10 Enchanting Braided Hairstyles Perfect for Autumn

Autumn arrives with a gentle whisper and a palette of breathtaking colour. The air grows crisp, the light softens to a warm, honeyed glow, and a collective desire for coziness and comfort settles in. It's the season of chunky knits, warm scarves, and pumpkin-spiced everything. This shift in mood and fashion calls for hairstyles that are not only beautiful but also practical—styles that can withstand a breezy walk through a park carpeted in fallen leaves and still look effortlessly chic. Enter the timeless, versatile, and ever-enchanting braid.

For autumn 2025, braided hairstyles are weaving a narrative of romance, texture, and personal expression. The trends seen across visual platforms like Pinterest and TikTok show a beautiful duality. On one hand, there's a deep appreciation for classic, romantic braids—the fairytale crown braid, the intricate fishtail—often softened with wispy tendrils for a more relaxed, "lived-in" feel. On the other hand, there's a surge of creativity and boldness. Bubble braids adorned with pearls, classic box braids styled for the new season, and deconstructed, messy braids that play with volume and texture are all having a major moment.

The beauty of braids in autumn is their inherent duality. They are practical, keeping your hair neatly tucked away from the blustery winds, yet they are also one of the most intricate and expressive forms of hairstyling. A braid is never just a braid; it's a woven story, a piece of art that can be tailored to reflect your personality, whether you’re heading to an apple orchard, a cozy date night, or a glamorous fall wedding. They are the perfect accessory to a turtleneck sweater or a statement coat.

This guide is your ultimate source of inspiration for embracing the braided trend this autumn. We have curated ten stunning braided hairstyles, ranging from the elegantly simple to the breathtakingly intricate. We will walk you through why each style is perfect for the season, offer tips on how to achieve the look, and provide ideas for elevating it with the perfect accessories. It's time to let the cozy, romantic spirit of autumn inspire your style, one beautiful braid at a time.

1. The Ethereal Crown Braid: A Timeless Romance

The crown braid is the epitome of fairytale romance. It's a style that is both regal and bohemian, evoking images of woodland princesses and harvest queens. This continuous braid, wrapped around the head like a halo, is not only stunningly beautiful but also incredibly practical for autumn, keeping hair perfectly in place. It’s a sophisticated choice for more formal fall events, like a wedding or a Thanksgiving dinner, yet it can be softened for a more casual, everyday look.

The Vibe: Romantic, elegant, and effortlessly chic. It pairs beautifully with high-neckline sweaters and elegant coats, drawing attention to your face and neckline.

The Autumn Twist: For 2025, the trend is to move away from the perfectly slick, severe crown braid. Instead, the look is softer and more ethereal. It’s about pulling out soft, face-framing tendrils and gently "pancaking" the braid (pulling at the edges) to create volume and a more relaxed, touchable texture.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Prep Your Hair: This style works best on hair that isn't freshly washed, as the natural oils provide more grip. If your hair is clean, spritz it with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add some grit.

2. Part and Braid: Part your hair down the center, creating two equal sections as if you're making pigtails. Begin a Dutch braid (where you cross the strands under instead of over) on one side, starting from your parting near your forehead and curving it down and around your hairline behind your ear. Secure the end with a small, clear elastic.

3. Repeat on the Other Side: Do the exact same thing on the second section of hair, creating another Dutch braid that follows your hairline.

4. Create the Crown: Take the end of the first braid, bring it up and over the top of your head, laying it along the path of the braid on the opposite side. Tuck the tail under and secure it discreetly with bobby pins.

5. Complete the Look: Take the second braid, wrap it around the back of your head, and lay it over the first braid, tucking the end away and pinning it securely.

6. Soften and Set: Gently pull at the edges of the braids to create fullness. Pull out a few small wisps of hair around your face and ears. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. For a detailed visual guide, this YouTube tutorial from Luxy Hair is an excellent resource.

Elevate Your Crown:

• Weave in a Ribbon: For a touch of autumnal colour, weave a thin velvet ribbon in a shade of burgundy, emerald, or mustard yellow into one of the braids.

• Add Delicate Florals: Tuck small, dried flowers or delicate baby's breath into the braid for a truly whimsical, woodland-inspired look.

• Pearl Accents: Scatter a few pearl-adorned bobby pins throughout the crown for a touch of classic elegance.

