Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of hands-on experience creating braid looks for clients of every hair type. In this post I present 24 braid hairstyles for women, each illustrated so you can see how texture, length and parting change the finished look. Braids are wonderfully versatile: from delicate fishtails that flatter fine hair to chunky box braids that add instant volume and protective styles for natural textures. I’ll share professional tips I use in the salon — how to prep (moisturize and detangle), choose the right tension to avoid breakage, and when to use extensions or lightweight holding products. Whether you want a quick everyday braid, a polished updo for events, or a low-maintenance protective style, these styles suit beginners and seasoned braid lovers alike. Follow my stepwise tips and photo references to recreate salon-quality results at home.
Textured Boho Double Dutch Braids with Loose Waves
This relaxed, chunky double Dutch braid is ideal for long hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with lightweight extensions or extra texturizing product; naturally wavy or slightly curly hair gives the most lived-in finish. Start on second-day hair for grip: mist roots with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, section a deep center part, then create two Dutch braids from the temples down, keeping each braid slightly loose. Pancake (gently pull apart) the braid loops to create volume and soft shape; pull a few face-framing pieces free for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, 1
Textured Voluminous Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Pieces
This loose, textured side fishtail combines a soft Dutch-fishtail start with pancaking for volume—perfect for medium to long hair and best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light clip-in extensions or added texturizing product. Start on dry hair with natural wave or create soft wave with a 1–1.25 curling iron. Section the top into a Dutch or reverse-french fishtail, continue down the side, then pancake each weave to build fullness and a relaxed, boho finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron, and a wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, volumizing mousse (applied at roots), dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray and a tiny bit of smoothing cream for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires braiding experience and pancaking technique; expect 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the braid, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake loose sections in the morning, and retie with a fresh elastic if needed. Avoid heavy oils that will weigh the texture down.
Textured Boho Fishtail Braid with Crown Braids
This romantic textured fishtail braided style with soft crown braids suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures. Thick hair creates natural volume; those with fine hair can add lightweight clip-in pieces for fullness. Start on dry, day-two hair for grip: detangle, apply a heat protectant and a small smoothing balm to ends. Create two loose French/Dutch braids from the temples toward the nape, secure them and feed both into a low fishtail braid. Gently pancake each braid with your fingers to widen and soften the sections, then hide elastics with a small wrapped strand. Tools: fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and optionally a 1
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Crown
A salon-friendly, bohemian-inspired fishtail braid ideal for medium to long hair. Best on medium to thick textures or naturally wavy hair for instant grip and body; fine hair will benefit from texturizing products and light backcombing at the crown to achieve the same fullness. Technique: lightly rough-dry hair with a blow dryer, apply a texturizing spray, then create a deep side part and French-fishtail the top section, gradually incorporating hair as you move down. Transition to a full fishtail/rope braid and pancake (gently pull) the plaits to create softness and volume; finish with face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25
Luxe Double Dutch Crown Into Voluminous Side Braid — Braided Updo for Thick Hair
This polished double Dutch crown flowing into a chunky side braid is best suited for medium to long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can wear it with light extensions or backcombing for volume, while very curly textures may benefit from a light blowout or smoothing cream before braiding. Technique: create two Dutch braids along the hairline, feed in sections as you move toward the nape, then join the braids into one large three-strand braid. Pancake (gently pull apart) the finished braid to enlarge and soften the look. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, wide-tooth brush and a fine-tooth comb. Products: texturizing spray or powder for grip, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray, and a conditioning leave-in or heat protectant if heat is used. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch braiding and sectioning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh volume with dry shampoo or dry texturizer, retighten elastics and pins as needed, and smooth flyaways with a tiny amount of pomade; expect 1–3 days of wear depending on activity and hair type.
Double Dutch Braids into Fishtail Plaits — Textured Boho Two-Strand Style
This look suits medium-to-long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from volumizing products or clip-in pieces, while very thick or curly hair may need smoothing and smaller sections. Technique: create a clean center part, apply texture spray, then Dutch-braid each side along the scalp, adding hair until the nape. Transition each braid into a loose fishtail or three-strand braid from the nape down, secure with small elastics and gently pancake the braids for width. Tools needed: fine-tooth tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a wide-tooth brush. Products required: texturizing or salt spray for grip, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, dry shampoo for second-day hold, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pancake and tighten elastics as needed, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve grip. Ideal for festivals, casual days, and active schedules.
