Timeless, trendy, and user-friendly, these french braids hairstyle ideas are worth trying. Here are 47 variations to get you in the french braiding mood. There’s no way you can be a hair enthusiast and not want to try out french braids. They’re the iconic foundation behind some of the most popular styles out today.
French braids are a classic, and whether you go for a plain or flamboyant pattern, they will always elevate your look. You can take french braids on your first date or wear them to your boxing class. Synonymous with versatility, they suit any gender and any occasion. It’s also a great way to protect your natural hair when you’re on the go or having a bad hair day. Once you’ve got the technique down, you can easily install them for an effortlessly chic aesthetic. So let’s celebrate the french braid in all of her shapes, lengths, and sizes.
With so many variations to choose from, you can dedicate a whole year to trying out each hairstyle idea!
Nothing ushers in spring like this light, feathery tousled twist. It doesn’t have to be spring for you to bounce around with this coffee and auburn hair. Just braid a curved, loose french braid starting from your side part and work your way counterclockwise.
This puffing technique is known as “pancaking,” You can see why. You flare the top of the braid and loosen each plait, creating a fluffy pancake effect. The loose strands give off a dream-like vibe while softening your features. To add another dimension of detail, finish off the braids and twist your ponytail to the side. Finally, you can curl the ends and let them fall loosely around your shoulder.
It can be hard to get the general method down if you’re just starting with French braids. That’s why this free flow braid is perfect. The lack of structure means it’s very forgiving for newbies who are still practicing their technique. You need to slowly place one strand over the other while maintaining a three-strand maximum. The loose braid will form as you move down the crown. The style only gets better when you incorporate blonde low and highlights. It will create the illusion of tightly braided hair.
Sealing your ends has never been easier with these beautiful heart-shaped berets.
If one heart isn’t enough, why not go for 3? This beautiful patterned french braid is an architectural piece of art. Each braid lays perfectly into the original heart-shaped parting and speaks of professional or practiced skill. If you’re not a fan of rubber bands, you can add some glamor to the style by using a golden hair cuff.
Bedazzle the braid with cute bows. They are fun and playful, but they draw attention to the intricate lacing along the hair shaft.
This style embraces big love, yet another installment of the trendy heart hair pattern, and we’re obsessed! It’s a bit easier than the 3 heart variation, but it makes up for its simplicity with these beautiful hair strings. Now, you can choose whatever color you want, but the white lays so delicately on brown and blonde that it’s hard to resist.
To use braiding string effectively, treat it as synthetic feed-in extensions. Start small at the beginning, and add on as you go. You can even tie off the end of the braid with white string for this invisible look.
Simple, sleek, and oh so pretty, these pigtails are your best bet if you need something stylish and quick. They’re neat and even, and they look like beautiful ropes descending down your back. It looks even better if you have balayage or ombre hair. The colors get to truly shine. You can wear this style loose or tight enough to tuck your baby hairs in.
Just make sure you don’t pull too tight on your roots. French braids can give you just as much headache as poorly installed box braids.
All hail the classic french braid! You’ll see this hairstyle in period piece movies, red carpets, hiking trails, and birthday parties. That’s how pervasive it is as a style. The single french braid going down the middle of your head is the first thing you should learn. It’s pretty easy. Just comb your hair towards the middle and start braiding downwards. Don’t worry; there’s a full tutorial below.
If you’re still not a black belt when it comes to gripping hair, use some edge control or gel to pull the sides up and hold them in place.
This is a big, juicy remix of the classic one braid original, and we love it just as much. This variation is best if you’ve got long, thick, luscious hair and don’t know what to do. First, you’ll need to partition some hair from the front of your head for the crown braid. Next, tease your roots for a sizable middle braid to create the puffed pompadour effect at the top. You’ll need some hairspray and mousse, of course. Then, add a loose fishtail braid.
If you want to spice things up for a special occasion, add some real live flowers that match your dress.
8. Loose Four Strand French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
This laid-back braid is perfect for a chill day at the beach or the park. You can rock it while studying for your finals or wear it out for a casual date. The soft curtains created by the ultra pancaking effect are to die for. Though it won’t last as long, given the shaping, it’s easy to install, so you can re-do it every other day.
