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.
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.
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.
Once you've got the French braid and the fishtail down, try combining the two into a whole new look. Sai Pauline shares exactly how to do a French fishtail braid, which primarily requires you to start with a small section of hair at the top of your head and add as you go (instead of dividing all your hair into two sections at the start). Sounds confusing, but once you watch the video, it'll become crystal clear.
Bonus tip: When you're French fishtail braiding, you might find it more difficult to keep your hair from slipping. Try using your thumb to pin down your hair whenever you cross a section over to the other side.
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.
