20 Best Long Braid Hairstyles for Women in 2023

Retro is overtaking fields of fashion from every corner, which means the older trends are making a comeback this year! Braids are closer to retro styles than to modern ones, even though these hairstyles evolved at the beginning of the 21st century.

Women of history found braids quite time-saving hairstyles and were mostly done to keep the hair in place throughout the day so that the hair doesn’t get in the way while working. Nowadays, braid hairstyles are much more than just a “keep it low” profile.

Long and thick hair requires devotion almost every day, and usually, we find that we are a bit lazy about repeating the same hairstyle routine over again. But cheer up because what you are about to see is going to revive the will and urge for making fresh new hairstyles – pretty and easy!

We prepared for you a couple of the most interesting and sweet-looking braid hairstyles of all time.

Fishtail braid hairstyles

Starting with one of the most famous types of braids – the fishtail braid! Look and get inspired with this collection of the most common ideas and loved types of braid. It will open your imagination and make you experiment with the edges of your hair, and the position of updos or half updos.

1. Half Up Fishtail

Fishtail braid is very common among youth. It is one of the modern braids that has taken over every corner of the world. The best thing is, you can do as many hairstyles with a fishtail braid as you want. For example, a light half updo fishtail braid like this one takes no time and will give your wavy hair a touch of discipline. In case you like it messy, just loosen up the braid while making it.

2. Twisted Fishtail

Continuing with ideas for fishtail braid hairstyles, here is one for the ladies who like to spice it up just a bit. The goal is half-up style – before you start “braiding” the fishtail, leave some space on the roots of your hair. Tie up the strand of hair intended for the braid, then proceed with the fishtail. In the end, take your done fishtail to the point of loosening space at the roots, twist it inside out, and pull through the fishtail.

3. Fishtail Updo

You will love this simple and retro hairstyle that reminds you of the style of historical royal women. Put your hair up in a light and messy updo, making your way through a fishtail braid for the maximum use of all of your hair. It will keep your hair in one place throughout the day, and you will have an elegant hairstyle by the end of your everyday chores or work.

Dutch braid hairstyles

The Dutch braid may look a little simpler than the French, but when you get to it you will find it’s quite not as easy as it seems. But don’t worry, once you catch the scheme, this type of braid is going to get you crazy over trying the new ways.

1. Two-way Dutch Braid

Although you might not be able to do this hairstyle on your own at first, don’t give up on trying. This two-sided dutch braid hairstyle will shape your profile amazingly, giving your whole head a new, cute, doll-like effect! It will stay almost untouched if you decide to keep it overnight, and tomorrow all you have to do is use a little hairspray or hair gel to catch the stray hairs to ensure you have a fresh hairstyle for another day without changes.

2. Dragon Tail Dutch

Dragontail Dutch braid hairstyle is definitely going to be your choice if you like strong, thick, and tight hairstyles. Done from the starting hairline on your forehead and ending all the way to the tips of your hair, the incredible dragon-tail-looking Dutch braid will carry all the compliments! Also known as Mohawk Dutch, it is another stunning look that only strong, confident, and little dangerous women are able to wear properly.

3. Double Dutch and Pony

Got tired halfway through your Dragontail braid hairstyle attempt? No worries, we ladies are allowed everything when it comes to style! Finish your dragon tail earlier by tying up the rest of your hair in a ponytail. Also, try this double hairdo for a better hold and an even better effect of shaping the head with your hair.

French braid hairstyles

The French braid is the mother of all braids! Dating back to the times of ancient Rome, french braids are considered the most elegant and profane hairstyles. Take a look at a couple of the quickest hairstyles that are suitable for all hair types and occasions.

1. Braided Crown

As mentioned, french braid speaks elegance. The braided crown hairstyle will take away a couple of years from your look, it will make you feel and look younger and more confident. Round up the edges of your hair at the roots, while taking in all of the hair to accomplish this adorable yet classy hairstyle.

2. Loose and simple

The loose, simple, and messy braid will look nice and attractive from behind, while the front will speak elegance. Combine and rock class and everyday look with this braided hairstyle. You will have your hair tucked up nicely and at the same time, you will not feel any pressure or tightening from behind. The hairstyle is so easy that you can do it on your own, no need for a tutorial or professional if you are familiar with the making of French braids.

