Easy Braids Hairstyles to Try in 2020

Gone are the days when we associated braids with adolescence. While we still completely love the idea of braids being incorporated into everyday hairstyles for younger girls, we only mean to say that more and more adults have become open to braided hairstyles.

If you yearn for beautifully braided locks in multiple hairstyles, but just don’t know how to do it, we’re here to help. Below, we have some amazing braided hairstyles that can add a playful touch or unique air to your look.

The Milkmaid Braid

Since we touched on this one in the beginning, we thought it would be appropriate to have it take up the first spot on our list. The milkmaid braid is often seen in Europe. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where, but not all braids have a history such as this one.

Whether it originated from Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, or Austria, it’s hard to tell. But when we think about the milkmaid braid, we imagine a lovely young lady in a traditional dress with a basket going to milk the animals. Which is where we imagine the name comes from.

Fashionistas, influencers, and celebrities have now popularized it, and it’s become a staple in a lot of everyday looks. Let’s review how it’s done. It may not be as hard as you think!

As you may have noticed, the parting of a milkmaid braid is mostly straight down the middle. This is what you need to do first. Part your hair down the middle with a thin comb.
Braid side of the part into regular pigtails,
Pick one up and drape it over your head and pin it into place.
Do the same with the other one but under your head, grazing the top of your neck and securing it.
Go over the two braids and pin any area that isn’t tight and secure.
You may want to go over your entire head with some hair spray just for that extra security.

Faux Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid requires braiding (no surprise there), but that technique can be a bit tough to grasp, especially since you need more locks, thinner locks, and a more complicated process. But once you get the hang of it, braiding a fishtail will be like second nature, similar to a pigtail braid.

However, for those of you who don’t have or want to take to the time to do it, we have this beautiful style that is equally as gorgeous and takes less effort. Know more about 10 Best Hairspray’s for Fine Hair in 2020 by visiting https://hairandmakeupgirl.com/10-best-hairsprays-for-fine-hair-in-2020/

Starting with a half up half down do, take two small locks from either side of your head and twist them. Then, secure them in place at the center of your head with a small hair tie – preferably one that’s clear or matches your hair color.
Repeat this step two more times. Do it to separate locks underneath the first one. This means that your first one needs to be relatively high up on your head.
Then you take a small section of hair again from either side and tie them into a ponytail (without the twisting).
Pull the past ponytail through the middle part of the other locks. Do it tightly.
Keep repeating steps 3 to 4 until you have reached the end of your hair. You can then finish it off with one final hair tie. Feel free to pull at the braids to give it a messier and more carefree look.

Braided Buns

This is a very cute hairstyle that suits ladies of all ages. It works really well if you have thicker and wavy or curly locks, but even if you don’t have that, it can be done! We’ve chosen to talk about two braided buns on either side of your head, but the technique is easily translated into a single large bun at the top of your head.

Now, we mentioned that this style works best on those with thicker and slightly wavy or curly locks. If you don’t possess this type of hair, then you may need to create volume. Comb your hair out upside down, then flip your head back up.
Once that has been done, you can now divide your hair into two sections. Parting down the middle is the easiest way to ensure both sections have even amounts of hair. This is important if you want similar-sized buns.
Tie pigtails on each side of your head with the separated sections of hair. Once they are evenly placed and secure, you can pull them tight. If you want a tighter look, you need to make sure your hair is flush on top of your head. Otherwise, you can go for a looser tie.
Divide each braid into three sections and braid them as usual. If you don’t have a lot of hair or have fine hair, you can pull at the braid’s sides to make it fuller. Now you should be left with braided pigtails.
The last part is easy. Just coil the braids into a bun and secure them with pins. You also have a bit of freedom in deciding how high you want the buns. You can have them as low as the nape of your neck or sitting right up at your crown.

Classic Quick Braid

The single braid down the back of your head is simple, never goes out of style, and gives you that classic look. However, is there a way to revamp it for a bit more volume and a more tousled look? Yes, there is!

However, if you want this type of look, you need some product in your hair or a good crimper and a lot of dry shampoo. Tease your hair, use volumizing spray, or use heat-activated volumizing hair cream. Once you have done that, you can then begin the braid.

First, you need to create your part, just like with any other hairstyle. You can decide on a deep side part (recommended if you want the braid over one shoulder) or a center part.
You can also try to give your hair even more body by lifting sections and spraying volumizing spray or light-hold hair spray. Remember to tease tease tease! As you set the sections back down, don’t lose your part.
Now comes the braiding part. You can separate your hair into three even sections at the nape of your neck or start higher with smaller locks and braid the rest of your hair into your weave.
Last but not least, secure it with a hair tie. Some people like a sleek, tight braid while others like it loose and relaxed. If you like it loose, just tug gently on the sides of the braid. Afterward, you can leave it running down your back or toss it casually over one shoulder.

Authentic Fishtail Braid

For those of you who still love the real fishtail look and don’t want to bother using many tiny hair ties (which can also be hard if you have very long hair), then you can opt for the authentic fishtail braid.

While it may be easier to watch a video tutorial, we will try out best to give you an idea of what it will entail on paper!

Fishtail braids can run along the length of your back, but we prefer it off to one side. If you like it down your back, just tie your ponytail in the center of your head. However, since you need to be braiding from one side to see what you’re doing (unless you are a pro already), it will still be a bit off-center.

