Braided hairstyles have been a timeless fashion choice, gracing the heads of people worldwide. From casual beach braids to intricate festival looks, braids continue to evolve, becoming more versatile and trendy each year. In 2024, braids are not just a practical choice for keeping hair neat—they’re a fashion statement. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or just want to add some flair to your everyday look, there’s a braid for everyone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 6 trendy braided hairstyles you can learn quickly. These styles are both easy to master and on-trend for this season, offering a mix of relaxed, bohemian vibes and sleek, polished looks.
1. The Classic French Braid: A Timeless Style
What is the French Braid?
The French braid is one of the most iconic braided hairstyles in history. It involves weaving sections of hair into a braid that begins at the crown and incorporates more hair as you go down. This creates a beautiful, seamless look that’s neat, stylish, and perfect for various occasions.
How to Create a French Braid
- Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Begin by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. You can slightly dampen your hair if you prefer more grip while braiding.
- Divide Your Hair into Three Sections: Start at the top of your head with three equal sections of hair.
- Braid the First Few Strands: Begin by braiding the three sections over each other—right over the middle, left over the middle, and repeat.
- Incorporate More Hair: As you continue the braid down, start adding small sections of hair from each side to the braid.
- Finish the Braid: Once you’ve added all the hair, continue braiding until you reach the ends. Secure it with a hair tie.
Why It’s Trending
The French braid is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both casual and more polished looks. You can wear it on its own or incorporate it into more elaborate styles, like a crown braid or a braided bun. In 2024, the trend has evolved to include variations such as fishtail French braids or double French braids, allowing you to make it as simple or as intricate as you like.
2. The Fishtail Braid: A Chic, Detailed Look
What is the Fishtail Braid?
The fishtail braid is a sophisticated twist on traditional braiding. Unlike the classic three-strand braid, the fishtail only uses two sections of hair. It’s more detailed, creating a refined and chic look that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Create a Fishtail Braid
- Brush Your Hair: Start by brushing your hair to make sure it’s smooth and free from knots.
- Divide Your Hair into Two Sections: Separate your hair into two equal parts.
- Start Braiding: Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat the same step from the right section over to the left.
- Continue the Braid: Continue alternating sides, pulling in small sections of hair with each movement. Make sure to keep the sections thin for the classic fishtail appearance.
- Secure the Braid: Once you reach the ends, secure the braid with a hair tie.
Why It’s Trending
Fishtail braids have seen a rise in popularity due to their elegant yet relaxed vibe. They’re perfect for everything from casual outings to formal occasions. This year, a looser, more undone fishtail braid is particularly trendy, giving off a bohemian, beachy vibe that works beautifully with soft waves or textured hair.
3. The Dutch Braid: A Bold and Structured Look
What is the Dutch Braid?
The Dutch braid, often referred to as the “reverse French braid,” is essentially the opposite of the French braid. Instead of weaving the sections of hair over each other, you weave them under, which makes the braid stand out more from the scalp, creating a bold, 3D effect.
How to Create a Dutch Braid
- Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
- Divide Your Hair into Three Sections: Start at the top with three equal sections.
- Begin the Braid: As with the French braid, begin braiding by crossing the right section under the middle, then the left section under the middle.
- Add More Hair: As you braid down, add more sections of hair to each side, continuing the under-the-middle technique.
- Finish the Braid: Once all the hair is braided, secure it with a hair tie at the end.
Why It’s Trending
Dutch braids are currently making a big splash because of their bold and eye-catching appearance. Celebrities and influencers have embraced this look for everything from festivals to red-carpet events. You can even take it up a notch by creating double Dutch braids or adding accessories like hair cuffs and beads.
4. The Box Braid: A Protective and Trendy Style
What is the Box Braid?
Box braids are a popular protective hairstyle, especially for people with natural or textured hair. They involve sectioning the hair into small, square-shaped parts and braiding each part into individual braids. Box braids can be as thick or thin as you like, and they can be worn in a variety of lengths.
How to Create Box Braids
- Section Your Hair: Start by parting your hair into square sections using a comb. The size of the sections will determine how thick or thin the braids are.
- Start Braiding: For each section, separate it into three smaller parts, and begin braiding each one.
- Continue Until All Sections Are Braided: Repeat this process for the rest of your hair. You can braid all the way to the ends, or you can leave some length loose for a relaxed, boho look.
- Secure the Ends: Once you finish braiding, secure the ends with a small hair tie or rubber band.
Why It’s Trending
Box braids are trendy for a number of reasons. They’re low-maintenance and versatile, and the style works well with natural textures. They’re also a great way to protect your hair while still looking stylish. This year, we’re seeing box braids combined with fun accessories like beads, ribbons, and metallic threads, giving the style a modern twist.
5. The Rope Braid: A Twist on the Traditional Braid
What is the Rope Braid?
The rope braid is one of the easiest braided styles to learn, and it offers a beautiful, textured look. It’s a simple two-strand braid where you twist the sections of hair before crossing them over each other. The result is a fun, twisted braid that looks elegant yet effortless.
How to Create a Rope Braid
- Divide Your Hair into Two Sections: Start by dividing your hair into two even parts.
- Twist Each Section: Twist each section of hair in the same direction—either clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Cross the Sections: Once both sections are twisted, cross them over each other in the opposite direction of the twists.
- Secure the Ends: Finish the braid by securing the ends with a small hair tie.
Why It’s Trending
Rope braids are a great option for those looking for something more relaxed and easy to create. They have an organic, casual vibe that pairs well with both polished and beachy styles. In 2024, rope braids are often worn in loose, slightly messy styles, making them perfect for everyday wear.
6. The Waterfall Braid: An Elegant, Cascading Style
What is the Waterfall Braid?
The waterfall braid is a stunning, intricate style where sections of hair cascade down in a way that mimics a waterfall. It’s a bit more advanced than some of the other braids but worth the effort. It’s perfect for special occasions like weddings, parties, or formal events.
How to Create a Waterfall Braid
- Start with a Side Part: Begin by creating a side part on your hair.
- Braid the First Section: Take a small section of hair near your part and begin braiding it as you would a regular French braid, but instead of adding new sections to the braid, let one strand of hair fall free after each weave.
- Continue Braiding: As you braid down the section, let the top strand of each braid fall and replace it with a new piece of hair from above.
- Secure the Braid: Once you’ve braided the entire section and reached your desired length, secure the end with a hair tie or clip.
Why It’s Trending
Waterfall braids have become especially trendy in 2024 for their romantic and elegant look. They’re perfect for weddings, formal dinners, or even date nights. The subtle cascade of hair gives an ethereal vibe, and it pairs beautifully with curly or wavy hair.
Conclusion
Braids are not only functional but also one of the most stylish ways to wear your hair. Whether you’re looking for a classic, polished look or a more relaxed, boho vibe, there’s a braid out there for you. The six braids highlighted in this article are trendy, easy to learn, and versatile enough to be worn for a variety of occasions. Mastering these braided hairstyles will not only help you keep your hair neat but also ensure you stay on top of the latest trends. So grab your comb, some elastics, and start braiding!
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