38 Quick and Easy Braided Hairstyles

An easy braided hairstyle can be difficult to find, because most of them take certain skills and precision to succeed. Sometimes you simply don’t have those extra fifteen minutes to spare in the morning. The next time you need to fly right out the door without sacrificing a cute hairstyle, try one of these 38 easy braids.

Easy Braided Hairstyles

Adding a thin braid to your casual updo or braiding a simple crown headband to ennoble your everyday downdo won’t take much of your precious time. There are, of course, more cool quick braided ideas below. If you are just beginning your styling experiments, try the hairstyle you like on the week-end when you are not in the rush to test it.

#1: Twisted Crown Braid

#20: Quick Four Strand Side Braid

Cute braided hairstyles don’t have to take all day! Ok sure, it might take a little practice to get good at the four-strand braid, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be as fast as you are at regular braiding. And once you master it, you can add in a cool accent (like a string of pearls, chain or ribbon) that makes the style very unique.

Instagram/ @lilithmoonlife

#21: Cute Dutch Fishtail Updo

This is a lovely, feminine take on the Mohawk braid that curves at the end. This simple look was created with a dutch fishtail braid that was pulled at, wrapped and pinned at the end to make a sort of voluminous bun. For the best result, curl hair before you braid and pull it loose at the end.

#22: Dutch Mohawk Braid

If you have thick hair, then this simple messy style was made for you. Dutch braid your hair curving the braid to one side (allowing for a loose, imperfect tension) and then finish off half way down the ends. Hide the pony holder with a messy wrap. For the final touch, pull at the braid to make it chunkier and messier.

#23: Easy Braided Formal Style

Easy hairstyles can be so chic—they look like you just threw them together. No big deal! To get this effortless style, go for a low horizontal dutch braid. Simply dutch braid your hair across the nape, working from one side to the other. This works best for medium length hair.

#24: Perfect Dutch Pigtail Braids

For an ultra-feminine style that can be dressed up or down, go for dutch pigtail braids. This cute braided ‘do should have structure but shouldn’t look too perfect. You can braid with a loose tension and pull some wisps out at the end.

Instagram/ @lilithmoonlife

#25: Messy Dutch Crowns

The cutest modern hairstyles are those easy braided looks you can do all by yourself. Sure, it’s awesome to get a fancy updo for special occasions, but messy styles are typically more flattering. You may try this look as around-the-head braids or go for two pigtails that are wrapped around the nape of the neck and pinned up next to each other.

#26: Loose Braid Updo

Today`s popular easy braids are often based on looseness and softness. This hairstyle would look beautiful with just about any flowy dress (and some dangly earrings).

#27: Easy French Twist with Accent Overlay

This style looks tricky to create, but it’s actually made up of two separate parts that are easy to achieve. Take a section of hair above your ear for a braid and clip it out of the way. Then create an elegant french twist out of remaining hair. Next braid the saved section loosely and bring the braid across the roll, tucking the end of the braid inside.

#28: Half-Up Pony with Fishtail Braids

There are so many styles you can do with braids! This is an idea for a creative half updo for medium and long hair. These lacy criss crossed fishtails remind palm twigs and look like perfect accent pieces for a summertime hairstyle.

Instagram/ @flettemamma

#29: Cute Chignon with Braids

This cute braided look can be done in a few simple steps. Section off the front section of your hair and divide it into two parts. Clip them out of the way. Next create a low bun in the back. Then dutch braid the hair in the front and wrap the braids around the back of your head above the bun. Hairstyles with such cool braids work in any situation!

#30: Gorgeous Halo Braids

Of all the currently trendy hair styles that will boost your confidence one hundred percent, this is the one you need to try today. It is so chic. Why? Because this cute easy look can go with your normal wardrobe—no fancy dress needed for this double braid.

#31: Elegant Curls with Lacy Braids

It can be easy to get in a hair slump (and just be lazy) when it comes to long hair. This hairstyle will help you show off your long locks. Plus, it’s easy! Create two dutch braids and join them in the back. Gorgeous curls certainly don’t hurt either.

Instagram/ @circlesofhair

#32: Braided Top Knot

We also have some gorgeous solutions when it comes to braids for long hair. This simple ballerina bun is perfect for the days when you want your long hair out of the way (but you still want to look chic and put together, of course!) Well, throw your hair in a ponytail, braid it all the way down and wrap into a bun.

Instagram/ @hairdreams_

#33: Bun with Braided Bangs

For braid styles that are totally outside the box, think of the braid like an accent instead of the main event. For this updo, section off your bangs or a section of hair above the forehead and braid it with a curve. Feed the end of the braid into a pretty sock bun.

#34: Messy French Braid and Bun

This pretty style is a breeze to copy. The main trick is to find a metal clip that is similar to the tone of your hair—silver if you have cool toned hair like platinum or ash brown, and copper or gold if you have warm toned hair.

#35: Topsy Fishtail Braid

Simple hairstyles often blend a few different styles and end up looking quite fancy. This hairstyle is created by, first, making a smooth pool through ponytail and then braiding a fishtail style braid. One key braiding essential to buy is small, clear elastics. These secure your hairstyle but aren’t too noticeable.

Instagram/ @yetanotherbeautysite

#36: Dutch and Fishtail Braid

If you’re skilled at creating a variety of braids, this is going to be very fast for you. If not, then this beautiful style might just give you the inspiration you need to start practicing. The two types of braids you need to learn are the dutch braid and the dutch fishtail braid. Then you can mix them in any way you please!

#37: Easy Bun with two Side Braids

Want a cute hair style that is ridiculously simple to create but looking completely amazing? (Don’t we all.) To get this look, separate out some hair near your hairline. Then spray the rest of your hair with a texturizing spray or a salt spray and tease it. Make a low bun with a bouffant. To finish, add some accent braids, a hair accessory, and pretty wisps.

#38: Soft and Elegant Braided Updo

For quick hairstyles that are elegant and classy, try mastering the art of loose tension. You’ll want to braid with medium tension to start and then pull the hair loose at the end. This loopy bun is created by wrapping and pinning up a loose braid. Gorgeous!

From crown braids through side braids to ponytail braids, this list has you covered on all accounts. No matter what type of braid you like best, you’ll be able to perfect the easy, fast version of it by choosing one of the many beautiful styles above.