30 Gorgeous Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair

Woman’s hair has been always considered her identity, her symbol of pride and beauty since time immemorial. Whether it’s the Biblical scriptures or the artifacts from ancient times, there’s enough evidence to prove that woman’s hair has always been one among her most prized assets. Braids are possibly one of the oldest women’s hairstyles. Even today, centuries later, they firmly hold a supreme spot in every trendsetter’s diary, for reasons us ladies already know and agree with! Here are 30 gorgeous braided hairstyles for long hair that you are sure going to love.

Braided Hairstyles for Long Hair

The best thing about braids is their multiple kinds and patterns. Long hair is best for braiding. Braids are a beautiful, feminine and convenient way to style your longer locks.

1. Dramatic Triple Braid

If you are running out of ways to style your voluminous, long tresses, give this dramatic yet easy triple braid hairdo a go! You can rock this exaggerated hairstyle with a simple tee and a pair of rugged denim jeans. Being stylish has never been this simple!

2. Two-Way Dutch Braid

Functionality is the need of the day, where we are all set out to make the best of everything! This uber-cool Dutch braid hairdo can work both, as a side braid and as a braided updo! This hairstyle looks exceptionally good if your hair is thick and long. You can carry off the two looks fabulously well, both during the day and the night!

3. Braided Bun for Thick Hair

This braided updo for long hair spells elegance and class! It beautifully culminates the elements of vintage charm with a modern edge! You can wear this hairdo almost anywhere – from a formal evening do to a day out with your girl gang!

4. Twisted Fishtail Braid for Long Hair

There’s truly nothing better than adding a fun twist to a hairstyle that’s already high up on the cute quotient! This amazing variation of the fishtail braid is certainly going to make you the center of attention everywhere you go! Try it out and you’re sure to get some amazing Instagram-worthy shots!

5. Woven Fishtail Braid

Here’s yet another hairstyle for those who appreciate little details. The woven fishtail braid can give your hair the illusion of thickness while ensuring you’re on point with your glam quotient!

6. Messy Waves with Braids

Want to channel the edge of an undercut, without sacrificing your long, thick hair? Then you need to try these braids. They mimic the cool look of a side shave while still showcasing your femininity. Not to mention, they’re 100% commitment free.

7. Exaggerated Dragon Tail Braid

Braids for long hair always work best when you take advantage of the ample volume of your tresses, as does this dragon-tail inspired ‘do. Don’t let the style’s intensity fool you because it’s easy to DIY. Start with your usual Dutch braid, also known as a reverse French braid. After the first cross-under, gently pull at the outside of the plait and fan it out. Continue this down its length, and voila!

8. Half-Up Fishtail Braid

Fishtails are a fun way to change up everyday braids. Show off yours on top of back-skimming strands and frame it with two twists on either side. Straight hair enhances the sleek appeal of braiding styles. This is especially true for half-updos where braids can’t get lost in (or lose the spotlight to) thick curls.

9. Twisted Messy Bun

Just because you want to keep it simple, doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant too. Case-in-point is this angelic half updo. Loose twists tucked into a bun allow your long tresses flow underneath while adding some polish to your hairdo.

10. Woven Braid-on-Braid Crown

This coif boasts a braid within a braid, creating an intricate and unique alternative to a headband or flower crown. Braided hairstyles for long hair allow you to be creative and fun, using your hair as an unexpected medium for crazy, cool art and woven masterpieces.

11. Half Updo with a Six-Strand Braid

If you’re up for a challenge, try this braid that tackles six strands, instead of the traditional three, to achieve that jumbo size and beautiful style. Average ponytails and half-updos get stale, so switch it up by topping off your plait with a loose overhand knot.

12. Oversized Waterfall Braid for Ombre Hair

From deep brown to ashen blonde, this ombré mane is simply gorgeous. The waterfall braid perfectly accents the angelic quality of the coif, while also showing off the bold colors. Loose ends enliven the style with volume and movement.

13. Beautiful Bun and Braid

Take your top-knot up a notch by encircling it with a reverse French braid. It elevates your everyday bun, making it a flirty choice for work and special occasions, alike. Braid hairstyles for long hair, especially updos like this one, are a fool-proof option because of how they tame and tuck your back-skimming tresses, keeping them out of your face on your busiest days.

14. Loose Braid with Rose Gold Highlights

Exuding boho-chic vibes, this wavy hairstyle is a free spirit’s dream. Loose French braids really pop with highlights woven throughout. The coif’s rose gold hues finish it with delicious warmth and ample personality.

