Plaited Hair Ideas for All Occasions: 57 Looks to Inspire You

Also known as a braid, plaited hair is achieved when you weave or twist strands of hair together to create your chosen hairstyle for example, a French braid or cute Dutch braid. The reason why plaited hairstyles are so popular is due to the fact they’re both practical and stylish, offering every hair type and length styling versatility.

Most plaits are pretty enough to fit almost any occasion or season and they can vary from simple to statement-making. Not to mention, they are perfect for keeping your hair neat and away from your face. Win-win, right?

Whether your hair is long, short or medium length, scroll on to discover the 66 braided hairstyles that we’ve rounded up so you can experiment with them for any occasion. There’s bound to be a hairstyle you’ll fall in love with!

Bow Braid

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Have you really reached your full Pinterest hair potential until you’ve tried this bow braid?

Braided Ponytail

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What do you get when you combine two of our top go-to hairstyles together? Braided ponytails, of course.

Braided Top Knot

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Looking for a way to make your trusty top knot hairstyle more interesting? Simply wrap a braid around the base of your bun and you’re good to go. Feel free to add a hair accessory or two.

Cornrows

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Practical and timeless, cornrows are one of the most versatile braiding styles around. Wear them straight back as they are, or braid them into a single long plait. Braids can make your hair weaker, so restore it with a fortifying product like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Masque.

Corset Braid

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Try out the Instagram-approved corset braid trend for summer or a fun, festival-inspired plaited hairdo.

Rope Braids

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The rope braid is arguably one of the easiest (and chicest) plait styles to try. And what’s better than one rope braid? Two rope twisted pigtails, of course.

Boxer Braids

Credit: Rupert Laycock

Great for all different hair types and lengths, the versatility of boxer braids has made them a solid celeb favourite. To avoid any post-braid frizz, combine your favourite shampoo with TRESemmé Silky & Smooth Conditioner, for silky soft strands.

Fishtail Braids

Credit: Rupert Laycock

Switch it up for every day by trading your regular 3-strand braid for a 2-strand fishtail instead.

Braided Bun

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Channel your inner prima ballerina (even if you’re just in the office), with this elegant braided bun.

Editor’s tip: Give your look the extra oomph with TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse.

Braided Crown Updo

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Pair a romantic crown braid with a statement slide and let your hair do all the talking.

Side Dutch Braid

Credit: All Things Hair

Keep it simple but stylish all year round with a loose side Dutch braid.

Braided Updo

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Plaited hair is suited to anything from bridal parties to proms. For those occasions where only an updo will do this braided updo is the perfect look to try.

Celtic Knot Braid

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Bored of your normal braids and fancy a challenge? You can give your strands the wow factor with an intricate-looking Celtic knot braid.

Coloured Braids

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Plaited hair is gorgeous! This fishtail braid and pastel hues are a match made in hair heaven.

Crisscross Braid

Credit: All Things Hair

These X-shaped crisscross braids make a fun change from regular boxer braids.

Crown Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This charming crown braid is just what you need for your summer socials. Leave some strands loose around your face for a lived-in look.

Crown Twist Braid

Credit: Dvora

Feel like an angel for a day with this twisted halo updo. Great if you’re not the most confident hair plaiter, the twisted method is easier than a classic crown braid.

Heart Braid

Credit: Rupert Laycock

We say love is in the hair, and with this heart braid, that’s most definitely the case.

Dookie Braids

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Love box braids but want to make more of a statement? Go supersized with these festival-perfect dookie braids and prepare to cause some major hair envy.

Double Braid Bun

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

From the upside-down Dutch braids to the retro space buns, this look is calling out to be worn to your next party.

Double Dutch Braid

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The perfect all-seasons hairstyle, sometimes all you need is double Dutch braids.

Double Halo Braid

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For those times when one halo braid just isn’t enough, double up and look fabulous.

Dutch Braid

Credit: Rupert Laycock

Created by weaving the hair under rather than over, once you know how to Dutch braid you’ll be able to create all sorts of looks.

Editor’s tip:  Before braiding, you can add texture and hold to your hair with a volumising dry shampoo. This is a styling essential for our fave second-day hairstyles!

Dutch Braid Bun

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Add an extra wow factor to plaited hair in a low bun with Dutch braid accents.

Dutch Braid Crown

Credit: All Things Hair

If you have flat or fine hair, give added body to limp locks by using the Dutch braid method to create the volumized updo of your dreams.

