35 French Braid Hairstyles 2024

Are you looking to elevate your hairstyle game but feeling a bit stuck? Have you ever wondered how to transform a classic French braid into something uniquely stunning?

In this article, I’ve gathered 35 incredible French braid ideas that will inspire and guide you through some fantastic options.

Whether you’re aiming for a casual look or something more sophisticated, these ideas have got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

What are French Braids?

French braids are a classic and elegant hairstyle where the hair is braided close to the scalp, incorporating sections of hair as you go to create a sleek, woven pattern.

This timeless style is not only versatile and suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events, but it’s also a great way to keep hair neat.

Related: 35 Dutch Braid Hairstyles

Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking for a chic everyday look, French braids offer a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making them a favorite choice for many.

35 French Braid Hairstyles to Copy

1. French Braid with Cascading Curls

This innovative hairstyle combines the structure of a classic French braid with the allure of flowing curls.

Starting from the crown, tightly woven braids gracefully transition into luxuriously loose curls, creating a dynamic contrast.

The braid’s sleekness accentuates the scalp’s contour, while the curls add a soft, romantic flair, making it an ideal choice for both formal events and casual outings.

2. Side-Swept French Braid

This hairstyle features a side-swept French braid that elegantly cascades down one shoulder, offering a graceful and sophisticated appearance.

The braid begins near the crown, pulling in large sections of hair to create a bold, voluminous look that stands out.

Its seamless integration of loose strands around the face softens the overall style, making it versatile for both casual day wear and more formal events.

3. Crown French Braid with Ponytail

This hairstyle uniquely wraps a French braid around the crown of the head, ending in a playful ponytail.

The braid starts at the front and sweeps around to gather all hair into a neat, continuous loop, signifying a crown-like effect.

This style is perfect for young girls or anyone looking for a hairstyle that combines elegance with practicality, keeping hair tidy and off the face during active or casual days.

4. Bohemian French Braid Accent

This hairstyle showcases a whimsical bohemian touch with a subtle French braid accent that sweeps across the crown, seamlessly blending into softly tousled waves.

Perfect for adding a twist to an everyday look, this style highlights a relaxed yet put-together vibe.

The braid acts as a chic headband, pulling the hair away from the face while letting the natural texture of the waves shine through, creating a fresh and youthful appearance suitable for various occasions.

5. Intricate French Braid Halo

This hairstyle exemplifies artistic craftsmanship through an intricate French braid halo, meticulously styled around the head.

The braid is tightly woven to lie flat against the scalp, creating a sleek, polished appearance.

This halo braid encircles the crown, combining elegance with a touch of regality, perfect for special occasions or everyday chic.

The remaining hair flows freely, offering a contrast between the structured braid and the natural texture of the loose hair, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

6. Dual-Tone French Braid Cascade

This hairstyle blends a dual-tone French braid with a flowing cascade, creating an eye-catching look.

Starting from the crown, the braid incorporates both dark and light strands, emphasizing the intricate weaving and depth of the style.

As the braid descends, it gradually loosens into soft, wavy curls, offering a striking contrast between the structured braid and the relaxed ends.

7. Classic French Braid Mastery

This hairstyle showcases a classic French braid that starts at the crown and flows down smoothly to the lower back.

It highlights skilled braiding techniques, pulling in small sections from both sides to create a tight and neat plait that enhances the hair’s natural texture and sheen.

This versatile look is perfect for various settings, from professional environments to casual outings, offering both elegance and practicality.

8. Playful Tiered French Braid

This charming hairstyle introduces a playful tiered French braid, punctuated with vibrant purple bands to accentuate each segment.

Starting at the top, the braid tightly gathers hair, which is then sectioned off into smaller braids at intervals, creating a tiered effect.

This design not only adds a youthful and spirited flair but also ensures that hair stays neatly in place throughout the day.

9. Elegant French Braid Chignon

This refined hairstyle features a French braid that starts at the crown and intricately weaves around the head to form a sophisticated chignon at the nape.

The braid’s precision showcases the hair’s lustrous quality and the skill involved in its creation.

Ideal for formal occasions, this elegant updo exudes class and keeps the hair neatly tucked away, ensuring the wearer looks polished from every angle.

10. Glamorous French Braid Crown with Waves

This hairstyle combines the elegance of a French braid crown with the vivacity of flowing waves, creating a stunningly glamorous look.

The braid wraps around the head, beautifully framing the face and transitioning into lush, cascading waves that add a touch of sophistication.

