Popular Types Of Braids For Every Look

There are so many different types of braids, and it can be a little hard to figure out which one is right for you, or even what they're called. You might want a fresh style for a special event, or maybe just something simple for everyday wear. Braids offer a really fun way to change up your hair, giving you a fresh look and sometimes even helping to keep your hair protected. This guide is here to help you get a better handle on the many wonderful styles available, and how they might fit your hair and your plans.

For a long time, braids have been a part of how people express themselves, and that's actually true for many cultures around the world. They've been worn by people for all sorts of reasons, from showing status to just keeping hair neat. As our text mentions, you may have even seen some of these styles on famous people walking the red carpet, or perhaps in movies and TV shows you really enjoy. They really do pop up everywhere, which is kind of cool, don't you think?

With such a huge variety, picking just one can feel a bit much, you know? Our information points out that there are actually around 40 different types of braids to discover. So, to make things a little easier to manage, we've brought together some of the most popular and historically important ones. We want to help you find the perfect braided style that brings a nice, trendy twist to your overall appearance, no matter your hair type or what you're doing.

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Table of Contents

• Classic and Everyday Braids
  • The Three-Strand Braid
  • French Braid
  • Dutch Braid
  • Fishtail Braid
  • Rope Braid
  • Ponytail Braid
• Protective and Textured Braids
  • Box Braids
  • Cornrows
  • Knotless Braids
  • Senegalese Twists
  • Micro Braids
  • Ghana Braids
  • Goddess Braids
• Creative and Specialty Braids
  • Waterfall Braid
  • Halo or Crown Braid
  • Pull-Through Braid
  • Ladder Braid
  • Infinity Braid
  • Four- and Five-Strand Braids
• People Also Ask
• Choosing Your Perfect Braid

Classic and Everyday Braids

These are the braids that many people learn first, or see most often. They are quite versatile, and you can wear them for almost any situation. They form the basis for many more complex styles, too. Our guide notes that about 17 types of braids are among the most familiar, and these certainly fit that description, don't you think?

The Three-Strand Braid

This is probably the most common braid, and it's where most people start. You just divide your hair into three equal parts. Then, you cross the right section over the middle, making it the new middle section. After that, you cross the left section over the new middle section. You just keep repeating this pattern all the way down. It's really that simple, and it works for so many hair lengths.

French Braid

The French braid is a bit more involved than the basic three-strand, but it looks very neat. You start with three small sections of hair at the top of your head. As you braid, you gradually add small pieces of hair from the sides into each section before you cross it over. This makes the braid lie flat against your head. It's a truly popular choice for a polished look.

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Dutch Braid

Sometimes called an "inverted French braid," the Dutch braid creates a raised, almost 3D effect. Instead of crossing sections over the middle, you cross them *under* the middle. Just like the French braid, you add new hair from the sides as you go along. This technique makes the braid stand out more, and it's a very striking style, honestly.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid looks intricate, but it's actually quite easy to do once you get the hang of it. You split your hair into two main sections. Then, you take a small strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to join the inside of the other section. You do the same on the other side, taking a small piece from the outside and crossing it over. This creates a really delicate, woven pattern that's pretty unique.

Rope Braid

This braid is super simple and looks elegant. You divide your hair into two sections, just two, that's all. Then, you twist each section tightly in the same direction. After both are twisted, you twist the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction. It creates a neat, rope-like appearance. It's a quick way to get a braided look, and it's quite popular for a relaxed style.

Ponytail Braid

A ponytail braid is just what it sounds like. You gather your hair into a ponytail first, whether it's high, low, or to the side. Then, you braid the ponytail itself using any of the basic braiding techniques, like a three-strand, fishtail, or even a rope braid. It's a really simple way to add some flair to a regular ponytail, and it's very practical for keeping hair out of the way.

Protective and Textured Braids

These braids are known for being long-lasting and often help protect your natural hair from daily wear and tear. They are especially popular within communities with textured hair, offering a wide range of styles and looks. Our guide mentions that there are many types and styles, and these are certainly some of the most enduring ones, that's for sure.

Box Braids

Box braids are individual braids that are usually created by dividing the hair into square or "box" sections. Hair extensions are often added to each section to create longer, fuller braids. They are a classic protective style that can last for weeks, and they offer a lot of versatility in styling, like putting them into updos or ponytails. They are very popular for their durability.

Cornrows

Cornrows are braids that lie flat against the scalp. Hair is braided in rows, with new hair added into each section as you go, similar to a French braid, but very close to the head. They can be styled in straight lines, or in more intricate patterns like curves and zigzags. Cornrows are a truly foundational protective style, and they can be worn alone or as a base for other styles.

