Thinking about trying braids but feeling overwhelmed by the options? Braided hairstyles have a charm that never really goes out of fashion – and once you find your perfect technique, it’s hard to imagine going back. Hair braiding covers a wide range of techniques – each with its own look, installation method, and level of upkeep. Whether you’re after an elegant everyday style, a festival-ready look, or something show-stopping for a special occasion, there’s a braiding technique that’s right for you. Let’s walk through them together.
Classic Braiding Styles
These are the most universally flattering braiding techniques – timeless, elegant, and endlessly adaptable. From school runs to wedding ceremonies, classic braids work for virtually every hair type, length, and occasion. Best of all, they require no heat and no chemicals, making them one of the gentlest styling options available. You can explore the full range of hair braiding services we offer at our salon.
Three-Strand Braid
The three-strand braid is the foundation of almost every braiding technique. Hair is divided into three equal sections and crossed alternately – right over centre, then left over centre – all the way down. Simple, clean, and endlessly wearable, it’s the style most of us learned first and never truly outgrew.
- Best for: all hair types and lengths
- Occasion: everyday wear, school, casual outings
- Maintenance: low – holds well even as hair grows out
If you’re looking for a reliable, go-anywhere style that works just as well on a Tuesday morning as it does on a weekend – this is it.
French Braid
The French braid takes the classic three-strand technique a step further. Starting at the crown, additional strands are gathered from the sides as you braid downward – creating a style that lies smooth against the head and looks far more intricate than it actually is. If your hair tends to slip, a smoothing crème applied beforehand helps everything stay in place. A light mist of hairspray once finished keeps the style polished throughout the day.
- Best for: straight, wavy, and lightly textured hair
- Occasion: everyday elegance, office, special events
- Pro tip: a frizz-control serum before braiding protects against humidity and makes the hair easier to weave
A French braid is one of those styles that genuinely works for everything – from a morning commute to an afternoon wedding. If you want something that looks elegant without trying too hard, this is where to start.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid is often described as the reverse French braid – and that’s exactly what it is. Instead of crossing strands over each other, you cross them underneath, which makes the braid sit on top of the hair rather than being woven into it. The result is a more defined, three-dimensional style that shows off the pattern beautifully. For shorter hair especially, this definition makes the Dutch braid a particularly flattering choice – the pattern reads clearly even with less length to work with.
- Best for: all hair lengths, including shorter styles
- Occasion: casual, sporty, festival looks, everyday wear
- Note: works beautifully as a double braid – one on each side – for a bolder, more fashion-forward result
Whether you wear it as a single braid down the back or doubled up on each side, this style has a confident, modern energy that suits almost any setting.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid creates an intricate, woven appearance using just two sections of hair rather than three. Small strands are taken from the outside of each section and crossed to the opposite side – building a tight, detailed pattern that looks far more complex than the technique requires. Securing the hair into a low ponytail first helps keep everything controlled while you work. Once complete, a light spritz of hairspray keeps flyaways in check – for extra precision, a small brush lightly spritzed with hairspray can anchor any stray strands beautifully.
- Best for: medium to long hair
- Occasion: date nights, special events, festivals
- Pro tip: the looser you pull the sections, the more textured and relaxed the finished braid will look
Once you’ve tried a fishtail braid, it quickly becomes a favourite – intricate enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough for everyday wear.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is one of the most romantic styles in the classic braiding repertoire. Rather than gathering all the hair as you go, strands are dropped out along the way – creating a beautiful cascading effect through the lengths. It works especially well for long hair with natural body and movement. If your hair is on the finer side, a volumising blow-dry spray at the roots before you begin gives the lift needed to carry the style with confidence.
- Best for: long hair with volume and texture
- Occasion: weddings, garden parties, festivals, special occasions
- Note: one of the most popular festival braids – it holds beautifully outdoors and looks stunning with flowers or accessories woven in
Few styles feel quite as feminine and occasion-ready as a well-crafted waterfall braid – it’s a beautiful choice whenever you want your hair to feel truly dressed up.
Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid is a brilliant option if you love the look of an elaborate style but prefer something quicker to achieve. What appears to be a complex, layered braid is actually created entirely with ponytails – sections of hair are secured, split, and pulled through each other to create a voluminous, braid-like effect that looks far more intricate than the process involves.
- Best for: medium to long hair with natural thickness or volume. If you’d like more length or fullness, try hair extensions service that help you achieve the perfect base for this style.
- Occasion: everyday wear, parties, casual events.
- Note: works especially well on hair that’s already got some texture or wave to it.
If you’ve ever looked at a beautiful braid and thought “I could never” – the pull-through braid might be exactly where to start.
Messy Braid
Not every braid needs to be perfectly structured – and the messy braid is proof of that. This style starts as a standard three-strand braid, begun lower down the lengths, with strands gently pulled free afterwards to create a loose, undone finish. The key to making it work is hair that’s in good condition – a nourishing deep conditioning treatment beforehand ensures the hair has enough lustre and softness to carry the relaxed style beautifully.
- Best for: all hair lengths, particularly mid to long
- Occasion: date nights, weekend outings, casual everyday wear
- Pro tip: second-day hair with a little natural texture actually holds this style better than freshly washed hair
The messy braid is one of the most effortlessly chic styles there is – undone enough to feel spontaneous, but always put-together enough to turn heads.
