Are you looking to add flair to your hairstyle without spending hours in front of the mirror?
Front braids are the perfect solution to elevate your look, regardless of hair length.
These trendy styles are easy to create and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Front braids are a go-to hairstyle if you’re heading to the office, a night out with friends, or a special event.
This post will explore some of the most stylish front-braid hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair.
Get ready to turn heads and feel confident with these chic and modern looks.
So, grab your hair ties, and let’s dive into trendy front braids!
Popular Styles of Trendy Front Braids for Short Hair
Braiding short hair may seem challenging, but it can be fun to add style to your look. Short braids look cute and have practical benefits like keeping your hair in place.
Learning to braid short hair can give you more styling choices and make your daily hair routine more exciting.
It’s a great way to change your look without a big haircut or color change.
1. Simple Side Braid
How to:
- To create a simple side braid,
- Start by taking a section of hair from the front near your part.
- Divide this section into three equal parts and begin braiding, crossing the outside strands under the middle one.
- Continue braiding along the side of your head, adding loose strands as you go. Secure the end with a small elastic.
Why Choose This Style: You can dress up this braid by adding a cute hair accessory like a bow or flower. For a casual look, gently tug at the braid to loosen it and create a messier appearance.
2. Braided Bangs
How to:
- If you have bangs or a short front section of hair, you can braid them to create a cute headband effect.
- Start by French braiding your bangs or the front section, keeping the braid close to your hairline.
- When you reach the end, secure it with a bobby pin.
Why Choose This Style: This style is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face during workouts or other activities. It’s also a great way to style growing-out bangs.
3. Dutch Braid Updo
How to:
- Begin by creating a Dutch braid (an inside-out French braid) on one side of your head. To do this
- take a section of hair near your part and divide it into three equal parts.
- Cross the outside strands under the middle one as you braid, adding more hair to each section as you go.
- When you reach the back of your head, continue braiding the rest of your hair and secure it with an elastic.
- Wrap the braid into a bun and pin it in place.
Why Choose This Style: This elegant updo is perfect for special occasions like weddings or formal events. It’s also a great option for a night out with friends.
4. Double Dutch Top Braids
How to:
- Part your hair down the middle, dividing it into two equal sections.
- Create a Dutch braid on each side by crossing the outside strands under the middle and adding more hair.
- Braid each side until you reach the nape of your neck, then secure with elastics.
Why Choose This Style: Leave the rest of your hair loose for a casual look, or gather it into a ponytail or bun for a more polished style.
Braided hairstyles for short hair offer a fun and practical way to switch up your look.
From simple side braids to more intricate updos, there’s a braided style for every occasion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different braided hairstyles for your short hair.
With a little practice, you can create these looks and enjoy their versatility.
Remember, even if your braids aren’t perfect, they’ll still add a cute and trendy touch to your overall style.
Braided Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair is the perfect canvas for braided styles, balancing manageability and versatility.
With enough length to create intricate designs without the weight of longer hair, medium hair allows for a wide range of braided looks, from simple everyday styles to more elaborate updos for special occasions.
However, due to the moderate length of the hair, some styles may still require additional products or accessories to keep braids secure.
5. Dutch Braided Headband
This style features a thick Dutch braid that runs across the crown of the head, resembling a headband. It’s a great way to keep hair off the face while adding a bohemian flair.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin braiding at one ear, working across the top of your head to the other ear.
- Cross the strands under each other to create a raised 3D effect.
- Secure the end of the braid with pins and set it with a light hairspray for an all-day hold.
Why Choose This Style: The Dutch braided headband is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for casual and formal settings.
6. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids consist of two parallel Dutch braids that run from the hairline to the nape of the neck, creating a sporty yet stylish look.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Part your hair down the middle
- Divide each section into three equal parts.
- Begin Dutch braiding each section, crossing the strands under the middle one, and adding more hair as you work your way down.
- Secure the braids with elastics at the nape of the neck.
Why Choose This Style: Double Dutch braids are trendy and practical, keeping your hair tightly secured during physical activities or on windy days.
7. Wraparound Simple Braid
This style involves a French braid that starts on one side of the head, wraps around the back, and ends on the opposite side, creating a crown-like effect.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin braiding at the temple on one side, working your way around the back of the head to the other side.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie or decorative clip.
Why Choose This Style: The wraparound simple braid is perfect for showcasing highlights or layers in your hair while providing a simple yet elegant look that’s easy to achieve.
8. Top French Braid
A top French braid starts at the crown and continues down the back of the head, ending in a single braid or transitioning into a ponytail for a sleek, pulled-back look.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin braiding at the crown, incorporating strands as you work your way down towards the nape of the neck.
- Finish the style by securing the braid’s end or gathering the hair into a ponytail.
Why Choose This Style: The top French braid is excellent for keeping hair out of your face, making it ideal for windy days or athletic activities.
