32 Stunning Ideas for Long Hair with Braided Styles in 2024 from Wedding Hairstyles to Easy Updos

Braids have always been a timeless hairstyle, effortlessly blending tradition with contemporary trends. As we step into 2024, long hair with braided styles is making a massive comeback, showcasing a perfect blend of elegance, versatility, and practicality. Whether you’re looking for easy hairstyles for everyday wear or intricate wedding hairstyles, braids have something to offer for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 32 exquisite braided hairstyles that will elevate your look and keep you on trend throughout the year.

Boho Braided Crown

The Boho braided crown is a romantic and whimsical hairstyle, perfect for outdoor weddings, music festivals, or any casual outing where you want to channel your inner free spirit. This style involves creating two braids on each side of your head and wrapping them around to form a crown-like effect. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, this hairstyle beautifully highlights light to medium brown hair and green or hazel eyes, enhancing your natural bohemian charm.

To achieve this look, start by parting your hair down the middle and braiding two sections from each side. Secure the braids with clear elastics and cross them over your head, pinning them in place with bobby pins. For maintenance, use a lightweight hairspray like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep the braids intact without weighing them down.

Updos for a Chic Look

Braided updos offer a sophisticated and polished look, making them perfect formal hairstyles for weddings, proms, or elegant evening events. This style typically involves braiding sections of hair and pinning them into an updo, creating a chic and intricate design that suits round and square face shapes. Dark hair colors paired with bold makeup can make this style truly stand out.

To create a braided updo, section your hair and start braiding small sections, pinning them as you go to form a cohesive updo. Use a strong hold hairspray like TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold to keep the style in place. Regular touch-ups with a shine serum can help maintain the updo’s sleek appearance.

Wedding Hairstyles with Braids

Braids are a popular choice for wedding hairstyles, offering a blend of elegance and tradition. A fishtail braid, for example, is perfect for brides who want a sophisticated yet relaxed look. This style suits all face shapes and is especially stunning on blonde or highlighted hair, making blue or green eyes pop.

To achieve a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections and alternate small strands from each side, crossing them over to the opposite side. Secure the end with a clear elastic and gently pull on the braid to create a fuller look. Use a volumizing mousse like Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse to add body and hold to the braid.

Half Up Braided Style

The half up braided style is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds – the elegance of an updo with the ease of wearing your hair down. This style works well for casual and formal occasions alike, and it’s particularly flattering for heart and oval face shapes. Highlights or balayage can add dimension to this look, complementing brown or hazel eyes.

Start by sectioning the top half of your hair and creating two braids on either side. Secure them at the back of your head with bobby pins or a decorative clip. To maintain this style, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add grip and volume to your hair.

Loose Curls with Braids

Loose curls combined with braids create a romantic and ethereal look, perfect for proms, weddings, or any special occasion.This style suits all face shapes and is especially beautiful on medium to long hair lengths, highlighting natural or dyed hair colors. Blue or gray eyes will appear even more striking with this hairstyle.

To achieve this look, curl your hair using a large-barrel curling iron and create small braids on either side of your head. Secure the braids at the back and let the curls cascade freely. Use a curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl SuperCream to define and hold the curls while maintaining their softness.

Curtain Bangs with Braided Accents

Curtain bangs paired with braided accents offer a trendy and youthful look, ideal for everyday wear or casual outings. This style works best for oval and heart-shaped faces and can enhance any hair color, making it a versatile choice. The soft framing of the bangs draws attention to your eyes, perfect for showcasing any eye color.

To style curtain bangs with braids, part your bangs in the middle and create small braids on each side, securing them behind your ears. Use a lightweight hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the braids in place without losing the natural movement of your bangs.

Prom Hairstyles with Braids

Braided prom hairstyles offer a blend of elegance and fun, making them a perfect choice for this special night. Styles like the waterfall braid or braided updos can complement any dress and suit all face shapes. Highlights or glitter can add a touch of glamour, making this hairstyle ideal for those looking to stand out.

To create a waterfall braid, start by braiding a small section of hair near the temple and allowing sections to fall as you braid across the head. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to enhance the braid’s appearance. This style can be paired with loose waves or curls for a complete prom look.

Formal Braided Hairstyles

For formal events, intricate braided hairstyles can add a touch of sophistication and class. Styles like the braided chignon or crown braid are perfect for weddings, galas, or any black-tie event. These hairstyles are flattering for all face shapes and work best on medium to long hair lengths.

To create a braided chignon, start by braiding sections of your hair and wrapping them into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a strong hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray. Regular conditioning treatments can keep your hair healthy and shiny, ensuring your formal style looks its best.

Dutch Braids with Loose Curls

Dutch braids paired with loose curls create a striking contrast between the tightness of the braids and the softness of the curls. This style is perfect for both casual outings and formal events, suitable for all face shapes, and enhances naturally wavy or curly hair. Blue or hazel eyes particularly stand out with this hairstyle.