Take your hair, tie it into a side ponytail and secure it in place with an elastic. Feel free to create a very tight pony. You can also create one that’s loose by pulling out sections of hair and loosening the tie.
Separate your pony into two sections. (Yes, that’s right, just two).
Now comes the complicated part. Instead of braiding, the fishtail is more of a weaving process since it kind of involves four different sections. Take the most outer edge piece of the outer braid and loop it over the original section. Then combine it into the other lock of hair.
Do the same thing for the other section of hair.
Keep doing steps 3 and 4, moving the most outer piece over the original and combining it with the opposite section until you get to the bottom. You then tie up your hair with an elastic.
You can remove the elastic you used initially to secure your ponytail (or not). Since we’re a huge fan of messy braids, we like to pull at the fishtail to make it appear thicker and messier.

Dutch Braid

This is a style we’ve seen on many celebrities, but you might not know the name. It is most popularly associated with Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. The braid features side-parted braids that are braided right into your head. They join together along the nape of your neck and run down the length of your hair.

You can incorporate two braids or just have a single one. For the single braid, you can also choose to have it just down one side or down the middle of your head. We love how much freedom you have to customize your look with something as simple as braids!

First, you need to decide if you want a side braid or a centered one. After you have made your decision make sure you comb out your hair well and rid your locks of any knots. The knots can be huge obstacles when it comes to braiding.
Next, take a lock of hair, probably around three inches, and separate that piece into three separate sections.
You then start to braid this lock of hair as you would a regular braid, but you need to keep adding hair to the middle piece (if you decide to do it down one side). If you have decided to opt for a centered braid, then continue to add sections from both sides.
Keep braiding until you have reached the end of your hair. You can then secure your hair with a smaller elastic band and voila!
Again, if you don’t like the tight braided look, you can pull out your hair to create a more casual look.

Braided Ponytail

You can choose to braid one big thick ponytail or have tiny smaller braids incorporated into your pony. Either way, it’s relatively easy and utilizes skills you already know or have learned with some of our other styles above.

Comb out your hair, and make sure that your locks are long and loose. If you like a low pony, you can skip this part. If you like a high pony, you can try brushing your hair upside down so that it’s easier to gather all of it on top of your head.
If you don’t like exposed hair ties or elastics, you can take a small lock of hair and wrap it around the base of your pony. This can be done to any hairstyle to hide unsightly elastics.
The next step also gives you plenty of room for customization. You can opt for a fishtail braid down the entire length of the pony, or just a regular thick braid. We find that a thick high pony is very sexy, so remember to pull it out!
You can also leave some locks unbraided and pick out smaller sections to create smaller fishtail braids or regular braids to decorate a conventional pony.

Dutch Braid Pony

Again, there is lots of room for customization for this style. A Dutch braid is the sort of braid that looks like it’s plastered to your scalp, and for this one, you can opt for one big Dutch braid at the center of your head to give yourself a pomp look or many ditch braids than blend into one pony.

If you want just one Dutch braid, separate your hair at the top of your head into three different sections and braid it Dutch style (see above style) to the base of your neck. If you want a higher pony, you can end just behind your ears or even higher.
If you want multiple Dutch braids, then repeat step one for all separated sections.
The difference between this and the Dutch braid is the part of hair that leaves your head remains unbraided.

Hidden Braids

This is a remarkably easy hairstyle that adds texture to plain locks. It’s a boho-inspired hairstyle that was quite popular in the 60s and maybe even into the 70s. You don’t have to give your hair a bit of texture before you start – but it helps!

The key to achieving this look is to select small sections of hair all over your head randomly. Try to layer them as well. We mean, don’t just pick surface sections. Instead, go for different layers.
Once you identify each section, separate the small locks (0.5 inches to 1 inch thick depending on your preference) and braid them all into small braids.
The purpose is to give a sort of hidden style to your regular down-do. Secure all of the braids with elastics.
You can let them hang long and loose or gather up your hair into a ponytail. A good way to not keep them super-hidden is to wrap some of the braids around the elastic tie to cover it up.
This will gently pull them to the surface. It works better with a low pony but will do well with a high pony as well.

Braided Chignon

This is a very elegant style, and the braids just elevate it that much further. With or without the braids, the chignon can be a casual do or one that accompanies long flowing formal gowns.

A braided chignon usually features side braids, but you can center it if that’s more your cup of tea. Take the piece of hair you have isolated and braid a small regular braid.
You can do a couple of braids on one side or a few on each side, depending on your personal preference.
Then gather some unbraided hair and twist it into coils. Gather these sections and secure them behind your head with a small elastic.
Then take the rest of your remaining hair and tuck it into the braided hair, pinning it into place.
It could be harder to do this for ladies with longer hair. A way around that is to twist or braid your remaining locks before tucking them in.

Boxer Braids

This style was all the rage a few years ago and is still popular today. It’s a secure hairstyle that can last for days without getting messy. Not only that, but it gives an elegant or tomboyish look depending on how you dress. We love the versatility of boxer braids! They are basically two tightly braided Dutch braids, so if you have mastered that technique, this will be a cinch for you.

Make sure you part your hair neatly down the center. One of the most appealing traits of boxer braids is the neat part.
Starting from your hairline, separate three small sections of hair and begin your braid. Cross the strands under the middle strand as you gather the rest of the hair.
Make your way down the length of your hair and remember to consistently tug and pull to make sure your braid is tight (but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable).
Do this down to the nape of your neck. Then, make sure you bring your hair forward and continue braiding in front of you. Boxer braids are usually worn over your shoulder.
Do the same to the other side and then secure it in place with an elastic!

Conclusion

Braids can be as elaborate or as simple as you want them to be. The regular three-locked braids are the most common and not that difficult to carry out. However, over the years, we have seen a wide variety of other styles that have made an appearance. Follow our guide to discover your new favorite braided hairstyles!