20 Stylish & Trendy French Braid Hairstyles with Pro Styling Tips

Introduction

What is a French braid? It’s a classic three-strand weaving technique that starts at the crown and incorporates additional hair as you go, resulting in a sleek, structured look that hugs the scalp. Unlike simple braids or twists, French braid hairstyles provide a more secure hold, enhanced hair protection, and a naturally elegant finish. These styles seamlessly blend beauty with practicality, making them a go-to choice for casual days, workouts, weddings, or red-carpet events.

Having worked closely with professional stylists and styled braids on various hair types myself, I’ve come to appreciate just how versatile and timeless French braids truly are. In this blog, you’ll discover 20 trending French braid hairstyles for 2025, each paired with expert barber insights and practical styling tips to help you get the look at home or in the salon.

Classic French Braid

Features:

The classic French braid is a sleek, three-strand braid that starts at the crown and continues down the back. This elegant braid is ideal for all ages and hair types, offering a polished look for both casual and formal settings.

Styling Tips:

For a neat finish, begin by detangling the hair and sectioning it cleanly at the top. Keep your tension consistent to maintain symmetry as you weave. This everyday braid works best on medium to long hair with light styling cream for grip. It’s a timeless and simple hairstyle that never goes out of trend.

Side French Braid

Features:

The side French braid drapes across the head to one side, giving a soft, romantic vibe. It’s a favorite for dates, casual evenings, or when you want a flirty, feminine hairstyle.

Styling Tips:

Begin from the front hairline and guide the braid diagonally. Keep it loose for added volume or tighter for a cleaner silhouette. It complements heart and oval face shapes beautifully and works well with accessories like floral pins. This asymmetrical braid style creates a soft, cascading effect.

Also read: Top 10 Hottest Box Braids Hairstyles for 2025

Half-Up French Braid

Features:

The half braid technique blends a French braid with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, offering the best of both worlds: structure and flow. It adds subtle elegance to a casual day look.

Styling Tips:

Start your braid at the crown and secure it midway with a hair tie, allowing the rest of your hair to fall naturally. This braid crown effect adds texture and polish. Ideal for brunches or low-key events, this casual glam braid works best on medium to long hair with light waves or curls.

French Braid Updo

Features:

The French braid updo combines structure with grace, ideal for weddings, proms, or any formal event. This elegant braided bun elevates the classic braid into a chic, sculpted hairstyle.

Styling Tips:

Begin with a standard French braid and wrap the remaining length into an updo at the nape or crown. Use pins to secure and a texturizing spray for hold. This updo braid is perfect for keeping hair off your neck while adding an air of sophistication to your look. Ideal for formal hairstyles that require lasting elegance.

Crown French Braid

Features:

The crown braid, also called a halo braid, wraps around the head like a tiara. It offers a romantic, boho braid aesthetic that's perfect for music festivals or whimsical weddings.

Styling Tips:

Start behind one ear and braid around the head, feeding hair into the braid evenly. Keep the braid slightly loose for that dreamy, ethereal braid finish. This look works well on longer hair and pairs beautifully with floral accessories for festival hairstyles.

Also read: Top Trending Quick Weave Hairstyles for a Fresh Look

French Braid Bun

Features: 

A blend of structure and ease, the French braid bun starts with a braid and finishes in a relaxed or tight bun. It’s one of the most braided bun hairstyles suitable for work or casual weekends.

Styling Tips:

Braid the hair back and twist the length into a messy bun or sleek knot, depending on the occasion. Secure with pins and finish with a shine spray. This easy updo keeps things tidy yet stylish, especially for long hours or unpredictable weather.

French Braid Pigtails

Features:

These braided pigtails are youthful, fun, and functional. A nostalgic twist on childhood styles, they’ve made a strong comeback with fashion influencers and are perfect for casual wear.

Styling Tips:

Create a clean middle part and braid each side tightly. This style suits gym days, school runs, or cozy weekends. Add ribbon or colorful elastics for a playful braids upgrade. This is one of the best child braid styles for its versatility and charm.

French Braid With Ribbon

Features:

Incorporating a ribbon into a French braid adds a playful and decorative touch, transforming a simple braid into a braid with ribbon that's perfect for special occasions or everyday flair.

Styling Tips:

Choose a ribbon that complements your outfit and weave it into the braid from the start. This decorative braid not only adds color but also enhances the braid's texture. Secure the ends with a matching hair tie or bow for a cohesive look. Ideal for braid styles for girls and those looking to accessorize their hair creatively.

Waterfall French Braid

Features: The waterfall braid is a romantic hairstyle where sections of hair cascade through the braid, creating a flowing braid effect that's both elegant and whimsical.

Styling Tips:

Begin by sectioning the hair at the crown and start a traditional French braid. As you braid, drop the bottom strand after each crossover, allowing it to fall and picking up a new section to continue. This technique results in a braid with loose hair that's perfect for dates, weddings, or any occasion where a romantic hairstyle is desired.

Double French Braids

Features:

Known as pigtail braids, this style splits the hair down the middle into two symmetrical double braids. Perfect for active lifestyles and kids, it offers both fashion and functionality.

Styling Tips:

Start with a precise middle part for balance. Braid each section tightly, securing the ends with elastics. This look is ideal for gym sessions, outdoor activities, or protective braids for long hair. Double French braids are trendy among influencers and athletes alike.

French Braid for Short Hair

Features:

Short hair can also sport braids! This style adapts the traditional French braid technique for short hairstyles, making it suitable for braids for bob cut and other shorter lengths.

