Plaited Hair Ideas for All Occasions: 57 Looks to Inspire You
Also known as a braid, plaited hair is achieved when you weave or twist strands of hair together to create your chosen hairstyle for example, a French braid or cute Dutch braid. The reason why plaited hairstyles are so popular is due to the fact they’re both practical and stylish, offering every hair type and length styling versatility.
Most plaits are pretty enough to fit almost any occasion or season and they can vary from simple to statement-making. Not to mention, they are perfect for keeping your hair neat and away from your face. Win-win, right?
Whether your hair is long, short or medium length, scroll on to discover the 66 braided hairstyles that we’ve rounded up so you can experiment with them for any occasion. There’s bound to be a hairstyle you’ll fall in love with!
Bow Braid
Have you really reached your full Pinterest hair potential until you’ve tried this bow braid?
Braided Ponytail
What do you get when you combine two of our top go-to hairstyles together? Braided ponytails, of course.
Braided Top Knot
Looking for a way to make your trusty top knot hairstyle more interesting? Simply wrap a braid around the base of your bun and you’re good to go. Feel free to add a hair accessory or two.
Cornrows
Practical and timeless, cornrows are one of the most versatile braiding styles around. Wear them straight back as they are, or braid them into a single long plait. Braids can make your hair weaker, so restore it with a fortifying product like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Masque.
Corset Braid
Try out the Instagram-approved corset braid trend for summer or a fun, festival-inspired plaited hairdo.
Rope Braids
The rope braid is arguably one of the easiest (and chicest) plait styles to try. And what’s better than one rope braid? Two rope twisted pigtails, of course.
Boxer Braids
Great for all different hair types and lengths, the versatility of boxer braids has made them a solid celeb favourite. To avoid any post-braid frizz, combine your favourite shampoo with TRESemmé Silky & Smooth Conditioner, for silky soft strands.
Fishtail Braids
Switch it up for every day by trading your regular 3-strand braid for a 2-strand fishtail instead.
Braided Bun
Channel your inner prima ballerina (even if you’re just in the office), with this elegant braided bun.
Editor’s tip: Give your look the extra oomph with TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse.
Braided Crown Updo
Pair a romantic crown braid with a statement slide and let your hair do all the talking.
Side Dutch Braid
Keep it simple but stylish all year round with a loose side Dutch braid.
Braided Updo
Plaited hair is suited to anything from bridal parties to proms. For those occasions where only an updo will do this braided updo is the perfect look to try.
Celtic Knot Braid
Bored of your normal braids and fancy a challenge? You can give your strands the wow factor with an intricate-looking Celtic knot braid.
Coloured Braids
Plaited hair is gorgeous! This fishtail braid and pastel hues are a match made in hair heaven.
Crisscross Braid
These X-shaped crisscross braids make a fun change from regular boxer braids.
Crown Braid
This charming crown braid is just what you need for your summer socials. Leave some strands loose around your face for a lived-in look.
Crown Twist Braid
Feel like an angel for a day with this twisted halo updo. Great if you’re not the most confident hair plaiter, the twisted method is easier than a classic crown braid.
Heart Braid
We say love is in the hair, and with this heart braid, that’s most definitely the case.
Dookie Braids
Love box braids but want to make more of a statement? Go supersized with these festival-perfect dookie braids and prepare to cause some major hair envy.
Double Braid Bun
From the upside-down Dutch braids to the retro space buns, this look is calling out to be worn to your next party.
Double Dutch Braid
The perfect all-seasons hairstyle, sometimes all you need is double Dutch braids.
Double Halo Braid
For those times when one halo braid just isn’t enough, double up and look fabulous.
Dutch Braid
Created by weaving the hair under rather than over, once you know how to Dutch braid you’ll be able to create all sorts of looks.
Editor’s tip: Before braiding, you can add texture and hold to your hair with a volumising dry shampoo. This is a styling essential for our fave second-day hairstyles!
Dutch Braid Bun
Add an extra wow factor to plaited hair in a low bun with Dutch braid accents.
