hair ties.
• Cross one braid over the head and pin it securely behind the opposite ear.
• Repeat with the other braid, creating a criss-cross effect.
• You can then tuck the ends of the braids underneath the updo and pin them for a polished look, or leave them loose for a more relaxed vibe.
• Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold everything in place.

2. The Five-Strand Braid: A Challenge For The Intrepid Braider

Ready for a braiding challenge? The five-strand braid is a showstopper, but it requires some practice and dexterity. There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the process, but be prepared to invest some time and patience. Once you master this braid, you’ll be the envy of all your friends!

3. The Braid Updo With Accent Braids: Take Your Updo To The Next Level

Elevate your classic updo with intricate braids. French or Dutch braid small sections of hair around your face and incorporate them into your updo. This adds visual interest and a touch of complexity to your hairstyle. For even more drama, consider using hair extensions for a voluminous and luxurious look.

4. The Braided Ponytail With A Braid Boost:

Take your regular braided ponytail up a notch by incorporating multiple braids. Here’s how:

• Start with a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
• Separate the ponytail into three sections.
• French braid the middle section all the way down.
• With the remaining two sections, create a regular three-strand braid on either side.
• Wrap the two side braids around the center braid and secure them at the bottom with a hair tie.
• This creates a dimensional and visually interesting braided ponytail that’s sure to turn heads.