5 Trendy Braided Hairstyles for Special Days

In fact, according to Pinterest’s latest beauty report, searches for “braids for special occasions” have seen a 120% increase in the last year. It’s clear: braids are back in a big way. From the romantic and whimsical to sleek and edgy, braided hairstyles offer something for every vibe and every hair type.

In this article, we’re diving into five trendy braided hairstyles that are perfect for those special days when you want to look your absolute best—without the fuss. Each style is versatile, elegant, and budget-friendly. So, grab your hairbrush, a few bobby pins, and let’s get braiding!

1. Boho Side Braid

The Boho Side Braid is effortlessly chic. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of a flowy dress—easy, relaxed, and oh-so-pretty. If you’re heading to an outdoor wedding, a casual garden party, or even a sunset beach ceremony, this braid has your name written all over it.

This style works especially well with wavy or curly hair, although straight hair can easily be prepped with a bit of texturizing spray or soft curls from a flat iron. The charm of this braid lies in its looseness. Unlike more structured braids, the Boho version looks better when it’s a little messy. A few pulled-out strands and a touch of volume give it that breezy, romantic finish.

To create this look, sweep all your hair to one side and begin a loose three-strand braid starting near your ear. As you braid, keep the tension light and relaxed. Once finished, gently tug at sections of the braid to widen it, creating that signature “pancaked” look. Secure it with a small elastic and, if you like, weave in a few fresh flowers or decorative pins for that extra flair.

One of the reasons this style is so loved is because of its adaptability. It flatters almost every face shape, takes under 10 minutes to complete, and you can easily dress it up or down. Whether paired with a maxi dress or a sleek jumpsuit, the Boho Side Braid never feels overdone—it’s just effortlessly beautiful.

2. Dutch Crown Braid

Ready to feel like royalty? The Dutch Crown Braid, often called a “halo braid,” gives off regal vibes with minimal effort. This style wraps around your head like a crown, making it ideal for formal events like galas, weddings, or black-tie dinners. Yet, it’s surprisingly practical and can be worn all day without a single strand falling out of place.

Unlike a regular French braid, the Dutch braid is inverted—meaning the strands are crossed under rather than over. This makes the braid appear more prominent and structured. Start by parting your hair down the middle and Dutch-braiding each side, working your way along your hairline. Once you’ve finished both braids, wrap them across the top of your head and pin them securely to form a seamless halo.

This look isn’t just stunning—it’s functional. It keeps your hair off your face and neck, which is a dream on warmer days or if you’re dancing the night away. And for those with medium-length hair, don’t worry! You can still rock this braid with the help of a few bobby pins and some creativity. Even if your hair isn’t quite long enough to wrap fully, you can tuck the ends neatly under each braid for a polished finish.

To make it feel less rigid, gently tug on the edges of the braid to give it some volume. You can also leave a few face-framing pieces loose for softness. Finish with a touch of hairspray, and you’re ready to rule your event like the queen you are!

3. Fishtail Ponytail Braid

Sleek meets boho in the Fishtail Ponytail Braid, making it one of the most versatile styles on this list. Whether you’re going to a brunch date, a graduation party, or just want something that says, “I made an effort,” this braid delivers both polish and personality.

Start by gathering your hair into a high or mid-level ponytail—whatever suits your face shape best. Secure it tightly with a hair elastic, then split the ponytail into two sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other. Repeat this on both sides, working your way down. It’s a bit time-consuming at first, but once you get the rhythm, it’s oddly satisfying!

The finished look is intricate yet understated. Fishtail braids naturally look more complex than they are, making you look like a pro even if you’re just a beginner. Once you reach the end, tie it off and gently pull at the sides to create more volume and texture.

This braid works wonderfully with layered hair too. Any stray pieces that escape the braid only add to its charm. For an extra touch of glam, wrap a thin strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic and pin it underneath.

The Fishtail Ponytail Braid is also easy to accessorize. Add a velvet ribbon or a decorative clip near the base for a holiday party, or keep it minimal with just a shine serum for a clean, modern look.

4. Bubble Braid with Braided Base

Now here’s a style that’s as fun as it sounds: the Bubble Braid with a Braided Base. It’s youthful, fresh, and packs serious wow-factor. Great for parties, festivals, or even a girls’ night out, this style lets you play around with volume and texture in a super cool way.

Start by creating a small French or Dutch braid at the crown of your head—just a few inches long will do. Secure it with a hair tie. Then, gather all your hair (including the mini braid) into a ponytail. Use small elastics to divide the ponytail into sections, spacing them a couple inches apart. Gently tug on each section to create the “bubble” effect. The result? A bouncy, bold braid that feels current and creative.

This look works best on thick or medium-density hair, as it relies on volume to make the bubbles pop. But don’t worry if your hair is fine—you can always tease the sections a bit or use volumizing products to enhance the shape.

The Bubble Braid is incredibly photogenic, too. Whether you’re snapping selfies or taking event photos, this style holds its own and adds a modern twist to traditional braids. It’s also weather-resistant, meaning it won’t fall flat after a few hours, even in humid conditions.

To give the style a polished touch, use clear elastics and smooth any flyaways with a bit of styling gel or pomade. Finish with a light mist of hairspray, and you’re good to go!

5. Half-Up Braided Bun

If you want the best of both worlds—hair up, hair down—the Half-Up Braided Bun is your new go-to. It strikes a balance between casual and elegant, making it ideal for birthday dinners, backyard weddings, or even a daytime date. This look is particularly flattering because it keeps hair away from the face while allowing you to show off your length and texture.

Start by sectioning off the top half of your hair. Create two small braids on either side of your part, then pull them back and tie them together. Twist the joined braids into a bun and secure with bobby pins. For added flair, you can braid a larger section or even twist the bun into a rose shape.

The lower half of your hair can be left straight, curled, or wavy depending on your mood. This flexibility means the look can be dressed up or down in seconds. A sparkly clip or pearl pin instantly makes it party-ready, while a scrunchie or minimalist barrette keeps it laid-back.

One of the best things about this style is how forgiving it is. You don’t need perfect technique or ultra-long hair. Even shoulder-length cuts can pull this off beautifully. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on second-day hair when you want something that looks put-together without starting from scratch.

So the next time you’re torn between an updo and leaving your hair down, go for the Half-Up Braided Bun—you’ll feel polished and pretty without the fuss.

Conclusion

Braided hairstyles aren’t just trendy—they’re timeless. From the effortless charm of the Boho Side Braid to the bold structure of a Bubble Braid, each of these five styles brings something unique to the table. They’re budget-friendly, easy to achieve, and perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to formal events.

Even better, braids allow for so much personal flair. Add accessories, experiment with texture, or mix two styles into one. Whether your hair is short, long, curly, or straight, there’s a braided look out there that’s perfect for your next special day.

So go ahead—grab a mirror, try out a few styles, and find the one that makes you feel like the star of your own celebration. And don’t forget: your hair doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. Sometimes, a simple braid is all it takes to steal the spotlight.