3. Braided bangs

Stylish and glamorous! Wear the celebrity choice braid hairstyle like a star. If you have short bangs it will not be a problem, just start with the hair that is closest to your bangs. If you don’t have short bangs, start at the point of your hair parting line, circle the edges of hair from both sides and combine it in a big French braid ending at the tips of your hair.

4. Hippie braids

Rebels let me hear you all! We defy the pursuit of perfection and promote a natural look. The quickest and simplest braid hairstyle for lovers of loose hairstyles with an eye for detail, the hippie braid hairstyle is going to have you obsessed. One loose French braid at the front, overlaid with a lock of hair for the back braided half up.

5. Waterfall

You love your wonderful wavy locks, but you are getting a little bored with them and need some refreshment? Here is an interesting idea – highlight the curves of your wavy lock by adding a French braid through the entire hairstyle from one side to the other. The French braid will point out the waves evenly and give them extra volume.

6. Triple French

Now that we got you in love with French braids, get ready to be astonished by this idea!

When one or double French braids aren’t enough, you will make no mistake in increasing the numbers. Mix it up with your imagination – french braids, solo locks, dutch, and fishtails – all in one pony!

7. Cornrows

Cornrows have been popular for a couple of years in a row – it never gets old. This braided hairstyle has the biggest potential of staying untouched for days, even months. The only disadvantage of this hairstyle is, the longer your hair, the more time it takes to do it. But, it will be worth it in the end.

8. Side French Braid and a Bun

Here is a classy look for ladies who prefer low buns. Add a touch of unusual style to your buns with sided French braids. It will hold your bangs nicely and keep them from popping out of the bun. Loosen up or tightened, it is up to you to find what suits the shape of your head best with this hairstyle.

9. Chignon with a Braided Bun

Perfect wedding hairstyle – chignon ending in a low updo messy bun. The best thing about this hairstyle is that it has a very big potential of adding hair accessories, such as diamonds, shiny hair pins, and decorative bobby pins. All over the hairstyle, there are points in which you can stick your desired hair accessory because it is all buckled up.

Braids, buns, and ponies

To sum up, the road we have taken you on, for the final part we have prepared for you some basic mixtures of the most common hairstyles. Check out these beautiful ideas mixed with various braids.

1. Braided Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are Braids’ first cousins. They look very similar to braids but are done quite differently.

Some may think that, when having dreadlocks, you are stuck with a single hairstyle. But that is not true – you can always spice up your dreadlock work by braiding it in different styles. This half-up braided dreadlock crown is just one of many ways you can edit your already-done dreadlock hairstyle.

2. Braided Bun

If your hair is thin and you want to accomplish some look that will shade the rarity in your hair, the sided French braid ending in a low messy bun is the right choice for you. It is suitable for many occasions, such as proms or weddings, and also for an everyday look. If you are looking for a quick and easy, salon-looking hairstyle done at home, give this cute updo a shot.

3. Four-strand Side Braid

One more from the list of easy, quick, and done-at-home hairstyles. When the strands of hair for French braids aren’t enough, try adding one more strand and end up with this interesting side-updated French braid hairstyle. For a thicker look in case you have thin hair, feel free to loosen up the strands while braiding this sweet look.

4. Braided Ponytail

Braided ponytails are girls’ favorite hairstyles. If you are not quite handy with the hairstyle that goes very close to the head, start by tying up a high ponytail. Then, choose any kind of braid, whether it is Dutch, french, or fishtail, it will style up the regular ponytail and give it a big refreshment. Both thick and tight, and messy braids will look equally cool!

5. Braided Top Knot

Cheerleaders in the soul, looking at the world through pink shades, “all about love” women are the characteristics of this hairstyle. Braided bun, but with a high and full updo, and thick and strong tying for multiple days holds, this adorable and cheerful hairstyle will give you the freedom of head movement. You will not have to worry whether you will mess up your hairstyle with any activity. The high updo makes it compatible with everyday wear, and the elegant braided bun gives it a pass to important occasions, business dinners, or a ceremony.

Conclusion

Braid hairstyles are an all-time favorite. They are very easy to make and wear and suit any length of hair. You can always do something with your hair through braids and no one will even notice that you have already mentally prepared for a bad hair day that morning.

Bad hair days are now a thing of the past! Braid your hair in one of these, and many other styles and ideas. It will keep you interested and always looking for more. Dare to experiment with yourself and mix different types, especially if you have very long hair, you will not be bored.

One important thing about braids is that they are one of hairstyles that protect the ends of the hair from breaking because they do not require any chemical or electrical preparation.