16 Easy Braid Hairstyles for Beginners to Try
Braids look intricate, but most of them come down to a few simple moves you can master in an afternoon. If you’ve always admired braided styles on Pinterest and felt intimidated, the good news is that practice, a mirror, and a little patience are all it takes.
We’ve rounded up 16 easy braid hairstyles that are beginner-friendly, quick to learn, and pretty enough for everyday wear, so you can build your skills one style at a time. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try weaving braids into these half-up hairstyles, our easy back-to-school hairstyles, or these bandana hairstyle ideas.
1. Classic Three-Strand Braid
Every braiding journey starts here. Split your hair into three equal sections, then cross the right piece over the middle, followed by the left piece over the new middle. Repeat to the ends and secure with a clear elastic.
Once this basic pattern becomes muscle memory, every other braid on this list gets easier. Practice on slightly damp or day-old hair, which has more grip than freshly washed strands.
2. Side Braid Over the Shoulder
Sweep all your hair over one shoulder and work a loose three-strand braid down the side. Once it’s tied off, gently tug the outer loops to widen the braid and pull a few face-framing pieces free for a relaxed, romantic finish.
Braiding over your shoulder lets you see every move in front of you, which makes it far easier than braiding behind your head. Spritz a texturizing spray first for extra grip and fullness.
3. Braided Ponytail
Pull your hair into a mid- or high ponytail and secure it with an elastic, then braid the ponytail itself into a simple three-strand plait. Wrap a thin strand of hair around the base and pin it underneath to hide the elastic.
Starting from a ponytail keeps every section in place, so it’s a great confidence builder for total beginners. The polished result works for the gym, the office, or a casual weekend brunch.
4. Half-Up Braided Crown
Take a small section of hair from above each ear and braid each one loosely back toward the crown. Bring the two braids together at the back of your head and secure them with bobby pins or a small clear elastic.
This style keeps hair off your face while showing off length and waves, making it perfect for date nights and weddings. Curl the loose hair underneath with a wand for an extra-dreamy finish.
5. Simple French Braid
Start with a small section at the top of your head and divide it into three strands. Each time you cross a side strand over the middle, add a little hair from that side, continuing down to the nape before finishing with a regular braid.
The French braid is the gateway to almost every advanced style, and it holds beautifully all day. Keep your sections small and evenly sized at first, since uneven pieces are a common cause of lumpy braids.
6. Fishtail Braid
Instead of three sections, divide your hair into just two. Take a thin strand from the outside of the left section and cross it over to join the right, then repeat from the right side. Keep alternating until you reach the ends.
Fishtails look impressively complex but only use one repeating move, so they’re ideal once you’re comfortable with basic braids. Thinner strands create a finer, more detailed pattern that photographs beautifully.
7. Pull-Through Braid
No traditional braiding required. Tie a ponytail, section off the top half with a small elastic, then split that piece in two and pull the loose hair underneath up through the gap before securing it. Repeat down the length and fan out each section.
Because elastics do the work, the pull-through braid is nearly impossible to mess up and looks full even on fine hair. Clear mini elastics keep the focus on the braid rather than the hardware.
8. Double Dutch Braids
Part your hair down the middle and Dutch braid each side by crossing strands under the middle piece instead of over. The braids sit on top of your hair rather than lying flat, creating bold, raised plaits from crown to nape.
Sporty and secure, double Dutch braids hold up through workouts, festivals, and windy beach days. Clip one side out of the way while you braid the other so the sections don’t tangle together.
9. Braided Headband
Pick up a two-inch section of hair behind one ear and braid it into a thin three-strand plait. Lay it over the top of your head like a headband, tuck the end behind the opposite ear, and pin it securely in place.
A braided headband dresses up loose hair in under five minutes and is a sweet way to keep shorter layers off your face. Cross two bobby pins in an X shape at the end for a hold that lasts all day.
10. Braided Low Bun
Gather your hair at the nape and braid it loosely, then coil the braid around itself to form a bun. Tuck the end underneath and secure the shape with four or five bobby pins pushed in toward the center.
The braid adds texture and grip, so this bun stays put far longer than a basic twisted one. It’s an elegant choice for work, interviews, or formal events when you want a polished look fast.
11. Rope Twist Braid
Split a ponytail into two sections and twist each one in the same direction, clockwise for example. Then wrap the two twisted pieces around each other in the opposite direction, and the tension locks them into a sleek, rope-like spiral.
With just two strands to manage, rope braids are among the fastest styles to learn and look especially striking on long, straight hair. Smooth a drop of serum over the twists to tame flyaways.
12. Mini Accent Braid
Grab a pencil-thin section of hair near your face, just behind your part, and braid it all the way down. Leave the rest of your hair loose and wavy so the tiny braid peeks out as a subtle, boho detail.
Accent braids are the lowest-commitment way to practice, since a small section is quick to redo if it goes wrong. Add a gold hair cuff or tiny bead to the end for a festival-ready touch.
13. Waterfall Braid
Begin a French braid at your temple, but each time you cross the top strand over, drop it and let it hang free, then pick up a fresh section to replace it. Continue around the back of your head and pin the end.
The cascading strands create a soft, romantic effect that looks gorgeous over loose curls for weddings or proms. Try it on a friend first, since it’s easier to learn the drop-and-replace rhythm when you can see it.
14. Braided Space Buns
Make a center part and pull each side into a high pigtail. Braid each one, then wrap the braids around their bases into buns and secure with pins, leaving a few wispy pieces around your face for a softer finish.
Space buns are playful and fun for concerts, theme parks, or lazy summer days, and the braids add texture that keeps the buns full. Use a bit of dry shampoo at the roots for extra hold.
15. Milkmaid Braids
Section your hair into two low pigtails and work a regular three-strand braid down each side. Lift the left braid up and over the top of your head, pin it in place, then layer the right braid just behind it and tuck the ends.
Milkmaid braids mimic an intricate crown braid using only basic plaiting skills, making them a clever beginner shortcut. They work best on hair that falls past your shoulders, so the braids are long enough to cross over the top.
16. Braided Side Bangs
Separate your bangs or front layers and French braid them diagonally along your hairline, adding hair only from the face side. Once you reach behind your ear, finish with a regular braid and hide the end under the rest of your hair with a pin.
Braiding your bangs back is a quick fix for awkward grow-out phases and humid days when fringe won’t behave. A light mist of hairspray on your fingers smooths short layers that try to poke out.
Final Thoughts
Braiding is a skill that grows with you, and every style on this list builds on the last. Start with the basics, give yourself a few practice sessions, and you’ll be creating polished braids without a second thought in no time. Braids have a long, rich history around the world. Just keep yours comfortable — the American Academy of Dermatology explains how tight hairstyles can lead to hair loss.
Pin this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it while you practice, and try a new braid at home this weekend or show your stylist the look you love most.