Braids are the universal tools of the hair world that can handle every occasion, from the classic French braid you wear grocery shopping or to the farmers' market to the dressy Dutch braid chignon you don at the co*cktail party. They add interest to the simple ponytail and take the messy bun up another level with a few simple twists. There's no shortage of stunning braid hairstyles, for long and short hair alike, that will make your life a lot more stylish with just a little more effort. Add a quick and simple side braid, put some oomph in your regular updo, or go all in with an impressive fishtail or reverse topknot. Curly or straight hair, we’ve got you covered. We're swooning over all of the side-swept waterfall braids, fishtail half-up braids, rope braid ponytails, and braid crowns—and trust us, these looks aren't nearly as time-consuming as they sound. If you’re unfamiliar with them, directions and video tutorials will help you nail these put-together looks for whatever is on the day’s agenda. Keep everyone on their toes by switching between these gorgeous braid hairstyles all year long, and you'll never go back to your basic messy bun again.
Heart Half-Up Braid
This half-up braid feels both romantic and feminine for ladies who have a penchant for pastels. Finish off a simple co*cktail or formal dress with this intricate detail. Get the tutorial here at Amber Fillerup Clark.
Easy Side Braid for Curly Hair
When you want something easy to add to your natural ringlets, a faux undercut side braid is a no-brainer. It lets you play up the volume on the other side. Get the tutorial here from Brit + Co.
Half-Up Fishtail Braid
Let your side braid have the night off with this half-up look finished with a fishtail braid. It'll be great for a formal event with a loose curl and some texturizing spray. Get the tutorial here at Lulus.
Double Dutch Braid Bun
What do you do when you need to pull together a look, but you don't have time? This. You do this. Get the tutorial here from Amber Fillerup Clark for Lauren Conrad.
Pull-Through Braid Ponytail
You don't need super long hair to pull off this look—just below the shoulder works well, which means this might be the perfect braid updo for your growing-out lob! Get the tutorial here from Kassinka.
Topsy Tail Fishtail Braid
The trick to getting this finished look is gently tugging on the sides of the fishtail braid to make it look fuller and wider. The base of the braid starts with an inverted ponytail to make it different from your usual style. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Dutch Crown Braid
We love the playful feel of a crown braid, and this Dutch crown braid results in an even bolder look. It’s perfect for summer days or a night out. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Waterfall Flower Braid
This pretty flower bun is the perfect detail to top off a romantic waterfall braid and only takes a few extra seconds. Just wrap the ends into a spiral and secure the bun. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Reverse Braided Topknot
An upside-down braid gives a charming accent to a simple topknot. Though it's a little harder to master, it sure comes in handy on days when you need to pull something polished together quickly! Get the tutorial here from Lulus.
Rope Braid Ponytail
This look is perfect for your just-washed, (sometimes) late-to-work hair that needs some quick styling. A rope braid ponytail only takes a few extra seconds, but it looks quite impressive. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.
Braided Low Crown
There's no better way to dress up your natural beachy waves—if you've been so blessed!—than with this low crown braid. You can throw some texturizing spray in there for extra hold. Get the tutorial here at Lulus.
Triple Dutch Braid Bun
You finally have an updo that'll last all day and night—and that works great for curly hair and straight hair alike! Three Dutch braids are tightly woven all the way down, then wrapped together. Get the tutorial here at DevaCurl.
Center Braid Ponytail
This absolutely chic style can be worn with a low ponytail for Saturday night and a smooth, low bun for Sunday brunch. A relaxed curl makes the perfect base for both looks. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.
Fishtail Braid-Wrapped Topknot
When in doubt, a topknot is the way to go. Great for second-day hair, this braid-wrapped bun looks anything but boring. Get a similar tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Braided Low Ponytail
This casual ponytail is quick to pull together on a laidback weekend day or busy weekday morning. Tease the back of the crown and the base of the ponytail for some volume. Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance.
Dutch Fishtail Mohawk Braid
The best part about this fishtail mohawk braid is that it can be worn with your hair down, pulled up in a ponytail, or tucked into a topknot. It adds an edgy touch. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Corset French Braid
This style offers curly girls a fun and fabulous braid to wear for any occasion. It involves French braiding both sides over a pulled-back secured low ponytail, then wrapping it under and securing it for the finished cinched look. Get the tutorial here at Seventeen.
Detailed Braid
Update any braid of your choosing with some ribbon or string, using this method that lets you literally weave fabric into your braid. Thin, metallic twine would create such an ethereal look for summer. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.
Dutch Faux-Hawk
This throwback to the '90s knotted faux-hawk gets an elegant twist with a Dutch braid. This look starts with knots at the base, and only the crown is braided. Get the tutorial here at Refinery29.
Side Braid for Short Hair
Short hair might not give you quite as many options when it comes to braiding, but this simple side braid offers a great deal of style. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.
Headband Braid
It's easy to accentuate voluminous curls or jazz up short hair with a quick headband braid, keeping your hair out of your face and your look oh-so-stylish. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Curly Hair Crown Braid
Curly hair can be finicky to braid, but this easy crown braid tutorial is made specifically for the curly girls who want to pull their wet hair or second-day hair into an easy updo. Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance.
Side-Swept Waterfall Braid
We can't think of a better way to wear our hair for a summer wedding or holiday co*cktail party than this elegant side-swept waterfall braid. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.
Long Braided Ponytail
This sleek, long braid with curly ends can be sophisticated or fun. The effortless style adds a touch of class to a day out or any special event. Get styling inspiration from Fresh Lengths.
Half-Up Double Dutch Braids
These may be the braids of your youth, but they add fun and style to a day of running errands. No more boring hair with this effortless look. Get the tutorial here from Sarah Potempa.
Fishtail Halo
Save this braid for times when you really want to impress. This fishtail crown can be pinned back in a half-up style or as an updo. The remaining hair is full of loose curls. Get a similar tutorial here from Missy Sue.
French Braid Bun
Tie a scarf into your hair at the crown to create this fun French braid. Weave the scarf into your braid as you go, and finish by wrapping the scarf around the loose ends into a bun. Get the tutorial here from Kristen Ess.
Triple Braid Bun
This messy bun isn’t so messy. The stylish triple braids in the back are simple enough to let you get out of the house quickly. Get a similar tutorial here from Missy Sue.
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