Viking-Inspired Multi-Braid Half-Up with Dutch, Rope and Fishtail Details
This textured warrior-style braid works best on long, medium-to-thick hair and on straight to naturally wavy textures. Fine hair can achieve the look with lightweight clip-in extensions or by backcombing for volume. Start on slightly dirty or texturized hair for grip: section the hair and create tight Dutch/cornrow-style braids along the scalp, then feed them into larger three-strand, rope or fishtail braids down the length. Wrap small leather cords or thin ribbon for an authentic accent and secure ends with clear elastics and discreet bobby pins. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, thin decorative cords and optional clip-in extensions. Products required: salt or texturizing spray for hold, lightweight pomade for flyaways, heat protectant if using hot tools, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: advanced (4/5) — requires braid technique and patience. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loosely re-braid to avoid frizz, refresh texture with dry shampoo and sea-salt spray, re-tighten or replace elastics after 2–3 days, and condition ends regularly to prevent breakage.
Textured Loose Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Layers
This romantic, textured fishtail braid suits medium to long hair and works best on wavy or pre-textured hair; fine hair benefits from light volumizing products or clip-in extensions, while thick hair may require smaller sections for a more defined fishtail. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a lightweight mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the crown. Create soft waves with a 1-inch curling iron for hold and texture, backcomb the crown slightly for volume, then gather hair to one side and weave a loose fishtail, pulling gently at each pass to pancake the braid. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1
Textured Double Dutch Braids with Face-Framing Pieces
These textured double Dutch braids with soft face-framing pieces suit medium-to-long hair and are especially flattering on medium to thick textures; fine hair works when prepped for grip. Technique: create a center part, take triangular crown sections and begin two Dutch (inside-out) braids along each side, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Braid to the ends, secure with elastics, then gently pancake by pulling the outer loops to widen the braid and achieve a relaxed, voluminous finish. Tools: tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a boar-bristle or paddle brush. Products: lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray before blow-drying, texturizing salt spray for grip, smoothing serum on the ends and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–40 minutes depending on length and practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancaking each morning, re-secure loose pieces with pins, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume. Redo braids every 2–3 days for best results.
Boho Crown and Double Textured Braids — Beachy Braided Look
This relaxed boho style suits medium-to-long hair and works best on naturally wavy or slightly textured hair; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture, while very thick hair may require more control. Start by misting damp or dry hair with sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip. Create a loose crown braid (Dutch or French) along the hairline, then divide the remaining length into two low sections and loosely three-strand braid each side, pulling gently to pancake and add volume. Leave soft face-framing pieces and secure ends with small elastics; hide elastics with a small wrap of hair or bobby pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins and a paddle brush. Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, light mousse or volumizing foam for fine hair, dry shampoo for hold and lift, and a light-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate (20–35 minutes) — braiding skill plus texturing needed. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose bun, refresh with dry shampoo and re-tug braids to restore volume, and trim ends regularly to avoid frayed tips.
Crown Dutch Double Braids into Loose Boho Side Plaits
This polished boho style suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; thick hair gives the fullest result while fine hair benefits from added texture. Technique: create two Dutch (inverted) braids starting at each temple and work toward the nape, incorporate hair evenly, secure with elastics, then merge or wrap the braids into loose side plaits. Pancake (gently pull apart) each braid for volume and soften with face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a brush. Helpful products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light mousse for hold, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires confident Dutch braiding and even tension control; expect 25–40 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid to reduce frizz, refresh volume with dry shampoo at the roots, re-tighten the elastics and pins as needed, and touch up softer pieces with a small curling iron. For fine hair, backcomb lightly at the crown before braiding to create lift.
Loose Textured Dutch-to-Fishtail Braid Updo for Medium to Long Hair
This loose, textured Dutch-to-fishtail braid updo works best on medium-to-long hair with natural body — straight, wavy or lightly curled. Thick hair gives the fullest result; fine hair should be prepped with texturizing products and light backcombing for grip. Start on second-day hair or rough-dry freshly washed hair with sea-salt spray and a volumizing mousse. Create a small backcombed crown for lift, then build a Dutch braid along the top/side, transitioning into a loose fishtail braid down the neck. Gently pancake each section for width and softness, pulling a few face-framing pieces free for a romantic finish. Tools: 1 curling iron or wand (for added texture), fine tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, and bobby pins. Products: dry shampoo or texturizer, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, and a salt spray for separation. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and pancaking technique. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap loosely, refresh with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, and re-pancake braid sections as needed to restore fullness between washes.
