Braided hairstyles have stood the test of time as one of the most versatile and stylish hair trends. For teens, braids are not just about practicality but also about self-expression, allowing them to showcase their personality while keeping their hair looking polished and neat. Whether it’s for school, a casual outing with friends, a formal event, or even sports practice, there’s a braid for every occasion. Plus, braided hairstyles are great for reducing hair breakage and keeping hair tangle-free throughout the day. In this guide, we’ll explore 23 stunning braided hairstyles that are perfect for teens. Whether you prefer simple styles or intricate patterns, you’ll find a braid that suits your vibe. To make things even easier, we’ll recommend some must-have hair products to help you achieve a flawless look every time.
1. Classic Three-Strand Braid – Effortless and Timeless Elegance
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The classic three-strand braid is a hairstyle that every teen should know. It’s easy to do, requires no special tools, and can be styled in multiple ways. Whether worn loosely for a soft and casual look or tightly for a polished appearance, this braid is the foundation of many other braided hairstyles. It’s a great way to keep hair secure and tangle-free, making it perfect for school, gym workouts, or even lazy days at home. If you have layered hair, using a light-hold hairspray can help keep shorter strands in place while maintaining a natural finish.
2. French Braid – A Chic Look for Any Occasion
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The French braid is a go-to style for teens who want a polished and put-together look without spending too much time styling their hair. Unlike the basic three-strand braid, this style incorporates hair gradually, creating a seamless and elegant appearance. It works well for school, casual days out, and even special occasions when dressed up with accessories like pearl clips or decorative pins. A key tip for a long-lasting French braid is to braid slightly tighter than usual so it doesn’t loosen throughout the day.
3. Dutch Braid – A Bold and Defined Statement
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The Dutch braid, also known as the “reverse French braid,” is a stylish and edgy alternative to the classic braid. Instead of weaving the strands over each other, they are braided underneath, creating a raised, voluminous effect. This hairstyle is perfect for teens who want to make a statement or add a sporty flair to their look. It’s also a great protective style that keeps hair secure during physical activities like sports, dance, or running. Applying a bit of styling gel before braiding helps reduce flyaways and keeps the braid sleek.
4. Fishtail Braid – A Delicate and Intricate Style
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The fishtail braid looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Instead of using three sections, this braid requires only two, with small pieces being crossed over from each side to create a detailed woven effect. This style is perfect for beach days, summer outings, or even formal events when paired with a floral dress or elegant outfit. It adds an effortlessly chic touch to any look. To create a fuller fishtail braid, gently pull on the sides after braiding to loosen the weave, giving it a more voluminous and relaxed appearance.
5. Waterfall Braid – A Romantic and Flowing Braid
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The waterfall braid is one of the most beautiful and romantic styles for teens who love soft, dreamy hairstyles. It creates the illusion of cascading strands while incorporating hair into a partial braid, making it a perfect choice for weddings, date nights, or school dances. This braid pairs beautifully with curls or waves, adding to its ethereal charm. To ensure the waterfall effect looks smooth, it’s best to straighten or curl the hair first before braiding.
6. Crown Braid – A Regal Look for Special Moments
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If you’re looking for an elegant yet easy updo, the crown braid is a must-try. This hairstyle wraps around the head like a halo, giving off princess-like vibes while keeping the hair securely in place. It’s a fantastic choice for special events like prom, graduation, or family gatherings. The best part? It keeps hair away from the face, making it both stylish and practical. Adding decorative hairpins or fresh flowers can elevate this style even more.
7. Boxer Braids – Sporty and Trendy for Active Days
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Boxer braids, or double Dutch braids, have become a favorite among teens who love an edgy, cool, and sporty look. These braids are not only stylish but also super practical, especially for keeping hair out of the way during sports, workouts, or outdoor adventures. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going for a run, or just want a bold hairstyle, boxer braids are a great option. To achieve a sleek finish, apply a small amount of mousse or styling cream before braiding.
8. Halo Braid – An Ethereal and Dreamy Look
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The halo braid is similar to the crown braid but is often styled more loosely for a bohemian, romantic feel. It’s a great option for outdoor events, music festivals, or even a whimsical summer picnic. If you love the effortless, flowy aesthetic, this braid is a great choice. Spritzing a light texturizing spray can add volume and give it a natural, windswept look.
9. Double Dutch Braids – A Cool and Confident Style
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Double Dutch braids are a popular choice among teens because they’re bold, trendy, and practical. They work well for both casual and sporty settings, making them ideal for school, dance practice, or even a day at the amusement park. A pro tip for achieving the best look is to part the hair evenly down the middle before starting the braids.
10. Rope Braid – A Sleek and Modern Twist
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The rope braid is one of the simplest yet most stylish braided hairstyles for teens. Unlike traditional three-strand braids, the rope braid only requires two sections of hair twisted around each other. It’s a great choice for busy mornings when you need a quick but chic hairstyle. This braid works best on smooth hair, so using a light styling cream or serum beforehand helps create a sleek finish. Whether worn as a ponytail or wrapped into a bun, the rope braid is a trendy and practical option for school, casual outings, or even special events.
