Long hair means braids are practical and functional. It can keep hair out of your face, reduce heat damage, and stay in all day. Plus, braids look good! However, not all braids work on every hair type. If you have fine, silky, or heavy hair, some braids might not hold at all.
In that case, it’s important to figure out your sectioning, tension, and products. Using a little mousse on the last few sections and a flexible hold spray on the top makes a big difference in braids lasting without being too crunchy. If your braids are flat, pancake the outer edges and you’ll have tons of volume without needing to tease. Want to see your new favorite braid? Keep scrolling!
A client recently told me that she decided to stop getting braids because she feels that they look “too done” or “like a costume.” I think this is unfortunate because the problem was not with the braid. She just hadn’t been shown the right one for her hair. Most of the reasons I create these lists is because I have been braiding hair of all textures and lengths, and have found that, more often than not, the best braid for your hair is the one you don’t find on Pinterest.
If you’ve looked through the styles, you’ll notice some of them are high maintenance, while some can be styled on a Sunday and left for a week. While every braid style is beautiful, I think it’s more important to highlight the maintenance level for each style, so I appreciate the understanding.
I want to say something that may sound weird, but the best looking braids in the photos are not always the ones that are best to wear. I’d rather you choose something that lets you walk out the door, rather than something that’s going to give you a headache by noon just for you to get the likes on it. So while you’re scrolling, think about your life, your morning, and how much time you actually want to spend on this, and that should guide your choice.
#1: Sleek and Glossy, the Kind of Braid That Feels Like Jewelry
This one is all about the finish. That almost liquid shine. The kind of shine that people do a double take because they can’t tell if it’s real hair or not. The braid is simple. There’s nothing too tricky about the technique. But, the whole thing lives or dies based on how smooth you get the hair before you even start braiding. What I would recommend is working a small amount of shine serum through the damp hair, blow drying it straight, and then braiding it while the hair is still warm because that’s when it is most co-operative. It is the kind of style that looks effortless, but honestly, it takes a bit of patience. If you like a quick morning routine this style will be more of a special occasion pick for you, especially.
#2: That Braided Bun with the Undercut, and Yes It’s as Cool as It Looks
The detail in the undercut design combined with the high crown structural bun creates contrast and makes this style so effective. To achieve this style, you’ll need a considerable amount of hair. If you have fine hair, it may not give the effect you want as it may appear sparse. The bun also may require maintenance as the undercut needs to have clean lines, which means you’ll have to touch it up every two to three weeks. There is a lot of effort that goes into it and it will require maintenance. For people wanting something bold, I think this is one of the most unique long hair hairstyles right now.
#3: A Soft Side Braid That Actually Feels Romantic Without Trying Too Hard
What I like about this style is the cute little face framing curls because they really change the vibe of the braid from rigid to softer and more approachable. The side placement of the braid is great too because it looks super loose which is the exact type of style we want to achieve. The loose look however, is very intentional and takes a lot of effort. The loose framing curls and face pieces do require a small barrel curling iron, but it has to be done delicately so it creates a bend and not a full ringlet. You want to avoid looking prom like of course. I will mention that this style may not be for everyone, especially if your hair is really straight because your hair won’t hold the curls at all, but that’s also okay because as the curls loosen to soft waves, it looks great too!
#4: Long Box Braids That Let Your Natural Texture Do the Talking
I first notice how thick and healthy the hair looks. Each braid has good fullness. I also appreciate that there is good volume at the roots. It adds some good visual interest, but not too much. If you are not used to the weight of long box braids, it can be surprising. If you tend to get tension headaches, you will want to discuss that with the installer before getting it done. Once you get used to it, this is one of the most liberating and protective styles. Having your hair done when you wake up is honestly so nice.
#5: Loose at the Bottom, Tight at the Top, and It Works Beautifully
With all the layers in this braid, it creates great movement, especially with the tighter braiding at the top and the loose, more flowing waves at the ends. It even gives the appearance that your braid was meant to come undone, but that must be done purposely as part of the design! For the loose waves, a texture spray will help keep the shape you want throughout the day, and it can give you extra volume if your hair tends to fall flat. I think this style is most suited for second day hair when everything has relaxed a little!
