French braids have stood the test of time as one of the most versatile and elegant hairstyles. In 2025, this classic look is being reimagined in innovative ways, blending tradition with modern trends. Whether you’re aiming for a casual day out, a chic office style, or a glamorous evening event, there’s a French braid variation for every occasion. This article explores fresh and creative takes on French braid hairstyles, ensuring you’ll find a look that suits your hair length, texture, and personality.
Half-Up French Braid with Twists
This half-up French braid with twists is perfect for creating a romantic, bohemian look that transitions effortlessly from day to night. The style involves braiding the crown section of the hair into a delicate French braid, leaving the rest flowing naturally. It’s ideal for medium length or long hair, and the twists add a touch of softness, making it a great choice for curly hair. This hairstyle complements oval or heart-shaped faces, and the subtle detail of the twists beautifully highlights lighter eye colors like blue or green. Wear it to weddings, garden parties, or even a casual brunch.
To create this look, you’ll need a tail comb, bobby pins, and a light-hold hairspray. Begin by sectioning off the top half of your hair, braid it into a French braid, and secure it with an elastic band. Gently twist small sections from the sides and pin them into the braid for added texture. Maintain this hairstyle with a leave-in conditioner like Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream to keep curls soft and frizz-free.
Side French Braid for Short Hair
The side French braid is a lifesaver for those with short hair who want to keep it stylish and manageable. Starting at the hairline, this braid works its way along one side of the head, creating a sleek and polished look. Perfect for square and round face shapes, it adds dimension and sharpness. This hairstyle is ideal for professional settings, casual outings, or even as a quick fix on a busy day.
To style, gather a small section of hair near the parting and start braiding diagonally. Secure the end with a small elastic and tuck it under other strands for a seamless finish. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add grip and hold. Regular trims will keep your ends neat and your braid looking sharp.
Double French Braids for Kids
Double French braids are a timeless and easy hairstyle for kids, offering both style and practicality. This look involves two symmetrical French braids starting at the crown and continuing down to the nape. It’s great for active children as it keeps hair neat and out of the way while showcasing their natural hair texture. This hairstyle suits all face shapes and works beautifully on natural or curly hair.
To achieve this look, part the hair down the middle and braid each side, ensuring the sections are even. Secure with colorful elastics for a playful touch. Use detangling spray to make the process smoother, and finish with a light shine serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy for a polished result.
Traditional French Braid Updo
For formal occasions, the traditional French braid updo exudes elegance and grace. The braid begins at the front and is woven all the way to the back, where it is styled into a bun. This sophisticated hairstyle is ideal for white women with medium or long hair and pairs beautifully with diamond or pearl accessories. Suitable for heart-shaped or oval faces, this hairstyle is perfect for weddings, galas, or other black-tie events.
To create this look, braid the hair in a classic French style, then coil the end into a bun and secure with pins. Add volume with a root-lifting spray like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump. To maintain the sleekness of the braid, use a smoothing serum and a medium-hold hairspray.
Messy French Braid with a Middle Part
For a laid-back, effortless vibe, the messy French braid with a middle part is perfect. This hairstyle embraces messy hair for a chic, undone aesthetic, making it ideal for casual outings or music festivals. The braid starts at both sides of the part and combines into a loose, relaxed braid at the back. It’s great for medium length or shoulder length hair and suits oval or long face shapes.
To style, loosely braid hair, leaving a few face-framing strands out. Use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to enhance texture. Avoid over-brushing to maintain the natural, tousled effect.
French Braid with Hair Extensions
This style allows you to achieve dramatic length and volume using hair extensions. It’s an excellent choice for creating show-stopping braids for long hair or when experimenting with different styles. This braid suits square and diamond-shaped faces, and the extensions can be dyed to match any eye color.
Start by attaching clip-in or tape-in extensions to your hair. Then, braid as desired, integrating the extensions seamlessly. Use a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Spray before styling and wash extensions with sulfate-free shampoo to maintain their longevity.
French Braid with Twists for Medium Length Hair
This braid adds intricate twists to the classic style, making it an eye-catching option for medium length hair. Suitable for natural textures, it works best for round and heart-shaped faces.
Braid the hair as usual but incorporate small twists from the sides for added detail. Secure with decorative pins or elastics. Use a curl-defining mousse like Pantene Curl Affair for added bounce and definition.
