46 Easy Braids for Long Hair You Can Totally DIY at Home
Keep waking up with zero time to style your long hair? Fed up of bedhead hair days and want to shake things up in a fun playful way? Then you definitely need to try out one of these stylish, time-saving easy braids for long hair.
While you might think braids take forever to create, we’ve found some that are perfect for plaiting rookies and guaranteed to elevate your hair game in the time it would usually take you to style your hair into a pony.
Dutch Braid
Already nailed the French braid? This sleek Dutch braid is formed by crossing the strands underneath (rather than over) as you braid to create this 3D look that’s full of volume.
Double Dutch Braids
If you want to double the fun, try plaiting two Dutch braids. They’re the perfect at-home workout hairstyle!
Braided Ponytail
When it comes to easy braids for long hair, you really can’t go wrong with rocking a braided ponytail, like Hailey Baldwin has done, here. If you need an extra hand styling, try TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse, that will give your braid the extra oomph and texture.
Scarf Braid
We’ve been seeing hair scarves all over Instagram lately and this pretty plait is one of the easiest ways to incorporate them into your look.
Accessorised Braid
Or, if you prefer something more statement-making, try working in jewellery as this beauty has done.
Loose Side Braid
Everyone needs a quick, messy braided hairstyle in their hair dairies, right? If you’re yet to fill your pages with one, take a look at this textured, loose-side braid.
To get the look, all you need to do is bring all of your hair to one side and weave it into a regular 3-strand braid. Yep, that really is it. And guess what? It works best with bedhead hair (hooray!).
Editor’s tip: If your locks tend to fall on the finer side, pump up your braided hairstyle with the TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hairspray!
Simply spray it over your braid after you’ve weaved it, and prepare for a long-lasting hairdo.
Romantic Braid
If you want to make your plait choice look Bridgerton-worthy, try adding a dainty bow to your loose braid.
French Braid
French braids are often the first type of braid people learn to do after graduating from the standard 3-strand and their versatility makes them a firm favourite of ours.
Braided Chignon
Have a special occasion in the diary but can’t think of any easy braids for long hair to do yourself? Even if you never do anything with your hair you’ll be able to whip up this romantic twisted updo.
Don’t believe us? We’ve got a full step-by-step on this look, to help walk you through it.
Low-Braided Bun
Another easy braid style every girl with long hair should covet? This low-braided bun.
Fishtail Side Braid
When you get bored of rocking a standard side braid, you can easily spice up your life and your hair by trying out a fancy fishtail braid, instead. Just look at how Eleanor Tomlinson rocks it and then you’ll be as smitten as we are.
Psst: Want to know how to fishtail plait like a pro? Here’s how you can create a pretty fishtail braid at home.
Half-Up French Braid
Want to try out some simple braids for long hair that make the most of your lovely lengths? Try a half-up half-down which lets you flaunt your Rapunzel lengths while adding detail at the top of your hair.
Stylin tip: Using a curling wand to add in some soft curls will instantly take this casual look from day to night.
Half-Up Braid
Here’s another simple braided style that’ll allow you to show off your long tresses.
Rope Twist
Still finding it hard to braid? No problem, just do the twist by creating a rope braid! Thanks for the #hairinspo, Katy Perry!
Editor’s tip: Before you split your ponytail into 2 sections to create your twist, apply a few drops of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil to your hair. This will make your locks shimmer and keep frizz and flyaways in check.
Crown Braid
Before you write this look off as too difficult, hear us out. While total novices might need a little practice, those who are more confident with their braiding will ace this crown braid.
Beachy Half-Updo
This gorgeous hairstyle that Nicky Hilton rocked to a red-carpet event brings together beachy bombshell tresses and a simple half-up braid, for an ultra-romantic effect.
Unicorn Braid
You have to try this pastel-coloured braided hairstyle. Super fun and charming, especially for the summer time!
Braided Top Knot
This braided top knot style (a la Haley Hasselhoff) is perfectly on trend with its sporty-chic vibes. However, if you want to make it exude high-fashion vibes instead, just wrap some ribbon around it! You’ll have everyone thinking you just stepped off the runway.
See? Simple braids for long hair don’t have to be boring, especially with the stunning array of hair accessories around.
Accent Braid
Braids don’t have to be crazily difficult to look great – a simple accent braid can completely transform your look and gives a fun, playful touch in under 30 seconds.
Milkmaid Braid
When it comes to braids for long hair, easy and elegant should be top criteria. And with the milkmaid braid, you’ll have both in a pinch! Why? It’s pretty, practical, Jennifer Lawerence-approved and ready to make you have a good hair day, that’s why.
Fishtail Braided Bun
Breathe fresh life into your go-to messy bun by trying this fast and fancy fishtail bun. Ideal for both casual and more formal occasions, it’s a great all-rounder.
Cornrow Braids
If you ask us, Emily Ratajkowski is living proof that boxer braids (AKA cornrows) make the perfect festival hairstyle, as well as a practical and stylish workout ‘do.
