Braided hairstyles are masterpieces. They’re fun, functional and show off your creative flair, whether you’re plaiting them for yourself or styling for someone else. And with so many ways to braid – from fishtails to waterfalls to flawless French plaits – we’re endlessly inspired by the raft of intricate looks that stylists are coming up with.
So, let’s check out 17 of the coolest braid hairstyles of 2021. The braid brigade is coming through – now grab some pins and join the club.
THE FISHTAIL BRAID
Image Credit: @beyondhairbyhayley Opens in a new tab
This festival-inspired fishtail was virtually made for Coachella. Start with clean, just-washed hair for the look, and you’ll be nailing that beachy, airy, lightweight texture. We love INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo Opens in a new tab for locks that feel light and easy to manage. Then, tap the tutorial below to watch a fishtail braid in action. You’ll be mesmerized – trust us.
WATCH: The Wella Professionals Fishtail Braid Tutorial Opens in a new tab
The Diamond Braid
Image Credit: @janina_ehrenberg_friseure Opens in a new tab
Have you seen a more intricate braid? It’s actually easier than it looks and, combined with a smooth blow-dry, can give your clients the most romantic bridal look Opens in a new tab. What you’re creating is a smaller take on an infinity braid, focused in one dainty, diamond-shaped section at the back of the head. However, that smooth blowdry isn’t always the best canvas for braiding hair; you need plenty of grip. So, if locks are too silky, try misting the pieces you’re plaiting with EIMI Ocean Spritz Opens in a new tab for texture.
WATCH: The Wella Professionals Diamond Braid Tutorial Opens in a new tab
THE BUBBLE BRAID
Image Credit: @michaelgrayhair Opens in a new tab
When you hear ‘braid’, you probably think of twisting, weaving and plaiting locks. However, a bubble braid simply requires a stack of elastic bands and some gentle teasing. Tie locks in a ponytail Opens in a new tab first, then add bands throughout the length so that they’re evenly spaced. As you secure each one, tug the sides of tied sections to create a ‘bubble’ effect. We love teaming this style with a wet-look finish Opens in a new tab through the roots for a sleek effect. Try combing the EIMI Just Brilliant Opens in a new tab shine pomade through the crown before you create the base pony.
The Plaited Ponytail
Image Credit: @jhair_stylist Opens in a new tab
Check out this plaited ponytail. As slick and sleek as can be, the style features wet-look shine through the crown, a high pony, and a chunky braid that trails right down to the waist. When creating a plait as shiny as this, try layering in plenty of EIMI Shape Me Opens in a new tab to prep. It’s an ultra-flexible, ‘memorizing’ hair gel Opens in a new tab that’s perfect for glossing up longer locks.
The Braided Bun
Image Credit: @valonzhaircutters Opens in a new tab
This bun is nothing like your go-to topknot. As chic as a chignon and as fun as a French plait, it sees braided lengths wrapped around the base of a ponytail, then veiled in glossy shine. Twist the ponytail tight or go for a loose loop, before finishing with EIMI Oil Spritz Opens in a new tab. If you’re going ultra-glam, you can then adorn the ‘do with gold accessories.
The Dutch Braid
Image Credit: @hair_by_vanya Opens in a new tab
A Dutch braid is a little like a classic French braid, in that you gradually add strands in as you braid. The big difference? Instead of crossing the hair over, you pass it from side to side underneath.
That’s the foundation of this pretty half-up style, which segues into an inside-out braid through the mid-lengths, before being held in place with a clear elastic. A look this glossy means the ends of hair need to be in tip-top condition, so mist EIMI Oil Spritz through tips to achieve major shine.
The Double Dutch Braid
Image Credit: @xobeautybynicole Opens in a new tab
Why have one Dutch braid when you can have two? This bumper style is brimming with body, so the plaits look lusciously full and healthy with every twist and turn. Get that volume in early by washing with the INVIGO Volume collection Opens in a new tab, then blowdrying with EIMI Boost Bounce Opens in a new tab mousse layered into locks. Once hair is dry, you can kick off that braid.
The Box Braid
Image Credit: @intercoiffure.silviarausch Opens in a new tab
The best box braids begin with clean, combed hair and a whole lot of gel. Don’t be stingy here – use a generous squeeze of EIMI Sculpt Force Opens in a new tab sculpting gel. Smooth it from root to tip after sectioning your hair but before crafting your braids. Then, when you’ve finished, use the gel and your fingertips to smooth down any pesky flyaways.
