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.
The two-strand rope braid is a bit more difficult to execute since it requires you to twist and braid at the same time, but it's a chic update to your standard ponytail. Bebexo is back again with a video tutorial that breaks down this tricky braid hairstyle from start to finish.
Bonus tip: If your rope braid starts unraveling, you probably twisted the two sections in the wrong directions. Make sure you twist both sections clockwise individually, then twist them together counterclockwise so the ropes stay.
If you really want to impress with your next updo, flip your head over and get French braiding. This video tutorial from BecomeGorgeous gives a quick breakdown and styling suggestions.
Bonus tip: Since you're really only braiding the bottom section, clip the top section at the top of your head so it's out of the way while you braid, and pull the two sections together once you've secured your French braid.
Also referred to as the snake braid or the slide-up braid, the zig-zag is easily created by pleating your hair in a regular braid, then pushing it up. Watch the CuteGirlsHairstyles' video tutorial to see exactly how it's done.
Bonus tip: For this braid to look flawless, your hair needs to be smooth as silk (i.e. no second-day hair). Also, the key to creating the zig-zag pattern is to first create a loose braid so that there is room to slide it up at the end. If you have long hair, go for a thicker braid, and if your hair is on the shorter side, go for a thinner braid.
Add a bit of decoration to your braid by weaving in a ribbon or scarf. To get the look, Michelle Phan shares two versions of the scarf French braid hairstyle (both are equally cute).
Bonus tip: Make sure the scarf is a thin material, like lace or silk, which will give you a more polished result. As for the length of the scarf, it should be double the length of your hair since you need to loop it off at the end.
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.
