Braids are such a classic way to style the hair, but some people think there’s only one way to do it, or that they can’t be bothered to do something that seems so meticulous. But there’s something about a braided look that’s really unique. When your hair is in a braided updo, it has that dainty and feminine look but it’s also out of the way and won’t bother your face. So this hairstyle is perfect if you want your hair to remain neat for the rest of the day.
Perfecting the braided look begins with knowing what your options are. You can try and make these braids yourself or simply ask your hair stylist to do it for you:
Fit for a Princess
Who needs a tiara when you can make a crown out of your own hair? The ‘crown braid’ is a classic way to keep your hair neat but also make a statement, because true to its name, you’ll look like you have a crown on your head. This look is best if you have medium length to long hair, and can be achieved by making two low braids, then pinning them together over your head.
The Side Fishtail
Popularized by Katniss Everdeen, you can channel your inner Hunger Games persona and go for the side fishtail. First you need to pick a side and gather all your hair either on your left or right, finishing off with a neatly textured fishtail braid. The fishtail, unlike the normal way of doing a braid, gives your hair more character. Depending on your preference and on what the occasion calls for, you can make your fishtail braid sleek and tight, or have it loose and messy. You can also go for Queen Elsa’s “Frozen” look and start from your crown, teasing it for some volume and moving all the way down.
Braided Headband
If you want to put your hair down but still achieve a braided look, what you can go for is the braided headband. This works for medium to long hair, and looks extra unique if you have some bangs. You can also use the braided headband to accentuate an updo, like if you have a messy chignon with wisps of hair on the sides.
Bun on Top
Another way to do your hair especially if it’s long and thick is to put it all up in a high bun. But since anyone can do a bun and what you really want is something one of a kind, you can make this bun unlike any other by adding multiple accent braids. These will be tiny braids that accentuate your bun and give you not just added height but that x-factor as well.
Boho String Braids
You can go for a boho touch by adding tiny string braids to your usual blowout. Basically, what you’ll do is make a bunch of tiny braids around your head, and just let them flow down together with the rest of your hair. You can go for just one tiny braid for a little accent or go for several, depending on what you want. If you need the braids to stay where they are, you can also use a bit of molding paste.
French Updo
French braids can make you look really neat while making a statement. Your French braid is definitely not the same as your normal braid, and it requires a little more effort. What you can do to make it even more different is to part your hair any way you want it, and then from the top, create two French braids on both sides of your head. These braids should eventually meet at the bottom, but what you’ll do is gathering all your remaining hair in a loose chignon. This way, you get an updo with some character – one that everyone will surely remember.
Half-up with a Twist
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is the perfect compromise for those who want to keep hair away from the face but still feel like it’s entirely “down.” What you can do is add a twist to the normal half-up hairstyle by using a waterfall braid, which will move horizontally across the back of your head. You can also go for the simple braided strip from both sides of the head then join them together at the back.
Braided Ponytail
First, you need to pull your air up into a high ponytail. You can then braid it so that it’s even neater. You can pick the type of braid that you will apply, because that will affect what your hairstyle looks like. For a braided ponytail you have the option of going really sleek and neat, but you can also make it look like a messy ponytail, as if you let your wild side loose.