This look is ideal for those seeking to blend classic braiding techniques with modern styling, making it a perfect choice for both casual and formal occasions.

11. Twin French Braid Buns

This youthful hairstyle features twin French braids that start at the hairline and intricately weave back to form two charming buns atop the head.

The braids are tightly plaited to ensure a clean, polished appearance, while the buns add a playful twist to the overall look.

This style is perfect for those who appreciate a neat yet fun aesthetic, suitable for school, sports, or any casual outing.

12. Cascading French Braid Pigtails

This hairstyle showcases cascading French braid pigtails that start at the top and split into two, flowing down each side of the head.

The braids are neatly woven, gathering hair from the crown and transitioning into loose, wavy tails, combining structure with playful freedom.

This look is ideal for those seeking a balance between refined braiding and relaxed style, suitable for both school and leisure activities.

13. Sculptural French Braid Elegance

This hairstyle elevates the traditional French braid into a sculptural masterpiece, skillfully woven to showcase the hair’s texture and volume.

The braid starts at the crown and flows down the back, incorporating thick strands that intertwine to create a bold, statement piece.

This style is perfect for those seeking to combine classic braiding with a modern twist, offering a sophisticated look that commands attention at both formal events and everyday outings.

14. Sleek French Braid Tail

This hairstyle showcases a sleek French braid that begins at the crown and extends into a long, flowing tail.

The braid is meticulously crafted, incorporating all the hair into a tight, uniform plait that emphasizes the hair’s smooth texture and shine.

This style combines simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for both daily wear and special occasions.

15. Circular French Braid Crown

This enchanting hairstyle features a circular French braid that wraps around the head, creating an exquisite crown effect.

Skillfully woven, the braid lies flat against the scalp, showcasing the hair’s natural sheen and color.

It keeps hair neatly out of the face while providing a charming aesthetic that’s both practical for daily activities and delightful for special occasions.

16. Center-Parted French Braid

This hairstyle features a precise center-parted French braid that showcases exceptional weaving skill, starting from the forehead and tapering down the back.

The braid is neatly executed, capturing even fine hairs to create a clean, polished look.

Ideal for both formal events and casual outings, this style keeps hair securely in place while providing a sleek, sophisticated appearance.

The meticulous detail in the braid highlights the natural luster and color variations of the hair, enhancing its visual appeal.

17. Luxurious Multi-Strand French Braid

This hairstyle exemplifies a luxurious multi-strand French braid that begins at the top of the head and extends into a thick, intricate plait down the back.

The braid is masterfully woven with multiple strands, enhancing its visual depth and texture.

This versatile style is suitable for various occasions, from sporty outings to formal gatherings, providing a secure yet elegant look.

18. Youthful French Braid Ponytail

This hairstyle showcases a youthful and playful French braid that starts at the crown and flows into a simple ponytail, secured with a vibrant leopard print bow.

The braid is tight and neat, pulling in all strands to create a polished look while the ponytail brings a breezy, carefree element.

This combination makes it an excellent choice for active days or playful events, keeping hair tidy and adding a dash of fun with the decorative bow.

19. Intricate French Braid Fusion

This hairstyle showcases an intricate fusion of multiple French braids that converge into a single, striking plait down the back.

The multiple braids start from different points on the head, intricately woven to create a captivating texture before joining together.

This technique adds depth and complexity, making it an ideal style for those who appreciate detailed hair artistry.

20. Crowned French Braid Bun

This hairstyle presents a stunningly crafted crowned French braid that circles the head, culminating in an elegant bun at the back.

The braid is tightly woven, demonstrating impeccable skill and providing a refined frame to the face.

The bun not only secures the hair neatly in place but also adds a classic touch to the overall hairstyle, making it both functional and stylish.

21. Vivid French Braid Fantasy

This hairstyle brings a dramatic flair with its vivid French braid, showcasing an explosion of electric blue, vibrant pink, and deep purple hues.

The braid is expertly woven, allowing each color to intertwine and stand out, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.

It combines the traditional technique of French braiding with a modern twist of fantasy colors, suitable for creative or festive events.

22. Dual-Tone French Twist

This hairstyle features a stunning dual-tone French twist, artfully combining vivid blue and striking pink braids.

Each braid, starting from the sides and twisting towards the back, showcases a blend of rich colors that pop against the natural hair base.

This style is an excellent choice for those wanting to express their vibrant personality and love for color.

