20 Stylish Braided Hairstyles to Try at Home

If you’re looking for a fun and fashionable way to switch up your hair routine, these 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home are exactly what you need. Braids offer versatility, elegance, and practicality for all hair types and occasions. Whether you want something quick for daily wear or a show-stopping look for a night out, there’s a braid style in this list that’s perfect for you.

The beauty of braiding lies in its range. Some styles take just a couple of minutes, while others let you express your creativity and skill. Plus, you don’t need to be a salon pro with a bit of practice and patience, you can master these looks in front of your own mirror.

In this guide, you’ll discover 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home, complete with tips, styling advice, and variations for every occasion. Let’s get braiding!

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid

This is the foundation of most braided styles and a perfect place to start. The classic three-strand braid is straightforward, fast, and adaptable for both casual and formal settings. It’s also a great technique to master before moving on to more advanced braids.

The key is consistency. Divide your hair into three equal sections and alternate crossing the outer strands over the middle one. You can keep it tight for a sleek look or pull it loose for a relaxed, boho vibe. Add a ribbon or scrunchie to make it pop.

This braid is great for keeping your hair out of your face during busy days and works well with all lengths beyond chin-length. It’s also ideal for layering under hats or scarves.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic pattern, you’ll find that learning more intricate braids becomes much easier. Practice makes perfect with this fundamental style.

2. French Braid

The French braid is a timeless classic that begins at the crown and incorporates more hair as you move down. It may look complex, but with a bit of patience, it becomes second nature.

Start by taking a small triangle of hair near your forehead and split it into three sections. Begin braiding as usual, adding a bit more hair to each outer strand as you go. Secure at the base of your neck or keep going for a full-length braid.

This style works beautifully for both straight and textured hair and is especially useful for workouts or humid days when you want a clean, put-together look.

You can also experiment with variations like the French braid crown, double French braids, or turning the braid into a bun for a chic twist. No wonder it’s a staple in the list of 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

3. Dutch Braid (Inside-Out Braid)

Similar to the French braid, the Dutch braid offers a more dramatic, raised appearance. Instead of crossing strands over the middle, you cross them underneath, creating a braid that sits on top of the hair.

This braid adds amazing depth and works well for thicker hair. You can wear it as a single braid down the back or double it into pigtails for a sportier look. It’s also a fantastic foundation for updos or braided buns.

To make your Dutch braid stand out, gently tug at the outer edges once it’s done this technique is called “pancaking” and gives the braid more volume and texture.

Whether you want to keep your look bold or casual, this inside-out style gives plenty of styling flexibility. It deserves a top spot among the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home for good reason.

4. Fishtail Braid

Elegant and eye-catching, the fishtail braid looks complex but is surprisingly easy to do once you get the hang of it. It’s perfect for long hair and can be worn tight and polished or loose and romantic.

Divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the opposite side. Repeat on the other side, and continue until you reach the end. Secure with a band and gently pull for volume.

This braid shines at formal events and date nights but also looks lovely with jeans and a tee. Add accessories like hair rings or pins for extra flair.

Its versatility and elegance are exactly why the fishtail braid is featured in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

5. Rope Braid (Twist Braid)

The rope braid, also called a twist braid, is a super simple style that only requires two sections of hair. It’s ideal for mornings when you’re in a rush but still want to look polished.

Twist each section of hair in the same direction, then cross them over each other in the opposite direction. The tension of the twists keeps the braid intact and adds a clean spiral finish.

This braid works well on all hair types, especially if you have layers or finer strands. You can do a single rope braid or double it into pigtails.

Its simplicity and speed make it a lifesaver, which is why it earns its place in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

6. Boxer Braids

Boxer braids are essentially double Dutch braids, offering a fierce, sporty look that’s as practical as it is trendy. This style is great for workouts or active days because it keeps your hair secure and out of your face.

Start with a middle part and braid each side using the Dutch braid method. Keep the braids tight and close to the scalp for a sharp finish. You can end them in pigtails or wrap them into buns.

Boxer braids also transition well into night looks. Simply pull out a few face-framing strands or add some gloss spray for a sleek touch.

