When we think back on braid hairstyles of the past, the French braid pigtails reigned supreme on the playground. But the trending braids we've been spying all over the runway are proof that braids are still the coolest hairstyle around, only now with a grown-up twist.
As carefree and whimsical as braids look, executing them can be difficult. So to figure out exactly how to make these princess-worthy braids a reality, we watched hundreds of YouTube braiding tutorials to find the videos that make every braid style completely doable.
From mermaid-y waterfall braids to messy fishtails and braided updos fit for an Olsen twin, here are the braiding tutorials you need to master the most gorgeous braid hairstyles.
Image via Imaxtree
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The Ultimate Messy Braid
You don't need a Ph.D in braiding to create this pulled-apart braid from Fudge Urban's Brand Ambassador, Lou Teasdale. Once you've followed her steps to getting textured hair, it's as easy as separating the hair into three sections off to the side and loosely braiding.
Bonus tip: To really get the undone look, leave a few pieces out in the front, and don't pull the hair too tightly while braiding.
If you can practically French braid in your sleep after years of practicing on anyone who would let you play hairdresser, try changing it up with this five-section braid from Luxy Hair. The basket-weave style even makes the limpest hair look thick and gorgeous.
Bonus tip: Since there are five sections of hair to keep track of (instead of the classic three sections), repeat the steps "over" and "under" to yourself as you braid. Remember, there should always be a section of hair in the middle and two sections of hair on either side.
The Dutch braid is eye-catching because it sits on top of your hair. While it looks superdifficult, the Dutch is simply a reverse French braid. Braid sections of the hair from the inside out, following Bebexo's video tutorial. She shows you how to create a half Dutch braid for a fancy headband look.
Bonus tip: If your fingers are confused by the reverse braiding, try not to look at her fingers in the video, but rather where each section of hair is going instead.
When Diane Kruger sported this peak-a-boo braid style earlier this year we couldn't wait to try it for ourselves. Alexsis Mae shows us exactly how to get the look, starting with the Dutch braid at the back of the head.
Bonus tip: Follow Mae's instructions and separate the hair into three neat sections at the beginning so it's easier to create the two separate braids.
When we think back on braid hairstyles of the past, the French braid pigtails reigned supreme on the playground. But the trending braids we've been spying all over the runway are proof that braids are still the coolest hairstyle around, only now with a grown-up twist.
As carefree and whimsical as braids look, executing them can be difficult. So to figure out exactly how to make these princess-worthy braids a reality, we watched hundreds of YouTube braiding tutorials to find the videos that make every braid style completely doable.
From mermaid-y waterfall braids to messy fishtails and braided updos fit for an Olsen twin, here are the braiding tutorials you need to master the most gorgeous braid hairstyles.
