Braided Hairstyles: Meaning and Types

Braided hairstyles are a popular and versatile form of hairstyling that have been used for centuries across different cultures and civilizations. Braids can range from simple and understated to intricate and eye-catching, making them a great choice for both casual and formal occasions. Braided hairstyles can be created with natural hair, extensions, or a combination of both. Whether you prefer braids that are tightly woven or loosely woven, braided hairstyles offer a unique and creative way to express yourself through your hair.

List of the 10 Most Popular Braided Hairstyles

Here is a list of the 10 most popular braided hairstyles −

• French Braid − A classic braided style in which the hair is braided from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck.

• Dutch Braid − A Dutch braid is a type of braid that involves braiding the hair underneath the surface, creating a raised and defined braid.

• Fishtail Braid − A fishtail braid is a braided hairstyle that is created by splitting the hair into two sections and braiding them in an alternating pattern.

• Box braids − Box braids are small, individual braids that are created by dividing the hair into small sections and braiding each section from the roots to the tips.

• Cornrows − Cornrows are tight, braided hairstyles that are created by braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight rows.

• Braided Updo − A braided updo is a hairstyle that involves braiding the hair and securing it into an updo or bun at the nape of the neck.

• Crown Braid − A crown braid is a braided hairstyle that involves braiding the hair around the head, creating a crown-like effect.

• Waterfall Braid − A waterfall braid is a braided hairstyle that involves letting strands of hair fall through the braid to create a cascading effect.

• Dutch Fishtail Braid − A Dutch fishtail braid combines elements of both the Dutch braid and the fishtail braid to create a unique braided style.

• Boho Braids − Boho braids are a bohemian-inspired braided style that is often loose and relaxed, with strands of hair left out for a carefree and effortless look.

There are many more styles of braids that exist, and many more styles can also be created. It's worth noting that the examples above are just a few of the many popular braided hairstyles.

How to Make the Braids Mentioned Above?

Methods are described category-wise −

French Braid

• Start with clean, dry hair and divide it into three sections.

• Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section.

• Add hair from the right side to the right section, and then cross it over the middle section. Repeat this step on the left side.

• Continue adding hair and braiding in this manner, bringing the outer sections into the middle as you braid.

• Braid until you reach the end of your hair, and secure the braid with a hair elastic.

Dutch Braid

• Start with clean, dry hair and divide it into three sections.

• Cross the left section underneath the middle section, then cross the right section underneath the new middle section.

• Add hair from the left side to the left section, and then cross it underneath the middle section. Repeat this step on the right side.

• Continue adding hair and braiding in this manner, bringing the outer sections underneath the middle as you braid.

• Braid until you reach the end of your hair, and secure the braid with a hair elastic.

Fishtail Braid

• Start with clean, dry hair, and divide it into two sections.

• Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the other section.

• Repeat step 2, taking a small piece of hair from the outer edge of the other section and crossing it over to the first section.

• Continue alternating between the two sections, adding small pieces of hair to each section as you braid.

• Braid until you reach the end of your hair, and secure the braid with a hair elastic.

Box Braids

• Start with clean, dry hair, and divide it into small sections.

• Take one of the sections and divide it into three equal parts.

• Braid the three sections together, starting at the roots and braiding until the ends of the hair.

• Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each section of hair.

• Once all sections have been braided, you can secure the ends of the braids with hair elastics or beads.

Cornrows

• Start with clean, dry hair, and section it into small, rectangular pieces.

• Take one of the sections and divide it into three equal parts.

• Braid the three sections together, starting at the roots and braiding towards the ends of the hair.

• Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each section of hair, braiding the braids close to the scalp to create a row of cornrows.

• Secure the end of each braid with a hair elastic.

Braided Updo

• Start with clean, dry hair and create one or more braids, such as a French braid, a Dutch braid, or a regular three-strand braid.

• After you've finished braiding, twist or tuck the ends up and secure them with bobby pins.

• Repeat the twisting and pinning process until you have created the desired braided updo style.

• Finish with a strong-hold hair spray to keep the braids in place.

Crown Braid

• Start with clean, dry hair and divide it into two sections, one at the top of your head and one at the bottom.

• Braid the top section of hair into a French braid or Dutch braid, braiding towards the back of your head.

• Once the braid reaches the nape of your neck, secure it with a hair elastic.

• Take the bottom section of hair and braid it into a regular three-strand braid.

• Wrap the bottom braid around the top braid, tucking the end of the bottom braid under the top braid, and secure it with bobby pins.

Waterfall Braid

• Begin with clean, dry hair and divide it into three sections, one at the top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom of your head.

• Braid the top section of hair into a three-strand braid, but instead of adding hair to the braid on each turn, drop the outermost strand and let it fall into the next section of hair.

• Repeat step 2, alternating between the middle and bottom sections of hair.

• Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair elastic.

Dutch Fishtail Braid

• Start with clean, dry hair, and divide it into two sections.

• Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the other section.

• Repeat step 2, but this time, take a small piece of hair from the inner edge of the same section and cross it over to the other section.

• Continue alternating between the two sections, adding small pieces of hair to each section as you braid.

• Braid until you reach the end of your hair, and secure the braid with a hair elastic.

Boho Braids

• Start with clean, dry hair, and divide it into small sections.

• Take one of the sections and braid it into a three-strand braid.

• Repeat step 2 for each section of hair.

• Once all sections have been braided, gently pull on the edges of each braid to loosen it and give it a more relaxed, boho look.

• You can leave the braids as-is or twist or tuck them up into an updo style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, braided hairstyles are a timeless and versatile way to add flair and style to your hair. From the simple three-strand braid to the intricate crown braid, there is a braided hairstyle to suit every occasion and personal style. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance everyday look or a special occasion hairstyle, braids offer endless possibilities. With practice and creativity, you can create beautiful and unique braided hairstyles that suit your needs and reflect your personal sense of style.