Braids are the school-morning hero: they keep hair out of the face during lessons and sports, survive recess and still look tidy at pick-up. This roundup collects twenty braided styles for girls of different ages and hair types, from a quick tucked fishtail updo and a classic headband braid to a ladder braid ponytail, a flower braid pony for school dances and heart-shaped twists finished in a low bun.
Natural and textured hair is covered with criss-cross sectioned braids feeding into a high pony and a half-up style with colourful elastics that also tames baby hairs. Long, straight hair suits four-strand and ribbon braids, while shoulder-length cuts work well with double crown braids and circular plaits finished with a clip or bow. Fine hair benefits from lace braids, which hold their shape without much weight.
Think about how long you have each morning. Some styles here take five minutes; others, like the layered five-strand braid, are better saved for picture day or prepared the night before.
1. Checked Braids
Diagonal sections create a criss-cross pattern of braids that gather into a high pony of kinky twists. It’s a protective option for natural hair that avoids heavy styling products and holds up through the school week.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Fishtail BraidUpdo
A fishtail braid tucked into an updo is speedy and simple to create. Divide the hair into two large sections, then pass small pieces from one side across to join the other, repeating until the end.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Side Inside-Out Braid
An inside-out side French braid suits long, slightly curly hair and works for elementary through high school. Decide beforehand whether you want it messy or tight, as the technique changes a little for each. A little leave-in conditioner first helps tame flyaways and makes sectioning easier.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Four Strand Braid
Four strands make an elegant braid for long hair that’s quicker than it looks. Weave the first strand over the second, under the third and over the fourth, then repeat the pattern down to the ends, finishing with a ribbon.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Flower Braid Ponytail
Split the hair in two, braid the top half and coil it into a flower, then gather the rest into a sleek high pony. It’s pretty enough for a school dance or a confident first day back.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Headband Braid
Medium-length hair looks neat with a braid running across the head like a headband. A fishtail version works just as well and takes roughly the same amount of time. Secure the end behind the ear with a small pin so it stays put all day.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Double Crown Braid
Double crown braids are ideal for shoulder-length hair, which can otherwise be tricky to style. A cute hair clip at the back pulls the look together nicely. Small clear elastics help hold shorter pieces that might slip out.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Double Circular Braid and Side Pony
Two circular braids lead into a side pony, a playful update on double French braids. Leave the loose hair sleek or curly and tie on a soft bow to finish. Secure the circular braids with pins so they keep their shape through recess.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Braided Half Up, Half Down ‘Do
Colourful mini elastics are the secret to tucking stray baby hairs into silky braids in this half-up, half-down style. Moisturise mixed or curly hair first; it also suits natural kinky curls. The colourful bands can be swapped to match school uniforms or outfits.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. Ladder Braids
A ladder braid running down the ponytail adds visual thickness to medium and long hair. Dress it down for class or up for an event, making it a dependable go-to for long-haired girls. Tighten each rung slightly so the ladder pattern stays visible all day.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Easy Side Braid Ponytail
Teens love pairing a side braid with a ponytail. Wrapping a strand of hair around the pony’s base to hide the elastic gives a more polished finish with almost no extra effort. Spritz a little hairspray on the braid to keep flyaways down through class.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Four Strand Ribbon Braid
Long, silky, straight hair is ideal for this glamorous ribbon braid. Weave the ribbon in as if it were one of the strands, following the same pattern as a regular four-strand braid. A satin ribbon slips through the hair more easily than a stiff one.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Lace Braided Bun
A lace braid wraps around a voluminous bun on straight hair. Using a bun maker or a rolled sock creates fullness in about five minutes, and the style can be dressed up for school dances.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Dutch Side Braid
Long, thick hair suits a sleek, low-key Dutch side braid that is easy to copy and age-appropriate. Tuck a small flower above the ear for a fairy-tale touch. Secure the end with a clear elastic so the braid stays neat through sports.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. French Braid Bun
Thick hair works well in this updo: braid upside down from the nape in a French braid, gather a high pony, wrap the rest into a bun and tie with a ribbon, sporty or sweet.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. Headband Braid With Mini Hair Flower
Fine hair can still be styled beautifully with a lace braid that ends in a tiny flower. Braids hold their shape well on thin hair because they aren’t heavy; add a little extra hair if needed.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Heart Shaped Twists and a Low Bun
Twists looped into heart shapes come together at the nape and are pinned into a low bun. It’s a sweet alternative to the classic braided bun, special enough for formal occasions. Use small bobby pins in a matching hair colour to keep the hearts in place.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Lace Rolled Updo
A lace braid sits atop a low rolled chignon on sleek hair, a refined option that’s more exciting than simply pinning flowers in a bun. It suits recitals and family events too. Pin the roll securely with plenty of pins so it holds during the day.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Layered Braid
Layered five-strand braiding looks intricate and works on thick or fine hair alike. A small flower headband adds a pretty finishing touch for picture day. Practise the five-strand pattern on a doll or a ponytail before trying it on your child.
Inspiration: @Instagram
20. Knotted Headband
A row of loose knots and loops forms a knotted headband that livens up ordinary hairband days. A light mist of hairspray keeps the bounce, and a cute clip completes it. Practise tying the knots loosely so they don’t pull on young hairlines.
Inspiration: @Instagram
Speeding up braids on busy school mornings
- Detangle the night before and, for curly or coily hair, apply a leave-in conditioner so morning sectioning is quicker.
- Keep a kit by the mirror: rat-tail comb, small clear elastics, a spray bottle of water, bobby pins and a few ribbons.
- Lightly dampen flyaways rather than soaking the hair, which makes braids loosen as they dry.
- Protective styles such as criss-cross braids can be installed at the weekend and kept for several days.
- Let older children practise easy styles like a side braid or headband braid on their own.
Keeping young hair and scalps comfortable
Children’s hairlines are delicate, so braid snugly but never tightly, especially around the edges. If your child complains of soreness or you see small bumps along the parts, loosen the style. Use snag-free elastics, take braids out gently from the ends upward, and cover hair with a satin bonnet or pillowcase at night to cut down on frizz and breakage.