Hair Care

The Only Braid Styles You'll Ever Need to Master

Riding the braid wave? With these step-by-step instructions, you'll nail down 15 gorgeous braid styles in no time

by Amanda Montell

15 of 16

Best Braid Style No. 1: Chasing Waterfalls This waterfall twist has you working with only two strands of hair at a time — good news for the uncoordinated. Personally, this is one of my favorite braid styles simply for the pretty factor and low skill level.

How to:
1. Take a small section from one side of your head, about an inch back from the hairline, and divide it in two.
2. Twist the bottom section of the top section, then drop the top piece, letting it fall with the rest of your hair, and pick up a new piece in its place.
3. Repeat the process by twisting the new piece over the top piece and letting the top piece fall, over and over until you reach the middle of the back of your head. Pin the tail in place there.
4. Repeat the entire process on the opposite side of your head, and pin the tail of that twist in back to meet the other one. Combine both tails with a small elastic to keep it extra secure.

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

products mentioned

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

9.0

BUY NOW

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

9.1

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse

8.8

Sebastian Professional Halo Mist

9.0

Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray

9.0

leave a comment

Older comments

I love braids and would try each and every one!!!

by littlebit_angel Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 12:13PM Report as inappropriate

didnt get how to do the last one, which was the best look.

by annisa_nye Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 11:11PM Report as inappropriate

I love braids but I can't follow any of the instructions. All the pictures look really nice but I'll prefer a video

by Jessica2010 Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 07:52PM Report as inappropriate

I love braids! Will most definitely try some of the easier ones.

by Sari Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

Great ideas, I sometimes forget that these styles exist too, besides just having your hair down or waved/curled up.

by Chantilly Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 05:07PM Report as inappropriate

Like this one..looks simple to do.

by shiral_miller Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate

I like braided hairstyles. They add such texture and femininity. I\'ve been using braided styles on my medium length hair as I grow it out, and am looking forward to more length to try more braid styles.

by ReflxnsOfGrace Monday, November 26, 2012 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I love the fishtail braid

by LittleBunny Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 08:02PM Report as inappropriate

I soooo regret cutting my hair now

by schien Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 02:16PM Report as inappropriate

I love fishtail braids and they are supposed to be easy to do, but I just can't figure it out!

by Chris213 Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 07:20AM Report as inappropriate