#6: Pastel Twisted Braids for When You Want to Have Some Fun
One of the most striking things about these particular styles has to be the color. The pink to blue ombre design is absolutely stunning! I feel like it shows up the best with the twist technique as opposed to a regular three strand braid because you get longer uninterrupted stretches of color between each twist. I also love how custom each design is and how personal they are. Just keep in mind that installation takes a long time. I’d recommend blocking out an entire afternoon for this and maybe bring a show to binge while you’re in the queue because it could be a long wait. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend adding too much bling to the ends, I think the color does it all, but that’s just my opinion!
#7: A Thick Side Braid with Blonde Dimension That Catches Light Beautifully
The braid adds a lot of movement and dimension. The highlights as well \- they make a different color pop with each twist of the braid, adding tons of depth. It’s durable, has a nice texture, and is more flattering than those with neat and tight braids. The soft, wispy strands around your face look great, and it’s a really nice way to soften your look. If you have highlights that are older and blended together, a braid like this will actually show some fresh tones because the weave shows those colors really well.
#8: When Your Hair Has That Much Texture, You Just Let the Braid Show It Off
Hair that is wavy or has texture is ideal for this style because it makes the braid look even better. Waves framing your face keep the relaxed look and this is the best way to style your hair for a versatile day to night look. It helps the hair not look messy at the end of the night. You want to avoid the all done up look for this style. If you notice that braids tend to pull on your scalp a lot you may want to try starting your braid a little lower because it changes how the weight is distributed which can make it a lot more comfortable. Putting in a small amount of leave-in conditioner before starting the braid will add a nice healthy shine to your hair without causing it to be slippier than you would like.
#9. Goddess Braids with That Warm Ombre Glow
_Goddess braids by @braids_by_mayya_
The warm goddess braids, which feature light brown coloring, have tips that are blonde. The color is evenly done to look sun-kissed. Goddess braids are thicker and fuller so you do not have to do multiple individual braids. So, the install time should be shorter than micro braids, Chef’s kiss! You can tell whoever did these used really good braiding gel and did some nice sectioning. You are going to want to refresh your edges every 3-4 days, but the braids should stay in for a long time.
#10. A Fishtail That Actually Has Some Character to It
 Instagram: @braids.by.radanowa
To be fair, braiding is not my thing, and I’m sure there are many out there who can braid much better than me, but I am really liking this braid as it shows so much detail and I think as long as the braid goes down, it looks great. I do prefer braids that go over one shoulder since then I can see all of the weaving that goes into them, as compared to those that are behind your back because then the braid loses all of those intricate details. Now, if you think that a fishtail braid is complicated like an advanced braiding technique, well you would be mistaken as they are actually quite simple braids. Sure, they do require some time and a lot of hair in order to get the braiding and weaving techniques down, but the overall result is definitely worth it. I’ve seen braids that look rushed and you can tell they never put in the effort to make them look great. Honestly, I think they look better the next day after they’ve had some time to loosen up.
#11: Double Braids into a Low Ponytail, and Those Beads Are Everything
A hairstyle that uses different techniques and looks seamless is what I appreciate and that’s exactly what this style is. It combines braids and a low ponytail. The braids are clean and structured, which gives the hairstyle a refined look. On the other hand, the low ponytail offers a more laid-back touch as the hair is allowed to hang freely. This creation further enhances the contrast between the refined and the relaxed. The hairstyle is great but with the addition of beads, it goes from great to unforgettable. I believe using beads that complement your skin tone or outfit is way better than just gold. This style takes some upkeep to keep the braids looking neat and prevents crazy bedhead from messing up the braids at night. Wearing a satin scarf at night will help preserve the style for more than a few days.