Styling Tips:

Focus on braiding the top section of the hair, starting near the hairline and working backward. Use bobby pins to secure any loose ends and hairspray to keep flyaways in check. This short hair braid is excellent for those new to braiding, offering a chic look that's both stylish and manageable for beginner braiding.

French Braid with Bangs

Features:

Combining a French braid with bangs creates a face-framing braid that highlights facial features while adding texture. This style is ideal for those with braids with layers or fringe.

Styling Tips:

Start the braid slightly behind the bangs, allowing them to fall naturally or be styled separately. This approach ensures the braid with fringe complements the bangs without overwhelming them. Use a light styling cream to define the bangs and maintain the braid's structure. Perfect for adding dimension to styling bangs and layered cuts.

Zig-Zag French Braid

Features:

The zig-zag part adds a creative twist to the traditional French braid, resulting in a cool braid design that's both edgy and stylish. This trendy braid style is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement.

Styling Tips:

Use a tail comb to create a precise zig-zag parting before starting the braid. Begin the French braid along the part, following its pattern to maintain the creative braid effect. Secure the end with a clear elastic and finish with a shine spray for added polish. This style is great for festivals, parties, or any event where you want your hair to stand out.

Also read: 15 Best Sew-In Hairstyles for 2025, Timeless & Trendy

French Braid Ponytail

Features:

This hybrid style starts with a French braid and ends in a high or low ponytail. It combines the sophistication of a braid with the practicality of a ponytail—great for braid styles for work or running errands.

Styling Tips:

Begin braiding at the crown and secure with an elastic once you reach your desired point. Fluff the ponytail for volume and finish with a light-hold spray. This casual braid is ideal for busy mornings and transitions well from the office to the gym. Add a hair wrap for extra flair.

Messy French Braid

Features:

A messy braid variation of the French style, this look is purposefully undone for a boho hairstyle vibe. It suits casual days and creates a relaxed braid feel with texture and charm.

Styling Tips:

Loosen each braid section slightly with your fingers after braiding to enhance the effortless hair look. Let small strands fall naturally around the face for softness. Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray to amplify volume and hold. This look embraces imperfection and is perfect for weekend wear or music festivals.

French Braid Mohawk

Features:

Bold and unique, the braided mohawk merges French braiding with volume-focused styling for an edgy braid that stands out. A go-to for fashion-forward braids and bold personal expression.

Styling Tips:

Shave or slick down the sides and create a tight French braid through the center. Tease the braid lightly for a mohawk silhouette. Secure tightly with elastics and hairspray for hold. This alternative hairstyle is great for concerts, street style shoots, or edgy fashion looks.

French Braid With Beads

Features:

This braids with beads look combines traditional French braiding with decorative elements for a cultural braid style and statement hairstyle. It’s expressive and personalized.

Styling Tips:

As you braid, slide beads onto strands before crossing them over. Use small rubber bands to hold the beads in place, especially near the ends. Opt for metallic or wooden beads depending on the occasion. This decorated braid adds rhythm and shine, perfect for festivals or heritage-inspired styles.

Braided French Braid Headband

Features:

A delicate braid headband made from your own hair, this style frames the face and mimics a frontal braid. It’s perfect for romantic and polished occasions.

Styling Tips:

Take a small section from behind the ear and create a tight French braid that stretches across the forehead like a hairline braid. Pin it behind the opposite ear. This face-framing braid keeps hair out of the eyes and works wonderfully with loose curls or updos.

French Braid into Fishtail

Features:

The French fishtail combo is a seamless transition from classic French braiding to a fishtail pattern, creating an intricate braid that showcases long hair beautifully.

Styling Tips:

Begin with a tight French braid at the top of the head, then switch to a fishtail technique as you reach the nape. Use a texturizing mousse to define each section and finish with a flexible-hold spray. This fusion braid offers a showstopping look for long events and weddings, especially when styled on long hair braid styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to do an easy French braid?

Start by dividing the hair into three sections at the crown. Cross the right strand over the center, then the left over the center, adding small pieces of hair as you go. Continue braiding down the head and secure with a hair tie. It’s one of the simplest styles to master with a bit of practice.

Are French braid hairstyles good for all hair types?

Yes! French braids work beautifully on all hair textures—whether you're working with braids for curly hair, fine hair, or straight hair. You may need to adjust tension or use styling products based on hair texture and braiding needs to keep the braid neat and long-lasting.

How long does a French braid typically last?

A well-done French braid can last 1 to 3 days with proper braid maintenance. Use a silk scarf at night and apply a light hold product to extend braid longevity. For active days or as protective styling, it helps keep hair tangle-free and fresh longer.

Is French braiding damaging to hair?

French braids are generally safe if done correctly. To avoid braid breakage or tension on the scalp, don’t pull too tightly. Practicing braid safety and moisturizing your strands can go a long way in protecting hair health during frequent styling.

Can I do French braids on short hair?

Absolutely! There are great short hair braids variations, especially for bob cuts or styles with braiding short layers. Use a bit of styling gel or mousse to hold the sections, and work with smaller partitions to keep the braid secure.

What's the difference between a French and Dutch braid?

A French braid weaves strands over the middle section, creating a flatter, blended braid. A Dutch braid does the opposite, crossing strands under, which makes the braid sit on top of the hair. The Dutch version is more raised and defined in appearance.

Are French braids suitable for formal events?

Yes, they’re a top choice for elegant occasions! A wedding braid, braid updo, or styled version for prom or parties offers timeless beauty. You can dress it up with accessories or combine it with buns and twists for chic formal braid styles.