15 Stylish Braided Hairstyles for Beginners

Braids are incredibly versatile. They can look elegant or playful, classic or trendy—and many styles are surprisingly easy to do at home. If you’re new to braiding, you’re in the right place. This guide features 15 easy braided hairstyles for beginners that you can master with a little practice, a few bobby pins, and a brush. Get ready to level up your hair game—without stepping foot in a salon!

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid

The three-strand braid is the foundation of all braided hairstyles. It’s simple, timeless, and perfect for everyday wear.

To start, divide your hair into three equal parts and cross the outer sections over the middle one by one. It’s a rhythmic pattern that, once learned, becomes second nature. You can wear this braid tight and sleek or pull on the edges a bit for a looser, more boho vibe. Either way, it’s a fantastic go-to for school, errands, or casual hangouts.

This style is great for medium to long hair and doesn’t require any special tools—just your fingers and maybe a bit of hair serum to smooth frizz. It also works wonderfully for all hair textures, making it the ultimate beginner-friendly braid.

2. French Braid

The French braid is elegant, secure, and ideal for keeping your hair neatly styled throughout the day.

You start with a small section at the crown, divide it into three, and begin a traditional braid. As you go, add small sections of hair from the sides. The result is a sleek, beautiful braid that hugs your scalp and holds everything in place—perfect for active days or when you want a sophisticated look without fuss.

French braids also make great base styles for updos or half-up hairstyles. Once you get the hang of incorporating new sections as you braid, this style becomes a favorite for many.

3. Dutch Braid

Think of the Dutch braid as the French braid’s bolder sister—it’s also called the “inside-out braid” because it pops outward.

To achieve it, you follow the same steps as the French braid but cross each section underneath instead of over the middle. This makes the braid sit on top of your hair, adding volume and dimension. Dutch braids are great for sporty looks, casual outfits, or even just when you want something different but still easy to manage.

This style works well on longer hair but can be adapted for medium-length too. It’s also an excellent way to get that braided ponytail look when tied off midway.

4. Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids might look intricate, but they’re surprisingly simple once you get the rhythm.

Unlike the traditional three-strand braid, this one only uses two sections. You take a thin piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the opposite side. Repeat on the other side, and you’re on your way to a beautiful, boho-style braid that looks way more complicated than it is.

It’s a perfect choice for long hair and creates a romantic, slightly messy look that’s ideal for beach days, brunches, or music festivals. Pull it apart gently to add volume and texture. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

5. Side Braid

The side braid is charming, casual, and super quick to do.

All you need to do is gather your hair to one side—whichever you prefer—and begin a basic three-strand braid. Secure it with an elastic and maybe a cute ribbon or scrunchie. Voilà! You’ve got a laid-back style that flatters just about everyone.

This is a great braid to try when you’re short on time but still want your hair to look polished. Side braids work especially well with textured or wavy hair, giving your strands a soft, romantic touch.

6. Waterfall Braid

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the waterfall braid—it’s delicate, feminine, and ideal for special occasions.

The braid flows horizontally around your head, dropping strands like a waterfall along the way. You start with a small section near your part, create a French braid, but instead of bringing all sections into the braid, you drop one and pick up a new one beneath it.

This creates a cascading effect that pairs beautifully with straight or curled hair. Waterfall braids are perfect for weddings, date nights, or even a dressy brunch. With a little practice, they’re easier than they look!

7. Crown Braid

Want to feel like a goddess? The crown braid wraps your head like a halo—romantic, regal, and surprisingly secure.

Start by creating two pigtail braids and wrapping them around your head like a headband, pinning them as you go. You can also use Dutch or French braids starting from behind the ear for a seamless crown.

This style is great for long hair and ideal for summer festivals, garden parties, or even a beach day. Bonus: it keeps your neck cool and your hair tangle-free.

8. Rope Braid

The rope braid is all about simplicity with a twist—literally.

Divide your hair into two sections, twist each one in the same direction, then twist them around each other in the opposite direction. This creates a sleek, rope-like look that’s secure and stylish.

It’s great for ponytails, buns, or even braided headbands. Rope braids work especially well on damp hair, so they’re perfect right after a shower for heat-free styling.

9. Box Braids

Box braids are a longer-term protective style, popular for natural hair but beautiful on any texture with extensions.

They require sectioning the hair into square-shaped parts and braiding each section to the ends. While this one is more time-intensive (and often done professionally), once installed, they’re super low maintenance and versatile.

You can style them in buns, ponytails, or just let them hang free. Plus, box braids protect your natural hair and help it grow. If you’re planning to wear a protective style for a few weeks, this one’s a winner.

10. Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail combines sleek style with practicality—perfect for workouts, errands, or a polished day look.

Start with a high or low ponytail, secure it, then braid the length. You can choose any braid style—classic, fishtail, rope—and the result is always chic.

It’s a great way to make a basic ponytail more interesting. Add scrunchies, cuffs, or ribbons to personalize it even more.

11. Bubble Braid

No actual braiding needed—yes, you read that right! The bubble braid is as easy as it gets.

Start with a ponytail and add hair ties every few inches. Then gently tug at the sections between ties to “puff” them out into bubbles. It’s playful, trendy, and only takes a few minutes.

Bubble braids are perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Great for school, festivals, or just days when you want something cute but super low-effort.

12. Ladder Braid

The ladder braid is a little more advanced but totally worth it for its eye-catching design.

It combines two braids—usually a waterfall and a French—stacked or “laddered” together. It’s the kind of style that turns heads and earns compliments everywhere you go.

This braid looks especially stunning on long, straight hair where the pattern is more visible. Try it for events, pictures, or even prom night if you’re going full glam.

13. Pull-Through Braid

Want a braid that looks voluminous without needing thick hair? The pull-through braid is your best friend.

It’s actually a series of ponytails looped through one another, creating a braid illusion. It’s perfect for fine or thin hair, and all you need are a few elastics and a brush.

This is a great style for everyday wear or when you want a full, dramatic braid without much effort. Add a bit of texturizing spray, and boom—you’ve got salon-worthy volume.

14. Infinity Braid

The infinity braid gets its name from the figure-eight pattern used in the technique—and yes, it’s a showstopper.

Using a small strand to wrap around two main hair sections repeatedly, you create a braid with a unique woven appearance. While it takes a little patience, it becomes easier with muscle memory.

Try it as an accent braid, side braid, or even as part of a bun. It’s perfect for when you want to show off your braiding skills without going over the top.

15. Braided Bun

The braided bun is equal parts classy and practical, giving you the best of both worlds.

Start with any braid—classic, Dutch, or rope—then twist it into a bun and secure with pins. You can wear it high, low, or to the side. It’s ideal for work, weddings, or even running errands in style.

This updo keeps your hair neatly tucked away and looks far more polished than a standard messy bun. Add a clip or floral accessory to make it extra special.

Conclusion

And there you have it—15 braided hairstyles that are perfect for beginners, each with its own flair and personality! Whether you’re just learning how to braid or looking to expand your styling skills, these looks offer something for every occasion, mood, and hair type.

Braiding doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. In fact, once you master a few of these styles, you’ll start creating your own variations and feeling confident every time you leave the house. Remember, practice makes progress. The more you play around with these beginner braids, the better—and faster—you’ll get!

So go ahead—grab your brush, a few elastics, and maybe even a mirror buddy. Your hair is your canvas, and you’re about to paint some seriously stylish masterpieces.