Explore stunning braided hairstyles for women, offering a variety of looks for every occasion in 2025. From classic French braids and sleek Dutch braids to intricate fishtail and box braids, these versatile styles add texture and elegance to any outfit. Whether you’re aiming for a casual look, a formal updo, or a festival-ready vibe, these braids are easy to wear and perfect for all hair types. Discover tips for styling and maintaining your braids with expert recommendations for the best braid types this year!
Jumbo Box Braids
If you’re looking for a braid style that makes a statement, jumbo box braids are it. These thick plaits will have all eyes on you. They take less time to put in and take out than other box braids, and they are also the perfect canvas for showing off bright new hair colors or accessories like rings, beads, and jewels. Jumbo box braids are a great choice if you have naturally thick hair or can put in extensions to create thicker ones.
Snake Braids
If you know how to do a standard three-strand plait, you can easily transform it into a snake braid. This simple braided style is commonly used to give a half up half down look a new twist. To create a snake braid, start by plaiting a small section of hair at your temple. Braid it back until you reach the end of your hair, then hold one strand and push the other two upwards. After that, gently pull the braid out to reveal the snake pattern. Repeat the process on the other side, then tie the two snake braids together in a ponytail at the back of your head, using a section of hair to hide the joint.
Triangle Box Braids
Triangle box braids get their name from the shape of the hair sections. Instead of the classic square — or box — each one forms a triangle. It’s a unique twist on the usual box braid style and is a fun way to shake it up if you want a fresh look. Thicker braids are best as they will hang down lower, showing off the triangles. Like other box braids, triangle box braids last up to eight weeks.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids are underhand types of braids, meaning your hair will stand out from your head rather than lying flat. It’s a classic three-strand technique, which means if you’re familiar with creating a standard plait, the Dutch braid follows the same pattern. Because both plaits require you to add sections of hair gradually, the Dutch braid is sometimes called the ‘reverse French braid.’ It’s a great way to take a standard plait hairstyle to the next level or create double braids and crown braids for a formal occasion.
Crochet Braids
The crochet technique is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get extra-long braid styles. Like a weave, crochet involves first braiding your hair into loose cornrows. This cornrow pattern forms the foundation for your crochet braids. Next, hair extensions are threaded through and secured using a crochet hook before being plaited into your braid hairstyle of choice. You can also have ready-made braids secured, such as box braids which dramatically cut the time it takes to put in your hair. That makes it a convenient option if you don’t have an extra day to spend in the stylist’s chair.
Lemonade Braids
Lemonade braids were made famous by Beyoncé, who wore them on the cover of her smash hit album Lemonade. The style involves creating neat, even, and close cornrows that go from left to right rather than straight back. Lemonade braids are a versatile look as they can be any size or thickness, and you can also combine them with other cornrow styles like zig-zag or add accessories like rings and beads.
Fishtail Braids
A festival classic, the fishtail braid brings a touch of boho to any look. It’s one of the simplest types of braids to create because it doesn’t involve a complicated pattern. However, you must separate your hair into small sections — about half an inch — and keep the tension throughout the braid to avoid it falling apart. You can begin the fishtail at any point on your head, using a French or Dutch braiding technique, which means it will work on short hair as well as long. A double fishtail is also a great way to wear this look.
Feed-in Braids
Also known as ‘knotless’ braids, feed-in braids are even better for protecting your hair than most other styles. To create super long box braids or cornrows, the stylist will usually secure extensions to your natural hair with a knot. With this technique, the stylist will gradually ‘feed’ the extensions in — plaiting them together with your real locks for a seamless blend. The result? Braided hair that have less bulk and put less tension on your scalp. They will also flow like real hair, giving you all the extra length you want with a natural finish.
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are a thicker version of cornrows, and are equally versatile. The underhand braiding technique is used to create this style, with the braids then formed into a ponytail, updo, or left loose. Whatever you choose, your goddess braids will stand out from the crowd. Make sure your hair gets the attention it deserves by decorating the braided hair with accessories; beads, rings, and wires have been trending recently.
