30+ Amazing French Braid Styles You Will Love Trying
The French Braid is a timeless hairstyle that has been used for hundreds of years. It remains a favorite for women of all ages and hair types. You can wear a French braid tight and neat or loose and full for a relaxed, boho look. But how is it different from a Dutch braid?
Dutch braid vs. French braid: In a Dutch braid, you cross the hair strands under each other. In a French braid, you cross the strands over one another.
We’ve collected top French braid styles and expert tips from salon owner and braiding teacher Caidy Brasure. Her guidance will help you create a French braid you’ll be proud of. Let’s jump in and discover amazing French braid hairstyles together!
Meet The Expert
Caidy Brasure
Caidy is an updo & braiding educator and has been a licensed cosmetologist for 13 years.
You can find her at Caidy Marie Beauty salon in Utica, MI.
Brasure says that cleanly sectioning the hair is the secret to a great French braid. This prevents hair strands from crossing over each other, keeping the braid neat from beginning to end. Even if you want a fuller, more textured braid, making sure each section is the same size will help the braid look even and well put together.
If you’re curious about why this cut or style is popular, Brasure points out its flexibility. “You can wear a French Braid in many ways. It can be tight against your scalp, loose and textured for a boho look, or styled half up and half down,” she explains. “Since the French Braid is so versatile, it works well with any hair length, texture, or thickness.”
But Brasure points out a possible downside to this style, especially if you have shorter hair layers. “Shorter layers can be tricky to blend into the braid because they might stick out, depending on their length,” she explains. To fix this, she suggests using Pomade, Gel, or Molding Cream to hold those shorter pieces in place.
Many people, even stylists, might not realize how important consistency is when making French braids. Brasure explains, “You need to be consistent with how you part the hair, how much product you use on each section, and how tightly you hold the hair while braiding. If you don’t keep it the same from beginning to end, it will affect how the braid looks.”
Before doing a French braid, Brasure suggests the client should clearly describe the braid style they want. “Since there are many ways to wear a French braid, knowing the exact style helps a lot,” she explains. “Bringing photos is very helpful. It lets the stylist see the look you want so they can match it perfectly.”
Discover beautiful French braid hairstyles, from timeless classics to fun, creative looks. Find the perfect style for any event!
#1: Chunky French Braid with Vivid Rainbow Colors
This French braid has a relaxed, casual style. It actually looks better as it gets a little messy over time. Since these fashion colors fade with each wash, this hairstyle is perfect if you like to change things up. You can wash your hair less often and try new styles. Wear it down one day, braid it the next, then try a bun or a fancy ponytail after that.
This easy-to-manage style looks beautiful for many events. First, use a texture spray to help the hair hold the braid better. Soft, loose waves give the style extra charm. You can dress it up or add fun accessories to match the occasion.
#2 Braid Your Hair with a Weave
Use a weave to braid your hair for extra length and thickness. Cornrows work well because they give a bold, detailed look. Soft edges add a gentle, pretty touch that keeps the style feminine.
#3: How to Do a French Braid
Discover how to make a French braid hairstyle. It’s a simple style you can do anytime. First, part your hair based on how many braids you want. For braided pigtails, split your hair into two sections. Take three small pieces from one section. Cross them over each other one by one. Keep the braid tight for a smooth look. To help it stay neat all day, spray hairspray over the finished braid.
#4 Long 4 Braid Twist French Braid
Turn a simple French braid into a stylish boho chic look by twisting four braids together. This trendy hairstyle is perfect for any summer day when you want to enjoy the cool breeze on your skin.
#5: Mohawk French Braid
Try this mohawk French braid hairstyle to make others admire your hair. It looks great on curly hair because the texture adds volume and style. For a softer, more feminine look, add tiny accessories or small flowers.
#6: French Braid Crown
This French braid crown gives you a royal look. Its soft style makes it look very feminine and stylish. Loose strands under the updo add a relaxed, natural feel. For a bolder touch, try coloring your hair a silver-blonde shade.
#7: Updo French Hairstyle
This French updo is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your look. It creates a soft, romantic feel that looks great on straight, blonde hair. A rounded fringe brings a fresh, youthful vibe. Adding some texture helps make the style look natural and gentle.
#8: French Braid Waterfall
Show off a beautiful French braid waterfall hairstyle. It looks stunning with soft, full curls on rich brown hair, making it perfect for special occasions. To make your curls stand out even more, apply some sea salt spray.