15. Twists and Thick Braid

Two side twists with a jumbo Dutch braid in the middle are the perfect trio for a romantic updo. Boosting that charming allure, the heart-shaped hairpiece ties the look together. If you’re seeking more decorative ideas with braids, try adding fresh flowers for a festival or jewel-encrusted clips for a formal affair.

16. Grecian Braided Crown

Taking its cues from the ancient Greeks, this braided hair wraps around the crown of the head like a halo. Add blonde highlights for a golden glow, like a true ring of light. With hairdos like this, it’s impossible not to feel like a goddess or an angel.

17. Dutch Braids and Ponies

Modernize your go-to Dutch braids by leaving their ends undone and using strands of hair to secure the plaits instead of hair ties. A new take on the half-up, half-down look, it lets your balayage tresses flow. Plus, it isn’t as casual as traditional braids.

18. Regal Braided Updo

Dress-up your braids, by using them on either side of your coif and tucking them into a sizeable bun. Play-up the volume even more by teasing the top of your hair. With a look like this, braids are better than hair gel for keeping your sides tamed because they fashionably keep your strands tucked away.

19. Wispy Fishtail and Pony

Cute braids for long hair offer virtually effortless chic when you’re on the go. Their wow-factor doesn’t rely on bold colors or crazy cuts, just the intricate appearance of the braid. Luckily, they are easy to do, like this fishtail. Just braid a thick section of hair and tuck it into a low pony for a coif that’s easy and stylish in equal measure.

20. Long and Simple Dutch Braid

A lot of people turn to hair extensions to achieve a braid this thick, but with your long locks, don’t worry about that. Your naturally full tresses will give the would-be-simple hairdo a luxurious feel. And if your strands are a little on the thinner side, you can fake the volume by fanning out the pieces of your braid.

21. Side Dutch Braid with Messy Strands

A messy braid down the side of these waist-length locks accents the hairstyle like a hairpiece. It adds texture to straight hair and is an easy way to enliven your mane.

22. Messy Half Up French Braid

Long braids can be very sleek and refined for school-girls or horseback riders. But loosen up those French braids, and you’ll create the opposite effect with a laid-back look. Messy braids are a fuss-free option when you’re feeling lazy or when you’ve run out of ideas for your tresses. The magic about braids is that people are always impressed by them, no matter the effort you actually put into braiding.

23. Thick French Braid into Fishtail

From chocolate brown to platinum blonde, the dramatic contrast in color brings even more dimension to this jumbo braid. Wearing it to the side, instead of down the middle, is one quick trick to add a little more attitude to the popular types of braids.

24. Double Dutch Braids

The subtlest of changes can make a big difference with braids. Instead of letting your plaits hang separately, start them as two individual braids and bring together at the nape. It will lift the simple pigtail look to the next level, making it as sporty as it is stylish.

25. Pompadour Braid with Golden Accents

Use the volume of long hair braids to your advantage. Style them like a pompadour for extra height and drama. With braids, you have endless options and can really experiment with creating cute hairstyles.

26. Braided Half Updo for Long Hair

Unleash your inner boho goddess with this beautiful braided hairstyle that exudes a free-spirited vibe! It works best on wavy-textured, long hair, with shaggy edges. If you’re a straight-haired beauty, but want to experiment with this hairdo, you can work some sea-salt spray into your towel-dried hair and ruffle it until it dries. Later, style it as explained in the tutorial.

27. Kate Middleton-Esque Bridal Braided Updo

Whether you’re a stylish bridesmaid or the ravishing bride herself, you’re going to love this updo, either way! We all know what a glorious trendsetter the Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton is, and sure enough, her polished style has inspired a lot of us, fashion lovers! This detailed hairstyle has taken our love for its aesthetic sensibility many notches higher!

28. Side Waterfall Braid

Here’s a hairstyle that fuses a touch of class with subtle romantic hints, giving you the ideal look for a swanky day/night affair! If dainty and delicate is more like your innate style, this waterfall braid is surely something you’d want to try out!

29. Irregular Chic Braid

The greatest thing about fashion is that it takes inspiration from everywhere – the sun, the stars, cultures, commodities, everything. This irregular chic long braid exhibits a feel of the unkempt hairstyle that Indian Sadhus do. Would you dare to explore this edgy look?

30. Game-of-Thrones-Inspired Hairstyle

Game of Thrones doesn’t just give us our weekly dose of entertainment; it also offers us some major fashion motivation! If Daenerys Targaryen’s Grecian look and styling in GoT enamors you, here’s an easy-peasy tutorial to help you recreate her long braid hairstyle.

These uber-stylish braids for long hair promise to kindle your inner fashionista in a lot more ways than one. Which of these hairdos would you like to try? Do let us know in the comments section below!