Winter is coming, and with it, the desire for cozy, chic hairstyles that capture the frosty magic of the season. Aespa, known for their cutting-edge style and powerful performances, provides endless inspiration for braid enthusiasts. This article dives into 20 braid designs inspired by winter and Aespa’s unique aesthetic, incorporating trending colors and techniques from both the US and EU.
Frosty Lilac Fishtail with Crystal Accents
This braid incorporates the popular fishtail technique with a frosty lilac hair color that’s trending in both the US and Europe. The cool tone mimics the icy hues of winter, while adding a touch of ethereal beauty. Tiny crystal accents woven throughout the braid catch the light, resembling delicate snowflakes. This style works best on medium to long hair and can be dressed up or down. To achieve the lilac shade, consider a semi-permanent dye to minimize damage while allowing for experimentation. The crystals can be attached using small, clear elastic bands or specialized hair glue. Style with a sleek, center part for a modern, minimalist look, or add soft waves for a more romantic feel.
Double Dutch Braids with Silver Thread
Embrace the warrior-princess vibe with double Dutch braids adorned with shimmering silver thread. This style, popular among younger demographics in both the US and EU, blends a classic braid with a futuristic edge reminiscent of Aespa’s concept. Begin by parting hair down the middle and creating two Dutch braids, ensuring they are tight and close to the scalp. Weave a silver metallic thread (available at most craft stores) through each braid, creating a striking contrast against the natural hair color. For a bolder look, consider temporarily dyeing sections of hair a platinum blonde or silver to match the thread. This style is perfect for active individuals and adds a touch of edgy glamour to any winter outfit.
Snow Queen Crown Braid with Pearl Embellishments
Channel your inner ice queen with a majestic crown braid adorned with pearls. This elaborate style, seen on runways in Europe, is perfect for formal winter occasions. Start by creating a French braid around the crown of the head, gradually incorporating all the hair. Secure the end with a clear elastic and tuck it under the braid to create a seamless crown. Attach small pearls along the braid using hair glue or bobby pins for a regal touch. This style works beautifully on lighter hair colors, allowing the pearls to stand out. Consider adding loose curls to the remaining hair for a softer, more romantic look. For added sparkle, incorporate glitter hairspray along the braid.
Chunky Waterfall Braid with Icy Blue Highlights
The waterfall braid is a timeless classic that gets a wintery upgrade with icy blue highlights. This style is incredibly versatile and works on various hair lengths and textures. The highlights, a popular trend in both the US and EU, add dimension and visual interest to the braid. To achieve this look, section off the hair where you want the braid to begin. Create a regular three-strand braid, but instead of incorporating the bottom strand, let it fall, creating the “waterfall” effect. Continue this pattern around the head. The icy blue highlights can be achieved with temporary hair color sprays, chalks, or more permanent dye, depending on the desired longevity. This style is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions and pairs well with both casual and formal attire.
Half-Up Space Buns with Braided Accents
This playful and futuristic hairstyle, inspired by Aespa’s unique style, combines the trend of space buns with intricate braided details. Divide the hair into two sections, one at the crown and one at the nape. Create two high buns with the top section, leaving the bottom section loose. Incorporate thin braids into the buns, wrapping them around the base or creating intricate patterns within the bun itself. For a bolder look, consider adding colorful hair extensions in shades of neon pink, electric blue, or vibrant purple, echoing Aespa’s bold stage looks. This style is particularly popular among younger generations in both the US and the EU and offers a fun, expressive way to embrace winter fashion.
Sleek High Ponytail with a Wrapped Fishtail Braid
This sophisticated and chic hairstyle is perfect for those who prefer a more polished look. Gather all the hair into a high ponytail, ensuring it’s smooth and sleek. Create a fishtail braid with a small section of hair taken from the underside of the ponytail. Wrap this braid around the base of the ponytail, concealing the elastic and adding a touch of intricate detail. Secure the end of the braid with a bobby pin. For a more dramatic look, consider using a texturizing spray to add volume to the ponytail before braiding. This style is a classic choice for both professional and social settings and can be easily adapted to different hair textures and lengths.
Side Swept French Braid with Winter Floral Accessories
Embrace the romantic side of winter with a side-swept French braid adorned with delicate floral accessories. This style, popular in European winter fashion, adds a touch of whimsical charm to any outfit. Begin by creating a French braid starting from one side of the head and gradually incorporating all the hair as you braid towards the opposite side. Secure the end with a clear elastic. Embellish the braid with small, faux flowers in wintery colors like white, silver, or deep red. Consider adding sprigs of evergreen or holly for a festive touch. This style is perfect for holiday parties and special occasions.
Twisted Rope Braid with Glitter Hairspray
Add a touch of sparkle to your winter look with a twisted rope braid and glitter hairspray. This simple yet elegant style is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to everyday wear. Divide the hair into two sections and twist each section clockwise. Then, twist the two sections together counterclockwise to create the rope braid. Secure the end with an elastic. Generously apply glitter hairspray, focusing on the braid, to create a shimmering effect. Silver, gold, and iridescent glitter are all popular choices for winter. This style is easy to achieve and works on various hair lengths and textures.
Bubble Braid Pigtails with Colorful Elastics
Embrace a playful and youthful vibe with bubble braid pigtails adorned with colorful elastics. This trend, popular among teenagers and young adults in both the US and EU, is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to a winter outfit. Divide the hair into two sections and create high pigtails. Secure each pigtail with a colorful elastic. Then, add more elastics down the length of each pigtail, spacing them evenly to create the “bubble” effect. Experiment with different colored elastics to create a unique and personalized look. This style is perfect for casual outings and adds a touch of whimsy to any winter wardrobe.
Low Bun with Intricate Braided Wrap
Elevate a classic low bun with an intricate braided wrap. This sophisticated style, seen on red carpets and runways, is perfect for formal winter events. Gather the hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Create a thin braid with a small section of hair taken from the underside of the bun. Wrap the braid around the base of the bun, concealing the elastic and adding a touch of elegance. Secure the end of the braid with a bobby pin. For a more polished look, use a hair serum to smooth down any flyaways. This style is timeless and works beautifully with various hair textures and colors.
Dutch Braid Headband with Loose Waves
This bohemian-inspired hairstyle combines a Dutch braid headband with loose, flowing waves. It’s a versatile look that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Begin by creating a Dutch braid along the hairline, starting from one temple and ending at the other. Secure the end of the braid with a bobby pin. Curl the remaining hair with a curling iron or wand to create soft, romantic waves. This style adds a touch of effortless chic to any winter outfit. Consider adding a texturizing spray to the waves for added volume and hold.
Five-Strand Braid with Metallic Hair Cuffs
The five-strand braid is a more complex braiding technique that creates a visually stunning and intricate hairstyle. Add metallic hair cuffs for a modern and edgy touch. This style is becoming increasingly popular in both the US and EU, particularly among those who enjoy experimenting with unique hair looks. Learning the five-strand braid may require practice, but the result is well worth the effort. Once the braid is complete, add metallic hair cuffs along its length, spacing them evenly. Gold, silver, and rose gold cuffs are all popular choices. This style is perfect for making a statement and adds a touch of futuristic glamour to any winter outfit.
