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21 French Braid Hairstyles – All You Need to Know About French Braids

What is French Braid?

The basic French braid is done starting from the front portion of the head which extends till the nape of the neck. It is done by dividing the hair into three sections. The braid is started by gathering hair from the sides and adding to the main sections till it reaches the back of the head. There are many variations of the French braid too.

How to French Braid Your Hair?

To get a neat and classy French braid, simple steps must be followed:

  • brush the hair gently to remove all tangles and make it smooth and fine for braiding the hair.
  • depending on the type of braid, make sections in the hair. If a single braid is to be made, the hair must be brushed backwards. For side braids, the hair must be side parted.
  • as soon as the hair is ready, the sections must be made. The largest section must be made at the top centre of the head.
  • the section must be divided into three parts. The three sections of the hair must have an equal thickness and should not vary from other sections.
  • the French braid begins with the normal traditional braid. Holding two sections in one hand and the other section, on the other hand, traditional braid has to be made till few rows have completed.
  • afterwards, making the traditional braid, gather small sections of hair and keep adding them to the main braid. Keep doing this on both the sides of the head.
  • as the braid is running down, the free hair should have finished as all the hair is gathered in the braid.

•  after all the hair has been added, finish off the braid as the traditional braid at the end f the ponytail. Secure with a rubber band or ponytail holder.

How to Maintain French Braid?

French braid or any kind of hairstyle will only look good when maintained properly. For the hairstyle to look good for the greater amount of time, it is essential to follow certain steps.

  • while making the French braid, ensure that the hair strands are added properly and tightly so that there is no stray hair sticking out.
  • make sure the hair is well moisturized and hydrated. Dry hair is not only difficult for making the braid but also difficult to maintain. If possible gel your hair properly before making the French braid.
  • styling products and sprays can be used to set the hairstyle and keep it in place.

•  after the braid is done, make sure to add finishing touches so that there are no extra strands left behind.

French Braid Hairstyles

French braids are very much trendy and fashionable hairstyles they are easy to do and easier to carry. Among different hairstyles, it is always best to choose the hairstyle which is suitable for the hair texture and length. The hairstyle should be with the current trend and also must be quick enough so that not much time is needed.

The French braid is comparatively difficult to do than a simple braid. But there are many advantages of doing a French braid. It keeps the hair in place all over the head. They look neat and classy. They can also be made to look different based on the different outfits one has to carry. French braid hairstyles are more prominent in long hairs. However, it can be made to look good in shorter hairstyles too. For that, extra tricks and tweaks can do wonders.

French Braid for Long Thick Hair

For women who have long hair and it is thick in texture, this French braid can work wonders to achieve the basic party look. The French braid is made at one side of the hair. The braid is done taking thick sections of the hair and is teased at the braids. The thick braid is continued from the lower end of the head in the back and made into a pony at the other side. Rest of the hair is kept neatly combed. This kind of hairstyle is best for a strapless dress or any formal dress for the night event.

French Braid Hairstyles

Loose French Braid

The loose French braid is yet another variation of the French braid and yet looks elegant when paired with the right outfit. The front section of the hair is taken and made into a loose braid at the back of the head. Next, sections of hair have been taken from both sides of the head and added to the previous braid. The process has been repeated till the ends of the hair is reached. The ends are secured with a hair band. The entire hairstyle is kept neat and yet done so that the braids are loose. The texture of the hair is fine and the hair length is long.

French Braid Hairstyles

Unique French Braid

The French braid can be done in fine and thin hair also. It is such a unique hairstyle that it suits any hair texture and length as well. Here, the classic French braid style is followed and a neat braid is done. Continuing from the crown of the head, the braid is done till the hair ends. The hair length is medium and hair texture is very fine. This unique hairstyle can be sported with any casual wear or semi-formal outfit as well.