So, if you’re looking for easy braids for long hair to do yourself, that will also show off your Rapunzel locks, this look is destined for you. #Slay!
French Braid Updo
Braided updos always look amazing and you don’t have to be a braiding whizz to get to grips with this French braided ‘do. Braid a French plait from your temples down to the nape of your neck, then twist your lengths into a low bun, keeping it messy for a lived-in look.
Braided Bangs
Simple and quick to do, braided bangs are one of the best ways to keep fringes out of your face as well as looking utterly adorable! FYI, It’s also a great style to have on hand if you’re looking to grow out your bangs.
Bubble Ponytail
Okay, so we’re not sure if this strictly counts as a braid but we’re including this bubble ponytail anyway because it’s an Instagram favourite that everyone is loving.
Fringe Accent
Add a pretty lil accent braid to your fringe for a stylish look that also keeps your hair out of your face. It’s perfect for school, work, or even the gym.
Crochet
How pretty is this! Wrapping a ribbon or string around random sections of your braid is super easy to do and gives an effortlessly cool boho effect.
Three-Strand Pigtails
Let’s take it back to where the braid began – the humble 3-strand. You’ve probably already done this years ago sitting in class when you were bored, so you’re already a pro. Simply split your hair in half down the back, then braid each half using three strands (crossing-over stitch) and tie them off with hair bobbles.
Waterfall Braid
Manifesting princess vibes? This Rapunzel-worthy style is so pretty, so simple, and enough to make anyone feel like royalty.
Mermaid Half-Updo
Named after its fish-tail-esque shape, this style is simple yet effective. Like the French half-updo, this mermaid plait starts with a three-strand braid at the scalp, but the links go on for 2-3 more chains until you weave in new hair from the alternating sides.
Classic Three-Strand Half-Updo
Got 30 seconds? Then you’ve got enough time for this classic look. Gather your hair like you would for a regular half-up pony, then simply cross-over weave until you get to the end. We told you it was easy!
Inverted Fishtail
First off – don’t panic! This pretty little number is just a twisted half-updo with a little extra spice. Start off with a half-ponytail, gathering and pulling it through a space in the middle. Then, it’s time for a fishtail plait: split hair into two sections and pull the outermost strands on the left section over to the right, making them part of the right section. Do the same for the right side – take the outermost strands from the right over to the left. Repeat until finished.
We’re not going to lie, it’s probably not going to look great as you do it, but just wait for the gorgeous herringbone-like finish.
Loose Weave
Having one of those days? Not to worry – this cute look can be put together in no time at all. Just make a loose three-strand braid and tie it with a bobble.
High French Pigtails
Just like the French braids we showed you earlier but a bit higher on your head, this versatile look keeps your hair out of your face and looks super cute while doing it.
Segmented
Do you get the fear when you do a braid in public? What’s going on back there…? Thankfully, this look is foolproof – all you need is two bobbles. Simply make a low pony and free-braid, securing it at the end.
Skinny Accents
Minimum effort, maximum cute. This look is perfect for poolside parties, festivals, and chillaxing in general. All you need to do is make tiny braids (as many as you like) and give them a spirtz of hairspray to keep them together.
Skinny Accents, Pigtails
For a more equidistant look, arrange your hair accents pigtail style and use invisible bobbles for a clean finish.
Inside Out Braid
If you’re bored of standard braids, you’ll want to try this voluminous inside-out style. It’s basically a French braid, but instead of pulling new pieces over, you pull them under. Easy!
Braided Headband Low Ponytail
Braid + low ponytail = oh so chic. Make a French braid on one side of your head and add it into a low ponytail, wrapping a strand over the bobble to conceal your work.
Braid from the Back
We know what you’re thinking…that braid looks like hard work. But it really isn’t, we promise! If you’ve mastered a French or a Dutch braid already, just flip your head upside down and weave one from the nape of your neck. Once you have finished the braid, tie it off and then gather it with the rest of your hair into a messy bun.
Headband Braid
Pft, who needs a hairband when you’ve got already got hair perfectly capable for the job? Starting on either side, make a loose-ish three-strand braid going in the direction of the headband. Once you’ve finished, use bobby pins to secure it into place.
Fishtail Up-Do
A fishtail braid looks just as beautiful loose, touselled and weaved into an updo. Add dainty hair accessories to complete the fairy-inspired look.
Loose Fishtail Braid
We told you it looks good loose! Exude class and style with this understated braid.
Scarf Bow Braid
It’s giving European princess going undercover at the flower market. Just loosely braid your hair and instead of using a hair bobble to secure it, use a scarf instead.
Accessorised Half-Up Fishtail Braid
Remember that half-up fishtail we mentioned earlier? Give it a lil razzle dazzle with some pretty hair accessories to really make it pop.
High braided pigtails
Take your E-girl look to the next level with two high-braided pigtails and two little three-strand braids to match.