This hairstyle is the very definition of romantic. It's a perfect choice for a special occasion where you want to feel like the main character in your own love story. Speaking of love stories, get inspired by these 6 Must-Read Romance Books for June 2024.

2. The Cozy & Chic Fishtail Braid: Intricate Texture

The fishtail braid looks incredibly intricate and complicated, but it's surprisingly simple to create. Its unique, herringbone-like pattern creates a beautiful texture that is perfect for pairing with the chunky, woven textures of fall fashion, like a cozy cable-knit sweater. Worn sleek and tight, it’s modern and chic. Worn messy and deconstructed, it’s pure bohemian bliss.

The Vibe: Effortlessly cool, textured, and stylish. It’s a versatile braid that can take you from a casual coffee run to an evening out.

The Autumn Twist: The side-swept messy fishtail is the go-to for this season. Pulling it over one shoulder makes it the perfect complement to a collared jacket or a warm scarf. The key is to make it look as undone and voluminous as possible.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Gather and Prep: Gather all of your hair to one side, over your shoulder. If your hair is fine, a little texturizing spray will help fatten up the braid.

2. Divide into Two: Unlike a standard braid, the fishtail only uses two sections. Divide your hair into two equal ponytails.

3. Start Weaving: Take a small piece of hair (about a half-inch) from the outside of the left section. Cross it over the top and add it to the inside of the right section.

4. Repeat on the Other Side: Now, take a small piece of hair from the outside of the right section. Cross it over the top and add it to the inside of the left section.

5. Continue Down: Repeat this weaving pattern, always taking from the outside and adding to the inside, all the way down the length of your hair. Try to keep the pieces you're crossing over relatively small and even for a more intricate look.

6. Secure and Deconstruct: Secure the end with a clear elastic. Now for the fun part: gently pull the braid apart with your fingers. Start from the bottom and work your way up, pulling at the edges of each "stitch" to create fullness and a messy, romantic texture. Don't be afraid to make it look a little imperfect!

Elevate Your Fishtail:

• Wrap the Base: Take a small piece of hair from the tail and wrap it around the elastic band to conceal it, securing with a bobby pin underneath.

• Incorporate a Scarf: Tie a silk scarf around the base of the braid for a pop of colour and pattern.

• Add Mini Clips: Accessorize with a few strategically placed mini claw clips in autumnal tones along the length of the braid for a trendy, '90s-inspired touch.

A beautifully styled fishtail can make you feel put-together and confident. For more ways to elevate your look and feel your best, check out these 10 Must-Try Trends for 2025 to Dress to Impress.

3. The Modern Bubble Braid: Playful Volume

For those who find traditional braiding a bit tricky, the bubble braid is a godsend. This playful, modern style gives the illusion of a complex braid but is actually created with a series of strategically placed hair elastics. It’s fun, youthful, and incredibly versatile. You can make it sleek and chic or voluminous and messy.

The Vibe: Fun, trendy, and high-impact with low effort. It's a statement style that’s perfect for a weekend outing or a fun night with friends.

The Autumn Twist: Accessorizing is key for the fall bubble braid. Think beyond simple elastics. Use velvet scrunchies, pearl-adorned ties, or small metal cuffs to elevate the look and tie it into your autumn wardrobe.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Create a Ponytail: Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail. It can be high for a dramatic look, low for a more sophisticated vibe, or even styled as pigtails.

2. Place the First Elastic: About two or three inches down from the base of your ponytail, place another hair elastic.

3. Create the "Bubble": Gently pull at the section of hair between the two elastics. Use your fingers to tug it outwards, creating a round, "bubble" shape. Pull as much or as little as you like to achieve your desired volume.

4. Repeat Down the Length: Continue placing elastics every few inches down the length of your ponytail, "bubbling" out each section as you go.

5. Finish the Look: Secure the final elastic at the end. You can wrap a piece of hair around the base elastic to conceal it for a more polished finish. Give each bubble one final tug to perfect the shape. The stylists at Allure have a great visual guide to this technique.

Elevate Your Bubbles:

• Vary the Elastics: Use elastics in autumnal colours like burgundy, forest green, or mustard. Velvet scrunchies between bubbles create a particularly cozy and on-trend look.

• Add Some Shine: Place small, metallic cuffs or rings around the elastics for a touch of modern hardware.

• Pearl Power: Glue tiny flat-backed pearls onto the bubbles themselves for a whimsical and elegant touch.

