A waterfall braid is a sideways plait in which one strand is dropped after each cross and replaced with fresh hair, so loose sections tumble through the braid like water over a ledge. The result frames the head like a crown while leaving most of the hair down. This gallery gathers forty versions, including a classic side waterfall over long waves, two-tier and double-row crowns, a lacy five-strand braid, a two-strand rope twist, a waterfall combined with a pancaked plait and a formal looped bun for black-tie events.
The braid suits long hair best but isn’t limited to it; there are examples on a shoulder-length lob and even a bob with bangs. Curls and waves hide small mistakes and add volume, while straight hair shows the pattern crisply. Dimensional colour — balayage, ombre, caramel highlights or rainbow shades — is especially flattering because the dropped strands reveal different tones.
Slippery, freshly washed or very fine hair can be hard to grip, so second-day hair or a little texture spray makes braiding easier and helps the style last.
1. Side Waterfall Braid
A thick drop-section braid sweeps along one side above long, flowing waves. Paired with a flannel shirt it feels relaxed and cosy, but the same braid works with an evening gown just as easily. Curl the lengths before braiding so the waves don’t pull the plait loose.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
2. Lacy Five-Strand Braid
Shoulder-length hair can still carry a sculptural Dutch waterfall braid finished with curls, provided it’s thick enough. The pattern adds texture that breaks up dense, dark hair beautifully. Gently pancake each loop of the braid to show off its lacy pattern.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
3. Waterfall Braid for Thick Waves
Balayage lightens heavy medium-length hair that might overwhelm a small face. Woven into a waterfall braid, the lighter ribbons make the waves look airy and weightless. Ask your colourist to place brighter pieces near the face so they show through the braid.
Inspiration: @annies_hairstyles
4. Two-Tier Waterfall Braid
Long, single-colour blonde hair can lose detail, so two tiers of waterfall braids add maximum impact. The rest of the hair is curled and left to flow down the back. Secure each tier with a small clear elastic hidden beneath the curls.
Inspiration: @sarahpotempa
5. Half-Up Crown with Braid Tail
Silvery ash balayage looks stunning when braided, as the plait brings darker base tones to the surface. A tightly wound tail adds a crisp contrast to the romantic half-up crown. A purple shampoo once a week keeps the silver tones cool and bright.
Inspiration: @hairbyhannahjo
6. Double Waterfall Half-Updo
Double waterfall half updos look complex but are simple to build. Braid one drop-strand plait and clip its end, start a second parallel braid just below, then release the clip and join both ends together.
Inspiration: @sweethearts_hair
7. Straight Braided Hairdo
Long, straight hair gets an ethereal upgrade from a waterfall braid that acts like a woven headband. It’s versatile enough for daytime or evening and a modern alternative to flower crowns. A drop of smoothing serum keeps straight lengths glossy and the braid neat.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
8. Two-Row Braided Crown
Two closely spaced rows of braids form a regal crown, revealing every tone of a high-contrast balayage. Loose waves below add classic movement and softness. Keep the rows close together so they read as a single crown.
Inspiration: @jbraidsandbows
9. Braid with Flower Bun
A bun twisted into a floral shape crowns a waterfall braid for a feminine, romantic finish. It adds interest from every angle, ideal for photos and special days. Pin each twisted loop of the bun carefully so the petals hold their shape.
Inspiration: @n.starck
10. Formal Waterfall Updo
Hair is pinned into a looped messy bun accented by waterfall braids, a sure choice for black-tie events. Small strands left by the ears add whimsy, and the braid frames a bridal veil nicely. Use plenty of bobby pins crossed in an X to anchor the bun for a long evening.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
11. Chunky Five-Strand Braid
Five-strand weaving makes a chunkier boho crown. Split a front section into five equal pieces and weave the outer strands under and over towards the centre, adding new hair to the outer strand and dropping pieces to create the cascade.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
12. Curled Waterfall Style with Highlights
Big barrel curls cascade beneath a waterfall braid on highlighted hair. Beyond looking pretty, the braid keeps flyaways in check like a headband would, ready for a long night out. Set the curls with flexible hairspray so they stay bouncy through the night.
