Braids include some of the most impressive hairstyles. Braided hairstyles can be ultra-intricate and complex. They are gorgeous, elegant hairstyles that give your look an instant put-together finishing touch.
However, braids can also be difficult to do yourself–especially in your own hair. These braided hairstyles look impossibly intricate, but they’re actually very quick and easy to style yourself from the comfort of your own home.
From casual braided knots to elegant formal braided updos, this post has it all when it comes to braided hairstyles. If you’re looking for braiding inspiration for your hair, check out these 9 DIY intricate braided hairstyles.
1. Dutch Braided Updo
Dutch braiding is also known as reverse braiding. While it looks very intricate and might seem complex, the Dutch braiding style you see in the picture above isn’t actually more difficult than French braiding or classic braiding.
In fact, Dutch braiding just involves crossing sections of hair underneath each other rather than over each other. This creates the 3-dimensional braid that stands out from your head in a flattering way as you see in the picture above.
This look combines a pretty Dutch-braided base with a knot to create a messy-on-purpose half-up half-down style that is the ideal cute look for any casual outing.
2. Fishtail Braided Half-Up Half-Down Style
Fishtail braids are one of the prettiest types of braids. They look incredibly intricate, but fishtail braids are not actually that difficult to pull off on your own.
Take this look, for example. This fishtail braided half-up half-down style features a single loose fishtail braid that cascades down the back layers of your hair. Once you know how to fishtail braid, it only takes a few minutes to create a gorgeous, ultra-intricate look like this one.
3. Fishtail Braided Side Ponytail
Braiding adds interest and style to a classic side ponytail like the one you see in the picture above. Plus, it’s easy to pull off this look yourself in just a few minutes.
This look is perfect for those days when you wake up late for work but still want to look put-together. It features a single, simple fishtail braid on one side and a classic side braid. While it might look super intricate, it’s very easy to pull off styling this look on your own in just a few minutes in the morning.
4. Loose French Braided Low Ponytail
French braids are one of the easiest types of braids to learn to do yourself–second only to the classic braid.
This loose French braided low ponytail is a simple low ponytail with a French braided base and plenty of volume. It’s easy to style on your own in just a few minutes, and it adds a streamlined finishing touch to any look.
5. Wavy Hairstyle with Side Fishtail Braid
This simple braided hairstyle combines natural hair with a single simple side fishtail braid. The fishtail braid gives this look an attention-grabbing focal point.
If you have wavy hair, you can pull off this look without any heated styling tools. If your hair is naturally curly, you can leave it natural as well or use a flat iron to create smooth waves like those you see in the above picture.
6. Roped Braided Low Ponytail with Leaf Accents
This one-of-a-kind rope braided low ponytail features a rope braid that cascades down into a simple low ponytail. Leaf accents add a quirky, nature-loving finish to this look.
Add a classy finish to this look and tie your whole look together by wrapping a thin section of your hair around the base of your ponytail. Tuck this strand of hair underneath your hair band to hide the band for a more streamlined, put-together finish.
7. Waterfall Braided Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle
Waterfall braids are inherently gorgeous. This ultra-intricate type of braid adds a beautiful finishing touch to any hairstyle–as you can see from the glamorous, intricate half-up half-down style above.
Although they look very complex, waterfall braids are actually very easy to pull off on your own. Waterfall braiding involves weaving thin sections of your hair together in a certain way to create a beautiful, intricate finish.
This waterfall braided half-up half-down look pairs a waterfall braid with loose, relaxed ringlet curls with beautiful, eye-catching results.
8. Low Messy Bun with Dutch Side Braid
This is perfect for a day out and about or on the go. It’s practical, cute, and super easy to style yourself.
This braided updo features a Dutch side braid that adds interest and a stylish focal point to this look. Its Dutch side braid cascades down into a loose, messy-on-purpose knot that’s secure with a tousled finish.
When you create this look, be sure not to skimp on the bobby pins to make sure it stays secure all day long. Also, leave a few strands free in front to achieve a more carefree, relaxed finishing touch.
9. Formal Braided Updo
A post about intricate braiding would not be complete without featuring at least one formal braided updo. Many formal updos involve braiding, because braiding adds volume, dimension, and an intricate finishing touch to these looks.
This formal braided updo features a low, voluminous knot with a braided base. It includes several loose curled strands that give this look a carefree, relaxed finish. Floral accents give this gorgeous formal braided updo an eye-catching focal point and a bohemian finishing touch.
