8 Easy Braided Hairstyles Anyone Can Master

Think braids are too hard? Think again!

These eight easy braided styles require minimal skill but deliver maximum style.

Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants great hair without the fuss.


1. The Basic Three-Strand Braid

Step by step

  1. Brush your hair back smoothly.
  2. Divide into three equal sections.
  3. Cross the right section over the middle.
  4. Cross the left section over the middle.
  5. Repeat until you reach the end.
  6. Secure with an elastic.

Picture this: You’re at school with a basic braid down your back, looking neat and tidy, the classic style timeless and simple, clean and cute.


2. The Side Braid

Step by step

  1. Sweep all your hair to one shoulder.
  2. Divide into three sections.
  3. Braid normally down the side.
  4. Secure with an elastic.
  5. Gently pull on loops for volume.
  6. This takes two minutes.

Picture this: You’re running errands with a side braid, looking put-together with almost no effort, the braid keeping hair contained, practical and pretty.


3. The Half-Up Braid

Step by step

  1. Take the top section of your hair.
  2. Divide into three parts at the crown.
  3. Braid back toward your head.
  4. Secure with a small elastic or clip.
  5. Let the bottom half hang loose.
  6. This keeps hair out of your face.

Picture this: You’re at work with a half-up braid, looking professional but not boring, the braid adding interest to a simple style, easy and elegant.


4. The Rope Braid

Step by step

  1. Divide your ponytail into two sections.
  2. Twist both sections to the right.
  3. Wrap them around each other to the left.
  4. The twisting creates a rope effect.
  5. Secure at the bottom.
  6. Easier than it looks!
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Picture this: You’re at the gym with a rope braid ponytail, looking sporty and styled, the rope texture adding detail, simple and functional.


5. The Faux Fishtail

Step by step

  1. Put your hair in a low ponytail.
  2. Split into two sections.
  3. Take a small piece from the outside of one section.
  4. Cross it over to the other section.
  5. Repeat down the length.
  6. Looks fancy, feels easy.

Picture this: You’re at lunch with a faux fishtail braid, looking like you tried harder than you did, the style intricate-looking but simple, impressive and easy.


6. The Braided Headband

Step by step

  1. Take a small section from one side near your front hairline.
  2. Braid it simply and loosely.
  3. Bring it across your head like a headband.
  4. Pin behind your ear on the other side.
  5. Leave the rest of your hair down.
  6. Done in five minutes.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee date with a braided headband, looking cute and casual, the braid framing your face sweetly, effortless and adorable.


7. The Pull-Through Braid

Step by step

  1. Put your hair in a ponytail.
  2. Add elastics every few inches down.
  3. Split the hair between elastics.
  4. Flip the tail through the split.
  5. Repeat down the length.
  6. Tug for volume.

Picture this: You’re at a party with a pull-through braid, looking trendy and modern, the style complex-looking but technique-simple, cool and current.


8. The Twist and Pin

Step by step

  1. Take two sections from the front of your hair.
  2. Twist each one away from your face.
  3. Bring them to the back of your head.
  4. Cross them over each other.
  5. Pin with bobby pins.
  6. Takes three minutes max.
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Picture this: You’re at a family dinner with twisted sections pinned back, looking neat and thoughtful, the twists adding subtle detail, simple and sweet.


Easy braids prove you don’t need to be a hairstylist for great hair. These styles look complicated but are actually simple to create. Grab some elastics and try one today!