#12: A Braided Ponytail with Color That Has Real Depth
Deep burgundy with auburn tones is gorgeous and works especially well in braids because the auburn pieces illuminate the auburn strands differently. Also, the high ponytail adds a fun, energetic touch and gives that ‘I want it off my face and controlled, but also looks good’ vibe. Keep in mind that a similar color to the burgundy will fade much quicker than you anticipate, so be sure to grab a color-depositing conditioner to help. The color in the braid is absolutely stunning and really does speak for itself, plus it means a lot less work for you!
#13: Curly Braids That Move When You Move
I love this style because letting the curls do their thing is a nice change compared to other styles that force the curls to sit in a specific way. The combination of braids and curls is bouncy and lively. The texture is going to want to be touched all the time. This style might work best for people with naturally curly/somewhat wavy hair because the loose braids will blend in with the other braided sections, while with straight hair the ends of the braids can look a little off. The twists will start a little stiff, and will be fully soft and wearable very quickly, but they do soften with time.
#14: Box Braids with Cornrow Detail and a Little Metallic Sparkle
What stands this style apart from standard box braids is the cornrow part on the side. It breaks up the uniformity of the braids and makes the style a bit more complex and artsy. The braids look pretty tight and heavy, which is nice for both movement and photos. I will say, if you have thin hair, or a more sensitive scalp, the weight might be uncomfortable. There is nothing wrong with getting a bit of a shorter style if it means being more comfortable. The details at the ends of the braids are nice because they help with styling and keep the braids from frizzing.
#15: Layered Braids Woven into One Long Braid, and It’s Stunning
I appreciate the elegance of the style and the multitude of techniques combined to achieve it. The most impressive detail, in my opinion, is the single braid that starts from different places on the head and eventually comes together as one braid at the end. It takes a high level of skill to formulate a sectioning strategy for that braid, especially if all someone has done in preparation is watch a couple of YouTube videos. The various hues of hair are ideal for showcasing individual braids, even when they are combined into one. It is a good idea to hire a professional because an ideal style for a wedding or an updo style will make you look glamorous, and the end result will be super worth it.
#16: Cornrow Braids with Serious Precision and a Clean Part
This braid style stands out for its clean and meticulous appearance, with each section neat and symmetrical. There is a flawless gradient from the cornrows to the longer braids, indicating an expert touch. Some comments I saw said the embellishments looked childish, but I think they are smart and well placed. They’re not random, as they do follow the lines of the braids. This is a very detail-oriented style, and you will have to spend several hours to get it done. But from that time commitment, you will get a great reward, as you will look put together for weeks and only have to spend a couple minutes each morning on it.
#17: Braids and Flowers Together, Done Right for Once
It’s clear that some styles are undeservedly forced with floral additions. Flowers seem to be a last-minute addition, added like a blob of paint in no particular order. This is honestly so beautiful, because it looks like the flowers are incorporated to the braids natural flow. The braid also looks thick and full, which shows this person has a lot of hair to work with, and that voluminosity is what gives the flowers something to sit against. Now, here’s the thing: if the flowers are real, they’re going to wilt. And if they’re pinned in loosely, they’re going to shift. So either way, using high-quality silk flowers is going to be a 1-event style. It’s not something you’re going to wear all week. For a wedding or a garden party though, it’s hard to beat this.
#18: A Big, Beautiful Dutch Braid with Volume That Actually Lasts
When it comes to Dutch braids, the difference between good and excellent is all due to practice and of course, knowing the right techniques. And thankfully, this tutorial shows you just that! Starting from the crown of the head, down to the nape, the braid features beautiful raised texture that comes from Dutch braiding. For those who don’t know, a Dutch braid is a type of braid that sits on top hair that creates more volume and texture than braids that tuck under the hair. Since Dutch braids are designed to sit above the hair, they’ll create the illusion of a lot more volume than other braid types. If you want your braid to have that full vibe, then consider doing something called ‘pancaking’ that involves gently pulling the loops on the braid. When doing this, start from the bottom, section by section, and work your way upwards to keep it even. Just a heads up, stiff hair makes it really difficult to pancake loops, so to avoid that snagged feeling sticky hair gives, use some styling cream to give the hair a good grip without the stiffness.
