Fashion People From Amsterdam to NYC Are Wearing This Chic and Timeless Hairstyle

One shared experience all beauty editors, enthusiasts, and experts alike can agree on is that drawing from multiple sources of inspiration can give way to the best beauty epiphanies. When scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, as we often do, we're always stunned by the number of screenshot-worthy braided hairstyles we stumble upon. The intricate plaits can be anything you want them to be: casual and complex, dressed down or perfect for uptown, and all the while easy to manage.

While it's safe to say braids will always be in style, we've noticed a recent uptick in braided looks by the most fashionable individuals on our Explore pages. So trust us when we say it might be time to try your hand at an intricate plait or two. To deliver the best hair inspiration your way, we've scoured the internet for the 20 best braided styles that deserve all the viral moments. Ahead, check out which ones are giving us major heart eyes and taking up space in our inspiration boards.

The Best Braided Hairstyles

Classic Fishtail Braid

What's more timeless and effortlessly chic than a fishtail braid that takes little to no effort and a few minutes to pull off? We're taking notes from a look London-based fashion and lifestyle content creator Flora Murunga wore on an equestrian getaway.

Half-Up, Half-Down Boho Braids

Whenever we're looking for last-minute inspiration for protective styles, we can count on Amsterdam-based content creator Amaka Hamelijnck to bring it. Here, she styles her flowing auburn boho braids in a half-up, half-down style with the help of a claw clip.

Extra-Small Braids in Bows

If you're looking for a way to create the texture and vibe of knotless braids without sacrificing the health of your straight hair, consider opting for extra an extra-small braid just past the roots. The braided bow detail was created with extensions and then attached just below the braided bun detail.

Fulani Spiral Braids

West Africa's Fulani people have long adorned themselves with intricate braided hairstyles including spiral braids, worn above by London-based fashion and beauty content creator Danielle Jinadu, who opted to layer spiral braids of different lengths and sizes.

Pull-Through Fishtail Braid

Referred to as a "mermaid braid" by hairstylist Justine Marjan, this stunning and slightly whimsical take on a traditional fishtail braid pictured on model Ashley Mcilroy Dowad lives rent-free in our minds. For added volume, fluff each section by gently separating the strands.

Crown Braid

To add texture to your loose tresses, add a crown braid. To re-create, start by parting the hair down the middle, gather a chunk of hair at the crown of the head and pull across starting just behind the ear. Secure with a hair pin to keep the style in place all day.

Top Bun With Knotless Braids (and a Scrunchie)

Knotless braids of all sizes are notoriously easy to wear and style, so why not try sweeping them into a simple top bun with a few loose strands here and there? Hold it in place with a few hair pins and a thick hair tie. (We're partial to an oversized pastel scrunchie like this one by Lelet NY.)

Messy Braided Bun

Boho beauty looks like this slicked-back bun with braided pieces by Marjan have started to dominate our hair inspiration Pinterest boards. While the back features a complex braided updo, the front of the hairstyle has a sleek side part with face-framing accent braids.

Messy Updo With Knotless Braids

Introducing the messy updo of our dreams. Here, TikTok-viral model and content creator Nara Smith wears her small knotless braids pulled into a messy updo with strands falling loose from all sides. The look is finished off with Lelet NY's Glossy Double Arch Pony.

Straight-Back Braids in a Bun

Another quick and easy ways to style your straight-back braids is by coaxing them into a bun at the nape of your neck, then pinning it in place as worn by Jinadu in this stunning shot. We're all for adding a delicate rosette hair accessory for a touch of whimsy and romance.

Slicked-Back Braid With Metallic Touches

Marjan has a talent for adding a unique twist on trendy styles. She created this slicked-back braid for content creator Desi Perkins and finished it off with metallic hair accessories that pair perfectly with her chosen jewelry.

"Undone" Dutch Braids

You can't see it in this picture, but Young Sheldon actor Raegan Revord is actually wearing two eye-catching "undone" Dutch braids on both sides of her head, starting at the crown. It's a low-effort way to level up wavy and curly strands with added texture.

Boho Straight-Back Braids

Generally, straight-back braids are a minimalist protective style created without adding waves or curls. Symphani Soto has cracked the code for adding fullness and movement to her waist-length straight-back braids by weaving in loose strands (and we're obsessed).

Front Accent Braids

Another way to easily elevate any hairstyle is by pulling a few strands of hair into face-framing accent braids. Here, Marjan styled these braids with a '90s topknot for model Ashley Graham. If pre-Y2K hairstyles like these are coming back with a fierceness, consider use completely into it.

Slicked-Back and Textured Fishtail Braid

For an unexpected take on a more traditional fishtail braid, use gel to slick back your hair into a ponytail and then braid loosely, focusing on keeping the thick braid slightly imperfect for texture. To take it one step further, finish off the braid with a clear tie and adorn it with sparkly barrettes.

Textured Three-Strand Braid

Marjan's three-part braid is all about adding texture and volume. This look, created for Paradise actress Sarah Shahi just goes to prove the power fluffing each braided section can have on a braid. To re-create this, make sure you have a teasing brush and some texturizing spray on hand.

Straight-Back Braids in a High Ponytail

When she's not spotted wearing boho braids or twists, there's a chance you'll catch Hamelijnck wearing straight-back braids while exploring Copenhagen. This sleek-yet-textured updo is the most stylish way to sweep your strands out of the face without sacrificing comfort.

Braided and Twisted Bun

How fun is this ultra-modern updo featuring two large twisted sections that form buns and a single fishtail braid at the base of the hairstyle? It's made even more special with eye-catching golden starburst hair barrettes. It's the perfect cool and elevated style for anything from a night out to a rehearsal dinner.

Multicolored Braids and Bows

Marjan playfully referred to Becky G in the above image as "[her] little bratz doll" and we'd have to agree that this coquette-ish braided style is just as fun as the person wearing it. To copy this look, create extra-small braids with two shades of braiding hair (or extensions), and wear bows that match.

Boho Braid Bun

Running out of ideas for how to style your luscious boho braids? If you have a good amount of extra length to play with, try your hand at this effortless high bun. Paris- and Portland-based content creator Claire Most shows us how its down with almost unreal volume and tendrils pulled out to frame the face.

Braided Bubble Ponytail

Try wearing your braids (especially knotless, box, boho, and goddess) sectioned off in a mini bubble ponytail with the help of hair ties. Between each section, slightly separate the braids to turn up the volume, and then follow with another hair tie until you reach the end.

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