You will need hair that reaches at least your back, so it might be limiting for some people. Keep that in mind.
Have you ever wanted to live like a Viking but couldn’t stand the thought of years-long sea travel and constant battling? You could channel the Viking spirit with these fierce french and dutch braids. This modern Viking look protects your hair by striking fear into any split ends. With your hair secured, you can focus on looking fabulous.
Double the french braid, double the fun! This one is for anybody with short to mid-length hair. You can rock your pom-pom pigtails or curl the ends. It takes a simple split down the middle and a little determination. This is one of the lighter styles, so don’t overload it with too much hair product.
These braids work well for students who need a quick but cute style to wear at school. It’s fast and efficient.
French braids can make a big statement. So go extra big with this thick, twisted three-strand french braid. It updates the classic single braid by adding blonde highlights in each fold, especially towards the top of your head. It’s the best style for anyone who wants to keep their hair out of their face during high-impact activities. Don’t worry about it getting old quickly. This one looks better as it goes.
Embrace the wispy flyaways to pull off that effortless beauty we’re all looking for.
Love is the most fantastic theme out there. It shows up in all human art forms, and hair is no exception. This powerful heart pattern is perfect for your child. You can also wear it on Valentine’s day, or even better, throughout February. It is the month of love, after all. To secure the plaits and ensure neatness, use elastic rubber bands. You can go for traditional black or a color that matches your hair. If you want this style to last, secure any loose strands by incorporating them into the center braid.
13. Ombre Blue Pigtails French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
Color is the best way to add life to a simple hairstyle. Most people go for neutral, natural colors like brown or blonde. However, you could stand out from the crowd with an electrifying blue ombre combination. To achieve this look, you’ll need to dye your ends blue. We suggest using a semi-permanent dye. Alternatively, you could use a blue-tinted hair wax if you need to wash it out for a special occasion.
Split your hair down the middle and braid it as you usually would. When you get to the blue, add some oil or moisturizer so that the ends will shine.
Color everywhere! Try this if you’ve done the ombre look and want something edgier and adventurous. It’s a swirl of iridescent colors that will never create the same braid twice. Seriously. Each time you braid this style, you’ll be met with various flashing colors that change as you look at them. It’s even hard to count how many colors there are.
Pink, red, green, blue, and yellow all work together to create this beautiful arrangement. Tie it off with a simple rubber band if you want the color to be the star of your hair show. You could also enthrall the ends with barrettes and clips for a double wow factor.
You might not be carrying milk pitchers around your French provincial town, but it would still be cool to pretend you were, right? This milkmaid bun pays homage to traditional countryside living. Worn today, it gives off an ethereal, classic vibe. Add some clips to bring this look into modern times.
If you want enough intrigue to cause a second glance, try incorporating a pink streak of color down your hair shaft. You can randomly place it or be super detailed. Either way, you’ll have a beautiful braid on your hands.
What would you put in your hair if you were a mermaid who wanted to impress a land dweller? Pearls, of course! This “pearls of the sea” french braid is classy yet playful. The. The brown streak woven through the braid adds a movement level, despite the rest of the style being stagnant. The tiny pearl-like beads are dainty and understated. Perfect for a night out.
Top it off with curly bangs, wispy side hair, and a bouncy ponytail end. If your hair isn’t long enough, you can add some extensions towards the end.
You can never go wrong with pastel colors. They’re soft, demure, and alluring all at the same time. Kiss the ends of your pigtails with a light dusting of pastel pink, and keep things simple with elastic rubber bands. This style is great for kids who love running around all day. The hair won’t get in the way, and they can rock a little color without getting in trouble at school. The pink almost looks like it’s naturally grown. For special events or festivals, you can tie ribbons or hair string around the middle or base of each pigtail.
Royal, regal, and simply sophisticated, this style is fit for royalty. Revel in your queen-like status with a loose, pancake fishtail braid. The method is simple until you consider the little flowers inserted at each interval. It’s an instant elevation trick that works. They’re also a great way to hide your elastic bands.
