21 Braided Hairstyles For 2025
Kathakali S
For centuries, braided hairstyles have always been associated with creativity, culture, and other forms of self-expression. The craze is growing in 2025, getting new and fresh twists, playful textures, and modern upgrades to the classic braid. Whether heading to a festival, formal event, or something creative to keep hair out of the way, there is a braid for every vibe. Below are 18 braids making waves this year—fresh, modern, and full of personality.
1. Flip-over-braids
Flip-over braids are made with a deep side part, with braids falling to the opposite side. The style provides almost maximum volume on one side of the head, offering a truly asymmetric shape that is both performing and easy to wear.
“This look adds natural volume and works beautifully with textured or curly hair,” says Talia Rivers, a textured hair consultant. “It’s effortless but still polished.”
2. Boho Knotless Braids with Curly Ends
The name itself defines this free-spirit style: The elegance of knotless braids meets a little bit of the boho flair. With curly ends, the feeling of being light, soft, and carefree dominates this style. These are most favored when on vacation, at festivals, and when the vibe of the girl is free.
3. Side-Parted Cornrow Braid with Loose Curls
This hairstyle takes the powerfully regimented cornrows on one side and pairs it with loose, flowing curls on the other. It offers a gorgeous texture interplay between slick braiding and soft curls and works just as well for casual days as glam nights.
“The contrast between the tight cornrows and the flowing curls creates movement,” says Jillian Moore, a braid and curl specialist. “It’s modern, romantic, and protective.”
4. Knotless Loose Braids
Knotless loose braids put together the gentle tension-free technique of knotless braiding with an easy-going, undone finishing while hanging freely and moving naturally, thereby making a fitting choice for lightweight styling for every day.
5. French Braids
The timeless favorite always has a place in the category of braided hairstyles. This year, stylists are going for chalk-and-cheese presents with middle parts, sleeker finishes, or loose, messy looks—for a laid-back persona.
6. Zigzag Braids
Braids are a stand-out style; zig-zag braids take that up one notch! The braids go with sharp, angular partings that form a zig-zag pattern all over the scalp, making a bold style statement.
“This style adds drama and uniqueness to the scalp pattern,” explains Marley James, texture expert at a top Brooklyn salon. “It’s a subtle but impactful detail that gets noticed.”
7. Twist Knotless Braids
Twist braids put a twist on the classic style by twisting two strands rather than three. Paired with the knotless base, it becomes a very sleek look that's soft on the scalp and super stylish with little effort.
8. Bohemian Braids
Bohemian braids combine traditional braiding with loose, curled free strands to endorse an air of frivolous, whimsical flair. Holding to their essence, they tend to be beautified with beads or cuffs and are just right for a festival-style or for anyone who enjoys a textured, earthy aesthetic.
9. Large Knotless Braids
Compared to their smaller counterparts in both size and impact, large knotless braids are a particular protective style. In trend and time-efficient, they take less time to install than their smaller versions and provide the easiest and chicest option for a modern-eva!
10. Braided Space Buns with Butterfly Clips
Reaching for an ultra-modern vibe with braided space buns, this quirky and youthful look has been put in the graveyard of majorly trending looks for 2025. First, the hair is braided into sections and wrapped into buns on either side of the head. Finish with bright-colored butterfly clips for some fun nostalgia amid the Y2K revival.
11. Knotless Box Braids
Light and comfortable, the knotless box braids have earned fame for their natural appearance. Less strain on the scalp means these bad boys are screaming to be styled any way, from neat updos to loose and flowing.
12. Gypsy Braids
Intersecting free and wild pulls into thin and thick braids often garnished with beads or accessories strike a note for the gypsy braids. This look screams "celebrate your individuality" and is perfect for lovers of the boho-chic style.
13. Braided High Ponytail
This hairdo lifts the braids into a slick, sky-high ponytail. It acts like a perfect opportunity to keep hair out of the face and display the intricate detail of the braids with a sporty yet classy look.
14. Knotless Braids
They are a more gentle and seamless way to traditional braiding, as they resemble knotless box braids but are not restricted to box-shaped parts. Because of their versatility and comfort, they provide an ideal solution for long-term protective styling.
15. Fulani Braids
These culturally and stylistically rich braids often have a center part, cornrows from the sides of the scalp, and bead accents. It is both a style and a clue to African heritage.
16. Lemonade Braids
One of Beyoncé's signature looks, lemonade braids are side-swept cornrows flowing in one direction. They are brazen and feminine and sure to draw everyone's attention wherever you go.
17. Stitch Cornrow Braids with Half Bun
The hairstyle combines sharp stitch braiding with a half-up bun for a contrast between clean lines and casual edge. Half bun adds more uplift and personality, while the cornrows stay clean and defined.
18. Bubble Braid
If one wants to make bold statements with fun, fun is surprisingly easy to craft. Bubble braiding for a slight variation of the traditional weave, hair is sectioned and tied off with small elastics to form little "bubbles" down the length of the hair. This cheerful hairdo fits perfectly into a casual day or a glam night out.