To achieve this look, start by creating two Dutch braids from the front of your hair, moving towards the back. Leave the ends of the braids loose and curl them with a medium-barrel curling iron. Use a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to keep the curls soft and bouncy.

Easy Updos with Braids

For a quick and stylish option, easy updos with braids are perfect for busy days or impromptu events. This style involves creating a simple bun or twist and incorporating braids for added texture and interest. Suitable for all face shapes, this hairstyle works well with any hair color and is particularly great for those with thicker hair.

To create an easy braided updo, start by braiding small sections of your hair and twisting the rest into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray. This style can be easily refreshed with a dry shampoo to maintain volume and texture.

Braided Ponytail

A braided ponytail is a versatile and easy hairstyle that can be dressed up or down for various occasions. It works well for round and oval face shapes and looks great on medium to long hair. This style can highlight any eye color, especially when paired with vibrant makeup.

To create a braided ponytail, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Braid the ponytail and secure the end with a clear elastic. For added texture, pull on the braid gently to loosen it. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray.

Braided Space Buns

Braided space buns offer a playful and trendy look, perfect for festivals, concerts, or casual outings. This style works well for all face shapes and can be a fun way to experiment with hair colors and accessories.

To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Braid each ponytail and wrap them into buns, securing with bobby pins. For maintenance, use a lightweight hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the buns in place.

Braided Bun

The braided bun is an elegant and timeless hairstyle that is perfect for formal events such as weddings and galas. This style suits all face shapes and can be adapted for medium to long hair. It works especially well with straight or slightly wavy hair.

To create a braided bun, start by braiding a section of hair from the front and pinning it back. Gather the rest of your hair into a low bun and secure it with bobby pins. Finish with a strong hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray to keep everything in place.

Fishtail Braided Updo

A fishtail braided updo is a sophisticated and intricate hairstyle, ideal for formal events or weddings. This style flatters all face shapes and works best on long hair. Light to medium hair colors can particularly highlight the braid’s details.

To create a fishtail braided updo, start by braiding a fishtail braid and wrapping it into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a strong hold hairspray like TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold. Regular touch-ups with a shine serum can help maintain the updo’s sleek appearance.

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a beautiful and romantic hairstyle that works well for both casual and formal occasions. This style suits all face shapes and looks especially stunning on long hair with highlights or balayage.

To achieve this look, start by creating a small braid near the temple and allowing sections to fall as you braid across the head. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray. This style can be paired with loose waves for a complete look.

Side Braid with Ribbon

Adding a ribbon to a side braid can elevate a simple hairstyle into something special. This look is perfect for casual outings, date nights, or even holiday parties. It’s suitable for all face shapes and can be a fun way to add a pop of color to your hair.

To achieve this style, start by creating a side part and braid your hair to one side. Weave a ribbon through the braid as you go, securing the end with a clear elastic. Use a shine-enhancing spray like Kenra Shine Spray to keep the braid looking polished.

Box Braids

Box braids are a protective style that offers versatility and longevity, perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. This hairstyle suits all face shapes and works well on medium to long hair.

To create box braids, section your hair into small squares and braid each section tightly. Secure the ends with small elastics. To maintain the style, use a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to keep the braids moisturized.

Crown Braid

The crown braid is an elegant and timeless hairstyle, perfect for weddings, proms, or any formal event. This style flatters all face shapes and looks particularly beautiful on long hair.

To create a crown braid, start by braiding a section of hair from the front and wrapping it around your head, securing with bobby pins. Finish with a strong hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray to keep everything in place.

Infinity Braid

The infinity braid is a unique and eye-catching style that is perfect for those who want to make a statement. This intricate braid works well for formal events or special occasions and suits all face shapes. It’s especially striking on medium to long hair with highlights.

To create an infinity braid, start by dividing a small section of hair and creating a figure-eight pattern with the hair strands. Continue this pattern down the length of the hair and secure the end with a clear elastic. Use a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to enhance the braid’s detail and keep it in place.

Lace Braid

The lace braid is a delicate and elegant hairstyle, ideal for weddings, proms, or any formal event. This style flatters all face shapes and works beautifully on long hair. It’s especially stunning on lighter hair colors, which show off the intricate braid pattern.

To achieve this look, start by braiding a small section of hair near the hairline, incorporating hair only from one side as you braid across the head. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a lightweight hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the braid in place.

Rope Braid Ponytail

A rope braid ponytail is a simple yet stylish hairstyle that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. This style suits all face shapes and works best on medium to long hair. It adds a touch of sophistication to any look.

To create a rope braid ponytail, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and twist each section clockwise. Then twist the two sections together counterclockwise and secure the end with a clear elastic. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray.

In conclusion, long hair with braided styles offers endless possibilities for 2024, from casual boho looks to elegant formal updos. Whether you’re attending a wedding, prom, or simply want to try something new, there’s a braided hairstyle that will suit your needs and enhance your natural beauty. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these styles and see your own braided creations, so feel free to leave a comment and share your favorite looks!