You should wear this out to special occasions like prom or a high-end dinner. The simplistic elegance will be on everybody’s lips. While it looks difficult to pull off, it’s actually pretty simple. The elastic bands are the secret weapon. You’re looping one section of hair over the other and then tucking it into the forming braid.
To those with enviously long tresses, this one’s for you. This golden blonde rope braid will make you want to run through the flower fields. It’s “Little House On The Prairie” meets Paris Fashion week, and it’s the perfect representation of why a french braid can be so compelling yet functional. This style embraces frizz to create the puffy pom-pom effect at the bottom. You can mimic that effect by teasing the ends with a bit of hairspray and a pick comb.
The name says it all. Messy hair is a trend that we hope never goes away. You could have a bad hair day and call it a “distressed look,” and just like that, you’re a style icon. This french braid has been through it, and it still looks drop-dead gorgeous. To create this look, loosely plait your hair, then gently tug at small sections of your hair. That motion will make the little loops you see here. Don’t add a lot of products either. The most you should do is a little dry shampoo to create that tacky texture that will give this look its structure.
Looking like a Disney Princess is a lofty goal, but this hairstyle gets you one step closer. The fluffy sections, creamy blonde hair, and beautiful flower decorations scream “animated princess .”You can follow the traditional french braiding method but loosen your grip and the movement of your wrists. That will create these structured curtains.
Go for a ruby red flower pin if you really want to emulate the iconic Belle from Beauty and the Beast. You can place it in the middle of your braid or for a dramatic edge at the end.
22. Blonde Highlights French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
These beautiful, soft ash-blonde braids are the best way to get a long-lasting braiding look that will translate into all areas of your life. Working out at the gym or swimming won’t be a problem, nor will dressing up for a fun night with friends. You can join the braid ends into one ponytail, let them hang free, or twist them up into an intricate bun.
This dark, raven french braid is sultry and sinister at the same time. Nothing says “strong and straightforward” like jet black hair. It’s so dark that it reveals hints of purple and blue when under a bright light. If your hair isn’t naturally this dark, try a semi-permanent black dye. You could also use a black spot filler, which is meant to thicken the appearance of your edges. It’s less permanent than the former, and you get the same results.
24. Structured Side Ponytail French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
Talk about taking a side ponytail to the next level! This swept french braid creates movement and softness all in one go. First, you’ll have to start raiding at one side of your head and work your way horizontally to the other side. Once there, tie off your braid with extra hair from underneath the ponytail. Finally, you can secure the style with bobby pins and curl the ends for a regal look.
25.Looped & Bubble Side French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
This style takes the side ponytail to another level by incorporating several hair trends into one explosive statement. The first layer uses a loop method that weaves a single strand of hair in and out of the french braid. The second layer is a dutch braid that descends into a bubble ponytail. If you look closely, you’ll realize that there are no visible elastic bands. Instead, the bubbles are sealed with additional hair for an organic look. Now that’s attention to detail.
This beautiful fish braid sweeps across your hair, leaving waterfalls of dark and light brown highlights in its trail. It uses the standard fishtail structure and distresses it, doubling the braid’s volume and allowing smaller sections to pass through. Of course, you could leave it straight, but something about these soft beach curls transforms this look into an elegant, wedding-ready style.
Ever look up at the night sky and think, “wow, I want that on my head.” Well, this style turns that vision into reality. The soft nebula colors with star-shaped hair accessories will have any onlooker dreaming of a world beyond our own. But, there’s a method to the madness in the top half of this style. You need some hairspray and excellent skills to pull off the intentional distress, so this might be best suited for a professional. Use hair wax or micro bead extensions to dye specific sections pink and purple.
Black hair can look just as captivating in a fishtail waterfall formation as brown or blonde. However, the color takes a step back, allowing the technique to shine independently. For added movement, curl full ringlets into the loose hair and distress the braid. If you want a less defined curl pattern, comb the ends with a wide-toothed brush.