9. Braided Ponytail
This style combines a classic ponytail with a braid for a simple yet sophisticated look.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather your hair into a high or low ponytail, depending on your preference
- Braid the length of the ponytail and secure the end with an elastic.
Why Choose This Style: The braided ponytail is a quick and easy way to elevate a basic hairstyle, making it suitable for casual and formal occasions.
By mastering these braided hairstyles, those with medium-length hair can enjoy a variety of stylish and practical looks.
Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find the perfect braided style for any occasion.
Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long hair offers a world of opportunities when it comes to braided hairstyles.
You can create various looks with ample length, from simple and classic to intricate and dramatic.
Long hair allows for more complex braiding techniques and styles, incorporating multiple braids, twists, and accessories.
Whether you prefer a bohemian vibe or a sleek and polished look, a braided hairstyle will suit your long hair and personal style.
10. Loose Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is a romantic, slightly undone look that works beautifully with long hair. Although it appears intricate, it is surprisingly easy to create.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Divide your hair into two equal sections.
- Take a small piece of hair from outside the left section and cross it over to the right section.
- Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair.
- Secure with an elastic and gently tug at the braid to loosen it for a more relaxed appearance.
Why Choose This Style: The loose fishtail braid adds texture and interest to long hair while maintaining a soft and romantic look.
11. Mermaid Braid
A mermaid braid is a voluminous, eye-catching style that combines a French braid with a fishtail braid, creating a look reminiscent of a mermaid’s tail.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin by creating a French braid at the crown of your head, incorporating more hair as you work your way down.
- When you reach the nape of your neck, switch to a fishtail braid and continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair.
- Secure with an elastic and gently pull at the edges of the braid to create a fuller, more dramatic look.
Why Choose This Style: The mermaid braid is a stunning choice for special occasions or when you want to make a bold statement with your long hair.
12. Boxer Braids
Also known as double Dutch braids, boxer braids are a sporty and stylish look that involves creating two tight braids on either side of your head.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Part your hair down the middle and divide it into two equal sections.
- Dutch braid each section, starting at the hairline and working your way down to the nape of your neck.
- Secure the ends with elastics.
Why Choose This Style: Boxer braids are perfect for keeping long hair out of your face during workouts or other physical activities while still looking trendy and put-together.
13. Upside-Down Dutch Braid
An upside-down Dutch braid is a unique and edgy style that involves braiding your hair from the nape of your neck to the crown of your head.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Flip your hair upside down and begin Dutch braiding at the nape of your neck, working your way up towards the crown.
- Secure the end of the braid with an elastic and flip your hair back over.
- You can leave the rest of your hair loose or gather it into a ponytail or bun.
Why Choose This Style: The upside-down Dutch braid adds volume and visual interest to long hair, making it an excellent choice for those looking to switch up their everyday look.
14. Half Up Half Down Fishtail Crown Braids
This romantic style combines the elegance of a crown braid with the intricacy of fishtail braids, creating a half-up, half-down look that’s perfect for long hair.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear, separating the top half from the bottom.
- Divide the top section into two equal parts and fishtail braid each side, securing the ends with elastics.
- Wrap the braids around your head, pinning them to create a crown.
- Leave the bottom half of your hair loose, or style it with waves or curls.
Why Choose This Style: The half-up, half-down fishtail crown braids offer a romantic and feminine look that showcases the beauty of long hair while keeping it out of your face.
With these popular braided hairstyles for long hair, you can experiment with different looks and express your style.
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and accessories to create a braided hairstyle that’s uniquely you.
Special Braided Styles and Techniques
15. Box braids
Box braids are a popular protective style that has stood the test of time.
This braiding technique involves sectioning the hair into equal-sized parts, usually in a box or square shape, and braiding extensions into the natural hair.
How-to:
- To achieve this style, braid the hair as you would for traditional box braids, but leave out small sections of curly or wavy hair at the front and sides.
- These loose tendrils soften the overall appearance and add a touch of romance to the protective style.
Box braids add length and volume, protecting natural hair from daily styling damage and environmental stressors.
Why Choose This Style: By keeping the ends of the hair tucked away within the braid, box braids help maintain the health and moisture of the hair, promoting growth and reducing breakage.
16. Boho Braids
Boho braids, also known as goddess braids, are a trendy variation of box braids that incorporate loose, wavy tendrils of hair into the braided style for a more relaxed and bohemian look.
How-to:
- Separate a few small, wispy sections of hair near your hairline and around your face. These will be left loose to create a soft, romantic look.
- Braid the strands using a regular three-strand braiding technique, crossing the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle.
- As you braid, gently tug on the strands to loosen the braid and create a more relaxed, boho appearance.
Why Choose This Style: Versatile style which flatters many face shapes, suits various hair types is effortlessly chic.
