Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair: 7 Stunning Styles to Try

Long hair can be both a blessing and a curse. While it's great to have all that length to play with, it can also be overwhelming to style. One way to tackle this challenge is by experimenting with braids. Braided hairstyles for long hair are not only practical and easy to maintain, but they're also incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down. Here are seven stunning styles to try:

1. French Braid Crown

The French Braid Crown is a classic style that's perfect for any occasion. To achieve this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections, then create a French braid on each side. Once you've reached the nape of your neck, secure both braids with a hair tie. Finally, wrap the braids around the crown of your head, tucking in the ends and securing them with bobby pins.

2. Waterfall Braid

The Waterfall Braid is a beautiful, romantic style that's perfect for a date or special occasion. To achieve this look, start by taking a small section of hair at the top of your head and divide it into three parts. Next, create a regular braid, but instead of crossing all three sections over one another, drop the middle section and replace it with a new section of hair. Continue braiding in this way, dropping and replacing the middle section with new hair, until you reach the end of your hair.

3. Dutch Braid Ponytail

The Dutch Braid Ponytail is a chic and modern style that's perfect for a casual day out. To achieve this look, start by creating a Dutch braid on one side of your head, starting at the front and working your way towards the back. Once you've reached the nape of your neck, secure the braid with a hair tie. Next, gather all your hair, including the braid, into a ponytail and secure it with another hair tie.

4. Fishtail Braid

The Fishtail Braid is a simple yet elegant style that's perfect for any occasion. To achieve this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Next, take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section. Repeat this process on the other side, taking a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and crossing it over to the inside of the left section. Continue crossing small sections of hair over to the opposite side until you reach the end of your hair.

5. Crown Braid

The Crown Braid is a regal and sophisticated style that's perfect for a formal event. To achieve this look, start by creating two Dutch braids on either side of your head, starting at the front and working your way towards the back. Once you've reached the nape of your neck, secure both braids with a hair tie. Then, wrap each braid around the crown of your head, tucking in the ends and securing them with bobby pins.

6. Braided Half-Up Half-Down

The Braided Half-Up Half-Down is a casual and effortless style that's perfect for a day out with friends. To achieve this look, start by creating a small French braid at the crown of your head. Once you've reached the nape of your neck, secure the braid with a hair tie. Next, gather the top half of your hair, including the braid, and secure it with a hair tie. Leave the bottom half of your hair down.

7. Braided Bun

The Braided Bun is a classic and elegant style that's perfect for a formal event. To achieve this look, start by creating a Dutch braid at the back of your head, starting at the nape of your neck and working your way upwards. Once you've reached the crown of your head, secure the braid with a hair tie. Next, gather all your hair, including the braid, into a low ponytail and secure it with another hair tie. Finally, wrap the ponytail around itself to create a bun, tucking in the ends and securing them with bobby pins.

In conclusion, braided hairstyles for long hair are a great way to switch up your look and experiment with different styles. Whether you're going for a casual, effortless look or a regal, formal look, there's a braided hairstyle out there for you. Try out one of these seven stunning styles and see how it transforms your long locks.