11. Ladder Braid – A Unique and Eye-Catching Style
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The ladder braid is a stunning, intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who want to try something different. This style creates a ladder-like effect by weaving two braids together, making it look more complex than it actually is. While it requires a bit of patience, the result is worth it. It’s a fantastic choice for school dances, parties, or days when you want to stand out. To keep the braid looking fresh, a light spritz of hairspray can help hold it in place all day long.
12. Infinity Braid – A Trendy and Statement Look
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The infinity braid is a modern, stylish braid that gets its name from the looping pattern that resembles the infinity symbol. This braid adds a cool, futuristic touch to any look, making it perfect for teens who love to experiment with their hairstyles. It works well with long hair but can also be adapted for medium lengths. Since this braid can take a bit of time to create, using sectioning clips can make the process easier. Pair it with a sleek ponytail for a trendy finish.
13. Bubble Braid – A Fun and Playful Alternative
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For teens who want a braided look without actually braiding, the bubble braid is a perfect choice. This style involves securing sections of hair with elastic bands to create a “bubble” effect, giving off a modern, fashion-forward vibe. It’s a fantastic choice for casual outings, music festivals, or fun days out with friends. Adding colorful hair ties or ribbons can enhance the playful nature of this style.
14. Pull-Through Braid – A Voluminous, Braided Illusion
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The pull-through braid is an excellent choice for teens with thick or long hair who want a fuller, more dramatic style. Unlike traditional braiding techniques, this style involves securing hair in small ponytails and pulling them through each other to create the illusion of a complex braid. It’s a beautiful option for formal events, like prom or homecoming, as it gives off an elegant and voluminous effect.
15. Heart Braid – A Cute and Romantic Style
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The heart braid is a creative and adorable hairstyle that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or even just for fun. This intricate design involves carefully sectioning and braiding the hair into the shape of a heart. While it might take a little practice, the result is a beautiful and unique hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads. A great way to enhance this look is by adding small flower clips or pearl pins for extra charm.
16. Braided Ponytail – A Sporty and Sleek Look
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A braided ponytail is an easy yet stylish hairstyle that’s perfect for teens who are always on the go. Whether you choose a high or low ponytail, adding a braid instantly elevates the look. This style works well for school, workouts, and casual outings. A great tip is to wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair tie for a polished finish.
17. Mermaid Braid – A Dreamy and Ethereal Style
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The mermaid braid is one of the most visually stunning braided hairstyles, resembling the long, flowing locks of a mermaid. This intricate style involves weaving loose sections of hair into a relaxed braid, creating a soft and romantic effect. It’s perfect for special occasions, beach vacations, or even everyday wear if you love whimsical hairstyles. A touch of sea salt spray adds volume and enhances the textured, effortless look of this braid.
18. Snake Braid – A Cool and Edgy Look
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If you love experimenting with unique hairstyles, the snake braid is a must-try. This style creates a fun, slithering pattern by pulling and shaping a traditional braid into a zigzag design. It’s a great way to add an artistic touch to your look without too much effort. This braid works best as an accent braid alongside loose waves or a ponytail.
19. Braided Bun – A Sophisticated and Practical Style
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For formal occasions, a braided bun is a timeless choice. This elegant updo combines the beauty of a classic bun with the intricate detail of braiding, making it perfect for weddings, school dances, or important events. Whether you opt for a high bun or a low chignon, the braided detail adds an extra touch of sophistication. To keep everything in place, secure the style with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray.
20. Viking Braids – A Bold and Fierce Style
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Inspired by warrior-like hairstyles, Viking braids are a powerful and confident look for teens who want something bold. These braids are usually styled in tight, intricate patterns and can be paired with loose waves for added drama. This style is great for themed events, cosplay, or music festivals where you want to make a statement. To give the braids extra grip, a strong-hold styling wax works wonders.
21. Milkmaid Braids – A Sweet and Bohemian Look
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Milkmaid braids are a charming and easy way to achieve an elegant updo without too much effort. This style involves wrapping two braids around the head and pinning them in place, creating a soft, romantic look. It’s perfect for spring and summer, especially when paired with sundresses and floral accessories. For a more relaxed feel, gently loosen the braids for a softer, boho-inspired touch.
22. Accent Braids – A Subtle and Stylish Touch
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Sometimes, a full braid isn’t necessary—just adding a small accent braid can make a big difference in a hairstyle. Whether tucked behind the ear, woven into loose curls, or framing the face, these tiny braids are an easy way to add interest to any look. They’re a great option for teens who want a simple yet stylish update to their everyday hair routine.
23. Zig-Zag Braids – A Fun and Playful Design
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Zig-zag braids are all about creativity and fun. Instead of traditional straight parts, this style incorporates zig-zag sections, making the braids look unique and eye-catching. Perfect for summer festivals, concerts, or casual outings, this braid adds an edgy, youthful energy to any look. A touch of glitter hair spray can take this style to the next level for special events.
