A fresh year brings a lot of new things, in the world of beauty, this means a lot of skin, makeup and hair trends. Spotting makeup trends is easy, take one look at your favourite makeup blogger’s account and you will know what’s trending. However, hair trends are not that easy to predict because they change with seasons. While a lot of open hairstyles can be seen during winter, when it comes to the summer season, braided hairstyles are all the rage. Today, there are braid hairstyles for every hair length, which means if you cut your hair short recently, you can still add braids in one or the other way.
If you are thinking what 2021 has in store in terms of braid hairstyles, you’ve come to the right place! Being constantly in touch with experts from the beauty industry, we have all the information first hand. We have picked a bunch of braided hairstyles that are sure to make you look trendy all year long. Choose your favourite from the list or try them all, they are sure to keep you on top of your hairstyle game. Keep scrolling to see the best braided hairstyles for women in 2021.
- 1. Criss-cross fishtail braid
- 2. Super voluminous braid
- 3. Upside down braided bun
- 4. Dutch side braid hairstyle
- 5. Baby braids
- 6. Boxer braids
- 7. Bubble pigtails
- 8. Twisted braid
- 9. Scarf braid hairstyle
- 10. Sleek high braid
1. Criss-cross fishtail braid
Image courtesy: @anna_kos_hair
The fishtail braid is a timeless braid hairstyle that will always stay in vogue. It is perfect for pretty much every occasion. Keep it neat and smooth for a professional look or a little messy for a casual look. It can be paired with both traditional and western outfits and looks gorgeous on girls with long hair. However, in 2021 we are giving your favourite fishtail braid a modern twist. This hairstyle may look complicated, but it is actually quite simple. Create two fishtail braids on each side of your head, keep it low and messy. Secure the ends and then criss-cross them one over the other to get this stunning braided hairstyle.
2. Super voluminous braid
Image courtesy: @braids_in_action
The classic three-strand braids are super simple and get the work done. Be it running errands or going to the gym for a workout, it keeps the hair away from your face. It is also the go-to hairstyle for many girls with long hair during summer. However, if you are looking for a way to upgrade your classic three-strand braid, this super voluminous braided hairstyle is exactly what you need. Create a slightly loose three-strand braid and secure the end with a hair tie, then pull the outer sections slightly to make it look puffed-up and voluminous.
3. Upside down braided bun
Image courtesy: @aalamsalon
The two most common summer hairstyles are braids and buns. If you have medium to long hair and want to prevent your neck from becoming a sweaty mess, you will definitely opt for a braid or bun. But this year, we are doing things differently, adding a modern touch to classic braid hairstyles. So, how about combining a braid and bun into one with this gorgeous upside-down braided bun? It does require a little bit of practice and skill, but once you ace it, you won’t go back to basic hairdos. Flip your hair over and comb it well, then start a Dutch braid at the nape of your neck and move upwards. After you reach the top of your head, stop braiding and pull all the hair together into a messy bun to get this look.
4. Dutch side braid hairstyle
Side braids are the perfect summer hairstyle. Pair it with a casual top or a pretty floral dress and you will look summer-ready in minutes. Instead of going for a regular three-strand side braid this season, how about you take it a notch higher with this beautiful Dutch side braid hairstyle. Part your hair on the side and start a Dutch braid at the crown area, keep braiding and once you reach just below the ear gather the rest of the hair and braid that too, to get this look.
5. Baby braids
Image courtesy: @allthingshairmex
Baby braids is one of the trendiest hairstyles of 2021, as predicted by experts at the beginning of the year. If you have fine hair and like keeping it open to make it look fuller, adding a few baby braids can enhance your hair game this summer. Part your hair at the centre, then take a really small section of hair from each side and braid it. You can add more baby braids or just keep these two at the front. Add a few delicate flowers like baby's breath to make your hairdo perfect for the summer season.
6. Boxer braids
Image courtesy: @loveliescustomhairart
If you thought boxer braids are reserved for workout sessions, think again. When done in a stylish way and with some accessories, this braid hairstyle can become the perfect summer hairdo for long hair. This hairstyle will require professional help because creating such tight braids is quite difficult on your own. Take inspiration from this look and add boxer braids only to one side of your head, let the rest of your hair loose for that easy-breezy, slightly messy summer hairstyle which goes with every outfit. Add some hair accessories to the braids to take the look several notches higher and transform your look completely.
7. Bubble pigtails
Image courtesy: @cierra_biles
Bubble braids and ponytails are super trendy right now, if you are looking for a fun and exciting way to do your hair this summer, then bubble pigtails are apt for you. They will keep hair off your face and are such a refreshing way to style your hair in the hot and humid climate. The best part is that this braid hairstyle is so easy to achieve! Part your hair at the centre to get two sections, then gather the hair at the top of your head and secure with a hair tie. Repeat the process on the other side too, to get two high ponytails. Then add more hair ties a few inches apart on both sides to get the bubble pigtails hairdo.
8. Twisted braid
Image courtesy: @solocabello
A rope braid or a twisted braid is a classic hairstyle that looks complicated but really is quite simple. It is a great hairstyle for summer and can be done in several different ways. Braid all your hair for a gym look or workout session, for a slightly casual feel, take inspiration from this look and braid only the top half section of your hair. Divide your hair into two sections, twist each section in the same direction. Then wrap the two sections together in the opposite direction to get this twisted braid hairstyle.
9. Scarf braid hairstyle
Image courtesy: @alohairblog
Scarves are a must-have in summer, this simple accessory can be worn in several different ways to take your style a notch higher. Cover your head with it, throw it around your neck or add it to your hairdo, the options are endless. We particularly love this beautiful scarf braid hairstyle that’s so easy to create! Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck, then secure it with a hair band. Tie your scarf over it. Now section your hair so as to create a three strand braid, before braiding, include the loose ends of the scarf into two sections and braid it out to get this look.
10. Sleek high braid
Image courtesy: @stylistruben
High ponytails and braids are a celebrity favourite. Right from Ariana Grande to Malaika Arora, both desi and international celebs seem to love sleek high hairdos. And why not? We think it is a great braided hairstyle, especially in summer, when you want hair away from your neck and face. Apply some hair gel to get a sleek and smooth look. Gather your hair at the top of your head and secure with two hair ties to prevent it from slipping. Then create a classic three-strand braid, rope braid or any other type of braid you like.
Main image courtesy: @loveliescustomhairart, @anna_kos_hair