29. Ash Blonde Side Bun French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
This side bun is absolutely stunning, taking elements from the fishtail, side ponytail, and lowlights trends. Best of all, it doesn’t require much. Just braiding skills, a hair tie, and a few bobby pins. After braiding the hair, twist the remaining ponytail into a bun and pin back any loose ends with small bobby pins. This is a great style to wear during a job interview. It’s intricate without being too distracting.
If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Norway or Iceland to see the Northern Lights but can’t find the time or money, you could try this beautiful style out for yourself. The greens, blues, purples, and silvers create the aurora borealis right where you are! Add a giant french braid and some loose waves, and you’re swimming in the northern lights.
If the northern lights aren’t enough, why not emulate an actual rainbow. This look is perfect for the summer. It reminds you of an ice-cold popsicle on a blazing hot day. Of course, this color job needs a professional touch, but the braiding pattern doesn’t. Instead, it’s a fishtail braid that’s simple enough to allow the colors to take the main stage. Especially when the sun is high in the sky. Perfection!
Simple and sweet, this hairstyle is great for young kids who have a special event coming up. All you need are two braids and a beautiful bow of your choice. It’s a look that goes hand in hand with the farmgirl or cottage aesthetic. You can either tie the bow yourself from ribbon or buy a premade bow.
33.Deconstructed Fishtail French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
This is a genius way to modernize and reimagine the french fishtail braid. This deconstructed braid is also easier to achieve for those who are still struggling with their technique.
All you need to do is part even sections of hair and tie them off to the side with a rubber band. Then, push that hair forward until it creates this pillowy loop. Then, tie any additional hair underneath the next section and go on. It’s also a great way to achieve a pompadour without the extra volumes at the top.
Space buns are a fun way to keep your ends protected from the friction that daily activities cause. Dye your hair in several complementary shades, like blue, pink, and purple nebula, to have some fun with this style. Then, with so much color, all you’ll need is a simple, loose french braid to tie everything together.
To add an edgy twist, try an undercut or shaved sides. You’ll gain confidence and maybe a few “oohs and aahs.”
Try this optical illusion French braid if you really want to take your pigtails to higher heights. The platinum blonde mixed with dark, ashy lowlights creates a shadow effect that plays tricks on you. It almost looks like there are multiple braids, but there are only two. You’ll have to maintain an extremely light hand while braiding and take your time. Seal the ends with a clear elastic band to achieve this invisible closure.
Going to a harvest festival? This is the look for you. It’s easy to imagine someone prancing around in this maiden-style braid. It’s tousled, loosely structured, and topped off with a structured flower crown fit for a beautiful bridesmaid.
The flower crown rests on a simple three-strand french braid, and the ponytail is quite distressed. You don’t need a firm grip while plaiting this ponytail. Instead, just take thin strands and weave them into one another.
If a top knot is too simple for you, why not add an upside-down french braid to get you out of your comfort zone. This will secure the shorter hair at the back, but it will triple the longevity of your bun.
This will be a complex style to pull off on your own. You’ve got gravity and hand-eye coordination working against you. If you’re stuck, try setting up a mirror system that allows you to see the back of your head. That way, you can part each section and get neat lines. Or you could go to a stylist and have them tackle this gravity-bending design.
Not blue, not green, it’s aquamarine! This subtle color resembles ocean waves. It’s a reverse ombre that starts dark and gets lighter as you move down the hair shaft. Instead of black, get some dark aqua roots, then finish the style off with soft blonde ends. Finally, shift all hair to the side to create a strong side braid.
Pink and Fuschia embody the peppy energy we all feel when springtime rolls around. You can celebrate that with this maiden-style waterfall braid. It’s casual enough for a movie night indoors but vibrant for a challenging Easter egg hunt. The look works even better for those who have brown roots. Your roots and pink ends will peek out of the braid like a bunny rabbit. It will soon be your seasonal fave.
Speaking of spring, you can practically hear the birds chirping with this festive nest feature. This giant fishtail braid wrapped in a spiral at your crown resembles a robin’s nest in the best way. It’s an excellent style for those with medium to short hair. You can curl your ends to create a “nest hidden in the trees” motif. Be sure to secure the swirl with bobby pins. If you want an extra touch of spring, add some baby’s breath flower to each side of the braid.