Boho Double Dutch to Fishtail Braids for Long, Textured Hair
Suitable for long, medium-to-thick hair and textured or wavy hair; fine hair can work with light extensions or added texture. Technique: start with a deep side or center part and section the crown. Create mirrored Dutch (reverse French) braids along each side of the part, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Transition the crown braids into loose three-strand or fishtail braids, secure with small elastics, and then pancake the braid loops to create volume and a soft boho silhouette. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, boar-bristle or paddle brush, and optional curling wand for pre-wave. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, light styling cream or pomade for smoothness, heat protectant if using hot tools, dry shampoo for refresh, and a medium-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch and fishtail techniques; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake and tighten elastics as needed, and use weekly deep-conditioning to keep ends healthy. Carry a couple of elastics and a mini comb for quick touch-ups.
Textured Halo Crown Braid with Loose Face-Framing Braids
This textured halo braid pairs a soft crown (Dutch) braid with two loose, face-framing plaits for a boho or bridal finish. Suitable for medium to long lengths and effective on straight, wavy, or curly hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing products or light teasing to add grip, while thick hair achieves fullness naturally. For best results start with second-day hair: mist roots with dry shampoo, rough-dry, then create a Dutch/French braid along the hairline toward the back and secure with an elastic. Repeat on the opposite side or add two low side braids, then join or pin them into a loose braided halo. Pancake the braids by gently spreading each section to increase volume and pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins and an optional curling wand for added wave. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo for grip, lightweight hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo or by re-pancaking, and secure any loose pieces with discreet pins.
Voluminous Textured Dutch Side Braid with Pancake Finish
This look suits long medium-to-thick hair best; fine hair can achieve the same volume with clip-in extensions or root backcombing, and naturally curly hair can be smoothed slightly or embraced for extra texture. Technique: create a deep side part and start a Dutch (inside-out) braid at the front hairline, adding hair as you move toward the crown and then down the side. Once the braid is secured, gently pancake (pull apart) each braid segment to create width and the soft, chunky effect; finish the tail with a loose fishtail or three-strand braid and secure with an elastic. Tools needed: fine-tooth tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, boar-bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: texturizing/sea-salt spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and heat protectant if curling the ends. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake sections each day and retighten the base elastic as needed.
Textured Dutch-to-Fishtail Combo Braid for Long Wavy Hair
Suitable hair: Best on long to mid-long lengths with medium to thick density and natural wave or loose curl. Can be done on straight hair after adding texture. Styling technique: Start on dry hair with a center or slightly off-center part. Section a wide Dutch braid along the crown (adding hair as you go) and continue down the back; once past the nape, transition into a loose fishtail braid. Backcomb lightly at the roots for lift, then pancake the braid by gently pulling the braid loops sideways to create fullness and a soft, lived-in look. Secure with a small elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand or pin. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, wide-tooth comb and a curling wand (optional). Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light mousse or root-lift spray, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on skill. Maintenance tips: Sleep with a silk scarf or loose pineapple; refresh texture with dry shampoo and re-pancake the braid rather than brushing; touch up face-framing pieces with a small curling wand as needed.
Double Dutch Braids with Pancaked Volume — Two Thick Braided Pigtails
This look suits straight to wavy medium-to-thick hair and works well on long lengths; fine hair benefits from light texturizing for grip, while very curly hair should be smoothed into a controlled texture first. Section hair down the centre, then create two Dutch (inside-out) braids following the hairline from temple to nape, feeding in hair as you go. Continue each braid into a three-strand braid down the length, secure with small elastics, then gently pancake the braid loops to create the soft, voluminous effect seen here. Tools: rattail comb, hair clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for hold, light styling cream or smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch braiding and even tension (20–35 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo and re-pancake if needed, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve texture. For longevity, redo elastics after 2–3 days and soften edges with a small dab of serum.
Textured Double Fishtail Braids with Soft Crown Twist
Suitable hair: Works best on medium to thick hair or fine hair that has been pre-textured (second-day hair holds braid structure better). This look flatters shoulder-length to long layers and face-framing pieces. Styling technique: Start on dry, slightly dirty hair. Apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip. Create a loose crown twist/Dutch braid along the hairline and pin it into place. Divide the remaining hair into two sections and fishtail-braid each side about 3/4 down, secure with small elastics. Pancake the braids (gently pull sections open) to add width and softness, and pull out a few face-framing strands for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand (optional for smoothing face pieces). Products required: dry shampoo or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or hair oil for ends, heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty level: Intermediate — 25–40 minutes for someone comfortable with braiding. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo/texturizer, re-pancake and tighten elastics as needed, and avoid heavy conditioners before styling to preserve grip.
