Braids have become an important part of hairstyling. There are so many braid styles to explore, but we’ve compiled some of the most popular ones here. No matter the occasion, there’s a type of braid that will fit.

Because you’re interested in hairstyles and cosmetology, we included some examples, so you can see for yourself what these braid styles look like.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is created by making a low ponytail to prevent the plait from unraveling. Split the ponytail into two sections, then take a small section from the outside, pull it to the inside of the other section, and weave the four sections together all the way down.

Halo Braid (aka French Milkmaid Braids)

Try this braid style if you want to look like an ancient goddess. This “hair half up, half down” braid style frames your face by keeping your hair away from the face. Start by creating two smaller braids, one each on the left and right of your hair. Pull each one up and create a circle going the opposite direction on the back of your head towards the front. Pin each braid, so together, they create a halo-like effect.

French Braid

This is a classic braid with which most people are familiar. Brush your hair back, and separate into three even sections. Braid starting with the front-most section, overlapping from the two side sections as you go down the length of the hair. Use an elastic band at the end to keep it from unraveling.

Dutch Braid (aka Double French Braid)

Dutch Braid aka milkmaid braids — Credit: @martikabraidbar

A Dutch braid is like a French braid woven on top instead of underneath, but one on each side. Part your hair down the middle, and do a reverse French braid on one side, and then on the other side. There should be two tight braids on each side of your head.

Braided Updo

This braided style is good for formal events like a wedding. Braid your hair into two French braids then pin them up together at the nape of your neck. You can also make two small braids on each side of your head, make a bun updo with the remainder of your hair, and use the braids to frame the bun, pinning those braids up.

Pull Through Braid

Pull through braid — Credit: @everydayhairinspiration

This is a very popular look for straight or wavy hair, though it’s a bit of an illusion using ponytails. Create the first ponytail using a top layer of hair starting from the top of the head, then pin it out of the way. Create a second ponytail, pulling hair from the sides of the head, not at the very top, but right below that. Release the hair clip, letting down the first ponytail, which should be resting on top of the second. Split the top ponytail into two equal sections. Pull the bottom ponytail through the middle of the top ponytail and clip it out of the way. Make a new ponytail from the remaining hair and pull hair from the horizontal sections of hair to the sides. Release the clip from the (now) top ponytail so it layers on top of the newest ponytail. Split the top ponytail into two sections again, and pull the bottom ponytail through the middle, and clip it up out of the way. Make a new ponytail as before, etc. This process repeats until you get to the end of the length of hair. When you get past the hair on the head, you can pull small sections of the ponytails to give it a fanned-out, voluminous effect. Tie off both ponytails when you get to the end of the length of hair.

Snake Braid

The snake braid is an interesting braid, simply braid a section of hair how you normally would, but keep it a bit loose. Hold the middle braid section at the bottom of the hair strands, and simultaneously slide the outer two braid sections up towards the roots. This creates a curvy, meandering, snake-like pattern. Pin the braid on the back or wherever you want to place it to keep it secure.

Braids with Beads

Braids with beads — Credit: @_braidsbyjbae

Adding beads to your hair can create extremely interesting visual effects.. Create small braids from sections of hair, narrow enough to pull beads over them. Pull up the beads until they stay in place, then add chunky elastic bands at the ends of the braids to keep them in place. Use different colors to create patterns, use smaller or larger beads to match the size of the braids.

Five-Strand Braids

Five strand braids — Credit: @braidedkatie

A five-strand braid is a bit more intricate than a standard three-strand braid, but with practice it becomes easier. The hair is separated into five sections, with three sections in one hand, and two in the other. There is some weaving involved in this braid, but it is a wider, more complex variation on the traditional French braid.

Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braid — Credit: @another_braid

The waterfall braid is a very cool effect where there is a horizontal down-sloping braid from the front, across the back of the head, where small sections of hair are interlaced in a falling pattern. The result is strips of hair falling vertically in a gradually descending pattern, hence the waterfall name. A three-strand braid is created from the front of the hair, moving towards the back, and at specific intervals, a section of hair is woven downward and allowed to fall naturally, with a new section of hair being woven into the braid. Each vertical section of hair is separated from the others by its place in the braid.

Mermaid Braid aka Rib Cage Braid

Mermaid braid — Credit: @laurasnyderhair

The mermaid braid is a voluminous look, and takes a little practice to master, but it looks fascinating when done correctly. Pull two sections of hair from either side and ponytail them together in a V-shape, leaving it slightly loose. Loop the hair under the elastic band over the gap in the middle and pull down. Do another layer the same way, laying it on top of the previous plait. Each subsequent V-shaped is laid on top of the previous plait, and you can pull them slightly looser to create more volume.

Box Braids

Box braids are a good solution for a reliable look. Your hair needs to be in good condition before the braids are weaved into your hair, so remember to deep condition your hair leading up to the hair appointment. You can use different colored braids for a bolder look.

Boho Knotless Braids

Boho knotless braids — Credit: @braids_by_sonya

Bohemian braids, known as boho braids, are a cornrow type of braid where strands of human or synthetic hair are woven into the braids, at various points, usually using wavy hair. This adds length and volume to the braids.

Goddess Braids

Goddess Braids — Credit: @prettywithoyinka

Goddess braids are a type of braid where wavy human or synthetic hair is woven into the braids, usually at the top, near the root. After doing braids in your preferred row pattern, the loose hair is woven into the braids in the top layers, at the mid-point or ends, adding length and volume to the braids.

Bora Bora Braids

Bora bora braids — Credit: @hairbykeesh1

Bora Bora boho braids were created by master braider and celebrity stylist Omobolanle Ajao. These are knotless braids that have been extremely popular in 2024 and 2025. The process takes some time, but small braids are made in rows, starting from the hair at the bottom of the neck going up towards the roots. By the second or third row, human hair extensions are braided into the natural hair to create long, luxurious braids that create a breathtaking, impressive look. The layering helps make this style look full and luxurious.

Bora bora boho braids — Credit: @keishanicole

Boho Bob Knotless Braid

Boho knotless bob braids — Credit: @bossybeautibarr

Boho braids are often done with longer hair, but they can also be done with shorter hair. A Boho bob braid style adds volume to the hair. You can add highlights using different colored synthetic or human hair to weave into the braids.

Freestyle Cornrows

Freestyle cornrows — Credit: @touchedbytyraj

This braided look is versatile, and if you have an experienced braider, you can create many different styles. The only limit is imagination and their skill.

Freestyle cornrows — Credit: @touchedbytyraj

Are You Ready To Start Your Hairstyling Career?

If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a professional cosmetologist, Campus Sacramento has a world-class cosmetology training program with classes starting soon. At Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Sacramento, you can earn your cosmetology license in a matter of months, learning from some of the best instructors in the industry. For more information on start dates, class schedules, and financial aid, contact our friendly Admissions team.

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