Braids have been in style since time immemorial, across cultures and countries. From Afro braids to traditional Indian ones, there are many options. If you are one who does not like to flaunt open hair, braids are your best bet. And you can do it in style too. Agreed, braids were fashionable in older times, but these can be flaunted even today, with panache. A braid hairstyle can easily transform your entire look, from boring and blah to cool and catchy.

So hang on and read as we bring to you the best of braid hairstyles, in some of their coolest avatars possible.

 

1. French braid

1. French braid

Let’s start with the one that all of us dream about, but few of us can actually ace. No, we aren’t talking about the style, we are talking about acing the technique. French braids look amazing but are a pain to plait. If you can make this classic hairstyle, nothing like it. The best part about the French braid is that it can be flaunted anywhere, whether you are at work or even going to a brunch. You can even create a half-updo with it. Flaunt it in whichever way you want, a French braid would never let you down.

 

2. Braid ponytail

2. Braid ponytail

What’s that? A braid? A ponytail? Both! Yes, this is a versatile braid hairstyle that can give the illusion of a longer face. However, if you have a chubby or square face, you may wish to steer clear of it as it will require all the hair to be pulled away, leaving no room for the front hair to shape your face. This one requires the entire length to be braided in mini plaits and then taking all the braids together to fasten into a high ponytail. Edgy and spectacular!

 

3. Crochet braid

3. Crochet braid

This is another form of braid that may sound complicated, but in reality, is not. If you are familiar with the crochet weave, you’d know what you have to do. Consider your hair to be many soft layers of thread. Just do not be harsh on those or tug at them. This one is done by creating cornrow braids. Then hair extensions are threaded by using a crochet hook.

 

4. Lemonade braid

4. Lemonade braid

Sounds quite interesting and yummy, doesn’t it? Let us assure you it looks just as amazing. Lemonade braids were given fame by none other than Beyoncé, so much so that it was named after her album ‘Lemonade,’ on the cover of which she sported said braids. These braids look good on hair of all lengths and thickness and can also be accessorized stylishly.

 

5. Goddess braid

5. Goddess braid

This one can be called thick cornrows and are created by using the underhand style of braiding. Thereafter, the braids are fastened either into a high ponytail or are left loose, depending on the look you are aiming for.

 

6. Feed-in braids

6. Feed-in braids

These are also known as ‘knotless’ braids. These braids are known for protecting your hair well and are used by making cornrows or box braids first. That’s how the stylist ‘feeds’ those extensions into your hair so that the braids blend in. The technique ensures that there is minimum pressure on the scalp and you’d have your natural length to flaunt as well.

 

7. Tribal braids

7. Tribal braids

This style is mostly about combining various techniques rather than creating just one. Tribal braids are most common in Africa and can be intricate depending upon the look that you are aiming for. So do you research and choose the way you want to do it.

 

8. Braided bun

8. Braided bun

Now this one is fairly simple to understand, even if a little tricky to create. But then, there is nothing simple about fashioning braids out of long hair and then creating cool hairstyles out of it. Anyway, a braided bun is where the desired length is braided and then folded into a bun. This can be done any way you want it. It can either be two braided buns on the two sides of the scalp, in a truly retro style, or it can replace your chignon for that formal look or even a wedding look. Whatever you want.

 

9. Fulani braids

9. Fulani braids

These are traditional braids and find their origin in the Fula people of West Africa. It looks dreamy and chic, and can even be decorated. It is created by braiding plaits, from thin to medium, while leaving a central twist of sorts at the crown, and the plaits being at the sides. You can then decorate the central braid; traditional rings and beads, but you can choose something else and add your own spin to it too.

 

10. Yarn braids

10. Yarn braids

Yes, it is exactly what it is named after. Yarn braids are created by using acrylic extensions woven into the hair. You can take your pick from an array of colours, especially pastels such as greens and pinks. It is a diverse and versatile option, perfect for those who love to play with some pop in their hair. Not just the colour, you can even play with the thickness of the yarn threads, depending on the texture of your hair.

 

11. Butterfly braid

11. Butterfly braid

If you have really thick and dense hair and you are not shy of experimenting, this one should be your pick. This is a fluffy underhand braid. If you do not have naturally thick hair, extensions can come to your rescue as those will be required to sew the braid in place. You can even accessorise it later on.

 

12. Jumbo box braids

12. Jumbo box braids

These are quite similar to the box braids. Only, these are thick and boxy. They take less time than the usual box braids but look twice as stylish. Again, you can accessorise these with jewels, beads and whatever hair accessory you have in mind.

 

13. Side braid

13. Side braid

These are terrific if you want to experiment with your length and want to flaunt a faux undercut. Yep, not many have the heart to part with their gorgeous tresses. Side braids come in handy then. One side of the hair can be braided to give that effect. The braids start from the underline and end on the crown, giving a chic and modern look.

 

14. Halo braids

14. Halo braids

This one’s a perfect pick for the bridesmaids or even the bride herself. As the name suggests, it forms a halo on the head and is focused more towards the crown. This is also a great summer hairstyle to flaunt as it keeps your neck free of hair and sweat. You can create a halo braid by first taking all your hair to one side and then Dutch braid it. Slowly, coil it around your head like a crown.

 

15. Tree braids

15. Tree braids

This one was a rage in the 90s. But it is slowly making a comeback. As the name suggests, this braid preparation looks like a tree, only, with a dash of style. This one starts with the creation of mini cornrows that are braided an inch back from the hairline. The rest of the hair is free and you can either leave it open or tie in in an updo, ponytail or half.