Inspiration: @wb_upstyles
13. Shoulder-Length Cut with Waterfall Braids
Waterfall styles work at almost any length, including a shoulder-skimming lob. Two rows of braids enliven the shorter cut and add twice the woven texture. Use small pins to hold shorter layers that might slip out of the braids.
Inspiration: @braided_to_infinity
14. Waterfall and Pancake Braid Combo
Mixing braid types adds texture: a waterfall begins on each side of the head, and a pancaked braid joins them in the middle. With ombre colour and beachy waves, it feels boho-chic. Gently tug the pancake braid wider to make it the focal point at the back.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pustovalova
15. Waterfall Braid for Ombre Hair
Luscious curls and a crown cascade make ombre colour pop. The varied textures break up the gradient, giving a fresh look to a usually smooth colour transition. Use a large-barrel curling iron to give the ombre lengths full, defined curls.
Inspiration: @glamourax_
16. Long Straight Two-Strand Waterfall
Using only two strands, a diagonal waterfall twist offers an easier take on the crown braid. Straight hair shows the pattern clearly, and the method is quick to learn. Twist both strands in the same direction each time to keep the rope tight.
Inspiration: @sweethearts_hair
17. Dutch and Waterfall Half-Updo
Two rows of Dutch and waterfall braids pile on texture and volume for those who love body. Tease the crown slightly for extra height and an evening-ready finish. Pin the braids where they meet at the back so the volume stays put.
Inspiration: @krystlewaiviohair
18. Boho Wavy Braided Hairdo
Loose braiding with matching loose waves gives blonde hair a laid-back, beachy feel. Done this way, an intricate-looking style feels effortless for day or night. Leave the braid slightly loose and pull a few strands free to keep it relaxed.
Inspiration: @hannahstyleshair
19. Thin, Two-Strand Waterfall Crown
A skinny two-strand twist wraps the crown in a rope-like finish above curls. Rose gold highlights make it trendier and blend well on both blonde and brunette hair. Finish with a light mist of shine spray to bring out the rose gold tones.
Inspiration: @zoehairlounge
20. Chunky Braided Waterfall
Half-down styles are reliably casual, and a chunky braided waterfall makes them feel considered. Hair stays off the face while waves flow freely, perfect for a date or a day with friends. Secure the ends with a small clear elastic or tuck them into a mini ponytail.
Inspiration: @christinagunnell
21. Waterfall Crown with Bangs
Short hair is more versatile than it seems: a bob with bangs gets texture from a neat crown braid running around the head. Balayage colour changes the effect slightly each time it’s styled. Use small pins along the braid to hold shorter bob layers in place.
Inspiration: @jordanraehair
22. Sunset-Hued Waterfall Hair
Sunset-hued colour, chunky braids and a snake-like pattern turn long hair into a magical, eye-catching mane. Every inch of length is put to use in this playful design. Take time to plan the colour placement so each section shows in the braid pattern.
Inspiration: @lalasupdos
23. Curly Braided Waterfall
A decorative half-up crown and bouncy curls soften high-contrast colour, adding boho femininity. The braid tones down the edginess, making the hues appear polished for formal occasions. Pin the crown securely so it holds up through a long formal event.
Inspiration: @sambemystylist
24. Waterfall Hair with Plait
Waterfall, French and fishtail braids combine to bring texture and intrigue to straight balayage hair. The weaving highlights the shine of smooth, frizz-free lengths while keeping them tidy. A smoothing serum keeps straight lengths sleek around the different braid types.
Inspiration: @redlabelhairco
25. Beachy and Wavy Style
Released sections look chic whether neat or messy. On curly hair a little frizz adds body, and a deep side part makes the curls appear even more voluminous. Scrunch a little curl cream into the ends to keep curls defined despite the frizz.
Inspiration: @blohaute
26. Jeweled Crown
Jewelled pins tucked into a twisted braid give red curls a royal sparkle. The half updo is ideal for weddings, proms and celebrations in between. Pick pins with stones that echo your jewellery for a cohesive finish.
Inspiration: @hairdidsnycbyjg
27. Four-Strand Braid with Barrette
Four-strand braiding creates an impressive yet soft look, ideal for a date. Beachy waves left loose below and a neat barrette holding the braid in place suit a romantic outfit perfectly. Practise the four-strand pattern on a ponytail first to build confidence.