French Braid Hairstyles

Double French Braids

The double French braid is a very neat style which creates a classy and chic look. The hair must be well prepared and gelled carefully for this style. The hair is parted in two parts. The French braids are done tightly in both the sides. On each side, the braid is secured at the lower end of the head. Rest of the hair is left open. A cool and casual outfit is best suited for this hairstyle. The double French braids must be made so that not even a single strand of hair is out of place.

French Braid Hairstyles

Boho Twist on French Braid

The Boho twist on French braid looks complicated but is a super easy style to carry and create. For a Boho look and matching outfit, this style is the best variation of French braids. Unlike the classic French braid, the braid is started at the back of the head. The top portion of the head is kept upbraided and open. For the classic Boho look, few thin strands of French braids have been made and added to the main braid from the sides of the hair. The entire hairstyle is kept casual and is loosely done. With this kind of hairstyle, hair jewellery would suit best.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid for Long Hair

Longer hairs are always best for making French braids. In this hairstyle, the entire length of hair is not taken. Instead, taking thin strands of hair from one end, a medium thin French braid is done and continued towards the lower portion of the head on the other side. The haircut is simple with choppy ends. The hair is moderately teased to create a semi-casual look. However, the French braid is done neatly with the strands of the hair left open. With this hairstyle, semi-formal outfits will go well.

French Braid Hairstyles

Waterfall French Braid

The waterfall French braids always look elegant and add grace and charm to the entire updo. The hair is long and extends below the shoulders. The French braid is done across the head. The loose hanging strands of hair have been left open and made into elegant curls. The top portion of the head above the braid is kept straight and casual. This hairstyle is best to be paired with an elegant dress or a formal wear for a gala evening. Heavy jewellery and bold makeup would suit this style.

French Braid Hairstyles

Romantic French Braid

The romantic French braid is very simple to do and also looks perfect for any kind of outfit. The hair is neatly combed and gelled. The classic style French braid is done beginning from the top of the head and ending at the nape. The hairs have been neatly gathered from all the sides of the head as the braid continues. The braid must be done carefully so as not a single strand of hair is out of place. A no-wlook and minimal makeup is perfect for this hairstyle. The hair is kept simple and casual.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid Updo

The French braid updo is a fresh version of the French braid. The French braid is done by taking small sections from the top of the head and continued to the other side. Rest of the hair is gathered at the top of the head. The ends of the French braid at the top is merged with the casual bun. This French braid updo is suitable for a beach look. This braid is advantageous as it keeps the hair strands away from the face and also easy to carry. A nice pair of shades and classic beach suit would sit well with the hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Inverted French Braid

The inverted French braid is a classic look for almost any kind of outfit and style. Casually parted in the middle, the hair is divided into two sections. In each of the sections, the French braid is done from the front portion of the head. Both the braids are continued till the lower portion of the head to achieve an inverted look. Rest of the hair at the end of the pony is left open. The hair is casually maintained all over. The braids are done carefully and neatly. Casual outfits are best for pairing with the inverted French braid.

French Braid Hairstyles

Boxer French Braid

The boxer French braid is suitable for straight sleek hair. The hair must be gelled carefully. The longer hair length makes the hairstyle more chic and classy. The braid is done on one side of the head. The hair is neatly parted in the middle. Taking small sections of hair, the braid is made at the top of the head. A neat braid is made by pulling the hair strands. This kind of boxer braid creates a very cool and classy look. It can be best paired with the black dress and some chunky jewellery.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid Faux Hawk

The French braid faux hawk creates a rocking chic look. It will look good with any bold casual outfit and a denim jacket. For the ultimate bold look, the faux hawk hairstyle is the best. The entire hairstyle is divided into three sections. The first section is a bit puffed up and twisted. Rest of the hair is left behind flowing at the back. Hair from both the sides is made into French ponytails and secured safely at the tips. The hair at the top centre of the head is twisted so that it creates the rocker look. The hair length is long and the texture of the hair is fine.

