Hair Care

The Only Braid Styles You'll Ever Need to Master

Riding the braid wave? With these step-by-step instructions, you'll nail down 15 gorgeous braid styles in no time

by Amanda Montell

6 of 16

Best Braid Style No. 10: Updated Leia 2016 has been the year of "Star Wars," so why not bring your braid styles along? These plaited Princess Leia buns are adorable, whether or not you have plans to board the Millennium Falcon.

How to:
1. Prep clean, dry, tangle-free hair with shine spray. (Try Sebastian Professional Halo Mist, $18.95.)
2. Part hair down the middle and make two equal-sized pigtails, leaving out some pieces (or your bangs) in the front. Secure with clear elastics.
3. Tightly braid each pigtail, securing them at the end with another elastic.
4. Wind each braid into a bun and pin into place. Set with hairspray.
5. Modernize the look by accessorizing with floppy hat; the buns double as a glam support system.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Best Braid Style No. 9: Desk to Dusk

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Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

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John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse

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Sebastian Professional Halo Mist

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Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray

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Older comments

I love braids and would try each and every one!!!

by littlebit_angel Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 12:13PM Report as inappropriate

didnt get how to do the last one, which was the best look.

by annisa_nye Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 11:11PM Report as inappropriate

I love braids but I can't follow any of the instructions. All the pictures look really nice but I'll prefer a video

by Jessica2010 Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 07:52PM Report as inappropriate

I love braids! Will most definitely try some of the easier ones.

by Sari Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

Great ideas, I sometimes forget that these styles exist too, besides just having your hair down or waved/curled up.

by Chantilly Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 05:07PM Report as inappropriate

Like this one..looks simple to do.

by shiral_miller Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate

I like braided hairstyles. They add such texture and femininity. I\'ve been using braided styles on my medium length hair as I grow it out, and am looking forward to more length to try more braid styles.

by ReflxnsOfGrace Monday, November 26, 2012 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I love the fishtail braid

by LittleBunny Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 08:02PM Report as inappropriate

I soooo regret cutting my hair now

by schien Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 02:16PM Report as inappropriate

I love fishtail braids and they are supposed to be easy to do, but I just can't figure it out!

by Chris213 Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 07:20AM Report as inappropriate