Braids never truly go out of style, but honey, some looks have been beaten to death on every Instagram feed from here to Timbuktu. As a stylist who’s seen it all, I’m dishing the dirt on five braided styles that need a time-out, plus introducing you to fourteen fresh twists that’ll make heads turn for all the right reasons. Ready to elevate your plait game?
1. The Basic Three-Strand Side Braid
Look, I’ve created more of these than I’ve had hot coffees, and that’s saying something! The elementary school staple has overstayed its welcome.
While it’s practical, it screams ‘I woke up late and couldn’t be bothered.’ Time to graduate to braiding styles that don’t remind everyone of their third-grade school picture.
2. The Boxer Braid Duo
Remember when Kim K wore these and suddenly everyone thought they’d discovered something revolutionary? Darling, these tight twin braids have been done to death!
Though they’re fantastic for workouts, they’ve become the pumpkin spice latte of hairstyles – basic with a capital B. Even my gym-obsessed clients are begging for alternatives.
3. The Half-Hearted Fishtail
Bless your heart if you’re still rocking this 2015 festival favorite! Nothing says ‘I follow outdated Pinterest boards’ quite like a messy fishtail.
While once innovative, it’s now the hairdo equivalent of saying ‘live, laugh, love’ unironically. The technique requires patience many don’t have, resulting in sloppy execution everywhere I look.
4. The Crown Braid That’s Lost Its Jewels
Oh honey, the basic crown braid has been coronated far too many times! What was once regal now feels as common as water cooler gossip.
Every wedding I’ve styled in the past five years has at least three bridesmaids demanding this look. It’s beautiful, sure – but innovative? About as innovative as beige paint in a rental apartment.
5. The Unicorn Braid That Lost Its Magic
This Instagram darling – that pull-through braid masquerading as something complex – has been hashtagged into oblivion! Initially mind-blowing, it’s now just mind-numbing.
Though it creates volume illusions, it’s become the avocado toast of hair – photographed more than it’s appreciated. Even my teenage clients are rolling their eyes at this one now.
6. The Asymmetrical Accent Braid
Unlike its symmetric cousins, this rebel adds unexpected edge with just one skinny braid placed off-center. My punk-loving clients adore this subtle statement!
Weave it into loose waves for maximum contrast, or pair with sleek straight locks. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just one small braid creating major character.
7. Floating Ribbon Braids
Why settle for plain braids when you can have them literally floating with invisible elastic technique? I’ve had clients gasping when they see these suspended sections in the mirror!
The secret lies in clear elastics creating negative space between braided segments. Though they look complex, I can teach even styling novices this trick in minutes.
8. The Stained Glass Braid
Named for its intricate, colorful pattern resembling church windows, this technique uses temporary colored sprays between woven sections. My artistic clients can’t get enough!
Though it photographs beautifully, what makes it special is how the colors shift with movement. Unlike permanent dye, this weekend-only commitment washes out before Monday meetings.
9. Upside-Down Basket Weave
Flipping conventional wisdom quite literally on its head! Starting at the nape instead of the crown creates dimension that defies gravity and expectations.
My clients with fine hair particularly love how this technique creates the illusion of thickness. The intricate under-pattern resembles woven baskets, yet remains surprisingly comfortable all day long.
10. Braided Mohawk Illusion
No need for clippers when braids can create this edgy silhouette! By creating tight side plaits while leaving center strands free, you’ll channel rock star energy without commitment.
Though it appears radical, this style transitions beautifully from boardroom to bar. I’ve created this for conservative bankers with secret weekend punk aspirations – versatility at its finest!
11. Origami Fold Braids
Inspired by Japanese paper art, these architectural braids incorporate unusual folding techniques rather than just weaving. My detail-oriented clients obsess over these structured masterpieces!
While traditional braids flow, these create geometric patterns with defined edges. Though they require precision, the resulting sculptural effect transforms hair into wearable art that holds shape remarkably well.
12. Hidden Message Braids
Talk about secret communication! These undercover braids reveal words or symbols only when hair is lifted or moved. I created these for a client attending her ex’s wedding – deliciously subtle shade!
Using micro-braiding techniques, I can spell names, dates, or symbols underneath the main style. It’s like wearing invisible ink in your hair – our little secret until you’re ready to reveal it.
13. Negative Space Heart Braids
Why draw hearts when your hair can create them? These braids form heart shapes through clever section planning, leaving unbraided spaces that create visible patterns.
My teenage clients particularly adore this subtle-yet-sweet style. The technique works on all hair types but looks especially striking on darker hair where the negative space creates clear contrast against braided sections.
14. Volcanic Eruption Braid
Named for its explosive volume that erupts from otherwise sleek braiding! This style plays with dramatic texture contrasts that photographers can’t resist capturing.
The secret lies in strategic pancaking (pulling sections to create fullness) only in targeted areas. Though it appears complex, it’s actually just a clever manipulation of basic techniques – my specialty for clients wanting maximum impact.
15. Braided Bantu Fusion
Honoring traditional African techniques while adding contemporary twists, this style marries small Bantu knots with connecting micro-braids. Cultural appreciation requires knowledge – I studied with Senegalese masters to learn properly!
The resulting geometric pattern creates a stunning protective style that lasts weeks. My clients with textured hair particularly appreciate how this celebrates their natural beauty while providing versatility.
16. Constellation Mapping Braids
Stargazers, rejoice! These celestial-inspired braids incorporate tiny crystal or pearl accents placed precisely to mimic actual star patterns. My astronomy-loving bride nearly cried when I recreated Cassiopeia across her updo!
The beauty lies in personalization – your zodiac sign, the night sky on your birthday, or any meaningful stellar arrangement. These cosmic creations truly shine under reception lighting.
17. Twisted Infinity Loops
Mathematics meets hair artistry in these continuous-loop braids that create never-ending patterns! Unlike traditional braids with clear starts and ends, these circular designs flow perpetually.
Though they appear complicated, they’re actually based on simple figure-eight motions. My engineering clients particularly appreciate the structural precision – it’s like wearing a Möbius strip as a gorgeous hair accessory!
18. Watercolor Blend Braids
Inspired by impressionist paintings, these braids incorporate multiple hair colors woven to create subtle gradient effects. Unlike harsh color blocks, these transition seamlessly like watercolors bleeding together.
My artistic clients adore how movement reveals different color stories. Using temporary colored extensions means commitment-phobes can try this Saturday and return to corporate-appropriate by Monday morning.
19. Sound Wave Braids
Yes, you read that correctly – braids that visually represent actual audio patterns! I’ve created these for musicians wanting their signature sound literally woven into their look.
Using an app that visualizes sound frequencies, I translate meaningful audio (your wedding vows, baby’s heartbeat, favorite song) into undulating braid patterns. Though technically complex, the emotional significance makes these my absolute favorite to create.