The Pastel Braid
Image Credit: @wellanordic Opens in a new tab
This is the definition of mermaid hair. If you’re a fan of pastel Opens in a new tab tones, adding an undone braid to your multi-colored mane will help hues shine on a whole other level. If you’re a colorist, try creating the look with a selection of semi-permanent Opens in a new tab hues from the Color Fresh CREATE Opens in a new tab collection. Mix them with Tomorrow Clear to pastelize for a flawlessly faded effect.
The Mini Fishtail Braid
Image Credit: @boudoirhairalbury Opens in a new tab
Your fishtail braid gets a festival hair Opens in a new tab upgrade with this half-up, one-sided ‘do. We love how Lia at Boudoir Opens in a new tab has tucked the tip underneath a veil of long mermaid waves. A plait this intricate needs some grip and support to stay in place, so layer EIMI Dry Me Opens in a new tab into the roots before styling, then finish the lengths and ends with EIMI Glam Mist Opens in a new tab to give a healthy-looking gloss.
The Tapestry Braid
Image Credit: @kai_sohn Opens in a new tab
Far from your traditional plait, the tapestry braid sees hair cross-hatched together through the crown, à la Kai Sohn’s Opens in a new tab ultra-mesmerizing look. We love how he’s finished the ‘do with a nape-hugging ponytail and plenty of shine. A light dab of EIMI Just Brilliant pomade on the surface of hair will achieve the same level of luminosity.
The Crown Braid
Image Credit: @hairby_heathercap Opens in a new tab
Is there anything more romantic than a crown braid? We think not, and Heather Day Opens in a new tab Caprioli’s delicate creation demonstrates why. This look is ideal for days and nights when the air is a little humid, because it defies the weather. Smooth a couple of pumps o EIMI Stay firm through the hair before braiding, pull a few tendrils free, then mist with EIMI Super Set finishing hairspray to hold the style in place.
WATCH: The Wella Professionals Crown Braid Tutorial Opens in a new tab
The Twisted Braid
Image Credit: @david_bkc Opens in a new tab
Do braids last longer than twists? Usually, yes, because they’re weaved a little tighter, but David’s combo of loose plaits and twists have plenty of staying power. Bands are staggered throughout the style to lend structure and hold, but Use EIMI Stay Firm to keep your look extra weather-proof.
The Half-Up Braid
Image Credit: @naomipaintshair Opens in a new tab
There’s something a little bit 90s about this low-key, loosely-braided look. It’s one part ‘girl next door’ and one part ‘look at how epic my balayage Opens in a new tab is’. The dreamiest style for anyone who wants to show off multi-tonal blonde highlights Opens in a new tab, it should be plaited tight at first, then gently loosened with a few tugs at the sides. Work EIMI Cocktail Me Opens in a new tab and EIMI Extra Volume Opens in a new tab Hair mousse through wet hair and blowdry before braiding for longer lasting volume and shine.
The Inside Out Braid
Image Credit: @tpla_hairart Opens in a new tab
Technically, an inside out braid (or reverse braid) is the same as a Dutch braid, as it sees the plait stick out and sit on top of the head, instead of weaving inwards. We love this high-shine, ice blonde Opens in a new tab take from the experts at TPLA Opens in a new tab, but it’s a look that relies on volume, so make sure you build body by drying EIMI Root Shoot Opens in a new tab into damp roots and lengths.
The Rainbow Braid
Image Credit: @mr.mishwu Opens in a new tab
Rainbow hair is trending for spring/summer 21, and what cooler way to show off the full spectrum of bold, bright shades created with Color Fresh CREATE than with a combo of braids? Not only does this half-up style give you a peek at the hidden hues in the lower layers, but it also shows off Wella Hairstylist and Trainer Mihai Badin’s Opens in a new tab insane braiding skills.
The DNA Braid
Image Credit: @joanneoneill15
Creating a DNA braid is so much easier than it looks, so don’t fear if you’re a hairstylist whose client shows you a reference that looks like Joanne O’Neill’s masterpiece. You can read how to get the look in our round-up of the hottest summer hairstyles – because what could be more beach-perfect than head-turning braids that stay this secure?