This fun and creative hairstyle is a great way to express your personality. Exploring creative outlets is a fantastic way to build a stronger bond in a relationship. For more ideas, check out Creativity in Relationships: The Secret to Building a Stronger Bond.

4. The Classic Dutch Braid Pigtails: Youthful & Cozy

Dutch braids, where the strands are crossed under to create a braid that sits on top of the hair, are a classic for a reason. Styled as pigtails, they evoke a sense of youthful charm and playfulness. This style is perfect for active autumn days—think apple picking or exploring a pumpkin patch—as it keeps hair securely and stylishly out of your face.

The Vibe: Sporty, cute, and effortlessly cool. They are the perfect complement to a cozy beanie or a stylish fedora.

The Autumn Twist: The key to making this style feel current is texture and a relaxed finish. Braid them loosely and pull them apart for a fuller, softer look. Let the ends be a little undone rather than perfectly contained.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Part Your Hair: Create a clean center part from your forehead all the way down to the nape of your neck. Clip one side out of the way.

2. Start the First Braid: On the free side, take a small section of hair near your forehead at the parting. Divide it into three equal strands.

3. Weave Underneath: Begin the Dutch braid by crossing the right strand under the middle strand, and then the left strand under the new middle strand.

4. Add Hair: Continue this pattern, but now, each time you cross a side strand under the middle, add a small section of hair from the hairline on that side.

5. Continue to the Nape: Continue the braid down your head, following your hairline, until you reach the nape of your neck. From there, continue with a standard three-strand braid to the ends.

6. Secure and Repeat: Secure with an elastic. Unclip the other side of your hair and repeat the entire process to create a matching braid.

7. Pancake for Volume: Gently pull at the edges of both braids to make them look thicker and more voluminous.

Elevate Your Pigtails:

• Contrasting Ties: Use a bold-coloured scrunchie or ribbon to tie off the ends. A pop of colour against a neutral sweater looks fantastic.

• Hat-Friendly: This is the ultimate hat-friendly style. Pop on a cozy knit beanie and let the braids peek out.

• A Touch of Glam: Weave a thin, metallic thread into one of the three strands before you start braiding for a subtle shimmer.

This hairstyle is fun and carefree, perfect for a day spent enjoying all the simple pleasures that autumn has to offer. For more ideas on how to enjoy the season with a partner, see these 60 Fun Summer Date Ideas to Ignite Your Romance (many of which are perfect for fall too!).

5. The Boho Box Braids: Protective & Stylish

Box braids are a classic protective style that can be adapted beautifully for any season. In autumn, they offer a fantastic way to protect your hair from the dry, cold air while providing a canvas for some stunning styling. The trend for fall is to embrace a more bohemian, free-spirited vibe with your box braids.

The Vibe: Effortlessly cool, bohemian, and versatile. Box braids are a statement of their own, but can be styled in countless ways.

The Autumn Twist: Think adornment. Weave in strands of yarn in autumnal colours, wrap individual braids with gold or copper thread, and add wooden or metal beads and cuffs. The look is less uniform and more personalized and eclectic. For those considering this style, it’s crucial to start with healthy, moisturized hair. NaturallyCurly.com offers excellent advice on prepping your hair.

How to Style for Autumn:

1. The Half-Up Top Knot: This is a go-to style. Gather the top third of your braids and twist them into a chic top knot, letting the rest fall freely. This shows off your length while keeping hair out of your face.

2. The Low-Slung Ponytail: Gather all of your braids at the nape of your neck and secure them with a large, stylish scrunchie or a silk scarf for a sophisticated, elegant look.

3. Accessorize Freely: This is where you can really lean into the autumn theme.

   • Wraps and Cuffs: Purchase hair cuffs and thread in shades of gold, bronze, and copper. Randomly select a few braids to wrap with thread or adorn with cuffs.

   • Yarn Weaves: Plait thin strands of wool yarn in colours like mustard, burgundy, or forest green into a few of your braids for a cozy, textural element.

   • Beaded Ends: Add a few wooden or earthy-toned beads to the ends of a few braids for a touch of rustic charm.

Box braids are a long-term style commitment, which gives you plenty of time to play and experiment. This kind of creative expression can be a wonderful form of self-care. For more on this, check out these Top 10 Daily Self-Care Habits to Ignite Joy and Happiness in Your Life.