French Braid Hairstyles

Chunky French Braid

The chunky French braid is something which is a unique version of the French braid. This is the classic as well as the casual version of the French braid. The braid is done like a classic French braid from the top of the head and continued till the end. The ponytail is thinner at the top and it gets thicker as it progresses down the head. The hair strands are gathered as the ponytail progresses down. The hair length is long and fine. A casual outfit is best for carrying this hairstyle. A no-makeup look and minimal jewellery are perfect for the hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Cute French Braid

French braids can be carried out in many ways. Apart from the usual casual look, French braid can be made to look elegant also. The front section of the hair starting from the crown is made into a loose French braid and secured at the back of the head. The hair length is medium and till the shoulders. The thin sections of the hair are made in braids at both sides of the head. The braid ends are merged under the main braid at the west of the head. The hair texture is fine and smooth which makes the hairstyle elegant and it can be carried with a bold dress and chunky jewellery.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid Pompadour

The French braid pompadour is a great way to style the hair in a casual and cool way. The loose yet neat French braid is done at the top of the head. The braid is loosely done by taking only the front section of the hair. Rest of the hair from the sides is gathered at the back of the head. Apart from the neat braid at the top, the remaining hair is piled up at the back of the head. The braid is done so that no hair strand is left t stray at the face. A neat and dewy makeup is best for this hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Side French Braid

The side French braid looks good on long as well as the short length of hair. The hair is side parted and divided. The hair texture is thick so that the hairstyle looks more prominent. The neat French braid is only done on one side of the head and extended in the back. Few stray strands are also teased and left open at the front. The braid is only made at the side of the head. The neat braids are done so that a touch of elegance is added. An elegant outfit and bold makeup are well suited for this hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Loose French Braid into Bun

French braid can be made into the elegant bun by adding some simple twists and turns in it. The hair length must belong to achieve this hairstyle. An elegant and casual braid is done on one side of the head. The braid is done so that the hair is teased to add volume to the hair. Few strands are left open at the front of the forehead. The messy French braid is maintained till the tips. The rest of the hair from the lower end of the head is made into a messy bun at one side of the head. The entire hairstyle is made messy to create an elegant look in the hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Fishtail French Braid

Fishtail is yet another variation of the French braid. The classic French braid is done tightly from the front till the nape of the neck. As the braid progresses and gets thicker, it is secured at the end with the rubber band. The length of the hair must be long and the hair texture is slightly course to suit the hairstyle. This makes the hairstyle secure and keeps the strands at the place. The look can be best done with any casual outfit or a semi-formal one. No jewellery and makeup are needed for this look.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid Pigtails

Pigtails in French braids can be made to look classy if done properly. The hair texture is very fine and smooth. The hair is neatly divided into two sections. At both the sides, neat French braids are made till the tips of the hair strands. Thick braids are done so that the hair looks voluminous. The French braid pigtails are done at both the sides of the head. This look can be best carried with the semi-casual outfit and some chunky jewellery. Bold makeup would look best with the hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

Half Up French Braid

The half up French braid is one unique hairstyle which suits women of almost all ages. Very long length of hair is preferred for this hairstyle to make it more prominent. Taking sections of hair from the front and sides, a neat French braid is done. The hair from the sides is incorporated only a few of the portions of the head on the back side. The front portion is made into a braid and secured properly at the back. Rest of the hair on the back side is left open. The half up French braid can be easily paired with some classically styled outfit.

French Braid Hairstyles

French Braid for Short Hair

The French braid style can also be varied to look good in a shorter length of hair. The length of the hair is short. The hair strands at the front, however, is kept longer to make the braid. The braid is done in a classic way starting from the front and extending till the back of the head. The strands are neatly pulled into the braid so that the prominent braid is created at the back of the head. The hairstyle is best to be carried without makeup and no jewellery with any casual outfit. The texture of the hair is also fine to suit the hairstyle.

French Braid Hairstyles

You can choose any from these French braid hairstyles according to your face and dress to attract the eyes of the gathering and rock the party.