#9: French Braid Fishtail
Do you love this French braid fishtail? It’s simple, so you can wear it anytime. It looks stylish on bright, golden blonde hair because it highlights the color nicely.
#10: French Fishtail Braid
Show off your healthy, long hair with this beautiful French braid. The neat, defined sections make this style stand out and will catch everyone’s eye wherever you are!
#11: Side French Braid
Make pleats more fun and cute by adding special details in the center. This gives your hair a one-of-a-kind French braid style.
#12: French Crown Braid
This style looks tricky, but it’s actually simple. Make a regular French braid, but keep adding hair from around your head. This will form a beautiful crown braid.
#13: Vibrant Rainbow French Braid
If you have amazing colors like these, highlight them with a pretty French braid pigtail hairstyle.
#14: Mini French Braid
This lovely updo begins with a small braid that separates the hair, ending in a low, looped bun. The tiny French braid looks great on highlighted hair, adding depth and dimension to the style.
#15: French Braid Updo for a Formal Event
Create this beautiful French braid updo by twisting your braid into a low chignon. Add some lovely flowers to finish the look.
#16: Trendy Mermaid French Braided Updo
Try this adorable red mermaid hairstyle with a stylish French braid for your next swim.
#17: Edgy Viking French Braids for a Party
Try a classic look with the Viking French braid style for your upcoming party.
#18: Fun Fishtail French Braid
This fishtail French braid is a great choice for a back-to-school hairstyle.
#19: Simple French Braid with Flower Pins
Anyone can easily make this simple French braid. Braid your hair loosely around your head to one side. Add some pretty pins to finish the look.
#20: Cute French Braid for Short Hair
If you can’t make a French braid, this style is a great way to pretend you have a Dutch braid, especially if your hair is thin. It’s perfect for mornings when you wake up late and don’t have time to wash your hair. The best part is, the messier your hair is, the better this style looks!
Keep it simple and don’t stress about it. This style fits any look, whether you’re at work or hanging out with friends. Let your hair do what it wants—messy, smooth, or full. It will look great no matter what.
#21: French Braid Pigtails
This is a Dutch braid. Unlike a regular French braid, the Dutch braid stands out more. It has a relaxed, boho look because the braids are loose, giving it an easy, carefree style. I also added hair jewelry to the braids, which is my favorite part. The jewelry makes the hairstyle pop.
This hairstyle is great for a fun day out. If you enjoy taking photos, it’s perfect for a photo shoot. Most of all, it adds a cute touch to your everyday look. That’s what makes it special. Even with a simple outfit, this hairstyle adds extra style and flair.
#22: French Braid Ponytail
Choose a beautiful French braid ponytail. It’s great because you can wear it to a wedding, a party, or just a fun night out. To get the best style, use dry shampoo, hairspray, and shine spray. First, curl your hair. Then, make a loose French braid and leave some front pieces out for a softer, pretty look.
#23: Tousled French Braid Hairstyle
Try messy French braids for a perfect sunny day hairstyle. They look detailed but are simple to create. This style suits hair that is shoulder-length or longer. If your hair is very smooth, use a light-hold hairspray or texture spray before braiding. Gently pull out some strands near your face for a softer feel. I also loosen the braids a bit to make them look fuller. This hairstyle works well with a summer dress or even sporty outfits like gym clothes!
#24: Twisted French Braid Updo
Choose a low twisted knot with French braid accents. From the front, it looks soft and simple. From the back, it shows lots of texture and detail. The elastic keeps the style secure all night. This braided hairstyle suits anyone with medium to long hair. First, apply mousse and let it dry for hold. Then, use dry shampoo to add texture. It looks great on blonde hair. For darker hair, try a different colored elastic to highlight the bow detail.
#25: Gorgeous French Braid for Long Hair
This style starts with a loose French braid on the right side, beginning at the temple and going just past the ear. After that, braid it down using a simple three-strand method. Leave the other half of the hair loose. Next, create another French braid. Once you pass the crown, add three strands from the right side into the braid and continue down to the ends. This cute hairstyle takes only about 6 minutes and does not need brushing during braiding. Make sure to brush your hair well before starting. While braiding, gently brush the strands to keep the braid smooth. If you find it hard to do alone, ask someone to help you keep the braid neat.
#26: Half Up Half Down French Braid
A half-up, half-down French braid looks tidy and easy to do. The highlight of this style is curling the ends for a beautiful finish. Joining both braids also helps keep the middle part neat and clean.