6. The Half-Up Braided Knot: Elegant Simplicity

This style offers the best of both worlds: the elegance of an updo and the soft, romantic feel of loose hair. It’s an incredibly versatile look that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for anything from a day at the office to a romantic dinner. It’s a simple way to elevate your look without a huge amount of effort.

The Vibe: Polished, feminine, and sophisticated. It’s a "pulled-together" look that still feels soft and approachable.

The Autumn Twist: Play with texture. Create soft waves in the loose section of your hair to contrast with the sleekness of the braids. Incorporating a velvet ribbon into the knot adds a perfect seasonal touch.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Section Your Hair: Create a horizontal part from ear to ear, separating the top section of your hair from the bottom. Clip the bottom section out of the way for now.

2. Create Two Braids: Take the top section and part it down the middle. Create a simple three-strand braid on each side and secure them with small, clear elastics.

3. Tie the Knot: Take the two braids and literally tie them together at the back of your head as if you were starting to tie a shoelace (right over left, then tucked under).

4. Secure the Knot: Secure the knot with bobby pins, tucking the tails of the braids underneath and pinning them discreetly. You can leave the tails out for a more bohemian look or tuck them away completely for a cleaner finish.

5. Style the Loose Hair: Unclip the bottom section of your hair. For a perfect autumn look, use a curling wand to create soft, loose waves.

6. Finish: Gently pancake the braids for a bit of volume and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Elevate Your Knot:

• A Statement Bow: Instead of a simple knot, tie the two braids around a large, velvet or silk bow for a dramatic and romantic statement.

• Weave in a Scarf: Use a thin silk scarf as one of the three strands in each of your braids for a beautiful, integrated look.

• A Touch of Sparkle: Place a single, beautiful decorative pin or comb just above the knot for a touch of elegance. Kitsch offers a wide array of beautiful hair accessories for this.

This elegant style is perfect for a date night. For more ideas on how to impress on a special evening, see these 7 Effortless Date Night Looks That Will Leave a Lasting Impression.

7. The Deconstructed French Braid: Effortless & Messy

The classic French braid gets a cool-girl makeover for fall. This isn't the neat, tight braid of your school days. The deconstructed French braid is intentionally messy, impossibly voluminous, and exudes an air of effortless "I just threw this together" chic. It’s the hair equivalent of a perfectly oversized, artfully draped cashmere sweater.

The Vibe: Relaxed, romantic, and effortlessly stylish. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a walk in the park, or a cozy day spent reading in a coffee shop.

The Autumn Twist: Volume, volume, volume. The key is to start with a ton of texture and to be fearless when pulling the braid apart. The messier, the better.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Build Your Foundation: This style needs texture to hold its shape. Start by spraying your roots and lengths with a generous amount of texturizing spray or volumizing powder. This is the most important step!

2. Start the Braid High: Begin your French braid (crossing strands over the middle) high on the crown of your head, but keep your hands and your tension very loose from the start.

3. Braid Loosely: Continue the French braid down the back of your head, keeping it loose and airy. Don’t worry about making it perfect.

4. Secure and Pancake: Secure the end with an elastic. Now, starting from the bottom, begin aggressively pulling at the sides of the braid. Use your thumbs and forefingers to pull each section outwards, creating as much volume and "messiness" as you can.

5. Frame the Face: Pull out several tendrils around your face to soften the look. You can even use the end of a pintail comb to gently pull up some pieces at the crown for more volume. The final look should be loose, romantic, and full of texture. For tips on mastering the French braid itself, check out this beginner's guide from Byrdie.

Elevate Your Messy Braid:

• A Simple Black Ribbon: Tie a long, black velvet or silk ribbon around the end of the braid for a chic, Parisian-inspired contrast.

• Interwoven Chain: For an edgier look, weave a delicate silver or gold chain necklace into the braid.

• Hidden Gems: Tuck a few small, decorative bobby pins into the depths of the braid for a subtle, hidden sparkle.

This style is a great everyday go-to. Having a repertoire of easy, stylish habits can make life feel more manageable and enjoyable. For more on this, check out these 10 Life-Changing Habits to Adopt in Your 20s.

8. The Pull-Through Braid: The Ultimate Volume Hack

The pull-through braid is another fantastic "faux" braid that creates incredible thickness and volume, making it a dream for those with fine or thin hair. It looks complex and impressive, but it’s just a clever series of ponytails pulled through each other.

The Vibe: Glamorous, voluminous, and dramatic. It’s a real showstopper that’s perfect for a special occasion.

