5 Trendy Braided Hairstyles for Beginners
If you’re new to hairstyling, braids might seem intimidating at first. But the truth is, braiding can be incredibly simple and rewarding once you learn the basics. Whether you’re rushing out the door or looking for an effortless style, mastering a few trendy braided hairstyles for beginners can instantly elevate your hair game.
Braids are not only stylish—they’re also practical. From reducing heat damage to offering all-day hold, they’re a go-to for countless women who want quick yet polished hair solutions. With the right styles in your toolkit, you can confidently rock braids that suit any occasion.
In this guide, we’ll break down 5 trendy braided hairstyles for beginners that you can master in minutes. Each style is beginner-friendly, versatile, and perfect for lazy girl hairstyles, school, or a casual night out.
1. Simple Three-Strand Braid
The three-strand braid is the foundation of all easy braided hairstyles. It’s the first braid everyone should learn and the building block for more advanced techniques. This braid works on nearly all hair types and lengths, from short hair braids to long wavy hair.
Start by dividing your hair into three equal parts. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle. Continue alternating sides until you reach the end, and secure it with an elastic. It’s the perfect way to ease into the world of braids for beginners without feeling overwhelmed.
What makes this style a favorite is how adaptable it is. You can wear it tight for a sleek look, or gently tug at the sides for a looser, boho effect. Add a ribbon, scrunchie, or clip to spice it up.
The three-strand braid can be done in under 5 minutes, making it one of the best quick braid tutorials to start with. If you’re struggling with where to begin, this is the braid for you.
2. Side Braid
The side braid is a romantic and laid-back look that’s perfect for everyday styling. It requires the same technique as the classic braid but with a twist—it’s positioned over one shoulder for a more fashionable and feminine appearance. This is ideal for those looking to experiment with casual braided looks that are still trendy.
To get started, gather all your hair to one side and start a simple three-strand braid near your ear. This version allows for better control of the direction and visibility of the braid, which makes it a great style for beginners. Finish with a soft elastic, and pull at the loops slightly for volume.
This braid works beautifully with both straight and wavy hair, and it’s flattering for all face shapes. Whether you’re heading to school or out for brunch, it adds just the right amount of effort to your appearance.
One of the best things about the side braid is how it balances ease and elegance. It belongs to the most versatile braided looks for newbies and is a great step forward from the traditional braid.
3. Half-Up Braided Crown
If you want to take your style up a notch without increasing difficulty, the half-up braided crown is a fantastic option. It gives you a boho braid vibe while keeping the look beginner-friendly. This style is especially flattering on medium hair braids and layered cuts.
Start by taking small sections from each side of your head, braid them individually, and secure with mini elastics. Pull each braid across the back of your head like a crown and pin in place. Let the rest of your hair flow down naturally.
This braid is ideal for school braid ideas, date nights, or casual photoshoots. It adds elegance without being too formal, and it gives the illusion of complexity while remaining simple in execution.
For those just beginning their braid journey, the half-up braided crown is a creative way to look polished and trendy while still sticking to easy hairstyles for work or everyday wear.
4. Braided Headband
The braided headband is both functional and fashionable. It’s a style that keeps your hair out of your face while acting as a built-in accessory. This is a great technique for short hair braids or anyone with layers looking for a quick upgrade to their daily style.
Take a small section of hair from near your ear, braid it using the three-strand braid method, and wrap it over the crown like a headband. Pin it discreetly behind the opposite ear. You can keep the rest of your hair loose, straightened, or curled based on your mood.
This look is ideal for lazy girl hairstyles, busy school mornings, or virtual meetings where you want to look fresh without much effort. It’s also perfect for braid hacks that need no extra tools—just a few bobby pins and a brush.
As far as quick braided hairstyles for beginners go, this one is incredibly charming and versatile. It’s easy to replicate and makes you look like you spent more time on your hair than you actually did.
5. Rope Braid Ponytail
The rope braid ponytail is a game-changer when it comes to speed and style. You only need two hair sections, making it one of the easiest braided ponytails for beginners. It’s sleek, holds well, and works for any hair type—straight, curly, or wavy.
Tie your hair into a ponytail. Then divide it into two sections, twist each section individually, and wrap them around each other in the opposite direction. Secure the end with a hair tie. That’s it!
This is a great everyday style and pairs well with sporty outfits, workwear, or even glam if dressed up with hair clips. If you’re looking for easy updo braids that don’t involve intricate weaving, the rope braid ponytail should be your go-to.
It belongs in the category of step-by-step braiding styles that are quick, cute, and beginner-friendly—no braiding experience required.
Conclusion
Braiding doesn’t have to be complicated. These 5 trendy braided hairstyles for beginners are proof that you can achieve stylish, functional, and modern looks with little effort and no previous experience. Each of these styles is designed to be learned in just a few minutes, and with practice, you’ll be braiding like a pro in no time.
Whether you’re getting ready for school, work, or a weekend out, these simple hair braids fit any occasion. They’re perfect for zero heat styling, offer protective braid styles, and most importantly—boost your confidence. So grab your comb, elastics, and a mirror—it’s braid time!
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to learn these braided styles?
For complete beginners, each of these styles can typically be mastered with 5 to 10 minutes of practice. The three-strand braid and rope braid are the fastest to learn, while the half-up braided crown may take a little more patience the first time.
Q2: Do I need any special tools or products to get started?
No special tools are required. You’ll need a comb, bobby pins, and elastics at a minimum. Optional items like texture spray or a light-hold hairspray can help your braid last longer, especially if your hair is very smooth or slippery.
Q3: Will these braided hairstyles work for short hair?
Yes! Styles like the braided headband, half-up braided crown, and even the side braid can be adapted for shorter hair. Just make sure to secure them well with pins and use texturizing spray for grip if needed.
Q4: How can I make my braid look fuller or more stylish?
Once you’ve finished your braid, gently pull apart the loops—a trick known as “pancaking”—to give it more volume and texture. You can also add accessories like clips, scrunchies, or ribbons to dress it up.
Q5: Can I use these styles for school or work settings?
Absolutely. These easy hairstyles for work and school braid ideas are both appropriate and stylish. Each one offers a clean, put-together look that holds up well through your day.