Knotless Braids

Knotless braids are a newer take on box braids. Instead of starting with a knot at the base where the extension is added, the stylist gradually feeds in the braiding hair as they braid down. This creates a smoother, flatter base that puts less tension on the scalp. Many people find them more comfortable and natural-looking than traditional box braids, which is a nice benefit.

Senegalese Twists

While technically twists and not braids, Senegalese twists are often grouped with braided styles because they serve a similar protective purpose. They are made by twisting two strands of hair, often with extensions, around each other. They have a smooth, rope-like appearance and can be quite lightweight. They offer a different texture compared to braids, and are quite stylish.

Micro Braids

Micro braids are very small, individual braids. They are usually done without extensions, or with very fine extensions, and are meant to blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Because they are so tiny, they can take a long time to install, but they offer a very natural look and can be styled in almost any way you would style loose hair. They are quite delicate, so care is needed.

Ghana Braids

Ghana braids, sometimes called banana braids, are a type of cornrow where the braid gets progressively thicker as it goes down the scalp. This is achieved by continuously adding more hair, often extensions, into each section. They create a very bold and smooth look, and can be styled in various patterns. They are pretty striking, and very popular, you know?

Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are essentially thick, large cornrows. They are often styled in elegant, sweeping patterns across the head. Sometimes, smaller braids or twists are incorporated between the larger goddess braids to add more detail and texture. They are a very popular choice for formal events or when you want a truly regal look, and they are quite beautiful, too.

Creative and Specialty Braids

These braids often involve more unique techniques or placements, creating truly eye-catching styles. They are perfect for when you want to make a statement or try something a little different. Our text says that we've gathered 19 of the most popular types, and some of these definitely fall into that exciting category, don't you think?

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid creates a beautiful, cascading effect. It looks like a French braid, but instead of adding all the hair into the braid, you drop one section of hair, allowing it to fall down like a waterfall. Then, you pick up a new section from above to continue the braid. It's a very romantic and elegant style, often worn for special occasions, and it's very pretty.

Halo or Crown Braid

A halo braid, or crown braid, wraps around your head like a beautiful hairband or a crown. It's usually created by doing a Dutch or French braid that starts near one ear and goes all the way around your head, ending near the other ear. It's a truly lovely and classic updo, perfect for events, and it keeps your hair completely out of the way, which is nice.

Pull-Through Braid

The pull-through braid isn't a traditional three-strand braid at all. It uses elastic bands to create a series of ponytails that are then "pulled through" each other to create a braided look. This technique makes the braid look very thick and full, even with fine hair. It's a very unique method, and it creates a truly impressive volume, you know?

Ladder Braid

The ladder braid is a decorative braid that looks like the rungs of a ladder. It usually involves a main braid (like a French or Dutch braid) with small, horizontal sections of hair pulled through loops to create the ladder effect. It's a more advanced style that offers a very distinct and artistic look, and it's quite eye-catching, that's for sure.

Infinity Braid

The infinity braid creates a beautiful, continuous loop pattern that looks like the infinity symbol. It's typically made with two strands of hair, with a third strand weaving in and out to create the unique figure-eight pattern. It's a very elegant and somewhat complex-looking braid that's perfect for a sophisticated touch, and it's very pretty.

Four- and Five-Strand Braids

While the three-strand is the most common, you can also braid with more strands. A four-strand braid can create a flatter, wider braid, while a five-strand braid often has a richer, more intricate texture. These braids require a bit more coordination but result in truly unique and beautiful patterns. They are a step up from the basics, but worth learning if you want something different.

People Also Ask

Here are some common questions people have about different braid styles:

What are the easiest types of braids to do?

The three-strand braid is probably the simplest place to start. After that, the rope braid is also very straightforward. A basic ponytail braid, where you just braid a regular ponytail, is also quite easy to manage. These are good options for beginners, and they still look great.

Which braids are best for hair growth?

Protective styles like box braids, cornrows, and knotless braids are often chosen because they help reduce manipulation of your hair. This can lead to less breakage over time, which in turn can help with length retention. It's really about protecting your hair from daily styling stress, which is a big help.

How many types of braids exist?

As our guide points out, there are many, many types. We've explored some of the most familiar and exciting, and we've rounded up about 20 types, but some sources say there are up to 40 different types of braids, or even more, if you count all the variations and cultural styles. It's a huge and diverse world of braiding, honestly!

Choosing Your Perfect Braid

With so many types of braids out there, picking the right one can feel like a big decision. Our guide aims to help manage that feeling, showing you a wide range of styles for every hair type and occasion. Whether you're looking for something quick and simple for your everyday life, or a truly special look for an event, there's a braid that fits. You might want to think about your hair's texture, its length, and how much time you have. For more hair care tips and style ideas, you can explore more hair styles to get even more inspiration. Also, you can learn more about hair care basics on our site, and find more ideas on styling your hair for different events.