Apply an anti-frizz serum first to make your hair easier to manage and style. Before curling the ends, use a heat protectant to prevent damage. You can try the 7 in 1 hair anti-frizz serum by John Frieda. It works well, and you will notice the difference quickly.
French braids work best on long hair. They may not look as good on short hair.
#27: Big French Braids
These large French braids are very versatile. You can style them in an updo, wear them as a bridesmaid at a wedding, or just show them off during a night out.
This style of French braid works well for women with thick hair. If your hair is thin, you can add extensions to make it look fuller. This side braid is great if you want to keep your hair down but don’t want it falling into your face.
#28: Double French Braid Updo
This lovely pink double French braid looks stunning. The pink color stands out and the braids make your hair appear fuller.
These braids are a simple and playful style that works well for hair longer than chin length. With the right products, they can stay neat all day. Try using a soft-hold styling cream and a medium-hold hairspray.
This style works well if you need to keep your hair pulled back for work or just want a fun way to keep hair out of your face.
#29: Three French Braid Updo
Choose three basic French braids. This style protects your hair and is simple to maintain. At night, wrap your hair to keep it neat. You won’t need to do much daily. Use a bit of holding spray to manage flyaways and add some shine spray for a polished look.
#30: Simple Versatile French Braided Wrap
This hairstyle features easy, flexible French braids pulled into an updo. It looks tricky, but it’s actually simple to do! Wear it during the day with fun clips or a bandana. For the evening, loosen it up and add soft curls around your face for a relaxed look.
The great thing about this style is the texture the braids add. It looks beautiful from all sides.
This style works well for women with thick hair because the braids hold it in place. But it also suits any hair type. If you want your braids to look fuller, gently pull on them to add volume.
Apply a texturizing powder like Powder Play Lite to help your hair hold better. This works especially well if you have smooth, silky hair. Part your hair in a zig-zag pattern. This creates a relaxed, slightly messy look that suits this style perfectly.
#31: French Braided Topknot
The French braided topknot is a flexible hairstyle that suits all hair types. You can dress it up with pins to make any outfit look better, whether your hair is clean or from the day before. You can use either Dutch or French braids for this style. Tease the ponytail before wrapping it into a bun to add more volume and texture. For a front braid with a soft, piece-y look, spray Paul Mitchell Sugar Tease texture spray for grip, then add Paul Mitchell Sugar Dry Conditioner for shine and smoothness. This style works well for all ages and lifestyles. It is a quick and simple way to upgrade your look.
#32: Side French Braid with Hollywood Waves
This hairstyle combines a side French braid with soft Hollywood waves. Instead of adding a hair accessory, the braid becomes part of the look, giving it a bold and unique touch. It suits confident people who like loose, easygoing styles. This is a great choice for brides, bridesmaids, or anyone wanting to stand out at a special occasion.
#33: Half-Up French Braid Bun
This style is a trendy half-up French braid bun. It offers a stylish twist on regular updos. To get this look, first use beach spray to add texture. This makes braiding easier. Then, tease your hair to add volume. Use hairspray to keep the style in place without making it stiff. This look works on straight, curly, or wavy hair, but waves work best. The best part is how easy and flexible it is. You can try it on long or short hair. Your creativity is the only limit.
#34: Youthful French Braid Bun
This style features a fun, modern French braid. It works well for short or medium hair. You can adjust the top bun to fit any event and even add beachy waves. To get this look, the speaker suggests using Unite Texturing Hairspray and R+Co Glossing Wax on the braids.
#35: Urban Braids
This style shows off a Dutch braid, giving it a unique twist compared to a simple French braid. The blue color makes the braid stand out and adds extra depth. It is a tight braid, similar to a cornrow, and suits coarse or curly hair well. You need to pull the hair tightly to get this look. Using gel helps manage frizz and flyaways, making the braid look neat and defined. This hairstyle is perfect if you like detailed, urban braids with a bold touch.
#36: French Braid Mohawk
This hairstyle is a French braid Mohawk that mixes three braid styles. It creates a bold but elegant look that feels both daring and soft. People say it looks like “Avatar Feline Meets Bride-to-Be.” If you want to try this style, go for it! It’s easy to do and helps you stand out without much work.
#37: Double French Braid
Want to dance and sing all day long? Try this fun double French braid hairstyle. It keeps your purple hair neat and stylish while you enjoy the music!
#38: French Braid Undercut
This French braid undercut is perfect for girls with a bold personality. It’s simple to recreate by keeping the sides short and leaving the top hair longer. This look is stylish and makes a strong statement. Try this hairstyle when you want to go short and stand out.