Dutch Braid Crown
If you have flat or fine hair, give added body to limp locks by using the Dutch braid method to create the volumized updo of your dreams.
Easy French Braid
There’s something about a classic French braid that just never fails to impress, this is definitely a firm favourite plaited hair look at All Things Hair HQ!
Faux Hawk Braid
After a look that’s equal parts glam and edgy? This fluffed-up faux hawk braid is giving us all the rock chick vibes.
Fishtail Ponytail
Tired of wearing your hair in the same old basic ponytail? Add some plaited hair game levels and upgrade your look with this fishtail braided version.
Fishtail Braid Updo
Pair this relaxed braided updo with your favourite sunnies for the ultimate weekend style.
Fishtail Bun
This sleek fishtail bun is a convenient way of keeping your hair out of your face for work or the gym.
Editor’s tip: Keep flyaways in check while you’re on the go with the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray . Stash this in your handbag or desk to boost shine and polish your look.
Fishtail Crown Braid
Add a bohemian feel with a Coachella-inspired hairstyle that even Vanessa Hudgens would be jealous of.
Fishtail French Braid
Like to mix and match your plaited hair styles? Show off your braiding skills with this 2-in-1 French fishtail hybrid.
Fishtail Halo Braid
Updos don’t just have to be for special occasions. Keep the look laid-back with this messy fishtail halo braid.
Flower Braid
What could be more spring/summer-appropriate than a flower braid?
Four Strand Braid
What’s better than a three-strand braid? Four-strand braid, of course.
French Braid Bun
This French braided bun will be able to handle whatever your day throws at it and still look fab.
French Braid Updo
French braid updos are a great option for shorter hair as the ends are tucked up rather than being tied into a bun.
Greek Braid
Make the most of long locks with this textured, Grecian-inspired braid.
Half-Up, Half-Down Braid
If flat roots are a problem for you, the half-up-half-down braid is the answer for instantly fuller-looking strands.
Inverted Fishtail Braid
AKA a Dutch fishtail braid because as you weave your fishtail you bring the hair under instead of over. This will create the inverted finish that characterises an inverted fishtail braid.
Box Braids
When it comes to the best protective styles for natural hair, box braids just can’t be beaten.
Inverted French Braid
The key to getting this inverted French braid is to weave your strands under instead of over, just like you would for a Dutch braid.
Marley Braids
This celebrity-loved Marley braids hairstyle may take some time to create but when the results are this beautiful, it’s totally worth it.
Mermaid Braid
This intricately woven mermaid braid will make such a style statement, we think it’s best reserved for a special occasion.
Messy Bun with Braid
Sometimes the occasion calls for a messy bun, but to make you look more put together, try adding a side braid.
Messy Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids are a great alternative to traditional plaits. Try this messy version for a cool boho vibe that’s perfect for the beach.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are a popular choice when looking for black hairstyles. Not only are they super cute, but they’re also versatile too!
Milkmaid Braid
From festivals to brunch with the girls, a milkmaid braid is the sweetest style that all your friends will love.
Pull Through Braid
Trick everyone into believing you’ve created the perfect braid with this clever pull-through braid hair hack.
Side Braid
Make a style statement at your next HIIT class with this side braid. By starting the braid higher up you’ll prevent any loose strands from falling.
Snake Braid
This unique snake braid can be worn to jazz up a simple style and gives plaited hair some extra dimension.
Two French Braids
Have double the fun with a two French braids hairstyle. Sprinkle glitter down your roots for the perfect festival look.
Unicorn Braid
Have you always wanted to rock hair like a mythical creature? Then this unicorn braid is the perfect look.
Box Braids with Colour
The best thing about having box braids is that you can change up your hue as often as you please.
Upside Down Braid
This upside-down braided bun is far from boring. Wear yours for days when you want to show off your braiding skills.
Waterfall Braid
This waterfall braid is screaming wedding hair to us. From bride to bridal party, it’s the romantic look that everyone will love.
Box Braids with Shaved Sides
After a more daring plaited hair style? Spice up classic box braids with shaved sides for extra edginess.