#19: Simple, Clean, and the Kind of Braid That Just Works Every Time
Sometimes an easy hairstyle is all that is needed. Brilliant and shiny hair is all that is needed for this braid. It looks super neat and very impressive, but also every section is even, and every braid is tight and consistent to the bottom. Plus, the end is clean and fuss free. To be honest, this is the style I recommend to people who have no idea how to style their hair. The technique is very good and once muscle memory is there it will take a matter of minutes. It is finished with a small and discreet hair tie that I appreciate. Nothing spoils a great braid as a messy tie at the end.
#20: Long Box Braids with That Glossy, Defined Look
The shiny finish on these box braids looks nice and smooth, almost like they were sealed. That kind of detail is what differentiates an expensive look from a homemade finish. Each braid is uniform width-wise and the spacing is very neat. It may look like a small detail but it affects the entire style a lot. Regarding the length, box braids this long are a huge commitment. Other than installation time, there is plenty more to think about. They are heavy, it takes some getting used to sleeping with them, and they can be really annoying to deal with when they get wet because they take forever to dry. After you adjust to a routine to go along with the length, it will be worth it since they will be the easiest type of hair to manage. For first timers getting box braids, make sure to tell your braider to keep the tension moderate. It is super easy to go tighter the next time you get them, but you can never undo an install that is too tight.
#21: Box Braids with a Sharp Part That Frames Everything Nicely
Many people overlook how much a box braid install is influenced by the position of the straight part. A straight, neatened part creates a more structured, intentional look. In contrast, a rough part makes the braids look more casual. That’s not to say one is better. These braids have a good thickness and the length is practical. If they were longer they’d probably get caught on a lot of things, but at this length they feel dramatic without being a hassle. If your scalp tends to get oily, this may necessitate that people around you take out their braids earlier than they want. If that’s the case, keep a scalp spray in your bag.
#22: Box Braids with Curly Pieces That Soften the Whole Thing
The front curls add a softer touch to box braids. For those wanting something more feminine, the mix of softer curls and structured box braids is perfect. Front curls also help with blending the hairline with the braids so there isn’t an obvious transition and line that people dislike. This sort of thing takes longer to do than regular box braids because those curly pieces require their own separate styling. I do think the finished look is worth the extra time. It lasts so long as long as you wrap it up at night and don’t overthink it!
#23: Bold Color Braids for When You’re Ready to Really Commit
It definitely takes guts to put on the combination of red and green. As for the braided detail, it is intricate enough to be able to enhance the design further. The aesthetic can be complemented by the addition of functional stitches. The overall effect is quite pretty, but the multiple braids and colours also create a rhythm and a flow that surpasses the other elements of design. Just note that with this much colour, it is advisable to braid salon-quality hair as a faded neon look is considered a modern undesired interpretation of the first bright colours.
#24: A Braided Ponytail That’s Polished Without Being Stiff
This style is fantastic because it can be worn for anything from a professional work event to a casual day out shopping on the weekend. The shiny, healthy hair is probably the result of a good hair product. The braid is at a great height, and the thickness is great to help keep the ponytail secure. To help avoid headaches from tight ponytails, use a spiral hair tie instead of a normal elastic to reduce the amount of tension on the hair.
#25 A Twisted Braid with Flowers That Actually Looks Natural
Such beautiful quality goes into this braid. The twists show enough of the hair’s waves, while the floral accents look as if they have just grown there instead of being pinned in, which is how flower details should look. The length is just enough to appreciate the twist pattern, while the slight messiness of the braid is completely intentional and charming. I also think this style is one of those where overdoing it would actually ruin it. The beauty is in the imperfections. I think this is the look you’re going for if hair pieces that escape and flowers are positioned differently. I suggest doing this the day before the event instead of the night before because of this. I think the flowers and good waves need to be fresh for best effect, and things always change in the night so pack carefully and sleep well.
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