Inspiration: @anniesforgetmeknots
28. Waterfall Braid Half-Updo
Long layered curls are elevated with a braided half updo that’s polished but not overly formal. It takes little time to create, making it great for events on a busy schedule. Add a few pins under the braid where layers tend to escape.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
29. Spiraled Waterfall Half-Updo
Winding spirals display golden brown balayage, while a strand of hair wrapped around the elastic adds sophistication. A Dutch waterfall braid holds the half updo in place, proving small details matter. Use a medium curling wand to wind the spirals evenly.
Inspiration: @nicoledrege
30. Slick Waterfall Braid with Flower
A punchy purple cut proves waterfall braids pair easily with edgy colour. A delicate braided flower complements the deep midnight violet, perfect for a playful personality. A gloss treatment helps keep the violet colour vivid and shiny.
Inspiration: @sarajanehart
31. Twisted Waterfall Half-Up Style
Twisting instead of braiding speeds up a waterfall half-up style, making it a smart pick on rushed mornings. It complements air-dried natural waves and looks far more effortful than it is. Spray texture spray on the twist sections first so they grip well.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
32. Waterfall Braid for Thick Hair
Cascading curls take centre stage on thick hair, with a waterfall braid acting as a subtle backdrop. Swap the braid for a twist to save time when you’re heading to an important meeting. Rough up the curls with your fingers once the braid is secured.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
33. Multi-Colored Half-Updo
Fiery red and cool blonde curls take the spotlight, with a braided crown adding a whimsical touch. It keeps bold colour looking fun rather than overdone. Use a colour-safe shampoo to keep the red bright between salon visits.
Inspiration: @oily.journey
34. Mermaid Hair with Double Braids
Very long hair can be tiring to maintain, so diagonal double waterfall braids offer an easy alternative on days you skip curling or straightening, keeping hair fresh and stylish. Detangle very long hair gently from the ends upward before braiding.
Inspiration: @aurorabraids
35. Elaborate Double Waterfall Braid
Two waterfall braids form a half updo that looks intricate and does take practice. Once mastered, it saves time and salon visits whenever you need an elegant style. Practise each braid separately before combining them into this layout.
Inspiration: @iveyhairdesign
36. Messy Waterfall Braid
Hair doesn’t always need to be neat; a loose, slightly unkempt boho braid gives a cool, casual vibe that feels relaxed and effortless. Tug a few pieces free around the face to soften it further.
Inspiration: @mysalononrichmond
37. Curly Twisted Half-Up Style
Thin waterfall braids twisted through long curls give an elegant half-up style. If you book a stylist for an event, ask them to show you the steps so you can recreate it yourself later. Twisting the thin braids slightly makes them stand out against the curls.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
38. Loosely Twisted Waterfall Crown
A loosely twisted crown on thick blonde curls captures the feel of a waterfall braid with fewer steps. Focus on the overall shape rather than perfect technique for a formal half updo. Finish with a few pins and a flexible spray so the twists don’t unravel.
Inspiration: @ashbotshair
39. Streak-Effect Waterfall Braid
Drop-strand plaits show colour in an unusual way, making caramel highlights pop against dark chocolate roots. The braid creates a swirled, streaked effect around the crown. Leave the dropped strands slightly curled to emphasise the swirled colour.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
40. Waterfall Braid and Colored Tips
Temporary red colour on the tips adds spice to two waterfall braids on blonde hair. A light base makes bright shades stand out, swapping sweetness for a sassier edge. Wash-out colour sprays or chalk let you try red tips just for an evening.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
Braiding a basic waterfall on yourself
- Take a small section at the temple and split it into three strands, as for a French braid.
- Cross the front strand over the middle, then the back strand over the middle.
- On the next pass, let the top strand drop down and pick up a new piece of hair beside it to replace it.
- Repeat across the back of the head, dropping one strand and adding one each time.
- Finish with a small elastic or pin the end under hair on the opposite side.
Making the style hold for hours
Lightly texturise clean hair with dry shampoo or sea salt spray before starting, and curl the lengths first if you want waves, since curling afterwards can loosen the braid. Gently pull the edges of each loop to pancake it for a fuller look, then mist with flexible hairspray. For weddings or proms, add small pins with pearls, jewels or flowers along the crown, and use bobby pins under the braid where it might sag.