10 Beginner-Friendly Braided Hairstyles for Beginners

According to recent trends, “how to braid hair” is one of the most searched hairstyle topics on Google. That means more and more people are looking to learn the basics of braiding from home. And you know what? You can do this too! With a bit of patience, a few hair ties, and a mirror, you can transform your look in minutes. In this article, we’ll walk through ten super beginner-friendly braided hairstyles that are stylish, practical, and totally doable—even for first-timers. Let’s get braiding!

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid

If you’re brand new to braiding, the classic three-strand braid is your go-to starting point. This is the foundation for most other braided hairstyles, and mastering it will give you the confidence to try more advanced styles later.

To start, simply divide your hair into three equal sections. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your hair and secure it with a hair tie. That’s it!

This style is great for medium to long hair and works well with both straight and wavy textures. It’s a lifesaver for rushed mornings—just a quick braid and you’re out the door. Want to jazz it up? Add a ribbon or pull out a few strands for a softer, more boho vibe. Whether you’re heading to class or the grocery store, this braid keeps things neat and stylish without much effort.

2. French Braid

The French braid is another staple that looks polished but is surprisingly manageable once you get the hang of it. It’s perfect for keeping hair out of your face and works well for both everyday and formal settings.

Start at the top of your head, sectioning off a triangle of hair. Divide it into three parts and begin like a regular braid. Each time you cross a piece over the center, grab a little more hair from the sides and add it to the section you’re crossing. This keeps the braid close to your scalp and gives it that seamless, flowing look.

If you’re just starting out, try practicing on a friend or a mannequin head. The French braid takes a bit of finger coordination, but with practice, it becomes second nature. It’s one of the best protective hairstyles and keeps your strands secure all day. Plus, it works great on second-day hair too!

3. Dutch Braid

Think of the Dutch braid as the French braid’s cool cousin—it’s basically an inside-out version. Instead of crossing the hair over, you braid the strands under, which gives the braid a bold, lifted appearance that stands out.

To create a Dutch braid, start just like a French braid, but this time, pass the side strands under the middle one instead of over. Keep adding hair as you go, maintaining tension so the braid stays tight and secure. Finish with a hair tie, and boom—instant texture and volume!

This braid is ideal if you want to add dimension to flat or fine hair. It also looks amazing in double braids or braided buns. And yes, it takes practice—but once you get it down, you’ll love the edgy, structured look it gives.

4. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid may look fancy, but it’s actually one of the simplest styles to learn. All it takes is two sections of hair instead of three, which is great news for beginners who find traditional braids tricky.

Start by dividing your hair into two equal parts. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to join the right section. Then take a small piece from the right and cross it over to the left. Keep alternating until you reach the bottom, then tie it off.

What’s cool about fishtail braids is how detailed and intricate they look without much effort. They’re perfect for casual outings, festivals, or even weddings. For a relaxed, beachy look, gently pull at the braid’s edges to loosen it and create volume. You can wear it tight or messy—your choice!

5. Rope Braid

The rope braid is a total time-saver. With only two strands to work with, it’s fast, simple, and adds a chic twist (literally) to your hairstyle routine.

To create it, divide your hair into two sections. Twist both sections in the same direction, then twist them together in the opposite direction. Secure with a band, and you’ve got yourself a rope braid! This counter-twist is what keeps the braid intact and gives it that gorgeous spiral look.

Rope braids work great in ponytails or pigtails and can even be wrapped into buns. They’re especially handy for days when you’re running late but still want to look put together. Plus, they hold up well during workouts, making them a solid option for active lifestyles.

6. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is dreamy and romantic—a style that gives off major fairy tale vibes. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you just want something pretty without going overboard.

Start by creating a small section of hair near your temple and divide it into three strands. Begin braiding like a French braid, but each time you cross the top strand over, drop the bottom strand so it “falls” through the braid. Pick up a new piece of hair to replace the dropped one, and continue the braid around the head.

The result is a beautiful cascading effect that looks more complicated than it really is. Waterfall braids pair beautifully with curls or soft waves and work great on shoulder-length or long hair. It’s a delicate look that makes a big impression!

7. Crown Braid

A crown braid is perfect when you want to channel your inner goddess. It wraps around your head like a halo and works wonderfully for weddings, parties, or even as a chic protective style.

You can achieve this by creating two braids (Dutch or French) on each side of your head, then wrapping them over the top and pinning them in place. Another method is to do a single braid around the perimeter of your head if your hair is long enough.

This style not only looks regal but also keeps hair neatly tucked away, reducing breakage. It might take a few tries to pin everything securely, but once in place, it’s surprisingly long-lasting and totally worth the effort. Pro tip: use bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish.

8. Pull-Through Braid

The pull-through braid is amazing for anyone who loves volume but doesn’t actually want to braid. Yes, it looks like a thick, complex braid—but it’s really just a series of ponytails looped through each other.

Start by making a series of ponytails down your head, stacking them one below the other. Then, divide the top ponytail, pull the next one through, and tie the divided pieces around it. Repeat all the way down.

This braid is perfect for layered or fine hair because it creates fullness without any complicated weaving. It’s also super secure and won’t fall apart easily, making it great for long days or events. Plus, it gives major Instagram-worthy vibes with minimal effort!

9. Side Braid

Sometimes, simplicity is the key. The side braid is easy, elegant, and works well for all hair types and lengths. It’s also a quick fix when your hair isn’t cooperating or you just need to keep it in check.

All you do is sweep your hair to one side, create a classic three-strand, fishtail, or rope braid, and secure it with a tie. That’s it! Let a few face-framing pieces fall naturally for a soft, effortless look.

This braid is perfect for casual days, brunch with friends, or when you want something quick yet stylish. It also layers well with hats or beanies during colder months. And hey, it’s a great way to show off a little asymmetry without going full glam.

10. Braided Ponytail

Combine the comfort of a ponytail with the charm of a braid, and you get the braided ponytail—functional, fun, and perfect for everything from gym days to date nights.

You can do a braid before gathering your hair into a ponytail or braid the ponytail itself after tying it up. Either way, the result is dynamic and stylish. Try a fishtail pony, a bubble braid, or even a stacked braid combo for extra flair.

It’s easy to customize and works for both short and long hair. Plus, this style keeps your hair off your face and neck, making it ideal for hot days or active schedules. With a little texturizing spray or mousse, you can take this look from basic to bombshell in no time.

Conclusion

Braiding might seem intimidating at first, but once you dive in, it becomes a creative, therapeutic, and even fun part of your beauty routine. Whether you’re keeping it simple with a three-strand braid or getting artistic with a waterfall or crown braid, there’s something in this list for everyone. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or professional skills to start.

So which style are you going to try first? Go ahead—grab a mirror, maybe watch a quick tutorial, and give it a shot. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every braid brings you one step closer to mastering your hair game. You’ve got this!