19 Common Types of Braids and How to Make Them

Published Oct 3, 2021
A braid is more than just a hairstyle, it’s an art. And the best thing about them is they can be very diverse and they keep on evolving.
Growing up, we’re used to the classic braided pigtails that our moms have us wear to school. But now, we probably have hundreds of different types of hair braiding techniques to choose from. Just a quick look on Instagram or Pinterest and you’ll be flooded with braided hairs in every possible form – each as gorgeous as the other. That’s why sometimes choosing the perfect braid for a certain occasion can be overwhelming.
If like me, you’re also having a hard time picking out the perfect braiding style, you’ve come to the right place on the web. Here are 15 common types of braids that you can use for every occasion.
1. Three Strand Basic Braid
This hairstyle is the most commonly known type of braid. It is perfect for any kind of hair and is so easy to make, even a child can do it. Since it’s very easy to do, it’s perfect if you’re in a hurry or you have no one to do your hair but yourself.
How to make it:
The classic 3-strand braid start by dividing the hair into three sections or strands. Then you put one side section over the middle strand followed by the other section over the same strand. Repeat this alternating sequence until the ends of the hair meet or until the desired length is met. Put in place using a clip, a hair tie, or any other hair accessory.
2. French Braid
The French braid is similar to the classic three-strand braid style. It also follows the alternating pattern of the 3-strand braid but begins at the scalp and you need to pick up additional hair as you go along. This technique allows the braid to be attached to the head rather than dangling from the base. It may require more effort and time, but the results do make up for it.
How to make it:
Start by picking up a small section of hair closest to the scalp then divide it into three sections. Once that’s done, follow the classic three-strand braid technique of putting each side section over the middle section. Then pick up additional hairs from the side and add them to the middle strand together with the side strand. Repeat the same process until your braid reaches the nape of your neck. From there, you can continue with the regular braid until the tips of your hair. Secure with a clip, a tie, or a scrunchy.
3. Fishtail Braid
This is another fun hairstyle. It results in a simple yet pretty look that comes from patience and effort.
How to make it:
The style begins by dividing the hair into two sections. Take a small amount of hair from underneath one area, bring it with the opposite, and pull tight to keep the braid sturdy. Repeat this with the other side until you get the desired length of braid you wish. Tie it with a rubber band or a ribbon, or whatever you prefer.
4. Plait Braid
Plait style braids are similar to the standard 3-strand braids except that this style allows you to section your hair into as many portions as you like. This makes the plait braid more complicated than the 3-strand as the alternate crossing of hair strands can get confusing. The more sections of hair there are, the harder it is to remember which strand has already crossed over. It is best to have a professional artist do this style to avoid a chunky braid.
How to make it:
There are different variations to the plait braid. But the most basic version starts with gathering the hair at the nape of your neck and dividing it into three sections. Holding the three strands, cross the right section over the middle section then cross the left section over it. Repeat the process until the braid reaches your desired length or the tips of your hair. Secure it with a hair tie.
5. Rope Braid
Also known as a rope twist braid, this braid style is one of the most straightforward techniques to do as it only uses two sections.
How to make it:
Divide the hair into two groups. Twist each section of the hair in opposite directions, one to the right and one to the left. After twisting, bring the two sections together and wrap them around one another. The individual twisting of the strands will help keep the braid in place. This easy technique is doable by anyone regardless of age and how advanced their knowledge is in styling hair.
6. Lace Braid
The lace braid is similar to the French braid but differs in bringing the hair’s ends together instead of braiding the hair onto the scalp. This braid is suitable for those with uneven bangs or fringes that are hard to tame as the braid brings the ends of strands together to form a somewhat layered braid that rests on the head.
How to make it:
Part your hair down the middle. Then pick up a small section of your hair from one side of the parting closest to your forehead. Then braid it using the French braid style. Remember to tightly pull each added hair to maintain the lace effect. Once your lace braid reaches your ear, stop adding more hairs to it. Instead, continue braiding it using the three-strand basic method until you reach the tips. Secure it with a hair tie. You can also do another lace braid right next to the first one to create a more dramatic effect.
7. Ladder Braid
As its name suggests, this method makes the braid look like it’s climbing a ladder. This braid style has more than one way to execute and creates a very dramatic look. It’s typically used in formal occasions like proms and weddings. But it’s so simple to make, you can always braid your hair like this whenever you like.
