Getting ready for school or hanging out with friends? These trendy braided hairstyles will help you express your personality while keeping your hair manageable and stylish. The best part? You can create them all by yourself at home!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into these gorgeous styles, make sure you have:
- A wide-toothed comb
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Hair spray (optional)
- A mirror setup that lets you see the back of your head
- About 15-30 minutes, depending on the style
1. The Classic Dutch Crown Braid
This regal look works perfectly for both school days and special occasions. Starting at your hairline, create a Dutch braid that wraps around your head like a crown. The trick is keeping the braid close to your scalp and securing it properly.
Pro Tip: Slightly dirty hair works better for this style than freshly washed hair – it provides more grip!
2. Double French Braids
This timeless style has made a huge comeback, thanks to social media. Perfect for sports practice or casual weekends, these parallel braids keep hair neat while looking super cute. Start by parting your hair down the middle and French braid each side separately.
3. Boho Side Braid
This relaxed style works great for any hair length past your shoulders. Create a deep side part, then start a loose French braid from the thicker side, incorporating pieces as you go. The key is to keep it slightly messy for that effortless vibe.
4. Braided Space Buns
This style combines traditional braids with trendy space buns, perfect for festivals or fun weekends. Part your hair down the middle, braid each section, then wrap the braids into buns at the crown of your head.
5. Waterfall Braid
This romantic style looks complicated but is surprisingly achievable. The key is practicing the “drop” technique, letting one strand fall while picking up a new one. It creates a beautiful cascade effect that is perfect for special occasions.
6. Five-Strand Braid
Ready for a challenge? This advanced braid looks incredible and will make you stand out. While it takes practice, the result is worth it. Start with small sections until you master the technique.
7. Pull-Through Braid
This modern style creates the illusion of a complex braid while being quite simple. It’s all about creating small ponytails and pulling them through each other. Perfect for thick hair!
8. Braided Headband
Create your natural headband by braiding a section of hair along your hairline. This style keeps hair out of your face while looking super cute. Works great with both straight and curly hair.
9. Fishtail Side Braid
The fishtail braid looks intricate but is quite simple once you get the hang of it. Gather your hair to one side and separate it into two sections, then keep crossing small pieces from one side to the other.
10. Mixed Braid Updo
Combine different braiding techniques for a unique updo. Mix French, Dutch, and regular braids to create your signature style. Perfect for proms or special events!
Tips for Success
- Start with detangled hair to make braiding easier
- Practice new styles when you have plenty of time
- Don’t pull too tight – this can cause headaches
- Use clear elastic bands for a more polished look
- Take pictures of the back of your head to check your work
Remember, perfection comes with practice! Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t Instagram-worthy. Keep trying, and you’ll master these styles in no time. Tag your braided creations with #TeenBraidStyle to share your success with others!