The Autumn Twist: Weave in extensions or hairpieces in autumnal shades to create a multi-tonal look with even more volume. Think subtle lowlights of caramel or auburn peeking through.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Create Two Ponytails: Start with a small ponytail at the crown of your head. Directly below it, create a second ponytail.

2. Split and Pull Through: Split the top ponytail into two halves. Pull the bottom ponytail up and through the split, and temporarily clip it on top of your head.

3. Create a New Ponytail: Release the split top ponytail. Gather those two halves, and add some more hair from the sides, and create a new ponytail below the one you've clipped up.

4. Repeat: Unclip the top ponytail. Split it in two. Pull the new bottom ponytail up and through the split, and clip it out of the way. Repeat this process all the way down your back.

5. Pancake and Finish: Once you reach the end, secure everything with an elastic. Just like with the other braids, go back and pull at the edges of each "loop" to create massive volume.

Elevate Your Pull-Through:

• Ombre Effect: This style looks particularly stunning on hair with an ombre or balayage, as it shows off the colour transition beautifully.

• Statement Hair Ties: Use decorative hair ties or scrunchies for each section instead of clear elastics for a bold, colourful look.

• Add a Headband: Place a padded velvet headband at the front for a preppy, polished finish to this voluminous style.

This impressive style is a major confidence booster. It’s a great choice for when you want to look and feel your best for a special event. For more formal style inspiration, see these 15 Timeless Dresses That Always Impress at Formal Events.

9. Braided Headband with Loose Waves: Sweet & Simple

For a touch of braided detail without committing to a full braid, the braided headband is a perfect choice. This simple braid across the hairline acts like a natural, built-in accessory, keeping flyaways at bay while adding a touch of bohemian charm to loose, wavy hair.

The Vibe: Sweet, romantic, and low-maintenance. It’s the perfect "I want to do something with my hair, but I don't have much time" style.

The Autumn Twist: Pair it with deep, moody waves and let the texture do the talking. This look is all about the contrast between the detailed braid and the soft, loose hair.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Create a Deep Side Part: This style looks best with a deep side part.

2. Section for the Braid: On the side with more hair, take a two-inch section along your hairline, from the parting down to your ear.

3. French Braid Across: French braid this section across your forehead, following your hairline. Keep the braid tight to your head.

4. Pin and Hide: Once the braid reaches your ear, continue it for another inch or two, then secure it behind your ear with bobby pins, hiding the end under the rest of your hair.

5. Style the Rest: Create loose, flowing waves in the rest of your hair using a large-barrel curling iron or a flat iron. Run your fingers through them to loosen them up.

Elevate Your Headband:

• Double Up: Create two small, parallel braids for a more detailed look.

• A Touch of Bling: Weave a delicate, sparkly hair vine into the braid for a touch of glamour. Jennifer Behr makes exquisite, investment-worthy hair vines.

• Fishtail Headband: For a more intricate look, make the headband braid a fishtail instead of a French braid.

This simple yet beautiful style is a great way to add a little something special to your everyday look, making any day feel a bit more romantic. For more romantic ideas, check out these 8 Cozy At-Home Date Night Ideas.

10. The Waterfall Braid: Cascading Delicacy

The waterfall braid is a dreamy, romantic style where strands are dropped from the braid to cascade down with the rest of the hair, creating a beautiful waterfall effect. It’s a delicate and intricate-looking style that is surprisingly achievable and perfect for showcasing autumn hair colour and highlights.

The Vibe: Whimsical, delicate, and ethereal. It's a popular choice for weddings and special occasions but is simple enough for a pretty everyday style.

The Autumn Twist: Curl the "cascading" strands to create a beautiful, flowing texture. This style looks particularly stunning when half of the hair is pinned back, allowing the waterfall effect to be the main focus.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Start Like a French Braid: Take a section of hair near your parting at the front of your head and divide it into three strands.

2. The First Stitch: Cross the top strand over the middle, then the bottom strand over the new middle.

3. The Waterfall Drop: Now, add hair to the top strand as you would in a French braid and cross it over the middle. Here's the key part: drop the bottom strand and let it fall.

4. Pick Up a New Strand: Pick up a new piece of hair from directly behind the strand you just dropped. This becomes your new bottom strand.

5. Continue and Repeat: Cross the new bottom strand over the middle. Continue this pattern across the back of your head: add hair to the top strand, cross it over, drop the bottom strand, pick up a new one.