How to make it:
One way to do the ladder braid is to create two individual hair braids and have strands of hair in the middle, which looks like a ladder; the two individual braids are the posts, and the strands in the middle are the steps. Another way to do this style is to have the hair tied up into a ponytail. Braid a small section of the ponytail and wrap strands of hair around the body. You can refer to this post for a more visual explanation.
8. Lattice Braid
This type of braid is harder to execute compared to the previous braids mentioned. It uses lots of hair strands that go in different directions to make a criss-cross structure reminiscent of a net. But the best thing about it is you can customize the braid any way you want. Wrap the criss-cross hair across your ponytail? Check. Use it to form little diamonds on the side of your head? Double check.
Though this braid style is nothing short of awesome, it’s very complicated to do on your own. If you’re not careful, your hair could end up in a hopeless tangle of knots. So we recommend asking for assistance from your friends or from a professional hairstylist. It will save you the pain of constantly checking the back of your head to make sure the braid is sturdy.
How to make it:
There are different variations to the lattice braid but the basic starts with creating rows of little three-stand braids. Then tie them with little elastic bands. To create the lattice effect, weave those mini-braids until it creates a “net” pattern. Tie each intersection with more elastic bands to keep the net shape in place.
9. Crochet Braid
The crochet braid is a special braid style as it is considered to be a hybrid of the traditional African braid. It got its name from the hair extensions that are “crocheted” into the braids to add volume and length.
Since it involves braiding the hair into small rows, they can be challenging and time-consuming. So if you want to make your life easier, just let a professional hairstylist do it.
How to make it:
Braid your hair into cornrows, a traditional braid style where the hair is braided very close to the scalp. Then using a crochet hook, affix the hair extensions to the braids by pulling it through the underside of each cornrow. Work from the front of the hair to the back at a 90-degree angle and loop the extension through the braid.
10. Single Braid
From the name itself, a single braid hairstyle is basically just that – a single braid. This is one of the easiest braids to do and works best for long hair as it is usually hung over the shoulder or down the back. In other cases, you can wrap the braid around the head to form a halo. This hairstyle does not necessarily need a professional to execute.
How to make it:
Gather all your hair in a single ponytail then braid it using the classic three-strand style until the tips. Secure with a hair tie. To form a single braid halo, wrap the braid around your head and secure the ends with hairpins.
11. Multiple Style Braid
The multiple-styles braid has a more outgoing and fun look. As the name implies, the style consists of multiple braids done on the hair, may it be cornrows, Dutch braids, or whatever. But since it involves various braiding techniques done on the whole head, this style will require an expert.
How to make it:
Divide your hair into multiple braids of different styles. Then pin your hair or wear it down depending on your personal style and preference.
12. Partial Braid
Partial braid styles are the kind that does not end at the tips of the hair as other braids do. People usually create these braids as a part of a grander hairstyle. For example, a Dutch braid is done only until a specific length, leaving the rest of the hair down to give off a voluminous hairstyle. Whatever your choice of style may be, partial braids are always perfect for giving a little spice to your whole look.
How to make it:
Braid your hair into whatever style you like but leave it halfway through or at whatever length you prefer.
13. Accent Braid
Accent braids are somehow similar to partial braids as they are used to create a bigger hairstyle. These braids accessorize your hair without using actual hair accessories, aside from clubs and bands. Small sections of the hair are braided to give a more detailed look. Although the hairstyle you want is up to you, having a professional do the hairstyle will help perfect the look and make sure that it is appropriately structured.
How to make it:
Pick up small sections of hair and braid it using the basic or fishtail braid. Most people do one to two braids but you can create as many as you like. You can wear it down or twist it in a bun together with the rest of your unbraided hair. Take a look at this post for some inspiration.
(Related: The Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair)

14. Decorative Braid
Braids are already pretty enough as it is. While most people can settle for ordinary braids, adding decoration or accessories to your hair can give it a more dressed-up look. With hair decorations, the possibilities of creating a unique style are endless. Accessories are also an efficient way to easily change your hairstyle to a look that will better match the occasion and your personality. Whether it’s putting little flowers on your braids when attending a wedding or a simple clip with vibrant color when going out to the mall, hair decorations are appropriate for any event – formal or not.