If you’re after a bold, long-lasting style, boxer braids are a no-brainer for our 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

7. Halo Braid (Crown Braid)

For a look that screams elegance and romance, the halo braid is a must-try. It involves wrapping a braid around your head like a crown, giving off regal, fairy-tale vibes.

Start with a deep side part and begin braiding around the perimeter of your head, incorporating new sections as you go. Use bobby pins to secure the braid in place and tuck the end under the starting point.

This style is perfect for weddings, festivals, or any special occasion. It pairs beautifully with flowy dresses and soft curls.

A bit more advanced, but totally worth the effort, the halo braid rightfully belongs in any list of 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

8. Bubble Braid

The bubble braid is a super fun, no-braiding-required hairstyle. It uses hair ties to create “bubbles” along a ponytail or braid, making it ideal for kids, beginners, or anyone short on time.

Start with a high or low ponytail. Add elastic bands down the length of the ponytail, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Then gently pull each section to create a bubble effect.

You can accessorize with colorful bands or ribbons and even combine it with a standard braid for a hybrid look.

The ease and creativity of the bubble braid make it a standout in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

9. Pull-Through Braid

If you love voluminous styles, the pull-through braid is your go-to. Though it looks intricate, it’s actually a series of looped ponytails that give the illusion of a thick, elegant braid.

Start with a series of stacked ponytails, then split and pull them through one another in a pattern. The result is a dramatic, full braid that works best on longer hair.

This braid is great for parties or formal settings and pairs well with statement earrings or bold makeup.

The visual impact of the pull-through braid earns it a solid spot in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

10. Side Braid

When you want something quick yet cute, the side braid is a trusty option. It adds asymmetry and frames the face beautifully.

Sweep all your hair to one side and create your braid of choice three-strand, fishtail, or rope. Leave a few strands loose for a casual vibe or slick it back for a more polished look.

Perfect for beach days, brunches, or lazy Sundays, the side braid is versatile and forgiving.

It’s this mix of charm and ease that earns it a spot in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

11. Waterfall Braid

Elegant and ethereal, the waterfall braid lets strands of hair cascade like a waterfall through the braid perfect for soft, romantic styles. It starts like a French braid, but instead of pulling in all the hair, you drop one strand with each crossover and add a new one from the top.

This look is stunning for special events or date nights and pairs beautifully with curled or wavy hair. You can even incorporate it into a half-updo or crown design.

While it may take a few tries to master, the visual payoff is worth it. It brings a whimsical charm that enhances any hair texture or length past the shoulders.

Waterfall braids are an enchanting favorite in any list of 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home, especially for those wanting a dreamy, boho vibe.

12. Ladder Braid

The ladder braid looks complex but is essentially a combination of a waterfall and a French braid. One braid forms the “rungs” of the ladder while the other acts as the frame.

Start by creating a waterfall braid, and then use the dropped strands to form a second braid underneath. This intricate design creates a woven, stair-step effect that’s sure to grab attention.

It’s best suited for medium to long hair and works wonderfully for parties, festivals, or fun photoshoots.

If you’re looking to elevate your braid game, the ladder braid earns its spot in these 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home

13.snake braid

    A unique and edgy style, the snake braid winds and curves like its namesake. Start with a small three-strand braid, then pull the middle strand while pushing the outer ones upward to form a coiled pattern.

This braid is more of a decorative element, often added to half-up styles or around ponytails and buns. It gives a bold, sculpted look without requiring thick or long hair.

Pair it with sleek styling or combine it with other braids for a creative, statement-making finish.

Its striking shape and quick execution make the snake braid a must-try addition to your 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

14. Infinity Braid

The infinity braid gets its name from the looping pattern that resembles a figure-eight or the infinity symbol. It looks complex but is manageable with a bit of practice and some patience.

Using a section of hair as a “ribbon,” you weave it around two base strands in a figure-eight motion. It’s a standout braid, perfect for weddings, events, or just adding flair to your everyday look.

This style works best with long hair and can be combined with ponytails, buns, or worn as a standalone braid.

Sophisticated and sleek, the infinity braid is well-deserving of a place among the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

15. Zig-Zag Braid

If you’re in the mood to shake things up, the zig-zag braid brings visual drama with a cool directional twist. Instead of braiding in a straight line, you curve the braid in a zig-zag pattern across your scalp.

