Style on Main

Style, Beauty, and Fashion | for Real People

  • Home
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
    • Jewelry
  • Entertaining
  • DIY
  • Chic & Current
    • Retail Watch
    • Price Pulse
    • Trendy Alternatives
    • Sustainably Stylish
  • About
    • Media + PR Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Editorial Standards
    • DMCA Disclaimer
You are here: Home / beauty / 11 Different Braid Styles That are Highly Popular

11 Different Braid Styles That are Highly Popular

July 24, 2025 by A.Fauve Schalkwyk

Sharing is caring!

kulture beauty initiativeinc – instagram

Despite what many may believe, braids have actually been around for a very long time. Like, seriously long. In fact, scientists believe that braids date as far back as 3500 BC to ancient Egypt! Either way, all we know is that the braid is still a hugely popular style these days and many are choosing to wear it. There are a number of different styles and approaches to braids and braiding your hair these days. So let’s take a look at some of the more popular versions of the braid if you’re looking for inspiration!

1.) The Basic Braid

Photo by BananaStock on Canva

The ‘basic’ braid is a simpler, more effective, yet stylish rendition of the braid that’s really easy to master and can suit a number of different looks and styles. The beauty of the basic braid is that it fits well into a number of different settings, making it the ideal choice for a woman in the workplace or at home. It doesn’t take long to do and is generally quite easy to maintain, meaning you won’t have to spend hours getting your hair done to keep it in check. A great place to start!

2.) French Braid

Photo by garanga on Canva

This braid, despite its name, was actually originally thought to have been invented by the ancient Greeks. The style has been around for a long time, but it’s still as elegant and refined as it was back then. The braid follows the basic braid in many regards, except for the fact that it features a unique ‘curve’ around the head, which helps it to shape the frame of your head. It’s very pretty and can also suit a number of different settings, including work, home life, and even weddings or fancy dress settings.

3.) Dutch Braid

Photo by Africa on Canva

The Dutch braid is really beautiful and elegant, but also very practical at the same time. This braid is essentially a variation on the basic braid, with the braids being wider, larger, and slightly more spaced apart. If you’ve managed to master the basic braid, learning how to do a Dutch braid won’t be too difficult. This one is also suitable for a lot of different settings, including work and home life, but is also great for people who exercise a lot, as it prevents your hair from getting in the way.

4.) Fishtail Braid

Photo by LiudmylaSupynska on Canva

The fishtail braid is a slightly more complicated version of the basic braid. It is similar to the Dutch braid, except that the braids are closer together, and form tighter knitted knots. The other addition to the fishtail braid is that it hangs down over the shoulder. This is a very elegant style and can also work in a number of different settings including work and home life, but is equally ideal for fancy dress occasions and can really turn your hair into a refined work of art.

5.) The Waterfall Braid

Photo by Kayleigh Melissa on YouTube

This one is a little more complicated and could take some time to master, so you will want to watch a few tutorials, or even consider getting your hair done the first few times, just until you’ve managed to crack the technique. It’s similar to a basic braid, although it uses a different knot pattern. The waterfall braid creates a beautiful, cascading effect that looks really elegant and refined. This one is ideal for the workplace or fancy dress occasions.

6.) The Milkmaid Braid

Photo by European People s Party on Wikipedia

This one is really beautiful and elegant and is similar to the French braid in some ways. However, unlike the French braid, the braid is worn around the head, much like a crown. It’s pretty easy to master and can usually be done by yourself in the comfort of your own home. This braid is pretty ideal for people in the work environment, but is also practical in terms of exercise, as it keeps your hair in place on the top of your head. It’s also easy to maintain.

7.) Rope Braids (Viking Braids)

Photo by Silvousplaits on YouTube

The benefit of rope braids, or Viking braids as they’re also known, is that they tend to vary in difficulty. They look great and can suit a variety of different styles, looks, and settings. In general, they don’t take long to master and can be done by yourself. While some rope braid styles are simple and elegant, others are a little more complex and creative. Be sure to look around to find one that appeals to you before you settle on anything, as there is a lot to choose from.

8.) Bubble Braids

Photo by EverdayHairInspiration on YouTube

Bubble braids are pretty funky and quite stylish, but they do require a lot more work and effort. These braids tend to group your hair together in little clumps that look similar to bubbles. They’ve become a lot more popular in recent years, and because you can alter their style quite a lot, they can also be suitable for a number of different looks and settings. While they might not always be best suited to fancy dress settings, they’re great for work and home.

9.) Box Braids

Photo by Kingkongphoto on Wikipedia

Box braids are hugely popular and work for a variety of different looks and settings. However, it’s important to note that while these braids look great and are quite practical, they tend to take a lot of time to make. In most cases, women getting box braids will likely get their hair done at a stylist as it ensures a good quality finish and tends to take less time than doing it yourself. Good advice for beginners!

10.) Boho Braids

Photo by b thebraiderr on TikTok

Boho braids are quite chic and stylish, but the added benefit of this style is that it can actually help to protect your hair over time. Boho braids take a long time to master, and much like box braids, it’s generally advised that unless you have lots of experience or are willing to be very patient, you get the boho done at a stylist. Boho braids add an element of timeless style to your look and tend to age well, so you won’t be looking back at photos thinking ‘what was I thinking’!

11.) Microbraids

Photo by tolouofficial on TikTok

Microbraids are also really stylish and do a lot to prevent hair damage and breakage over time. The trick with microbraids is that they take a lot of time to do and will likely need a stop to the stylist to be done properly. However, once they’re done, they’re generally pretty low maintenance and are easy to adapt with a lot of different styles. They’re great for work and home life and can also be pretty effective in terms of practicality, as it’s easy to bunch them up or tie them together.

Filed Under: beauty, Hair

« US Workwear Chain Taps Out—$10M Debt Tied to Carhartt, Timberland
Walmart Slashes 1,500 Jobs to Streamline Operations »
Contact: [email protected]
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Current Giveaways

Check back soon

DIY Halloween costumes for adults
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress