8 Trending Braided Hairstyles That Are Taking Over Social Media

What’s hot right now?

These eight trending braided styles are all over Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Jump on the trends and keep your look fresh and current.

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1. The Bubble Braid 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 sections to create bubbles.
5. Tug for maximum volume.
6. This is viral for a reason.

Picture this: You’re making TikToks with a bubble ponytail, the bouncy bubbles catching views, looking trendy and fun, the style everyone is trying right now.

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2. The Butterfly Braid

Step by step

1. Part hair down the middle.
2. Create two braids on top.
3. Shape them into butterfly wings.
4. Secure with clips to hold the shape.
5. Add decorative clips for detail.
6. This is whimsical and trending.

Picture this: You’re at a festival with butterfly braids, looking like a social media star, the shape unique and photogenic, playful and current.

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3. The Pull-Through Braid

Step by step

1. Put hair in a ponytail.
2. Add elastics down the length.
3. Split and flip the tail through.
4. Create a 3D woven effect.
5. Looks complex, goes viral.
6. Easier than it looks.

Picture this: You’re showing off your pull-through braid on Instagram, getting hundreds of likes, the technique impressive and shareable, trendy and cool.

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4. The DNA/Rope Twist Braid

Step by step

1. Create two rope braids.
2. Twist them around each other.
3. The double helix pattern emerges.
4. Looks like a DNA strand.
5. Secure at the end.
6. Science meets style.

Picture this: You’re at a convention with a DNA braid, looking nerdy and cool, the pattern fascinating and unique, smart and stylish.

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5. The Braided Space Buns

Step by step

1. Part hair down the middle.
2. Braid each section.
3. Wrap into two high buns.
4. Secure with pins.
5. Y2K vibes are back.
6. Trendy and nostalgic.

Picture this: You’re at a 2000s-themed party with space buns, looking like a pop star from the past, the style nostalgic and fun, retro and cool.

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6. The Infinity Braid

Step by step

1. Cross sections in a figure-eight.
2. Continue the infinity pattern down.
3. The looped design mesmerizes.
4. Looks endless and intricate.
5. Secure at the bottom.
6. Spiritual and trending.

Picture this: You’re at a yoga retreat with an infinity braid, looking zen and mindful, the pattern symbolic and beautiful, meaningful and modern.

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7. The Mermaid Braid

Step by step

1. Create a very loose, thick braid.
2. Pull it apart aggressively.
3. Pancake every loop for volume.
4. The result is wide and wavy.
5. Like a mermaid’s tail.
6. Beachy and viral.

Picture this: You’re at the beach with a mermaid braid, looking like you just emerged from the ocean, the texture voluminous and magical, dreamy and trending.

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8. The Criss-Cross Braid

Step by step

1. Take sections from alternating sides.
2. Cross them over the center.
3. Continue down the back.
4. Creates a ladder effect.
5. Looks intricate and cool.
6. Taking over feeds everywhere.

Picture this: You’re at school with a criss-cross braid, classmates asking how you did it, looking skilled and trendy, the pattern eye-catching and popular.

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Trending braided hairstyles keep your look current and fresh. Whether you try bubble braids, butterfly shapes, or infinity patterns, these styles are popular for a reason—they’re fun, photogenic, and totally now. Get trending!