GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts
Photo 3/12
Five-Strand Braid
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.

Image via Luxy Hair/YouTube

Photo 4/12
Half Dutch Headband Braid
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.

Image via Bebexo/YouTube

Photo 5/12
Braid-Within-A-Braid
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.

Image via Alexsis Mae/YouTube

Photo 6/12
Crown Braid
The crown braid (or milkmaid braid) is the ultimate boho-chic hairstyle that, with a little practice, you can pile on top of your head and be out the door in under 10 minutes. To get the Sienna Miller-esque style, Kayley Melissa shows us the step-by-step process using a two-braid method. Start by separating the hair into two equal sections, braiding the left side from the bottom up and vice versa with the right side. After securing the braids, gently pull at them for a deconstructed look. Then wrap the braids around your head using a generous amount of bobby pins to anchor in place.

Bonus tip: If you're a fan of the messy look, try adding loose waves to your entire head before you begin the braiding process.

Image via Kayley Melissa/YouTube

Photo 7/12
Fishtail Braid
Though the fishtail braid looks unconventional without the three distinct sections of a regular braid, it's actually much easier to do since you only need to work with two sections of hair. TheBeautyDept's video tutorial gives you clear step-by-step directions straight from Lauren Conrad, herself.

Bonus tip: Since you have to separate your hair into different sections constantly, make sure your hair is well-brushed before starting.

Image via beautydept/YouTube

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
BY SHARON J. YI, MARISSA DESANTIS | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.