Easy French Braid

Wearing a French braid is basically in our hairstyle rulebook. Credit: Rupert Laycock

There’s something about a classic French braid that just never fails to impress, this is definitely a firm favourite plaited hair look at All Things Hair HQ!

Faux Hawk Braid

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After a look that’s equal parts glam and edgy? This fluffed-up faux hawk braid is giving us all the rock chick vibes.

Fishtail Ponytail

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Tired of wearing your hair in the same old basic ponytail? Add some plaited hair game levels and upgrade your look with this fishtail braided version.

Fishtail Braid Updo

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Pair this relaxed braided updo with your favourite sunnies for the ultimate weekend style.

Fishtail Bun

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This sleek fishtail bun is a convenient way of keeping your hair out of your face for work or the gym.

Editor’s tip: Keep flyaways in check while you’re on the go with the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray . Stash this in your handbag or desk to boost shine and polish your look.

Fishtail Crown Braid

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Add a bohemian feel with a Coachella-inspired hairstyle that even Vanessa Hudgens would be jealous of.

Fishtail French Braid

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Like to mix and match your plaited hair styles? Show off your braiding skills with this 2-in-1 French fishtail hybrid.

Fishtail Halo Braid

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Updos don’t just have to be for special occasions. Keep the look laid-back with this messy fishtail halo braid.

Flower Braid

Credit: All Things Hair

What could be more spring/summer-appropriate than a flower braid?

Four Strand Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

What’s better than a three-strand braid? Four-strand braid, of course.

French Braid Bun

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This French braided bun will be able to handle whatever your day throws at it and still look fab.

French Braid Updo

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French braid updos are a great option for shorter hair as the ends are tucked up rather than being tied into a bun.

Greek Braid

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Make the most of long locks with this textured, Grecian-inspired braid.

Half-Up, Half-Down Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

If flat roots are a problem for you, the half-up-half-down braid is the answer for instantly fuller-looking strands.

Inverted Fishtail Braid

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AKA a Dutch fishtail braid because as you weave your fishtail you bring the hair under instead of over. This will create the inverted finish that characterises an inverted fishtail braid.

Box Braids

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

When it comes to the best protective styles for natural hair, box braids just can’t be beaten.

Inverted French Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

The key to getting this inverted French braid is to weave your strands under instead of over, just like you would for a Dutch braid.

Marley Braids

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This celebrity-loved Marley braids hairstyle may take some time to create but when the results are this beautiful, it’s totally worth it.

Mermaid Braid

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This intricately woven mermaid braid will make such a style statement, we think it’s best reserved for a special occasion.

Messy Bun with Braid

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Sometimes the occasion calls for a messy bun, but to make you look more put together, try adding a side braid.

Messy Fishtail Braid

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Fishtail braids are a great alternative to traditional plaits. Try this messy version for a cool boho vibe that’s perfect for the beach.

Micro Braids

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Micro braids are a popular choice when looking for black hairstyles. Not only are they super cute, but they’re also versatile too!

Milkmaid Braid

Credit: Rupert Laycock

From festivals to brunch with the girls, a milkmaid braid is the sweetest style that all your friends will love.

Pull Through Braid

Credit: All Things Hair

Trick everyone into believing you’ve created the perfect braid with this clever pull-through braid hair hack.

Side Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Make a style statement at your next HIIT class with this side braid. By starting the braid higher up you’ll prevent any loose strands from falling.

Snake Braid

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This unique snake braid can be worn to jazz up a simple style and gives plaited hair some extra dimension.

Two French Braids

Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Have double the fun with a two French braids hairstyle. Sprinkle glitter down your roots for the perfect festival look.

Unicorn Braid

Credit: All Things Hair

Have you always wanted to rock hair like a mythical creature? Then this unicorn braid is the perfect look.

Box Braids with Colour

Credit: Shaquille Dunbar

The best thing about having box braids is that you can change up your hue as often as you please.

Upside Down Braid

Credit: Instagram.com/annalovesbraids

This upside-down braided bun is far from boring. Wear yours for days when you want to show off your braiding skills.

Waterfall Braid

Credit: Instagram.com/braidsnfashion

This waterfall braid is screaming wedding hair to us. From bride to bridal party, it’s the romantic look that everyone will love.

Box Braids with Shaved Sides

Credit: Shaquille Dunbar

After a more daring plaited hair style? Spice up classic box braids with shaved sides for extra edginess.