35 Cool Braids That Are Actually Easy

Most folks are not all that professional at braiding. That may be a battle in case you revel in scrolling longingly through appropriate braided hairstyles, not able to grasp them regardless of how regularly you scrutinize the step by step instructions.

Fortunately, easu braids (like, actually easy) do certainly exist, and we’ve collected the great ones here.

Keep scrolling for 35 cool and deceptively easy braids that just about anyone can manage.

Double-Bun Braids

Milkmaid Braid

Waterfall Twist

Simple Crown Braid

French Braid

Faux Fishtail

'90s-Inspired Pigtails

Rapunzel Braided Ponytail

The Hidden Half-Up

Plaited Buns

The Volumized Classic

Half-Up Twist

Single Cornrow

Scarf Twist

Messy Crown Braid

Formal Braided Bun

Plaited Half-Up/Half-Down

Romantic Fishtail

Bob Braid

Add a basic three-strand braid to the side of your bob and secure with a cute metallic clip. It doesn't get easier than this.

Box Braids

Long-lasting, protective braid styles can be done at home or the salon depending on your skill level. The thing that makes them easy breezy is that you can keep them in for several weeks at a time. 

Low Pigtail Braids

Double Braids

Two-Strand Twist

Two-strand twists are another braid-esque protective style. To achieve them, section out your hair according to the desired size of your twists. Divide each one into two smaller sections and wind them together to create the twists.

Wire-Wrapped Chignon

Braids are well-suited to accessories, which can take the look to a new level. Here, Janelle Monáe's textured crown braid is woven through with flexible wire.

Crochet Locs

Baby Braids

The key to this hairstyle is loads of texture—whether you're working with natural curls, adding an artificial wave, or simply loading up on sea salt spray.

Imperfect Braid

Kerry Washington's mussed-up braided ponytail follows the same guidelines as #8. When you're done braiding, use your fingers to pull apart and loosen the weave in certain spots to create an imperfect, slept-on vibe.

Braid-ception

Have a head full of box braids, cornrows, or knotless braids from the salon but want to mix it up before it's time to take them down? Collect them all into one giant over-the-shoulder braid. If you know how to three-strand braid, you can pull this off.

Pull-Through Braids

Stacked Dutch Braids

Two diagonal Dutch braids combine to create one show-stopping chignon. "I like to add gel to the roots and then a comb to keep each section clean as I’m working," Marjan says of the Dutch braid.

Headband Braids

Two sweet, tiny crown braids create a headband effect on Jessica Alba. Who needs accessories when your hair can be the accessory itself?

Waterfall Braid

Scattered Braids

Take a page from Laverne Cox's style book with a few simple braids scattered throughout your hair. This look works best with loads of texture and length, so don't be shy about pumping up the volume, and be sure not to make the braids too perfect.

Unraveled Floral Braids

Rope Braids

We've saved the easiest for last. If you're in a rush or truly looking to avoid braiding, try Chris Appleton's four-step rope ponytail: