As the air turns crisp and the first snowflakes begin to fall, it’s time to embrace the cozy charm of winter. And what better way to complement the season’s magic than with a stunning winter braid hairstyle? Braids offer endless versatility, allowing you to create intricate masterpieces or keep things effortlessly chic. From chunky fishtails to delicate crown braids, this season’s trends blend classic techniques with modern flair. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or simply want to elevate your everyday look, we’ve curated 20 captivating winter braid hairstyles to inspire your next wintry transformation.
Chunky Fishtail with Face-Framing Tendrils
This effortlessly chic style combines the classic fishtail braid with delicate face-framing tendrils for a romantic and whimsical look. Ideal for medium to long hair, the chunky fishtail adds texture and volume, while the loose tendrils soften the overall appearance. Consider incorporating warm, autumnal hues like chestnut brown or auburn with subtle golden highlights for a touch of seasonal warmth. This style is trending in both the US and EU, often seen adorned with delicate gold hair accessories for a touch of festive sparkle. To achieve this look, create a loose fishtail braid, leaving out a few strands at the front to curl and frame the face. Set with a light-hold hairspray for a natural, flowing finish.
Dutch Braid Crown with Icy Blonde Highlights
Embrace the winter wonderland with a regal Dutch braid crown adorned with icy blonde highlights. This intricate style exudes sophistication and elegance, perfect for formal occasions or holiday gatherings. The Dutch braid, created by braiding underhand, adds dimension and texture, while the icy blonde highlights create a striking contrast against darker hair colors. This trend is particularly popular in the EU, reflecting a preference for polished and intricate hairstyles. For a modern twist, incorporate small pearl or crystal embellishments throughout the braid. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure a long-lasting, picture-perfect look.
Side-Swept French Braid with Burgundy Ribbon
Add a touch of bohemian romance to your winter look with a side-swept French braid adorned with a deep burgundy ribbon. This classic style is given a seasonal update with the rich, wine-inspired hue, reflecting the warm tones of winter berries and mulled wine. Popular in both the US and EU, this style is versatile enough for everyday wear or special occasions. The French braid creates a timeless and elegant silhouette, while the burgundy ribbon adds a touch of festive flair. For a more textured look, gently pull apart the braid for a fuller, more relaxed appearance. This style works beautifully with both straight and wavy hair.
Double Waterfall Braid with Silver Hair Cuffs
Elevate your winter hairstyle with a mesmerizing double waterfall braid adorned with silver hair cuffs. This ethereal style creates a cascading effect, mimicking the beauty of a frozen waterfall. Popular among younger demographics in the US, the double waterfall braid is both intricate and playful. The silver hair cuffs add a touch of modern edge and reflect the shimmering beauty of winter frost. This style works best with long, straight or slightly wavy hair. For a more dramatic look, incorporate dark, smoky eye makeup and a bold lip color.
Braided Half-Updo with Snowflake Hairpins
Embrace the whimsical charm of winter with a braided half-updo adorned with delicate snowflake hairpins. This romantic style is perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings. The braided half-updo combines elegance with effortless beauty, while the snowflake hairpins add a touch of seasonal sparkle. This look is trending in both the US and EU, appealing to those who prefer a more subtle yet festive hairstyle. To achieve this look, create two small braids on either side of the head and secure them at the back with bobby pins. Add the snowflake hairpins for a final touch of winter magic.
Low Ponytail with Fishtail Braid Accent
Keep it simple yet stylish with a low ponytail featuring a fishtail braid accent. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for everyday wear and can be easily dressed up or down. The low ponytail offers a sleek and sophisticated silhouette, while the fishtail braid adds a touch of texture and visual interest. This trend is popular in the US, favored for its practicality and understated elegance. To create this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Then, create a fishtail braid from a small section of hair taken from the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin.
Messy Bun with Braided Wrap
For a relaxed yet chic winter hairstyle, opt for a messy bun with a braided wrap. This effortless style is perfect for busy days or casual outings. The messy bun adds a touch of undone charm, while the braided wrap elevates the look with a touch of bohemian flair. This style is popular in both the US and EU, favored for its versatility and ease of creation. To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high messy bun and secure it with an elastic. Then, create a simple three-strand braid from a section of hair and wrap it around the base of the bun, securing it with bobby pins.
Milkmaid Braid with Velvet Ribbon
Channel your inner romantic with a classic milkmaid braid adorned with a luxurious velvet ribbon. This timeless style evokes a sense of vintage charm and is perfect for holiday parties or special occasions. The milkmaid braid creates a soft and feminine silhouette, while the velvet ribbon adds a touch of opulence and texture. This trend is seeing a resurgence in the EU, reflecting a renewed appreciation for classic and elegant hairstyles. To create this look, part your hair down the middle and create two braids, one on each side. Wrap the braids around your head and secure them with bobby pins. Add the velvet ribbon for a final touch of luxurious detail.
Boxer Braids with Metallic Thread
Add a touch of edgy glamour to your winter look with boxer braids interwoven with metallic thread. This sporty yet stylish hairstyle is perfect for active individuals or those who prefer a more bold and statement-making look. Popular among younger demographics in the US, boxer braids offer a sleek and structured appearance. The metallic thread adds a touch of futuristic flair and catches the light beautifully. This style works best with long, straight hair. For a more dramatic effect, opt for silver or gold thread. Secure the ends of the braids with clear elastics.
