18 Hottest French Braid Hairstyles For 2023
What can we say? French braids do it better.
We’re braiding enthusiasts here at All Things Hair: We love everything from complicated five-strand weaves to fishtail braids to easy-peasy French braid hairstyles. Actually, most days, you’d probably see at least one of us with our hair tucked back into charming French braids, a.k.a. the ’90s throwback of the year.
We’re obsessed with French braid hairstyles because they are chic and quick to achieve. We have a no-fail French braid tutorial we use daily. If you are a braid lover yourself, check out our favorite casual French braid hairstyles below, as they’re a great jumping-off point for the more complicated looks you’ve probably seen on the streets.
Easy French Braid Hairstyles to Try in 2023
Read on to see our top French braid hairstyles:
1. Messy French Braid
This is our baby steps iteration of French braid styles. If you need it, we have a step-by-step tutorial showing you how. We love this messy version because mistakes are welcome! They add more texture and amplify that tousled finish. For French braids styles like this, we recommend prepping hair out of the shower with Nexxus Styling Mousse Plus. It can help give more volume to the crown of your head and help hold your braided style.
2. Chic French Braid Ponytail
This ponytail is the one, right? It’s so simple but so elegant. Get this look by braiding your hair like normal, starting from your hairline and working back. When you reach the crown of your head, stop adding more hair to the braid. Instead, finish the rest of the way down like a normal three-strand braid. When the braid is complete, tie all of your hair, braid included, into a low ponytail. Bonus points for covering your hair tie with a small section of hair.
3. The Tucked French Braid
Did you know that when you do a standard French braid, there is a little gap created between the braid and your scalp? This little gap is what makes it possible to tuck the braid inwards. This technique works best on shorter hair, with less tuck-up. Just plait hair as per usual to the ends. Then, fold the little tail of your braid up and into that gap. Pin it into place, and you just give yourself an updo in five minutes.
4. French-Braided Half Updo
For a simple beachy style, try this French braided half updo. It lets your long hair loose and keeps your hair out of your face. To get that wind-swept vibe, start off by scrunching in TRESemmé One Step Wave for Wavy Hair. Then, just French-braid downwards, transitioning into a three-strand braid below the crown of your head. Tug the links of your braid apart to loosen it up (a.k.a. “pancaking”) to create a wider and fuller look.
5. French-Braided Box Braids
If you’re rocking box braids, you’ve got to try adding French plaits. We adore this half-up braided crown. To get the look, start off this style as a normal French braid crown, and once you’ve passed your forehead, stop adding more sections into the braid and switch to a three-strand braid till you reach the back of your head. To complete it, just secure it with hairpins if needed.
6. Pierced Upside-Down French Braid
TRESemmé
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum
Who says you can’t pierce your hair? We’re a little obsessed with this too-cool-for-school look. Hair piercings are just little earring hoops looped through a braid, so they’re held in place and are a look gaining ground around the festival circuit. We love how sleek this whole style looks, so to get the same effect, start by blow-drying your hair straight. You can prep your hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum for even smoother, softer hair. Then follow this tutorial for creating an upside-down braid, adding in the piercings as you go!
7. Dueling Half-Up French Braid
Want a double-trouble hairstyle? Check out how cool the effect is when you pair up French braids parallel to each other. This style starts off like you are creating French braid pigtails, a huge look on celebs, social media, and other style stars. When you get to your ears, stop adding in hair and just braid all the way down. Copy on the other side to recreate this awesome look.
8. Extra-Voluminous French Braid
Want to add volume to your braid instantly? Make it a Dutch braid! This hairstyle is similar to a French braid, but instead of braiding overhand, you’ll braid under. Finish this style with a good dose of hairspray, as it helps keep your braid in place but without the stiff feeling.
9. Double French Braids
Double up on French braid hairstyles and wear your hair in braided pigtails with a slightly off-center part. Use a light touch of hair gel to smooth out and style your edges and confidently rock these braids.
10. French Braid Bun
This braided bun is an elegant twist on a classic French braid hairstyle. Start by sectioning your hair off into a deep side part and braiding it until you reach the back of your head and the nape of your neck. Then twist your hair into a bun and secure it with a hair tie and bobby pins!
11. Meeting in the Middle
This braided hairstyle gives effortless elegance to your natural hair, with the extra touch given by the braids meeting in the middle. Wear it all day or use it as an easy but stunning look for parties and events.
12. French Braid Low Bun
Maybe a bit elaborate to recreate, but this French braid low bun is worth it! This look is ideal if you want to look put together and glamorous no matter what. It’s also a great choice if your workplace requires you to have your hair tied. And to keep your strands tamed and glowing, use a hair spray like TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray, which lasts up to 24 hours.
13. Space Buns + French Braids
You know how much we love space buns here at AllThingsHair, and if they’re paired with French braids, it’s no exception. This cute hairstyle is a bit cyberpunk, a bit Parisian chic, to give you the best of both worlds when styling your hair.
14. Keep Them Tight
Keep your hair in place with these tight French braids. You can achieve them by making the hair sections you tie smaller. Loosen up the look by leaving some free strands around your face. Super flattering and super easy.
15. French Braids and Ponytails
Calling all long-haired babes. This hairstyle is super cute and versatile, ideal for keeping your hair in place while making you look like a Celtic princess. Give it an extra touch with colorful or silky headbands.
16. Colored Braids
French braids extensions are your allies if you love a touch of color in your hair. You can find them in many shades, from the classics like blonde and brunette to more daring colors like hot pink, green, and more! They’re easy to apply and let you experiment with braids without committing to the look.
17. Ombré French Braids
Ombré is always a good idea. Give your hairdo a nice gradient by styling your hair’s darker and lighter shades in a stylish French braid for any occasion.
18. Milkmaid Braids
Wear your braids like a crown with this stylish updo. This is ideal for second-day hair if you still want to make them look gorgeous. Moreover, you’ll also get some lovely waves once you let your hair loose.
We hope we’ve brought you enough French braid inspiration for you to try at home!
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