Bright golden locks woven into a braided bun, what more could you ask for? This structured fishtail is thicker than most because it gathers all your hair to a specific area and builds on the strands underneath it. Wrap the braided ponytail into a cinnamon roll bun for an instantly glamorous finish. Fasten the bun to the braid with bobby pins and keep it wrapped at night.
42. Multi-tone Crown French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
This multi-toned french braid is a twisted treat for the eyes. This style resembles top deck chocolate from the chocolatey, rich brown roots to the buttery blonde ends. It’s decadent, incorporating several braiding techniques such as “distressing, “twisting,” and “layering.” You only need a few flowers to complete this look. Remember, less is more. You wouldn’t want to take away from the architectural beauty.
Strength comes in numbers, and these braids assemble like Voltron to form a mega french braid. Duplicate the effect on the other side, and you have six stunning french braids that trickle off into two pigtails. You can try this style with your natural hair, but try feed-in extensions to get the full effect. Synthetic hair will be fine. In fact, this variation might end up lasting way longer than the others because of the structuring.
Keep your baby hairs light and simple, and let the braids do the talking.
44.Space Bun Sweetheart French Braids Hairstyle Ideas
We’ve got you if you saw the space bun style and the reverse french braid and wanted to fuse both styles into one sweet creation! You can braid the front section as well, but if you wish the back of your head to be the star, that’s fine too. Doubling down on the reverse french braid is a great way to draw attention to your new balayage highlights. The dark roots create the perfect canvas. Swirl the hair at the top for a super sweet ice cream aesthetic.
If you thought hairstyles couldn’t be whimsical, think again! This is an amusement park of french braids, all in varying shapes, sizes, and textures. It would fit perfectly in any fairy tale. How many braids can you count here? Two? Three? Five? It’s hard to tell, but that’s the fun part. You’ll keep people guessing, and all eyes will be on you. To achieve the curls at the front, use a flat iron and fan your hair outwards.
Suppose you’re planning your next music festival or concert look. In that case, this bohemian rainbow explosion has to be in the top three at least. The loose, low-hanging curls, powdery colors, and fluffed-out fishtail braid make it the perfect style for dancing all day in the sun. Of course, you can use as much hairspray as you need for this style, as it needs to stay put through all the sweating and moving about.
47. Short Bob Cotton Candy French Braid Hairstyle Ideas
Who says you can’t achieve a loose, pancake french braid with short hair? If anyone tells you that, they’re absolutely wrong. This braid looks brilliant on anyone with a short bob, and the cloud-like cotton candy roots add volume. They’re also pretty playful and a great conversation starter. Don’t worry about your shorter ends sticking out. Just roll with it and call it a “distressed” braid. It’s the quintessential artsy hairdo.
You’ve seen the styles, and you’re obsessed. Now It’s time to equip you with the information you need to try these looks today!
Are French Braids Still In Style?
Is the sky still blue? The answer will always be yes. French braids have been around for centuries, and they’re not going away anytime soon. They have been interpreted by different hair artists and have gone through several trends and phases. Still, the three-strand french braid remains a style staple. You can see french braids on the runway, in fashion magazines, and on your favorite influencers. Even in everyday life, french braids can be spotted in people from all walks of life. With that much influence and cultural relevance, something like that can never go out of style. It’s like the “little black dress” of hair.
If you want to modernize the look, go for a thin french braid and add some hair jewelry or string. You could also play around with parting methods and shapes, like the ones seen on this list. Finally, add stitch braiding elements or incorporate feed-in extensions to build on the French braid’s beautiful foundation.
Are French Braids Good For Your Hair?
Over the past few years, the emphasis on hair health has grown significantly. We all want to make sure our hair gets the best treatment to last as long as possible. One way to help your hair stay healthy is through protective styles. French braids are a simple and effective tool to have in your arsenal. Learning to do a simple braid can change your hair journey and ensure you always have a protective style at hand for those rough hair days. French braids are also great because, traditionally, they don’t use any feed-in extensions, so there’s less weight on your hair follicles. But there’s a caveat. You need to ensure it’s done well; otherwise, french braids can be a strain on your hair and scalp.
