25 New Braided Hairstyles Ideas That You’ll Actually Want to Try

Let’s be honest—braids never really go out of style. They just keep reinventing themselves, and every season there’s a new twist (literally) to fall in love with.

But here’s the thing: with so many braided hairstyles floating around Pinterest and Instagram, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Do you go with box braids, Dutch braids, or something you can throw together in 10 minutes before work?

I’ve been there—scrolling endlessly, saving hairstyles I’ll “totally try one day.” Spoiler: most of them just sit in a folder.

That’s why I put together this list of 25 new braided hairstyles ideas that are fresh, stylish, and actually doable.

Some are perfect for everyday, others scream statement, and a few are pure works of art. Ready to get inspired? Let’s braid this out.

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1. Classic Dutch Braids

The classic Dutch braid is like the little black dress of braided hairstyles. It’s sleek, timeless, and works for almost any occasion. I love it for gym days because it keeps every strand in check, but it also looks surprisingly polished for brunch.

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2. Box Braids With Color Pops

Box braids are already iconic, but add in some bold pops of color—think red, purple, or even platinum—and suddenly you’ve turned heads. IMO, it’s one of the easiest ways to experiment without dyeing your natural hair.

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3. Halo Crown Braid

Want to look like you stepped out of a fairytale? The halo braid wraps around your head like a crown. It’s perfect for weddings, festivals, or those “I want to feel like royalty” kind of days.

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4. Fishtail Side Braid

The fishtail braid looks intricate, but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly simple. Pull it to the side for a casual, boho vibe. I usually loosen mine up a bit for that “effortless but actually took 20 minutes” look.

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5. Knotless Box Braids

If you’ve ever had traditional box braids tug at your scalp, you’ll love the knotless version. They’re lightweight, natural-looking, and kinder to your hairline. And yes, they’re trending hard right now.

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6. Waterfall Braid

This braid lets sections of your hair cascade down like a waterfall. It’s flirty, fun, and looks great for date nights or proms. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with loose curls.

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7. Jumbo Braids

Sometimes bigger really is better. Jumbo braids make a bold statement while cutting down styling time. Less braids = less hours in the chair. And trust me, your back will thank you.

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8. French Braid Ponytail

The French braid into a ponytail is chic, sporty, and ridiculously versatile. You can wear it sleek for work or messy for a laid-back weekend. Plus, it’s perfect for second-day hair.

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9. Goddess Braids

Think of goddess braids as the more dramatic sister of cornrows. They’re thicker, bolder, and often decorated with beads or gold cuffs. Honestly, they look like art.

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10. Pull-Through Braid

Okay, technically this one’s more of a “braid illusion,” but it looks like magic. The pull-through braid gives you that full, voluminous effect even if your hair is on the thinner side.

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11. Braided Bun

A braided bun screams elegance. Whether it’s a sleek ballerina bun with braided detail or a messy updo with a few braids thrown in, this style works for everything from formal dinners to casual hangs.

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12. Feed-In Cornrows

Feed-in cornrows let you build thickness gradually as you braid, creating a natural look that puts less tension on your scalp. Add some creative patterns, and suddenly your hair is a canvas.

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13. Boho Braids

Messy, relaxed, and effortlessly cool—boho braids mix small braids with loose waves. I love this look for summer festivals or beach trips when you want that undone vibe.

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14. Side Swept Braids

Gather your braids to one side and you instantly get red carpet energy. It’s glam without trying too hard. Add some statement earrings and you’re good to go.

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15. Cornrows Into Curls

This style keeps the top sleek with cornrows while letting the rest of your hair flow in curls. It’s playful and chic at the same time. Honestly, it’s one of my personal faves.

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16. Rope Twist Braids

Two-strand rope twists are easy to create and last a while. They’re especially great if you want a protective style that looks neat but doesn’t take forever to install.

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17. Braided Space Buns

Want something playful? Try braided space buns. It’s youthful, trendy, and perfect for concerts or festivals. And yes, you’ll feel like a 90s pop star.

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18. Zig-Zag Cornrows

Straight lines are cool, but zig-zag partings in cornrows? Next level. This look is bold, edgy, and a guaranteed conversation starter.

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19. Micro Braids

If you’ve got patience (and I mean a lot), micro braids are worth it. They’re versatile—you can style them like loose hair, put them up, or even curl them. Just be prepared for a long salon session.

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20. Side Braid Into Waves

A chunky side braid that melts into loose beachy waves is the ultimate summer vibe. It looks effortless, but let’s be real—it takes some practice. Totally worth it, though.

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21. Tribal Braids

These braids mix traditional African styles with modern patterns and beads. They’re bold, meaningful, and always stand out. If you want a style that tells a story, this is it.

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22. Messy Braid Bun

Take a loose braid, twist it into a bun, and pull out a few strands for that perfectly messy finish. It’s chic but casual, like “Yes, I woke up like this… after 10 minutes in the mirror.”

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23. Braided Mohawk

Want drama? A braided mohawk delivers. The sides stay tight with braids, while the middle stands tall and voluminous. It’s fierce, edgy, and not for the faint of heart.

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24. Box Braids Bob

Yes, box braids can go short. A braided bob feels modern, easy to manage, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t want the weight of long braids. Plus, it looks insanely chic.

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25. Layered Braids With Beads

Finish off with something playful—layered braids decorated with beads. The beads add personality, sound fun when you move, and let you customize the look endlessly.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Braided Hairstyle

Not every braid fits every mood, outfit, or hair type. Here are a few quick tips to help you figure out which style might be your next go-to:

• Think about upkeep. Some braids (like micro braids) take forever to install and maintain, while others (like jumbo braids) are quicker.
• Match your vibe. Want polished? Go with French or Dutch braids. Want fun? Space buns or beads.
• Protect your hair. If you’re going for long-term braids, make sure your stylist doesn’t pull too tight—your edges will thank you.
• Experiment with accessories. Beads, cuffs, scarves, and ribbons instantly upgrade even the simplest braids.
• Don’t overthink it. Half the fun is trying new looks. If it doesn’t work, unbraid and try again.

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Final Thoughts

And there you have it—25 new braided hairstyles ideas that prove braids are anything but boring. Whether you want sleek and classic, bold and creative, or playful and casual, there’s a braid here with your name on it.

Personally, I rotate between Dutch braids for my “practical days” and messy boho braids when I want to feel like I live on a beach. What about you? Which one’s calling your name?

Here’s the truth: braids aren’t just hairstyles, they’re a form of self-expression. They can be protective, stylish, experimental, or even symbolic. So grab your comb, a little patience, maybe a friend to help, and start braiding. Who knows—you might find your new signature look.