6. Secure: Once you've gone as far as you like, secure the braid with bobby pins or continue it into a simple three-strand braid.

Elevate Your Waterfall:

• Double Waterfall: Create one waterfall braid, and then another one directly below it for a more dramatic, layered look.

  
  

• Meet in the Middle: Create a waterfall braid starting from each side of your head and have them meet in the middle, securing them with a decorative clip.

• Straight and Sleek: For a modern, graphic look, pair a waterfall braid with sleek, pin-straight hair instead of waves.

This intricate and beautiful style is a testament to the artistry of braiding. It's a wonderful skill to learn, a hobby that blends beauty and creativity. For more hobby ideas, see this list of 11 Fun At-Home Hobbies for Couples to Do Together.

Conclusion: Weave Your Autumn Story

As the leaves turn and the air chills, these ten braided hairstyles offer a world of opportunity to refresh your look and embrace the cozy, romantic spirit of the season. From the playful volume of a bubble braid to the timeless elegance of a crown braid, there is a style to match every mood, outfit, and occasion that autumn brings.

More than just a way to style your hair, braiding is a form of self-expression. It’s a chance to be creative, to play with texture and accessories, and to craft a look that is uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to combine techniques, or to make a style perfectly, imperfectly messy. The beauty of these autumn braids lies in their versatility and their ability to feel both polished and profoundly personal.

So, as you pull on your favorite sweater and head out to enjoy the golden light of the season, let your hair be the final, perfect touch to your autumn story. Let it be a reflection of the beauty, warmth, and magic that this enchanting time of year has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. My hair is very slippery. How can I get my braids to hold? The key is to add "grit" to your hair. Braids hold best on second or third-day hair. If your hair is clean, use a texturizing spray, sea salt spray, or a light dusting of dry shampoo before you start. This will give the strands more grip and help the style last longer.

2. I have fine hair. How can I make my braids look thicker? The "pancaking" technique is your best friend. After you've completed your braid and secured it, gently pull at the edges of each loop, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This will loosen the braid and create the illusion of much fuller hair. Styles like the Pull-Through Braid are also fantastic for faking volume.

3. What are some good accessories for autumn braids? Think texture and warm tones. Velvet or silk scrunchies and ribbons in burgundy, emerald, or mustard are perfect. Small, decorative clips with pearls or tortoiseshell patterns are very on-trend. For a more bohemian look, consider wrapping braids with gold or copper thread.

4. How can I incorporate braids into short hair? You can absolutely braid short hair! A braided headband, small Dutch braids along a side part, or a half-up braided knot are all great options for bobs and lobs. The key is to work with smaller sections and have plenty of bobby pins on hand.

5. How do I get my braids to look "romantically messy" instead of just sloppy? It's a fine line! The secret is to start with a relatively neat braid. Once it's secured, you can be intentional about the messiness. Pull out specific, small tendrils around your face. When pancaking the braid, pull horizontally on the loops rather than just yanking the whole thing apart.

6. Can I sleep in these braids to make them last? For simpler styles like Dutch braid pigtails or a basic French braid, you can definitely sleep on them to get a second day's wear. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help minimize frizz and keep the style intact. More intricate styles like a crown braid may not survive a night's sleep.

7. How do I keep my scalp healthy when wearing protective styles like box braids? It's crucial to keep your scalp clean and moisturized. Use a light, water-based moisturizer or oil on your scalp every few days to prevent dryness. You can also use a witch hazel solution on a cotton pad to clean your scalp between washes without disturbing the style.

8. What's the difference between a Dutch braid and a French braid? It's all in the direction you cross the strands. In a French braid, you cross the side strands over the middle strand. In a Dutch braid (or "inside-out" braid), you cross the side strands under the middle strand. This is what makes the Dutch braid pop up from the head, while the French braid lies flatter.

9. How do I hide the elastic at the end of my braid? A simple trick is to take a small strand of hair from the tail, wrap it around the elastic until it's completely covered, and then secure the end of that strand by tucking it into the elastic or using a small bobby pin on the underside of the braid.

10. I'm a total beginner. Which braid is the easiest to start with? The Bubble Braid is by far the easiest as it requires no actual weaving. For traditional braids, a simple three-strand braid is the foundation. Once you master that, the Fishtail Braid is often considered easier for beginners to learn on themselves than a French or Dutch braid.