Like other braided styles, french braids can be damaging if you ignore how they’re installed. Whether you’re doing it yourself or going to a salon, you should never feel tightness targeting a headache from your braids. Ensure your hair is clean and dry when braiding, and keep your products light and minimal. This will give you the best french braid experience ever.
What’s The Difference Between A French and Dutch Braid?
There’s a lot of confusion about what a french braid is and whether it’s the same as a dutch braid. Nowadays, the two are interchangeable. You’ve probably seen many dutch and french braids mixed together on this list. The two styles certainly complement each other well, but there is a difference not many people notice. The answer lies in how you cross the hair while plaiting.
For french braids, you’ll be crossing sections over one another, creating a slimmer, flat braid that forms a series of V’s. Dutch braids cross the hair underneath. Most people call the dutch braid the “reverse” or “inverse” french braid. Whichever you choose, there’s a technique to master both. French braiding is sometimes easier for beginners, so start with that version. Once your wrists are used to the movement, you can move on to dutch braids. Interestingly enough, both styles have nothing to do with France or the Netherlands. Instead, they’re a style with both Greek and African origins.
How Long Can French Braids Stay In?
That’s a tricky question. There are so many variables that determine the longevity of any given braiding style. Hair quality, daily activity, installation method, prep work, and more. This goes into your final product and will affect your style’s shelf life. For one, you’ll need freshly washed and dried hair. Apply a light moisturizer to strengthen your strands, but stay away from heavy oils. They’ll weigh your look down and create a greasy braid. While braiding, ensure that you have a firm grip on each hair section. You should feel a slight pull, but nothing painful. Make sure your parts are straight, crisp, and clean. To make your style last longer, try 5-7 french braids instead of 1 or 2. The smaller they are, the longer they’ll keep their structure during high-impact activity. Use elastic bands to seal the braids and dip them in oil so that they don’t cut your hair and create split ends. Finally, try not to scratch your scalp, as it could cause flyaways.
If you meet all optimal conditions, your hair could last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Don’t feel pressure to keep the style in for long. If you really need a wash day, take them down and clarify your scalp. Since the installation is simple, you can always put them back in.
Why Is My French Braid Loose?
A loose, pancaked french braid can be cute, but it sucks when that’s not your intention. When your french braid is open, it will only last a few days, and if your hair is prone to frizz or has a lot of flyaways, it will unravel by the end of the day. Most people get loose french braids from not gripping their sections tight enough while braiding. It would help get a mannequin head and practice the wrist and finger movements. You might also get loose braids if your hair is short or doesn’t have enough product to create friction for your fingers to grip correctly. You might also live a high-impact life, which causes your french braid to loosen rapidly.
You can spray in some dry shampoo or use a light edge control. Try multiple braids for high-impact activities. For example, boxers always have 5-6 braids in their hair. Just practice as much as you can until you’re confident in your grip capability.
How Do You Do A Cute French Braid?
Much like beauty, “cute” is subjective, but there are some french braid variations that are absolutely adorable. Take the twin pigtails or the milkmaid bun. Both are sophisticated and sweet in their design. So how do you pull off a super cute french braid? It’s all in the technique. French braids follow a simple overlapping method that involves pre-sectioning around two to three inches of hair and laying it over another piece. With each strand, you’ll collect a small amount of hair from thickening the braid and keeping the pattern going as you move down the scalp. It’s a process that requires visuals and practice.
If you ever feel stuck, check out the tutorial below.
Let’s Braid It Out!
Want to learn the basics of French braiding? Here’s a handy tutorial that breaks each step down.
Hi, my name is Miranda Cole, and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for the last 10 years. I began my journey as a beautician, and now I specialize in both makeup and hair.
Over the last 10 years, I have watched as the latest trends change, and have seen the evolution of beauty and makeup in particular. As a result of this, I have a good knowledge of different makeup products, and hairstyles that will suit specific complexions or face shapes.
I want Fabulyst to be an extension of my day job, so that I can help educate others on everything they need to know about fashion and beauty. From the latest style pieces to wear, to the best hairstyles, I will be covering everything there is to know.