Braided Buns
Braided buns are a festival favorite with ’90s vibes. There are so many options when it comes to this versatile style. For an on-trend take, try combining buns with double braids. Section your hair down your center parting, then create two Dutch braids at the nape of your neck. Work your way up to the crown of your head, then secure the hair so it’s in double ponytails. Then create double Dutch braids starting at the front of your head and braid back to meet the other braid. Secure the remaining hair into a mini ponytail, then twist all the loose hair into two buns. =
Tribal Braids
Tribal braids are all about combining different techniques and braid sizes to create unique patterns and styles. These types of braids have their roots in the tribes of Africa. Traditionally, hair braiding styles were used as a way to express an individual’s heritage and status. Today, they can also be about showing off your personal style.
Cornrow Braids
Cornrows are currently one of the most popular women’s hairstyles. This style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp using the underhand technique to create raised plaits. The braids are neatly arranged in rows, hence the name “cornrows”. One of the great advantages of cornrows is their versatility; they can be created in various thicknesses, combined with other braided hairstyles such as box braids, or used to achieve a faux undercut or fauxhawk look. Furthermore, cornrows serve as a protective hairstyle that can last for several weeks with minimal upkeep.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are the signature type of braids of the Fula people in West Africa. The style involves braiding thin to medium plaits in rows along the sides of the head while leaving a central twist at the crown. The central braid is then decorated with accessories — beads and rings are traditional, but hair cuffs are a chic option. Place the braided hair and accessories strategically to maximize your face shape. Fulani braids can also be combined with other braided hairstyles to make a statement.
Waterfall Braids
One of the most beautiful and feminine braid styles is waterfall braids. It’s a modified form of the French braid. The difference is that instead of pulling in sections to work all of your hair into the plait, you will only braid across the top part of your hair, leaving the rest free. The braid creates a ‘cascading’ effect, which means it looks perfect paired with a soft wave hairstyle. The gentle, romantic vibe makes waterfall braids a popular bridesmaid hairstyle.
Yarn Braids
Yarn braids are an extension made from acrylic — a non-wool fabric. They are a great protective style for Afro-textured hair, especially during colder months like autumn and winter. They also make a bold statement because the material comes in a rainbow of colors; pastel pink, peach, and color-pop shades like deep green and red are on-trend. An extremely versatile styling option, yarn braids work with all hair lengths. They can be as thin or as thick as you want, so opt for anything from mini to jumbo, depending on your hair’s strength. You’ll also have to consider how much patience you have when braiding — the bigger the braid, the longer it takes!
Crown Braids
The crown braid is a widely favored choice for prom hairstyles due to its ability to evoke a royal aura. This style is particularly suitable for unwashed or troubled hair as it requires a bit of grit and texture. To create a crown braid, one can start by Dutch or French braiding the hair and then securing each braid to the opposite side, ultimately forming the crown. Within minutes, you’ll exude a regal presence and experience a boost in confidence.
Butterfly Braids
The butterfly braid is a unique and eye-catching braid style that will have all eyes on you. It’s an oversized and slightly fluffy underhand braid, which should look natural and not too ‘done.’ Because it’s so thick, the butterfly braid almost always requires hair extensions, and you may need to sew the braid in place too. Once you’ve finished braiding, stretch and pull sections of the braid to make it even thicker and fluffier. You can also add hair cuffs or jewelry. Keep the rest of your hair smooth or in smaller cornrows and stitch braids. Doing so keeps the butterfly braid the focus of the look.
Mohawk Braids
For a bold and attention-grabbing hairstyle, look no further than the mohawk braid. To achieve this style quickly, create a thick Dutch braid down the center of your head and secure the remaining hair in a ponytail. This effortless technique will give you a mohawk-like effect without much hassle. However, if you want to take your mohawk braid to the next level, there’s a more striking method. Cornrow the side sections of your hair and start a Dutch braid at the nape of your neck, moving it towards your forehead. Once you’ve braided it all the way, fold it back on itself to form a rounded mohawk. This edgy style works best on thick and exudes a punk vibe.
Side Braids
Side braids can easily create a faux undercut or take a side swept hairstyle to the next level. These braided hairstyles start at the hairline and move up towards the crown of the head instead of straight back. As a result, they have an unusual and striking appearance. Adding hair extensions to the braids and leaving the rest of the hair free gives the side braids style an on-trend asymmetric angle. It’s a bold contrast, resulting in a modern, chic look that’s flattering to most face shapes.
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