Textured Crown Dutch Braids with Loose Fishtail Side Braids
This textured crown Dutch braid style with loose fishtail side braids suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, and slightly curly textures. For fine hair, add volume with a root-lifting mousse; for thick hair, work in smaller sections. Start on second-day hair or lightly spray damp hair with texturizing spray for grip. Create two Dutch braids along the crown, feeding hair toward the back, then transition each side into a loose fishtail braid; pancake the braids to widen and soften the look and secure with small elastics. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a soft-bristle brush. Products: texturizing/salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, heat protectant if using hot tools, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and sectioning skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and re-pancake braids to restore volume, and retighten elastics or pins after 1–3 days. Avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep grip.
Voluminous Dutch Crown into Chunky Fishtail Side Braid
Suitable for medium to long hair with medium-to-thick density; wavy or slightly textured hair works best. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light teasing, texturizing products, or clip-in extensions for added bulk. Start by sectioning a front-to-back Dutch (inside-out) crown braid along the hairline, feeding in small sections for a secure base. Transition the remaining lengths into a loose, pancaked fishtail or multi-strand braid, then gently pull apart each braid segment to create the soft, voluminous finish seen here. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastic, bobby pins, and optional 1 curling iron to add grip. Products: dry shampoo or sea-salt/texturizing spray for hold, lightweight smoothing serum for shine, heat protectant if using hot tools, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (salon-level finish but achievable at home with practice). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap braid in a scarf, refresh volume with dry shampoo and re-pancaking, secure loose pieces with discreet pins, and avoid overwashing to preserve texture and grip.
Gorgeous Hairstyle Inspiration
This beautiful hairstyle offers a perfect blend of elegance and style, suitable for various occasions with professional styling tips.
Boho Double Dutch-to-Fishtail Braids for Long Textured Hair
This look suits long, medium-to-thick hair with some natural texture or light layering — ideal for balayage or multi-dimensional color that shows depth in the braids. Start on clean, towel-dried hair sprayed with a salt- or texturizing spray for grip, or smooth lightweight mousse for finer hair. Section a wide middle part and create two Dutch (inside-out) braids along the crown, adding hair as you go; pancake (gently pull apart) each braid for volume and a softer boho finish, then transition each into a loose fishtail to the ends. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, wide-tooth comb, and a fine-tooth pick for pancaking. Products: texturizing spray, light smoothing serum (ends only), flexible-hold hairspray, and dry shampoo for longevity. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident sectioning and braiding skills; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a scarf to reduce frizz, refresh roots with dry shampoo, re-tighten elastics and re-pancake if needed, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve texture and hold.
Textured Multi-Braid Boho‑Viking Style (fishtail, Dutch & rope braids)
Suitable for medium-to-thick, long hair and wavy to straight textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with clip-in extensions or by backcombing for added bulk. Start on dry hair: divide into uneven sections, mist with texturizing spray and rough-dry for grip. Create a mix of Dutch (inside-out) braids, fishtails and two-strand rope braids, anchoring each with small clear elastics. Pancake each braid gently to widen and soften the look, and pull a few face-framing strands loose for a relaxed boho finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins and a lightweight blow dryer or diffuser. Products: salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends and a small amount of matte pomade to tame flyaways; heat protectant if heat is used. Difficulty: intermediate — requires multiple braid techniques and patience; expect 40–70 minutes in-salon. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, re-tighten or redo accent braids after 2–4 days, and deep-condition weekly if using extensions or frequent heat.
Textured Double Dutch Braids with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured double Dutch braid with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or curly textures. Fine hair benefits from a texturizing spray or light mousse before styling to add grip; medium to thick hair may require smaller sections and extra pins for control. Technique: part down the center and create two Dutch/French braids from the hairline to the nape, adding small sections and keeping even tension; pancake the braids by gently pulling outer loops for volume and pull a few tendrils loose around the face for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins and a 1
Thanks for exploring these 24 braid hairstyles with me. As a stylist, my top priorities are keeping hair healthy while achieving the look you want. After braiding, always seal the hair with a light oil or serum at the ends, avoid over-tightening to prevent traction damage, and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or wrap to extend wear. For colored or chemically treated hair, ask your stylist about moisturizing and protein treatments before extended protective styles. Refresh edges gently with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of gel, and schedule regular scalp checks to maintain circulation and cleanliness. If you’re trying a new braid type, practice on a small section first or consult your stylist for custom tension and placement. With the right prep and care, braids can be stylish, protective, and long-lasting — enjoy experimenting and make each style your own. — Lena