7 Cute Braided Hairstyles for Beginners

In fact, Google searches for “easy braids” and “hairstyles for beginners” have skyrocketed recently, and it’s no surprise why. Braids are versatile, beginner-friendly, and super chic—making them perfect for everyday wear, special events, or even lazy days when you still want to look put-together. So, if you’ve ever thought, “I wish I knew how to braid my own hair,” this one’s for you!

Below, you’ll find 7 super cute braided hairstyles that are simple, practical, and totally doable—even if you’ve never braided hair before. Grab a brush, a few elastics, maybe a scrunchie or two, and let’s get styling!

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid

Let’s start with the foundation of all braids—the classic three-strand braid. If you’ve never tried braiding before, this is where you’ll want to begin. It’s the simplest of all the styles and requires zero fancy tools or techniques.

To create this braid, divide your hair into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle, and repeat until you reach the ends. Secure with an elastic and you’re done! You can wear it straight down your back or to the side for a slightly flirtier look.

This style works on all hair lengths and textures, from thin and silky to thick and wavy. It’s great for work, school, or running errands. Want to dress it up? Pull out a few face-framing strands or add a ribbon or scrunchie to the end. A little dry shampoo or texturizing spray can also give it extra grip and body.

The beauty of the three-strand braid is in its simplicity—it’s an everyday hairstyle that feels a little more special with almost no extra effort. Mastering this will also make learning more complex braids a breeze.

2. Side Braid with Volume

If you’re looking for a style that’s both practical and pretty, the side braid is a go-to option. It’s perfect for adding some softness around the face while still keeping your hair out of the way. Plus, it gives you that effortless, boho vibe we all love.

To create this look, sweep your hair to one side and brush out any tangles. You can go with a standard three-strand braid or even try a looser version to add volume. Begin braiding from just below the ear, working down to the ends. Secure it with a clear elastic or a cute scrunchie for a fun pop of color.

For added fullness, gently tug on the outer edges of the braid—this technique is called “pancaking” and it creates a thicker, more voluminous look. Spritz with a bit of hairspray if you’re heading out or want it to last all day.

This braid is especially great for second-day hair, which tends to have more texture and hold. It’s a lifesaver for mornings when time is short, and the style itself is endlessly versatile—casual enough for daytime, but can easily be dressed up for a night out or even a wedding.

3. French Braid for Starters

French braids might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of them, they’re actually quite easy—and super versatile! This braid is built by gradually adding sections of hair as you go, which helps keep everything sleek and secure.

Start by brushing your hair and taking a section at the crown of your head. Divide it into three parts, and begin a regular braid. After your first few crossovers, start adding hair from the sides into each strand before crossing it over the center. Continue all the way down and finish with an elastic.

French braids work well on all hair types, but they shine with medium to long lengths. They’re perfect for active days, like gym sessions or hiking, because they keep everything in place. If you’re aiming for a neater, polished look, make sure your parts are clean and your sections are even.

The key is practice—don’t be discouraged if it’s messy the first few times. Watching a video or practicing on someone else can help you learn faster. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be able to incorporate French braids into endless styles, from updos to half-up looks.

4. Dutch Braid (Inside-Out Braid)

If you’ve mastered the French braid, the Dutch braid is your next step. Sometimes called the “reverse French braid” or “inside-out braid,” it pops off the head for a more dramatic, defined effect.

To do a Dutch braid, follow the same method as a French braid—but instead of crossing the outer strands over the middle, you’ll cross them under. This small switch makes a big visual impact. Start at the top and continue all the way down, pulling hair into each section as you go.

Dutch braids are especially eye-catching on longer hair and are great for framing the face. They also hold better throughout the day, making them perfect for active lifestyles. Add some colorful elastics or accessories to give your braid personality and flair.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try double Dutch braids for a sporty, stylish look that keeps hair completely off your face. This style is a favorite for school, festivals, and even fitness influencers thanks to its combo of function and fashion.

5. Half-Up Braided Crown

Looking for something soft, romantic, and totally Pinterest-worthy? The half-up braided crown might just be your dream style. It gives you the elegance of a braid with the relaxed look of wearing your hair down.

Begin by creating two small braids on each side of your head, near your temples. Pull them toward the back of your head and secure them together with an elastic or bobby pins, forming a crown shape. You can pancake the braids to add fullness or keep them tighter for a neater look.

The beauty of this style lies in its versatility. It works on straight, wavy, or curly hair and suits just about any occasion—from weekend brunch to weddings. You can curl the rest of your hair, add a few flowers or decorative pins, or even weave a ribbon through the braids for an extra dreamy finish.

It’s also a great option if you’re growing out bangs or layers and want to keep them off your face in a stylish way. And if you’re in a rush, dry shampoo and a good teasing brush can turn this into a five-minute hairstyle with wow factor.

6. Bubble Braid Hack

This one’s a total cheat—but in the best way possible! Bubble braids give the illusion of intricate styling, but they’re incredibly quick and don’t require any actual braiding. Perfect for absolute beginners or days when your fingers just won’t cooperate.

Start by tying your hair into a low ponytail. Every few inches, secure the ponytail with another elastic. Then, gently tug at the sections in between the elastics to create a “bubble” effect. Repeat all the way down. That’s it!

The bubble braid works best on medium to long hair and is fantastic for showing off highlights or color variations. It’s ideal for lazy days, bad hair days, or when you just want to look a little extra with minimal effort.

Kids and teens especially love this style, but it can also be dressed up for adults with the right accessories. Try using pearl clips, velvet scrunchies, or gold wire for an elevated look. Bonus: it’s completely heat-free and protective for your strands.

7. Messy Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid looks like a work of art, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly once you learn the pattern. And when you loosen it up just right, you get that perfectly “undone” Instagram look that’s as trendy as it is chic.

To begin, divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right side. Repeat with a piece from the right, crossing it to the left. Continue this alternating motion down to the ends and secure with an elastic.

For that effortless vibe, pull gently at the braid to widen it and add volume. Spritz with texturizing spray or sea salt spray for grip and hold. If you want more polish, you can start with a small ponytail at the top to anchor the braid, then hide the elastic under a strand of hair.

The fishtail braid is perfect for day-to-night transitions—it’s casual enough for errands, but can easily be elevated with accessories or paired with a glam outfit. Plus, it looks even better with slightly messy texture, making it a go-to for third-day hair or humidity-heavy days.

Conclusion

And there you have it—7 cute, beginner-friendly braided hairstyles that can easily fit into your everyday routine. From the simplicity of a classic three-strand braid to the trendy charm of a messy fishtail, there’s something here for every mood, hair type, and experience level. You don’t need fancy products or professional skills—just a little practice and a few basic tools.

Braids are more than just a hairstyle—they’re a fun, stylish, and affordable way to express yourself. Whether you’re heading to school, the gym, a wedding, or a weekend coffee run, these styles help you look polished without the pressure.

So go ahead—experiment with textures, try new styles, add accessories, and most importantly, have fun with it! If this guide helped you, share it with a friend and spread the braid love.