7/14/2021
8 Braid Hairstyles Blowing Up in 2021
Zara Kenyon & Anette Svensson
Braided hairstyles are masterpieces. They’re fun, functional and show off your creative flair, whether you’re plaiting them for yourself or styling for someone else. And with so many ways to braid – from fishtails to waterfalls to flawless French plaits – we’re endlessly inspired by the raft of intricate looks that stylists are coming up with.
So, let’s check out 8 of the coolest braid hairstyles of 2021. The braid brigade is coming through – now grab some pins and join the club.
THE TWISTED BRAID
Image Credit: @david_bkc
Do braids last longer than twists? Usually, yes, because they’re weaved a little tighter, but David’s combo of loose plaits and twists have plenty of staying power. Bands are staggered throughout the style to lend structure and hold, but Use EIMI Stay Firm to keep your look extra weather-proof.
THE HALF-UP BRAID
Image Credit: @naomipaintshair
There’s something a little bit 90s about this low-key, loosely-braided look. It’s one part ‘girl next door’ and one part ‘look at how epic my balayage is’. The dreamiest style for anyone who wants to show off multi-tonal blonde highlights, it should be plaited tight at first, then gently loosened with a few tugs at the sides. Work EIMI Cocktail Me and EIMI Extra Volume Hair mousse through wet hair and blowdry before braiding for longer lasting volume and shine.
THE DUTCH BRAID
Image Credit: @hair_by_vanya
A Dutch braid is a little like a classic French braid, in that you gradually add strands in as you braid. The big difference? Instead of crossing the hair over, you pass it from side to side underneath.
That’s the foundation of this pretty half-up style, which segues into an inside-out braid through the mid-lengths, before being held in place with a clear elastic.
THE MINI FISHTAIL BRAID
Image Credit: @boudoirhairalbury
Your fishtail braid gets a festival hair upgrade with this half-up, one-sided ‘do. We love how Lia at Boudoir has tucked the tip underneath a veil of long mermaid waves. A plait this intricate needs some grip and support to stay in place, so layer EIMI Dry Me into the roots before styling.
THE TAPESTRY BRAID
Image Credit: @kai_sohn
Far from your traditional plait, the tapestry braid sees hair cross-hatched together through the crown, à la Kai Sohn’s ultra-mesmerizing look. We love how he’s finished the ‘do with a nape-hugging ponytail and plenty of shine. A light dab of EIMI Just Brilliant pomade on the surface of hair will achieve the same level of luminosity.
THE CROWN BRAID
Image Credit: @hairby_heathercap
Is there anything more romantic than a crown braid? We think not, and Heather Day Caprioli’s delicate creation demonstrates why. This look is ideal for days and nights when the air is a little humid, because it defies the weather. Smooth a couple of pumps o EIMI Stay firm through the hair before braiding, pull a few tendrils free, then mist with EIMI Super Set finishing hairspray to hold the style in place.
WATCH: The Wella Professionals Crown Braid Tutorial
THE INSIDE OUT BRAID
Image Credit: @tpla_hairart
Technically, an inside out braid (or reverse braid) is the same as a Dutch braid, as it sees the plait stick out and sit on top of the head, instead of weaving inwards. We love this high-shine, ice blonde take from the experts at TPLA, but it’s a look that relies on volume, so make sure you build body.
THE DNA BRAID
Image Credit: @joanneoneill15
Creating a DNA braid is so much easier than it looks, so don’t fear if you’re a hairstylist whose client shows you a reference that looks like Joanne O’Neill’s masterpiece. You can read how to get the look in our round-up of the hottest summer hairstyles – because what could be more beach-perfect than head-turning braids that stay this secure?