Mermaid Braid
The mermaid braid – sometimes called the rib cage braid – is one of the more distinctive styles in classic braiding. A ponytail is created at the crown, braided all the way down, and then small sections from the front are twisted and tucked into the braid on each side, creating a layered, dimensional effect along the length. The key to this style is volume at the roots – a root-boosting spray and a little texturising product give the hair the structure it needs to carry the look.
- Best for: long hair with volume or natural texture
- Occasion: beach, holidays, festivals, outdoor events
- Note: this braid holds particularly well in humid conditions and even in the surf – making it one of the best warm-weather styles
Once mastered, the mermaid braid has an almost enchanting quality – it’s the kind of style that makes people look twice.
Side Braid
The side braid – sometimes called a Viking braid – takes the classic plait and repositions it entirely. Rather than falling down the back, the braid is swept to one side and worn over the shoulder or along the hairline. It’s an instantly edgy, fashion-forward look that works equally well for festivals, casual days out, or whenever you want something with a little more attitude. Hair cuffs, metallic rings, or jewellery-style charms woven into the braid elevate the style further with minimal effort.
- Best for: medium to long hair
- Occasion: festivals, casual outings, edgy everyday looks
- Note: can range from loose and relaxed to tight and defined – entirely depending on the mood you’re going for
If you want a braid with real personality, the side braid delivers every time.
Classic braiding styles offer something genuinely rare – the ability to move effortlessly between occasions, moods, and aesthetics without ever feeling out of place. Whichever style appeals to you, each one can be adapted, elevated, or kept beautifully simple depending on what the day calls for.
Wedding & Occasion Braiding Hairstyles
When the occasion calls for something truly memorable, braids deliver. They’re one of the most elegant and long-lasting choices for weddings, proms, and formal events – holding beautifully throughout the day without needing touch-ups. A well-crafted braid pairs wonderfully with a veil, tiara, or floral accessories, and can be as understated or as elaborate as you choose. Browse our hairstyles gallery for inspiration, or speak to our stylists about pairing your braid with a colour treatment for a truly personalised finish.
Bridal Braids
For weddings, braids are typically worn swept up or partially pinned – creating a polished, romantic look that holds from ceremony to reception. The right bridal braid feels effortless but looks considered, complementing your dress, accessories, and the overall mood of the day. Popular bridal options include French braids woven into low chignons, fishtail side braids, and halo-style plaits worn under a veil or tiara.
- Best for: all hair types with medium to long length
- Occasion: weddings, engagement parties, civil ceremonies
- Styling tip: discuss your accessories with your stylist in advance – the braid can be designed around your veil or tiara for a seamless finish
A bridal braid is more than just a hairstyle – it’s part of the memory. Getting it right matters, and that’s exactly what our stylists are here for.
Halo Braid
The halo braid – sometimes called a crown braid – wraps a single long braid around the head like a circlet. It keeps all hair elegantly away from the face while creating an effortlessly regal result that suits both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. What makes this style particularly appealing is how well it adapts – it works beautifully on long hair but can also be achieved on shorter lengths with a little creativity. Delicate pins, small flowers, or fine accessories woven into the braid add a finishing touch that feels genuinely special.
- Best for: all hair types and lengths
- Occasion: weddings, proms, formal events, garden parties
- Note: begins like a Dutch braid, woven as one long plait along the hairline – deceptively simple to create, endlessly elegant to wear
Whether worn on its own or paired with a veil, the halo braid has a timeless, goddess-like quality that makes it one of our most requested occasion styles.
For special occasions, a braided style isn’t just practical – it’s genuinely transformative. The right braid can elevate an entire look and hold the memory of a day long after it’s over. For a fully cohesive bridal look, pair your braid with our makeup service for a seamless finish from head to toe.
How to Choose the Right Type of Braids for Hairstyles
With so many beautiful options, it’s natural to feel unsure where to begin. The good news is that finding the right braiding style doesn’t have to be complicated – a few simple considerations can point you in exactly the right direction.
- Hair length and texture: finer or shorter hair suits sleeker styles like French or Dutch braids; longer hair opens up options like fishtail, waterfall, and mermaid braids
- The occasion: everyday styles call for something low-maintenance like a messy braid or side braid; weddings and formal events suit French, halo, or bridal braids
- The setting: heading to a festival or the beach? Waterfall and mermaid braids hold beautifully outdoors; for a date night, a messy or fishtail braid feels effortlessly chic
- How long you need it to last: a well-crafted braid holds for days – making it one of the most practical styling choices available
- Your comfort level: some styles suit home practice; others benefit from a professional finish – especially for important occasions
The most important thing is that your braid feels right for you – not just visually, but in terms of comfort and confidence too. When in doubt, a consultation with one of our stylists is always the best starting point.
Braids Hairstyles at Our Salon – What to Expect
At PIED-DE-POULE, braiding is approached with the same care and precision as every other service we offer. Whether you’re after a simple everyday plait or an elaborate bridal style, our stylists take time to understand your hair, your plans, and the look you’re hoping to achieve – then craft something that suits you perfectly. Every braid is finished with attention to detail, balanced tension, and a result that holds as long as you need it to.
No heat, no chemicals – just beautifully structured hair that turns heads and holds its shape. If you’re ready to find your perfect braid, we’re ready to help. Complete your look before a special occasion by booking a manicure alongside your braiding appointment.