Great for edgy looks or music festivals, this style works best with tighter braids like French or Dutch. Use a comb to section the hair diagonally to get the sharp angles.

Finish with accessories like beads or metallic thread for extra impact.

This trend-driven braid adds creativity and surprise, making it one of the most artistic 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

16. Boho Accent Braids

Boho braids are perfect for laid-back days, beach vacations, or casual brunches. These are small, subtle braids scattered throughout loose hair to add texture and personality.

Start by curling or waving your hair, then create a few thin braids randomly throughout your hair. You can leave them plain or wrap them with thread or beads.

This style gives off carefree, festival-ready energy and works on all hair lengths. It also pairs well with hats or messy buns.

As a relaxed yet stylish look, boho accent braids are a must-include in any guide to 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

17. Five-Strand Braid

The five-strand braid is a sophisticated upgrade to your basic three-strand. It looks wide and textured and stands out beautifully on long, thick hair.

Divide your hair into five sections and alternate weaving the outer strands over and under the others. It requires focus, but once learned, it becomes a favorite for formal events.

This braid can be worn straight down the back, over the shoulder, or in an updo.

The wow factor of the five-strand technique secures its spot on the list of 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home for those seeking something new.

18. Diagonal Braid

The diagonal braid is a playful twist on traditional braiding placement. Rather than going straight down, the braid travels diagonally across the back of the head, creating a dynamic, eye-catching look.

Start on one side of your head and use a French or Dutch braiding method as you angle across. Secure at the opposite shoulder for a side-swept finish.

This is a flattering option for layered or medium-length hair and allows for volume and movement.

Its directional charm and easy versatility make the diagonal braid a standout in the 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

19. Cornrow Braids

Cornrows are tight, structured braids formed close to the scalp in rows. They offer long-lasting wear, protection for natural hair, and limitless styling variations.

Create straight lines or experiment with curves, swirls, or geometric patterns. This style takes more time to do but lasts for days or even weeks with proper care.

Cornrows can be worn alone, styled into ponytails or buns, or adorned with beads and cuffs for added flair.

They’re bold, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural tradition, making them an essential feature of these 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home.

20. Braided Bun

Combine elegance and practicality with a braided bun perfect for weddings, work, or even everyday wear. Start by braiding a section or all of your hair, then twist it into a bun and secure it with pins.

You can choose a sleek look with a tight French braid or go boho with loose fishtail strands wrapped into a messy bun.

This style works with any braid type and looks great from all angles. Plus, it holds up well all day.

The braided bun’s adaptability and charm close out the list of 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home with polished perfection.

Conclusion

From quick everyday styles to intricate designs for special occasions, these 20 stylish braided hairstyles to try at home prove that beauty and convenience can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re new to braiding or a seasoned pro, these options offer something for every hair type, texture, and skill level.

With a little practice and creativity, you’ll find yourself reaching for these go-to braids again and again. Grab your mirror, a few hair ties, and get ready to braid your way into a new look right from the comfort of home.

FAQs

Q1: Which braided hairstyle is easiest for beginners? 

The classic three-strand braid and the rope braid are best for beginners. They require minimal technique and help build confidence before progressing to more intricate styles like French or Dutch braids.

Q2: Can braided hairstyles protect my hair from damage? 

Yes, many braids, especially cornrows, halo braids, and protective styles can minimize daily wear and tear. They help reduce breakage and friction, particularly if your hair is prone to tangling or dryness.

Q3: How can I make my braids last longer? 

Use a bit of styling gel or mousse when braiding to reduce flyaways. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a satin bonnet also helps maintain your braid overnight. Tighten gently to avoid stress on the scalp.

Q4: Are these braided hairstyles suitable for all hair types? 

Absolutely! While some styles may suit certain textures better, most of these braids can be adapted with the right tools and prep. Use heatless curling or straightening methods if needed to prepare your hair.

Q5: What accessories can I add to enhance my braid? 

Beads, cuffs, scrunchies, flowers, scarves, and even glitter gel can enhance your braids. Choose according to your mood or occasion subtle for workdays, bold for festivals and parties.