8 Braided Hairstyles for Teens That Are Trendy and Age-Perfect

Teens want hairstyles that look cool, express personality, and work for school, social media, and hanging out with friends.

These eight braided styles hit that sweet spot between fun and fashionable.

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1. The Messy Fishtail Braid

Step by step

1. Gather hair into a low side ponytail.
2. Split into two sections.
3. Take small pieces from the outer edge of one section.
4. Cross them over to the opposite section.
5. Continue down and secure with a clear elastic.
6. Gently pull loops apart for a messy, full look.

Picture this: You’re at school with a messy fishtail braid over your shoulder, looking effortlessly cool, the imperfect texture totally on trend, relaxed and Instagram-ready.

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2. The Dutch Braid Crown

Step by step

1. Part hair down the middle.
2. Start a Dutch braid on one side at the front.
3. Braid along the hairline toward the back.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Connect both braids at the nape.
6. This looks intricate but is totally doable.

Picture this: You’re at a concert with a Dutch braid crown, looking like a festival queen, the braids keeping hair back while looking edgy, cool and picture-perfect.

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3. The Bubble Ponytail

Step by step

1. Gather hair into a high ponytail.
2. Secure with a strong elastic.
3. Add more elastics every 2-3 inches down.
4. Gently pull the sections between to create bubbles.
5. Tug on the bubbles for volume.
6. This is TikTok trendy.

Picture this: You’re making videos with a bubble ponytail, looking fun and viral-worthy, the bubbles bouncy and playful, trendy and youthful.

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4. The Half-Up Space Buns

Step by step

1. Part the top section of your hair.
2. Split it into two halves.
3. Braid each half from front to back.
4. Wrap each braid into a small bun.
5. Secure with pins.
6. Let the bottom half flow in loose waves.

Picture this: You’re hanging out downtown with braided space buns, looking trendy and unique, the style Y2K inspired and cool, playful and stylish.

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5. The Side Swept Braid

Step by step

1. Create a deep side part.
2. Take the front section on the heavier side.
3. Braid it back toward your ear.
4. Secure with a small clear elastic.
5. Let the rest of your hair flow freely.
6. This frames your face perfectly.

Picture this: You’re at the movies with a side swept braid, looking cute and casual, the braid keeping hair out of your face, effortless and pretty.

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6. The Rope Braid Pony

Step by step

1. Gather hair into a high ponytail.
2. Split into two equal sections.
3. Twist both sections to the right.
4. Wrap them around each other to the left.
5. The twisting creates a rope effect.
6. Secure at the bottom.

Picture this: You’re at practice with a rope braid ponytail, looking sporty and put-together, the rope texture adding interest, practical and cute.

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7. The Braided Headband

Step by step

1. Take a section from one side near your front hairline.
2. Braid it back along your hairline.
3. Bring it behind your ear.
4. Pin underneath your hair.
5. Leave everything else down.
6. This looks like a hair accessory.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a braided headband, looking styled without trying too hard, the braid framing your face sweetly, subtle and trendy.

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8. The Faux Hawk Braid

Step by step

1. Create a tight Dutch braid down the center of your head.
2. Start at your hairline and braid back.
3. Gather the sides into a ponytail with the braid.
4. Or leave the sides down for a softer look.
5. The center braid adds edgy height.
6. This is bold and confident.

Picture this: You’re at a party with a faux hawk braid, looking fierce and unique, the center braid giving you rock-star edge, bold and unforgettable.

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Teen braided hairstyles are all about expressing yourself while keeping up with trends. Whether you go messy, sleek, edgy, or sweet, these braids let you show off your style. Braid on!