Cornrows with Colorful Beads
Embrace a vibrant and culturally rich hairstyle with cornrows adorned with colorful beads. This protective style is not only fashionable but also practical for protecting natural hair during the harsh winter months. Popular in both the US and EU, cornrows offer endless styling possibilities. The addition of colorful beads adds a playful and personalized touch, allowing for self-expression and creativity. Experiment with different bead sizes and colors to create a unique and eye-catching look. This style is a celebration of cultural diversity and individual expression.
French Braid Pigtails with Glitter Spray
Embrace your inner child with playful French braid pigtails adorned with shimmering glitter spray. This fun and festive hairstyle is perfect for holiday parties or adding a touch of sparkle to your everyday look. Popular among younger demographics in both the US and EU, French braid pigtails are a classic and timeless style. The glitter spray adds a touch of whimsical magic, reflecting the shimmering beauty of winter snow. This style works best with medium to long hair. For a more subtle look, opt for a fine glitter spray. For a bolder statement, choose chunky glitter in silver or gold.
Side Fishtail Braid with Baby’s Breath
Embrace a romantic and ethereal look with a side fishtail braid adorned with delicate baby’s breath flowers. This whimsical hairstyle is perfect for weddings, winter formals, or any special occasion where you want to feel like a princess. Popular in the EU, this style embodies a soft and feminine aesthetic. The fishtail braid adds texture and visual interest, while the baby’s breath flowers add a touch of delicate beauty and symbolize purity and innocence. This style works best with long, flowing hair. Secure the braid with clear elastics and strategically place the baby’s breath throughout the braid for a natural and effortless look.
Pull-Through Braid with Pearl Accents
Elevate your everyday hairstyle with a sophisticated pull-through braid adorned with elegant pearl accents. This intricate-looking yet surprisingly easy-to-achieve style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The pull-through braid creates a voluminous and textured look, while the pearl accents add a touch of classic sophistication and timeless elegance. Popular in both the US and EU, this style is a favorite for its versatility and ability to transform any outfit. Use small pearl hairpins or clips to secure the pulled-through sections of the braid, creating a shimmering and polished finish.
Halo Braid with Gold Leaf Accents
Embrace a celestial and ethereal look with a halo braid adorned with delicate gold leaf accents. This angelic hairstyle is perfect for special occasions, holiday parties, or any event where you want to make a statement. Popular in the EU, the halo braid creates a romantic and regal aura. The gold leaf accents add a touch of luxury and shimmer, reflecting the warm glow of candlelight and winter sunsets. This style works best with medium to long hair. Gently pull apart the braid for a fuller, more relaxed appearance, and carefully apply the gold leaf accents using a hair gel or adhesive.
Rope Braid Ponytail with Wrapped Leather Cord
Add a touch of bohemian chic to your winter look with a rope braid ponytail adorned with a wrapped leather cord. This effortless yet stylish hairstyle is perfect for everyday wear or casual outings. Popular in the US, the rope braid creates a unique and textured ponytail, while the leather cord adds a touch of rustic charm and a subtle edgy vibe. This style works best with medium to long hair. Wrap the leather cord multiple times around the base of the ponytail, securing it with a knot or tucking the ends underneath the braid for a clean and polished finish.
Reverse French Braid Bun with Jeweled Hair Comb
Elevate your updo game with a sophisticated reverse French braid bun adorned with a jeweled hair comb. This elegant hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions, weddings, or any event where you want to exude refined glamour. Popular in the EU, the reverse French braid creates a beautiful textured base for the bun, while the jeweled hair comb adds a touch of sparkle and opulence. This style works best with medium to long hair. Secure the bun with bobby pins and strategically place the jeweled hair comb to complement the braid and enhance the overall look.
Four-Strand Braid with Ribbon Inlays
Showcase your braiding skills with an intricate four-strand braid adorned with colorful ribbon inlays. This eye-catching hairstyle is perfect for festivals, concerts, or any occasion where you want to express your creativity and bohemian spirit. Popular in both the US and EU, the four-strand braid offers a unique and textured look. The ribbon inlays add a pop of color and personality, allowing you to customize the style to match your outfit or mood. Experiment with different ribbon colors and patterns to create a truly unique and personalized look.
Ladder Braid with Beaded Ends
Add a touch of whimsical charm to your winter look with a ladder braid adorned with beaded ends. This playful and intricate hairstyle is perfect for festivals, concerts, or any occasion where you want to stand out from the crowd. Popular in the US, the ladder braid creates a visually stunning effect that resembles the rungs of a ladder. The beaded ends add a touch of bohemian flair and movement to the style. This style works best with long, straight hair. Attach small beads to the ends of the braid using clear elastic thread or small crimp beads for a secure and lasting finish.
Space Buns with Braided Accents
Embrace your inner playful side with space buns adorned with braided accents. This fun and trendy hairstyle is perfect for festivals, concerts, or adding a touch of youthful energy to your everyday look. Popular among younger demographics in both the US and EU, space buns offer a quirky and versatile style. The braided accents add a touch of visual interest and texture, elevating the classic space bun look. Create two high buns on either side of your head and incorporate small braids into the buns or wrap braids around the base of the buns for a more intricate and personalized style.
