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.
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.
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.
