If your long hair and a basic three-strand braid have been in a committed relationship for years, consider this your sign to see other braids.
Braids are the hardest-working style in the long-hair playbook. They keep length out of your face, survive wind and workouts, and somehow look more polished the messier they get.
Long hair gives you the raw material for braids that shorter lengths simply can’t pull off — real volume, real length, real drama. It’s time to use it.
Here are 18 braided hairstyles worth trying this week. Let’s get into it.
The Inside-Out Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid — sometimes called the reverse French — sits on top of the hair instead of tucked under, so it looks thicker and more dimensional from every angle.
Best for: fine to medium long hair that needs the illusion of fullness. Pancake the edges gently for maximum volume.
Waterfall Braid
Strands drop through the braid like water over rocks — romantic, feminine, and gorgeous on wavy or curled hair where the falling pieces catch the light.
Best for: date nights and weddings. Curl the dropped sections first for the full fairytale effect.
Rope Braid Ponytail
Two sections twisted around each other create a sleek, rope-like braid that takes about ninety seconds. Simple, sporty, and endlessly chic.
Best for: gym days and busy mornings. A little styling cream on the lengths keeps it smooth and frizz-free.
Pull-Through Braid
No actual braiding required — just a series of ponytails looped through each other. The result is a chunky, ultra-voluminous faux braid that looks far harder than it is.
Best for: anyone who “can’t braid.” It photographs like a salon style with drugstore effort.
Double Dutch Braids
The sporty classic: two Dutch braids running from hairline to nape. They stay put through anything and look cool with athleisure or a dress.
Best for: workouts, festivals, and second-day hair. Finish with tiny clear elastics for a clean look.
Mermaid Braid
A lace braid that picks up hair from only one side, draping over loose waves underneath. Soft, bohemian, and made for long hair.
Best for: beach days and summer weddings. Salt spray on the loose hair underneath completes the vibe.
The Messy Side Braid
Swept over one shoulder and braided loosely, with face-framing pieces pulled free. Effortless in the way that takes exactly four minutes.
Best for: casual days when you want to look intentional. A texturizing spray before braiding adds grip and volume.
Braided Low Bun
Braid your hair first, then coil the braid into a low bun and pin. You get the texture of a braid with the polish of an updo — two styles in one.
Best for: work events and formal occasions. It holds better than a plain bun on very long hair.
Headband Braid
A Dutch or French braid worked along the hairline like a headband, with the rest of the hair loose. Keeps hair off your face beautifully.
Best for: growing-out bangs and windy days. Our fishtail braid hairstyles for beginners include a lace headband version too.
Four-Strand Braid
One extra strand turns a basic braid into something that looks genuinely intricate — flat, wide, and almost woven-looking. People will assume it took an hour.
Best for: impressing people. It takes ten minutes once your fingers learn the rhythm.
Half-Up Braided Crown
Two small braids from each temple, pinned together at the back. You keep your length down while the crown detail does all the talking.
Best for: everyday prettiness and showing off long hair. Works on straight, wavy, and curly textures.
Bubble Braid
Elastics spaced down a ponytail, with each section puffed out into a bubble. Playful, modern, and incredibly photogenic — Pinterest loves this one.
Best for: long, thick hair where the bubbles really pop. Tug each section gently to even out the size.
Braided High Ponytail
Secure a high pony, then braid the tail — Dutch, fishtail, or classic. It swings, it shines, and it keeps long hair completely under control.
Best for: nights out and anyone whose ponytails usually collapse by noon. The braid adds structure and staying power.
Milkmaid Braids
Two braids wrapped up and over the head, pinned into a crown. Vintage-romantic and surprisingly practical — everything is pinned, nothing escapes.
Best for: hot days and festivals. Bobby pins crisscrossed in an X hold far better than parallel ones.
Dragon Braid
A 3D braid built by looping small ponytails through each other so it stands raised off the head — dramatic, sculptural, unforgettable.
Best for: statement occasions. It’s the braid equivalent of a red lip.
Lace Braid Along the Part
Like a French braid but adding hair from only one side, worked right along your part. Delicate detail that elevates loose hair instantly.
Best for: fine long hair — it adds interest without eating up density the way a full braid can.
Braided Side Ponytail
A loose side pony with a small braid wrapped around its base or woven through the tail. Soft, romantic, and far from boring.
Best for: weddings and date nights. Sweep everything over one shoulder to show off the detail.
Twisted Halo Braid
Two rope twists wrapped around the head and pinned — faster than braiding, just as pretty, and it keeps every strand off your neck.
Best for: beginners who find braiding fiddly. If you can twist, you can do this. Pair it with ideas from our quick hairstyles for greasy hair on day-three hair.
Your long hair deserves better than the same old plait. Pin your favorites and try one tomorrow morning — and for styles that survive workouts, see our gym hairstyles that stay put.
