23+ Unique Braided Hairstyles for a Distinctive Look

Longing for a dreamy Gretchen braid or an elven waterfall feel in your hair? Get inspired by these artful braided hairstyles and discover how to create them yourself.

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Braided Crown

Dreamy braided styles are absolutely on-trend, and the braided crown is one of the stars among them! With its intricate braids that wrap around your head like a crown, you create a look that is both innocently girlish and elegantly fairy-tale-like. Especially great: You can enhance it for special occasions with fresh flowers or sparkling hair accessories. Think of a fabulous wedding where your hair glistens in candlelight, or a laid-back summer festival with your braided crown as a cool statement piece! Easy-care, smoothly braided hair is also a stunning contrast to your outfit and ensures admiring glances.

Side Braid

With a side braid, you embrace a touch of rebellion paired with elegance. If you're ever in a rush but still want to look stylish, this is the perfect choice. Whether with a casual jeans outfit or a chic evening dress—the side braid effortlessly complements your look. Give your hair more texture and grip with a bit of styling cream, ensuring the braid stays fabulous all day long. Remember, a little messy chic adds that certain something: after braiding, gently pull out a few strands to perfect the stylish undone look. This way, you'll become a trendsetter with your side braid and leave a lasting impression everywhere you go!

Bun with Braided Strands

Imagine wanting to crown your look with a touch of elegance - the bun with braided strands is your secret weapon! The charm of this hairstyle lies in its versatility; it is the perfect choice both for the office and a glamorous event. Start by braiding individual strands to create a dreamy texture. Once you've finished the braids, they are artfully draped around your bun. This not only ensures a secure fit but also adds a real wow factor. By the way, set your bun with hairspray to keep the look fresh all day. Completed with a few sparkling hairpins or a bow, your bun becomes the artistic centerpiece of your outfit.

Care Tips for Textured Braids

To make your braided hairstyles shine, proper hair care is essential. Make sure you regularly moisturize your hair, as dry, brittle hair is harder to braid and looks less smooth. Conditioner and moisturizing hair masks should be staples in your care routine. When it's time to braid, you can use a bit of dry shampoo to add more texture to freshly washed hair. This makes braiding easier and gives the hair additional hold. Be careful not to blow-dry your hair too hot and minimize heat styling, as heat can damage the hair structure. If you want to enjoy your braided hairstyle longer, loosen it a bit before going to bed to avoid tension at the hair roots and breakage.

Tools and Techniques for Perfect Braiding

Perfect braided hairstyles start with choosing the right tools. For a good start, use a high-quality hairbrush to remove tangles and make your hair smooth. Fine-toothed combs are ideal for sectioning strands when precision is required. As you start braiding, use small, inconspicuous hair ties to secure the ends, depending on the style. Hairspray can help tame flyaways and provide extra hold for the hairstyles. Technique is equally important: learn to skillfully use your fingers to braid the strands evenly and practice different braiding styles such as the French braid, Dutch braid, or fishtail braid. For extravagant looks, you might also try combining different braiding techniques.

Stylings and Accessories for That Special Touch

You can achieve that special touch for your braided hairstyle by using stylings and accessories. Flowers, whether fresh or as hair adornments, give your braided crown an idyllic flair. Intricate hairpins with pearls or crystals can be used to accentuate individual sections of your braided bun and embellish it for festive occasions. You can also experiment with ribbons by weaving them into your braids. Not only do they look pretty, but they also add color and texture. Additionally, you can wear your braided hair as natural waves the next day—a style switch that requires no additional heat. Be creative and dare to personalize your hairstyles with accessories to create a unique look.