Braids have been a go-to hairstyle for centuries, but not all braided looks are created equal in today’s fashion world. Some classic braids might be aging your appearance without you even realizing it. Ready for a hair upgrade? Let’s explore outdated braid styles to avoid and fresh modern alternatives that will instantly elevate your look.
1. The Schoolgirl Double Braids
Remember those twin braids we all wore in elementary school? They’re cute on kids but can make adults look juvenile. The simple pigtail style hasn’t evolved much since the 1950s.
Time to graduate from this playground staple!
2. The Basic Three-Strand Braid
The plain Jane of braids has been around forever. While reliable, this no-frills style lacks dimension and creativity that modern hair trends embrace.
Nothing says “I didn’t try today” quite like this outdated default option.
3. The Tight French Braid
Ultra-tight French braids pull harshly at your hairline and scream “1990s gym class.” The severe tension creates an unflattering, dated appearance.
Your scalp deserves better than this painful throwback style!
4. The Chunky Headband Braid
Those thick, rope-like braids wrapped around the crown were everywhere in the early 2000s. Heavy and unnatural-looking, they create an awkward silhouette.
This Heidi-inspired look belongs in storybooks, not modern street style.
5. The Scraggly Single Side Braid
That random thin braid dangling beside your face? Pure 90s throwback. Often paired with crimped hair or butterfly clips, this lonely strand looks disconnected from modern styling.
This relic from teen magazines needs to stay in the past!
6. The Stiff Braided Updo
Remember those prom-inspired braided updos shellacked with hairspray? The overly structured, helmet-like quality screams early 2000s formal wear.
Modern hairstyles embrace movement and softness instead of this frozen-in-time approach.
7. The Rainbow Ribbon Braid
Colorful ribbons woven through braids had their moment in the 80s and early 90s. The craft-project appearance creates a juvenile, dated effect unsuitable for grown women.
Leave these rainbow accents to children’s birthday parties!
8. The Cornrow Straight-Back
Basic straight-back cornrows without creative partings or patterns feel like a missed opportunity. This one-dimensional approach hasn’t evolved since the early 2000s.
Modern braiding techniques offer so many more exciting possibilities!
9. The Fishtail Flip
Remember when everyone flipped their fishtail braids over one shoulder for photos? This posed, unnatural positioning became a social media cliché around 2010.
The obviously staged quality makes this style feel instantly dated today.
10. The Textured Crown Braid
Modern crown braids embrace texture and deliberate looseness. Gently pulling strands for a fuller appearance creates an effortless bohemian vibe.
This relaxed approach feels fresh and sophisticated for any occasion!
11. The Braided Space Buns
Braided space buns merge playfulness with edgy style. First braiding sections before twisting into buns adds texture and staying power.
This festival-ready look works surprisingly well for both casual days and special events!
12. The Braided Ponytail Wrap
Elevate a simple ponytail by wrapping a small braid around the elastic. This subtle detail transforms an everyday style into something deliberately chic.
Low-effort yet high-impact – the hallmark of modern hairstyling!
13. The Half-Up Box Braids
Box braids styled in a half-up arrangement offer versatility and edge. The partial updo showcases face-framing pieces while maintaining length and movement.
This contemporary approach balances protection with serious style points!
14. The Waterfall Braid Accent
Waterfall braids create the illusion of strands cascading through the pattern. This delicate technique works beautifully as an accent within loose waves.
The subtle braided detail offers modern romance without overwhelming your overall look.
15. The Braided Topknot
Braiding hair before wrapping it into a topknot adds instant texture and security. The result looks deliberately undone yet sophisticated.
This modern approach to the basic bun works for both gym sessions and dinner dates!
16. The Feed-In Braided Ponytail
Feed-in braids create a sleek transition from scalp to ponytail. This protective style offers clean lines and minimal tension on edges.
The modern technique allows for creative patterns while maintaining a polished, contemporary aesthetic!
17. The Micro-Braid Accents
Strategic micro-braids woven into otherwise loose hair create unexpected texture. These tiny accent braids add edge to beachy waves or straight styles.
The contrast between braided and unbraided sections feels thoroughly modern and personalized!