Tired of complicated hairstyles? Want to look fabulous without spending hours in front of the mirror? Easy braid hairstyles are here to save the day! These distressed braids, waterfall braids, and fishtail braids aren't just beautiful; they're also simple to achieve at home. Let's dive into some incredible, easy-to-follow braid hairstyles that you can do yourself.
Whether you're aiming for a casual, boho look or a polished, elegant one, these braided hairstyles cater to every occasion. So, let's get started and explore these stunning, low-maintenance braid hairstyles that you'll absolutely love!
Start with the Basics: Classic Braids
Before we dive into advanced braid hairstyles, let's familiarize ourselves with the classic braid - the French braid.
The French braid is the foundation of many other braid hairstyles. It adds a touch of sophistication to any look, making it perfect for both casual and formal events. To create a French braid, simply divide your hair into three sections, grab a small piece from one of the outer sections, and cross it over the middle section. Keep adding small sections from the outside as you continue braiding down the hair.
Dutch Braids: Inverted French Braids
Dutch braids are essentially inverted French braids, creating a beautiful, raised pattern along the scalp. This reversed braiding technique gives the braid a more dramatic, eye-catching look.
To create Dutch braids, follow the same steps as French braids but cross the sections UNDER the middle section instead of OVER it. This seems counterintuitive at first, but with a little practice, you'll be a Dutch braid expert in no time!
Mohawk Braid: Stand Out with Style
The Mohawk braid is a striking, head-turning style that combines the Dutch braid with a classic braid. This bold look is perfect for those who want to make a statement without too much effort.
Start by creating Dutch braids on both sides of your head, stopping halfway down. Then, use the remaining hair to create a classic braid down the middle. The contrast between the raised Dutch braids and the flat, classic braid creates a stunning Mohawk effect that's sure to impress.
Elevate Your Look with Distressed Braids
Distressed braids add a touch of effortlessness and charm to any hairstyle. They're perfect for those who want a bohemian, beachy look with minimal effort.
Distressing a braid is as simple as pulling and tugging at the loops of the braid to create a messy, undone look. The more you pull, the messier the braid becomes - and the better it looks!
Distressed Fishtail Braid: Beachy Waves without Heat
The fishtail braid is a gorgeous, delicate style that's surprisingly easy to achieve. To distress a fishtail braid, simply follow these steps:
1. Divide your hair into two sections. 2. Take a small piece from one section, pull it towards the other section, and cross it OVER the section. 3. Repeat this process on the other side, crossing a small piece UNDER the section. 4. Continue this criss-cross pattern, pulling the loops slightly to create a messy look. 5. Once you've reached the ends, tie it off with a small, clear hair tie.
Crowned Distressed Braid: A Relaxed Crown of Glory
The crowned distressed braid is a stunning style that's perfect for outdoor events or relaxed, at-home days. To achieve this look, create a classic braid along your hairline on both sides, securing with hair ties. Then, distress the braids for a loose, boho look. Finally, twist the ends together and tuck them into the braid at the back of your head, securing with a bobby pin.
Embrace Waterfall Braids: A Charming Twist on a Classic Look
Waterfall braids are a beautiful, vintage-style twist on classic braids. They're elegant, romantic, and surprisingly easy to achieve.
The key to waterfall braids is to allow sections of hair to "fall" like water as you create the braid, rather than incorporating them into the main braid. This creates a stunning, cascading effect that's perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.
Waterfall Fishtail Braid: A New Take on an Old Favorite
The waterfall fishtail braid is a whimsical, romantic style that's perfect for weddings or fancy evening events. To create this look, start a fishtail braid at the top of your head. As you braid down, allow small sections of hair to "fall" over your shoulder instead of incorporating them into the braid. Continue this pattern, using hair from each new section to create the braid, until you reach the ends.
French Waterfall Braid: Classic Beauty with an Edge
The French waterfall braid combines the classic elegance of a French braid with the romantic charm of a waterfall braid. To create this style, start a French braid at the top of your head. As you braid down, allow small sections of hair to "fall" over your shoulder instead of incorporating them into the braid. Continue this pattern, using hair from each new section to create the braid, until you reach the ends.
There you have it - a comprehensive guide to easy braid hairstyles that you can do yourself. Whether you're aiming for a casual, boho look or a polished, elegant one, these braided hairstyles are perfect for every occasion. So, go ahead, embrace your inner creativity, and rock these stunning braid hairstyles with confidence!