11 Easy Braided Hairstyles You Can Master in Ten Minutes

Braids have a reputation for being complicated, but most of the prettiest styles are built from the same three-strand move you learned as a kid. Add a little texture, a clever pin or two, and a few minutes of practice, and you have a hairstyle that looks intentional from the office to a Friday night dinner.

We asked stylists in Austin, Nashville, and Seattle for their go-to quick braids. Here are the eleven that came up again and again.

The Everyday Classics

• Twin low braids. Part down the middle, braid each side loosely, and tie off with clear elastics. Tug the edges gently for a softer look.
• The side fishtail. Sweep everything over one shoulder and alternate thin pieces from each side. It looks intricate but is very forgiving.
• Half-up crown braid. Braid two small sections from your temples and pin them together at the back.
• Braided ponytail. Make a high pony, then braid the tail. Wrap a thin strand around the base to hide the elastic.

Styles That Look Fancier Than They Are

• Dutch braid pigtails. Cross strands under instead of over for a braid that pops off the head.
• Bubble braid. Not technically a braid at all. Add elastics every two inches down a ponytail and puff each section out.
• Waterfall braid. Drop one strand with every cross to create a cascading effect that frames the face.
• Braided bun. Braid a ponytail, coil it around itself, and pin. Instant ballet dancer.

Fast Options for Short or Textured Hair

• Front twist braid. A single braid along the hairline keeps bangs out of your eyes on second-day hair.
• Mini cornrow accent. Two or three small cornrows on one side add edge to an otherwise loose style.
• Braided headband. Braid a section behind one ear and pin it across the top of your head.

“Slightly messy braids always look better than perfect ones. If it looks too tight, pancake it out with your fingertips.” — A Nashville stylist with fifteen years behind the chair

Tips for Braids That Last

Second-day hair holds a braid better than freshly washed hair, so do not be afraid to skip a wash. A little dry shampoo or texture spray gives slippery strands some grip. If your hands get tired, work in front of a mirror with your elbows resting on a table. And keep a few bobby pins that match your hair color in every bag you own.

The best part about braids is that they get easier every time. Pick one style, practice it for a week, and you will be doing it on autopilot by the weekend.