Long braids aren’t just a hairstyle; they’re a statement that turns heads and drops jaws! I’ve spent years perfecting the art of weaving strands into masterpieces that make my clients feel like runway models. Whether you’re heading to a festival or a fancy dinner, these braided looks will have strangers stopping you mid-stride for your stylist’s number.
1. Box Braids with Colorful Beads
Honey, nothing screams ‘I woke up like this fabulous’ quite like box braids adorned with rainbow beads! The clicking sound as you walk? That’s the sound of confidence.
My clients who rock these beauties often find themselves becoming neighborhood celebrities overnight. Trust me, these aren’t just braids—they’re conversation starters!
2. Goddess Braids Crown
Where my queens at? Goddess braids wrapped crown-style will have you feeling like royalty without the heavy headgear. These thick, statement-making braids sit regally atop your head.
Though they look complicated, I can whip these up while you sip your latte. The best part? You’ll wake up looking just as majestic tomorrow morning!
3. Fishtail Braid with Loose Tendrils
If mermaids walked among us, this would be their go-to style! The intricate weaving pattern of a fishtail creates dimension that basic braids could only dream of achieving.
Meanwhile, those face-framing tendrils? Pure romance. I’ve had brides specifically request this look because it’s the perfect balance of polished and whimsical.
4. Jumbo Braided Ponytail
Sometimes bigger IS better! This statement-making style combines the sleekness of a ponytail with the texture of a thick, jumbo braid cascading down your back.
Whenever I create this look, I tell my clients to prepare for the ‘hair envy’ texts. Even with extensions, this style looks surprisingly natural while making a bold impact.
5. Dutch Braid Mohawk
Not ready for the razor but craving that edgy mohawk vibe? Dutch braids to the rescue! By creating inverted braids that pop off your scalp along the center, you’ll channel rock star energy.
I love adding subtle undercuts or shaved designs alongside these braids for clients brave enough to go the extra mile. The contrast is absolutely killer!
6. Braided Space Buns with Wraps
Hello, festival season’s best friend! Braided space buns wrapped with colorful thread or metallic wire create an otherworldly vibe that’s equal parts playful and stylish.
After crafting these for countless music festivals, I can confirm: they stay put through hours of dancing. Plus, they look even better on day two when they get that perfectly undone texture!
7. Fulani Braids with Rings
Historically rich and visually stunning, Fulani braids adorned with metallic rings aren’t just a hairstyle—they’re wearable art! The combination of thin and thick braids creates beautiful asymmetry.
However, a word from your friendly neighborhood stylist: the jingling sound will announce your arrival everywhere. Consider it your personal theme music as you make grand entrances!
8. Waterfall Braid with Flowers
Imagine strands of hair cascading like a gentle waterfall, interwoven with tiny fresh blooms. This ethereal style screams springtime romance and has made countless wedding appearances in my portfolio.
Though it looks complicated, the technique is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Just don’t expect those flowers to last through a night of dancing!
9. Rope Twist Ponytail
Sick of basic ponytails? The rope twist ponytail elevates this everyday style into something magazine-worthy! Two strands twisted against each other create that distinctive rope pattern that catches light beautifully.
My busy executive clients love this look because it stays put through 12-hour workdays yet looks intentional and polished. Plus, it takes me less than 5 minutes to create!
10. Bohemian Feed-in Braids
Feed-in braids with that perfectly undone bohemian flair give you both structure and whimsy! Starting small at the scalp and gradually incorporating more hair creates that seamless, natural-looking transition.
Though they look effortless, achieving that ‘messy-on-purpose’ vibe actually requires precision. But once they’re in, you’ll enjoy weeks of roll-out-of-bed perfection!
11. Five-Strand Braid Updo
Why settle for three strands when five creates such magnificent texture? This intricate braid technique wrapped into an updo looks like something straight from a medieval fantasy.
Yes, it requires patience (and possibly an extra set of hands), but the results are worth it! My clients who choose this for special events always report back with dozens of compliments.
12. Half-Up Dragon Scale Braid
Channel your inner Mother of Dragons with this show-stopping technique that creates a textured pattern resembling scales! The half-up style keeps it wearable for mere mortals while still turning heads.
Though it looks complex, this style is actually created with simple pancaking technique—pulling apart each section of a regular braid. The result? Dimensional texture that photographs like a dream!
13. Cornrow Hearts
Nothing says ‘I put my heart into my hair’ quite like cornrows shaped into actual hearts! This playful yet precise style requires serious geometric planning—it’s basically hair architecture.
While creating these, I’ve had clients video the process to share on social media because the transformation is so mesmerizing. The finished look? Absolutely worth the time in the chair!
14. Halo Braid with Undercut
The ultimate contrast play: a feminine halo braid paired with an edgy undercut creates a look that’s both angelic and rebellious! The circular braid frames your face like a crown.
Meanwhile, that hidden undercut is your little secret—or show it off by styling the braid higher. My clients who choose this style tend to have the most interesting personalities—they love that dual-nature vibe!
15. Lattice Braid Ponytail
Imagine your hair woven like an intricate basket—that’s the lattice braid ponytail! This architectural style features braids crisscrossing over each other to create a dimensional network pattern.
Though it looks like something that requires an engineering degree, I promise it’s achievable with practice. The geometric precision makes this style particularly stunning for formal events where you want to stand out.
16. Boho Bubble Braids
Forget regular braids—bubble braids add playful volume that bounces with every step! By securing elastics at intervals and gently pulling the sections outward, you create these adorable puffs.
The bohemian version incorporates loose strands and maybe a scarf woven through. My younger clients absolutely adore this style for its fun movement and Instagram-worthy uniqueness!
17. Twisted Rope Crown with Accessories
Two-strand twists wrapped around your head create a sophisticated crown that’s both regal and remarkably comfortable! Unlike tight braids, these twists put minimal tension on your scalp.
Adding delicate accessories like pearl pins or tiny floral clips elevates this look from pretty to spectacular. I created this for a bride once, and now it’s requested weekly in my salon!