It’s ideal for festive occasions or creative events, where the blend of colors can truly shine and become a conversation starter.

23. Whimsical French Braid Updo

This hairstyle displays a whimsical French braid updo, intricately styled to create a voluminous and textured look.

The braid swirls around the head, gathering the hair into a soft, loose bun at the back.

This style exudes a romantic and ethereal feel, perfect for weddings or formal gatherings where elegance is key.

The natural highlights of the hair are accentuated within the twists and turns of the braid, adding a radiant shine that enhances the overall aesthetic.

24. Side-swept French Braid with Floral Accent

This elegant hairstyle features a side-swept French braid that begins on the left and gently curves across the top of the head, adding a graceful arc to the style.

The braid is tight and neat, showcasing the hair’s natural luster and depth. A chic black floral hair accessory placed near the crown enhances the sophistication of the look, making it perfect for formal occasions or celebrations.

25. Cascading Side French Braids

This charming hairstyle features two neat side French braids that gracefully cascade from the crown to seamlessly blend with loose hair at the back.

The braids start narrowly at the top and gradually thicken, beautifully framing the face and adding a playful, yet sophisticated element to the overall look.

This style is ideal for young girls who need a manageable yet cute hairstyle for school or casual outings, keeping their hair tidy while providing a delightful aesthetic touch.

26. Side Part French Braid

The side part French braid is a delightful and practical hairstyle perfect for young girls.

This look features a neatly braided section starting from a side part and continuing down the side of the head.

The braid beautifully integrates into the loose hair, keeping it secure while adding a charming detail to the overall style.

27. Crowned French Braid Bun

This crowned French braid bun combines elegance with intricate detail, perfect for a sophisticated look.

The French braid starts at the hairline, framing the head beautifully and leading into a voluminous bun at the crown.

The braid adds texture and keeps the style secure, while the bun provides a touch of glamour.

28. Embellished French Braid

This embellished French braid adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to the classic style.

Starting from the crown, the braid is neatly woven down the back, creating a sleek and smooth finish.

The addition of a crescent moon accessory with dangling charms gives the hairstyle a unique, celestial touch, making it perfect for special occasions.

The intricate details of the braid paired with the accessory create a captivating look that stands out beautifully.

29. French Braid Pigtails

French braid pigtails offer a charming and playful hairstyle perfect for young girls.

Starting with neat French braids at the top, the hair is styled into pigtails, and secured with fluffy white accessories for added cuteness.

The braids are tightly woven, ensuring a tidy look that’s both practical and adorable.

30. Classic French Braid with Loose Waves

This classic French braid is elegantly intertwined, showcasing its sophisticated and timeless appeal.

The braid starts at the crown and cascades down the back, gradually loosening into soft waves that add a touch of romance and effortless charm.

The hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, combining a neat and polished look with a relaxed and feminine vibe.

31. Double French Braids with Blonde Highlights

This hairstyle features two voluminous French braids that create a symmetrical and eye-catching look.

The braids are meticulously crafted, starting from the crown and extending down to the ends, showcasing the contrasting blonde highlights beautifully intertwined with the natural hair color.

The thick, chunky braids give a full-bodied appearance, adding a touch of elegance and style.

32. Casual Loose French Braid

This casual loose French braid offers a relaxed yet stylish look, perfect for everyday wear.

The braid starts high on the head and transitions into a loose, slightly messy plait that ends in a simple ponytail.

The soft, voluminous sections add a touch of effortless charm, making it ideal for both casual outings and low-key events.

33. Sporty French Braid

The sporty French braid is a practical and stylish option for active days.

It starts high on the crown, with sections smoothly transitioning into a tight, secure braid that ends in a simple ponytail.

This hairstyle ensures hair stays in place, perfect for school or sports activities. The neatness of the braid, combined with the ease of maintenance, makes it an ideal choice for those with a busy lifestyle.

34. Top Knot French Braid

This chic hairstyle combines the classic French braid with a modern top knot. The braid starts at the crown, gathering hair seamlessly as it moves upward, culminating in a stylish knot.

This look is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to casual outfits while keeping hair neatly out of the way.

Ideal for busy days or special occasions, this hairstyle balances practicality with a sophisticated flair.

35. Sleek French Braid Ponytail

This hairstyle combines the sophistication of a French braid with the practicality of a ponytail.

The braid begins at the top and smoothly transitions into a wrapped ponytail, creating a polished look.

Perfect for both casual and formal settings, this style ensures that hair is neatly gathered while still looking stylish.