How to make it:
Braid your hair into whatever style you like. Then complete the look by adding your preferred hair decorations.
15. Box Braid
This is a type of braid that is more closely associated with the African culture and looks better on naturally curly hair. It got its name from the “boxy” square-shaped hair divisions created by this particular braid style. Box braids are also called protective style braids as it keeps the ends of the hair tucked away and prevents it from knotting or snagging on clothing and accessories. It can be time-consuming to make but this is a semi-permanent braid that you can wear for a long period of time. If your hair is not long enough, you can also use extensions.
How to make it:
Divide your hair into four sections with two sections at the front and two at the back creating four square-shaped boxes. Then further divide each section into 1-inch squares (or 2 inches if you’re making jumbo box braids) using the pointed end of a rat tail comb. If you’re using extensions, loop it into your natural hair at the roots. Then braid your natural hair with synthetic hair. Though it’s tempting to braid it as tight as possible, braiding your hair too tight can also damage it. So make that the braid is tight enough that the hair won’t easily come undone but not too tight that it causes physical pain. Dip the ends in hot water to seal them.
16. Waterfall Braids
Waterfall braids are probably one of the most romantic hair braid styles out there. That’s why it’s typically used for weddings, bridal showers, and pictorials. It will make your long, wavy locks look more dreamy and dramatic.
How to make it:
Create a deep side part then pick up a section of hair on one side of the part closest to the scalp then divide it into three. Take the section closest to your hairline and cross it over the middle section. But instead of joining it with the side section as you would in a French braid, let it hang to create that “waterfall effect”. Then take the bottom section and cross it over the new middle section. Next, take your top and bottom section and cross them over each other once. Repeat these steps until you’ve reached your desired braid length. Then secure it in place with a bobby pin.
- Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid braids are basically two braids that are wrapped around your head creating a semi-crown. If you have long hair, braiding it into the milkmaid style will not only make you look fabulous but also keeps you cool and fresh in the summer.
How to make it:
Part your hair in the center. Secure one part with a hair tie then gather the other near the nape of your neck, just below your ears. Braid it until the ends then wrap the braided hair around your head. Secure the tips with a bobby pin making sure to hide as much of it as possible. Do the same with the other side.
18. Senegalese Twist Braid
Senegalese twist braids are, in essence, a hybrid of the box braid and the rope braid. The hair is sectioned into small squares just like that of the box braid and then twisted using the rope braid technique. Though they weigh less on the hair than box braids, they require more maintenance since the twisted hair is easier to unravel than braided hair.
How to make it:
Divide the hair into 1 to 2-inch sections then split each section in half. Twist each half section then cross it over each other. Repeat this step until all sections are braided. Secure the braid with an elastic band then dip the ends in boiling water for about 15 seconds to seal it.
19. Mermaid Braids
If you want to bring out your inner goddess of the sea, then mermaid braids are perfect for you. They’re so dreamy and whimsical making them perfect for special occasions like weddings, bridal showers, and the like. Or if you really want to stay true to the theme, wear it on your next beach escapade.
How to make it:
Gather a section of hair in a teardrop shape on the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic band. Then loosely braid the hair using the basic braid and secure the ends with another hair tie. Then grab a section of your loose hair and twist it until the ends. Holding the twisted ends, slip it between the strands of the braid. This is where it’s important that your braid is loose enough as you’d have a hard time slipping the twisted hair between strands if the braid is too tight. Repeat this step until all the loose hair is incorporated into the braid. Secure the ends with a hair tie then cut the elastic band that you initially tied your braided hair with. Pinch, pull and fan out the braid to make it look “distressed”. This will give it a more natural look.
Conclusion
Learning how to braid hair, whether it’s your own or others’, is an excellent way to enhance your hairstyling abilities. Braiding is not as easy as it looks; it requires a lot of effort and patience to master different types of braids, but once you do, it is worth it. What makes it even better is that it won’t stop there.
Once you know how to do different styles, you can continue to mix and match other braiding techniques to find the best look for you. Every time you put your hair up or do a specific braid, you become better at doing it, and you will know which methods suit you the best. You may even find that a particular French or fishtail braid makes a better fashion statement than accessories and clothing that cost so much.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Salon Suites of Palm Beach website and blog. Her many years of blogging experience and passions for beauty trends helps her create content that has helped millions of people worldwide.