French Braid Bun for Shoulder Length Hair
This simple and chic braid ends in a bun, making it a versatile choice for work or special occasions. Ideal for shoulder length hair, it suits oval and rectangular faces and enhances lighter eye colors.
Start with a French braid from the crown, securing the end in a bun. Finish with a high-shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray for a polished look.
Half-Up French Braid with a Ponytail
This style blends a French braid with a half up half down ponytail for a modern twist. Perfect for casual or semi-formal events, it suits curly hair and long hair.
Braid the crown section into a French braid and secure it with a ponytail. Use volumizing powder for lift and texture, ensuring a stylish yet practical finish.
Double Side French Braids with a Bun
This style combines two symmetrical French braids on either side of the head, blending into a low bun at the nape. Ideal for casual gatherings or even formal events, this hairstyle is perfect for medium length to long hair. It flatters oval and diamond-shaped faces, while its intricate detail highlights dark or hazel eyes. The bun creates a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe, suitable for everything from outdoor weddings to cozy dinner dates.
To achieve this look, part the hair down the center and braid each section into a French braid, stopping at the nape. Secure the braids together and twist the remaining hair into a low bun. Use bobby pins to hold it in place and finish with a shine spray like OGX Renewing Argan Oil Spray for a sleek finish.
French Braid with a Twisted Crown
This royal-inspired hairstyle features a French braid that wraps around the crown, blending into elegant twists at the back. It’s a perfect updo for weddings, proms, or black-tie events, and works beautifully on natural or curly hair. This style suits round and heart-shaped faces, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
To create the look, braid the hair around the crown, leaving sections to twist at the back. Secure with decorative pins for a regal touch. A texturizing powder like Schwarzkopf’s Got2b Powder’ful adds grip and volume, keeping the hairstyle in place all day.
French Braid with a Low Ponytail
Combining a French braid with a sleek low ponytail, this style offers a professional yet stylish vibe. Perfect for office wear or a chic night out, it’s suitable for shoulder length or long hair and complements square or oval face shapes.
Begin with a French braid starting at the crown and secure it into a low ponytail with a sleek elastic. Use a straightening serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease to keep the ponytail smooth and shiny. Accessorize with a ribbon or barrette for a playful touch.
French Braid with Loose Front Strands
For a soft, romantic look, this style features a classic French braid with loose front strands framing the face. Ideal for casual settings or a date night, it works well for short hair to medium length hair and flatters oval or rectangular faces.
Braid the back of your hair into a French braid, leaving small strands out at the front. Curl the loose strands with a wand for added elegance. Use a lightweight hairspray like Tresemme Extra Hold to maintain the curls without stiffness.
Two French Braids into a Messy Bun
This playful hairstyle starts with two French braids that meet in a messy bun. It’s perfect for a casual day out or a fun party look. The style works for medium to long hair and complements round or heart-shaped faces, adding a youthful vibe.
To style, part the hair in the middle and create two French braids on either side. Gather the ends into a messy bun and secure with bobby pins. Spritz with a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for added texture.
Side French Braid with Hair Extensions
For a voluminous and dramatic effect, a side French braid paired with hair extensions is a go-to style. This glamorous braid cascades over one shoulder, making it ideal for formal occasions like galas or weddings. It works best for long hair and flatters all face shapes.
Attach extensions to the underside of your natural hair before braiding. Secure the braid with an invisible elastic and finish with a gloss serum like Kerastase Elixir Ultime for shine and smoothness.
French Braid Half-Up with a Bow
This half up French braid hairstyle is playful and feminine, enhanced with a bow at the back. It’s great for casual events, picnics, or outings with friends. Suitable for short hair, medium length, or long hair, it flatters heart-shaped faces.
Braid the top section of the hair and secure it with a decorative bow or ribbon. Use a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse for lift and fullness. Add loose waves to the remaining hair for a romantic touch.
Conclusion
French braid hairstyles continue to evolve, offering endless versatility and creativity for every hair type, length, and personal style. From elegant updos to playful looks for kids, these braids are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a formal event or enjoying a casual day out. The 2025 trends highlight a mix of timeless classics and innovative twists, ensuring there’s a French braid style for everyone. Share your thoughts, tips, and experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other with more amazing braid ideas!