17. Box Braids with Bangs
Adding bangs to box braids is a creative way to switch up the traditional style and frame the face in a flattering manner.
How-to:
- To create bangs with box braids, you can either braid the front section of hair in a forward direction
- Use a braided extension to create a bang effect.
Why Choose This Style: This style works well with various bang lengths and can be adapted to suit different face shapes.
18. Beaded Braids
Incorporating beads into box braids is a fun and stylish way to add a pop of color and texture to the protective style.
How-to:
- After braiding the hair
- slide beads of your choice onto individual braids, securing them in place.
You can mix and match bead colors and sizes to create a unique and personalized look.
Why Choose This Style: These are low maintenance, versatile braids which not only last long but also protect your natural hair.
19. Flip Over Braids
Flip over braids are an innovative and eye-catching variation of box braids that involve a combination of cornrows and box braids.
How-to:
- Begin by creating cornrows in a geometric pattern on the scalp, then attach box braids to the ends of the cornrows.
The box braids are then flipped over and styled in various directions to create a visually striking and intricate design.
Why Choose This Style: Suitable for various hair lengths, this style makes your hair look fuller and is easy to create
20. Bantu Knots Braids
These innovative braided styles and techniques showcase the versatility of box braids and offer endless possibilities for self-expression and creativity.
How-to:
- After creating box braids, divide them into sections and twist each section around itself to form a tight coil.
- Secure the coil in place with a hairpin or elastic, creating a Bantu knot.
- Repeat this process throughout the hair for a complete look.
By experimenting with different variations and adding personal touches, you can elevate your protective style game and keep your hair looking fresh and fashionable.
Why Choose This Style: Bantu knots results in a stylish and protective hairstyle that offers a unique texture and appearance.
Front Braids: Challenges and Opportunities
| Hair Length | Time Investment | Skill Level Required | Versatility of Styles | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Hair | Low to Moderate | Low to High | Limited | Quick styling; less hair to manage | Fewer styling options; can be tricky to secure braids |
| Medium Hair | Moderate | Moderate | High | Balance of ease and variety in styling | Requires some skill to handle longer braids |
| Long Hair | High | High | Very High | Endless styling options; elaborate braiding possible | Time-consuming; more maintenance required |
When braiding short hair, you might have issues like shorter strands slipping out of the braid or having fewer style options due to the length.
Securing the braids can also be tricky with less hair to work with.
On the plus side, braiding short hair usually takes less time than braiding longer hair. It also puts less weight on your scalp, as the braids are lighter.
Plus, braids can add volume and texture to fine or thin hair, making it look fuller.
Conclusion
Elevate Your Style with Trendy Front Braid Hairstyles
Front braid hairstyles offer a creative and fashionable way to change up your look, regardless of your hair length.
From cute and practical braids for short hair to intricate and stylish designs for long locks, the possibilities are endless.
Experimenting with different braiding techniques and accessories can help you find the perfect style to suit your personality and the occasion.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy everyday hairstyle or a stunning updo for a special event, consider trying one of these trendy front braid looks.
Not only will you elevate your style game, but you’ll also be protecting your hair and keeping it healthy.
Ready to start braiding? Choose your style, give it a try, and share your creations with us on social media!
We love seeing your fabulous takes on these versatile looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make Braids Last Longer on Medium-Length Hair?
To extend the lifespan of braids on medium-length hair, use a smoothing serum before braiding to control frizz, sleep with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase, and apply a light hairspray or braid spray daily to maintain moisture.
Are Any Quick Braiding Styles Recommended for Long Hair when I’m Short on Time?
For quick styling, try simpler braids, such as the classic three-strand braid, fishtail braid, or basic Dutch braid. These can be done in a few minutes and still look stylish.
What Type of Hair Product Should I Use for Braiding?
Use products that provide grip and control without weighing your hair down. Texturizing sprays or light pomades are good for fine hair, while thicker gels or waxes might be needed for coarser textures.
Can Braids Cause Damage to My Hair?
Braids can be protective styles, but if done too tightly, they may cause tension and breakage, particularly at the edges of your hair. Always ensure braids are not too tight and take breaks between braiding sessions to let your hair rest.
How Often Should I Wash My Braided Hair?
It depends on your scalp and hair type, but generally, washing braided hair once every 1-2 weeks is recommended. Use a gentle, diluted shampoo and apply it directly to the scalp, rinsing thoroughly to prevent product buildup.
What Are Some Creative Ways to Style Braided Hair for Special Occasions?
Consider updos like braided buns, crown braids, or adding accessories such as flowers, ribbons, or fancy hair pins. These can elevate your regular braided look for special events.
How Do I Prevent Frizz when Wearing Braids?
Keep your hair well-moisturized with a leave-in conditioner or braid spray. Also, avoid over-manipulation of braids, and protect your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase.
