11 Winter Braid Hair Styles Ideas to Keep You Stylish and Warm

Winter is a season of cozy sweaters, warm fires, and festive celebrations. It’s also the perfect time to experiment with new and trendy hairstyles. Braids are not only a stylish way to keep your hair out of your face, but they also add a touch of elegance to your winter look. In this article, we’ll explore 11 winter braid hairstyles that will keep you looking and feeling fabulous all season long.

1. Classic French Braid

The classic French braid is a timeless style that never goes out of fashion. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal event. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into three sections at the crown. Braid in the usual three-strand method, but add small sections of hair from the sides as you go. Continue until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add volume and make your braid look more polished.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into three sections at the crown.
2	Begin braiding, adding small sections from the sides.
3	Continue until you reach the nape of your neck.
4	Complete the braid and secure it with an elastic band.

2. Side Braid

A side braid is a simple yet chic option for any winter day. It adds an elegant touch to your overall look and is perfect for both casual and formal settings. To achieve this style, part your hair to one side, gather it into a low ponytail, and create a standard three-strand braid. Secure the braid with an elastic band and tuck the end under for a neat finish.

Pro Tip: Use a hair oil to smooth down any flyaways and give your braid a sleek look.

Step	Action
1	Part your hair to one side.
2	Gather it into a low ponytail.
3	Create a standard three-strand braid.
4	Secure it with an elastic band and tuck the end under.

3. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a stunning and intricate style that adds a touch of romance to any look. It involves creating a series of loops that cascade down your hair, creating a waterfall effect. Start by dividing your hair into three sections at the front and braid as usual, but instead of crossing the strands over, loop them under to create the loops. Continue this pattern until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

Pro Tip: Use a hair gel to help hold the loops in place and add shine to your braid.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into three sections at the front.
2	Braid as usual, but loop the strands under instead of crossing over.
3	Continue this pattern until you reach the nape of your neck.
4	Finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

4. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is a modern and unique style that adds a touch of edginess to your winter look. It’s perfect for adding a bit of texture and dimension to your hair. To create this braid, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Take small strands from the outside of each section and cross them over to the opposite side, creating a fishtail effect. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair, then secure it with an elastic band.

Pro Tip: For a more textured look, use a sea salt spray before braiding.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into two sections.
2	Take small strands from the outside of each section and cross them over to the opposite side.
3	Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair.
4	Secure it with an elastic band.

5. Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid, also known as the inverted French braid, is a fun and playful style that adds a bit of whimsy to your winter look. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into three sections at the crown. Braid in the usual three-strand method, but instead of crossing the strands over, cross them under. Add small sections of hair from the sides as you go, and continue until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

Pro Tip: Use a dry shampoo to add volume and texture to your hair before braiding.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into three sections at the crown.
2	Braid in the usual three-strand method, but cross the strands under.
3	Add small sections of hair from the sides as you go.
4	Continue until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

6. High Ponytail Braid

A high ponytail braid is a great option for a night out or a special winter event. It keeps your hair up and out of your face while adding a touch of elegance to your look. Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Create a standard three-strand braid with the ponytail and secure the end with another elastic band.

Pro Tip: Use a shine serum to add a glossy finish to your braid and make it stand out.

Step	Action
1	Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band.
2	Create a standard three-strand braid with the ponytail.
3	Secure the end with another elastic band.

7. Mermaid Braid

The mermaid braid is a whimsical and enchanting style that adds a touch of fantasy to your winter look. It involves creating a series of loops that cascade down your hair, creating a mermaid tail effect. Start by dividing your hair into three sections at the front and braid as usual, but instead of crossing the strands over, loop them under to create the loops. Continue this pattern until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

Pro Tip: Use a hair mist to add a subtle scent to your braid and make it even more enchanting.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into three sections at the front.
2	Braid as usual, but loop the strands under instead of crossing over.
3	Continue this pattern until you reach the nape of your neck.
4	Finish with a regular braid and secure it with an elastic band.

8. Crown Braid

A crown braid is a beautiful and elegant style that adds a touch of sophistication to your winter look. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a night out. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections, one on each side of your head. Create a standard three-strand braid with each section and pin the braids together at the back of your head to form a crown.

Pro Tip: Use bobby pins to secure the braids in place and add a bit of sparkle with a hair accessory.

Step	Action
1	Divide your hair into two sections, one on each side of your head.
2	Create a standard three-strand braid with each section.
3	Pin the braids together at the back of your head to form a crown.

9. Boho Braided Bun

A boho braided bun is a chic and bohemian style that adds a touch of whimsy to your winter look. It’s perfect for a casual day out or a special event. To create this look, start by creating a fishtail braid down the centre of your head. Wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail and secure it with bobby pins to form a bun.

Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray to add volume and texture to your braid before wrapping it into a bun.

Step	Action
1	Create a fishtail braid down the center of your head.
2	Wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail.
3	Secure it with bobby pins to form a bun.

10. Messy Braid

A messy braid is a relaxed and effortless style that adds a touch of cool to your winter look. It’s perfect for a casual day out or a weekend getaway. To create this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail and create a loose, messy braid. Secure the braid with an elastic band and pull out a few strands to create a more relaxed and natural look.

Pro Tip: Use a sea salt spray to add texture and volume to your hair before braiding.

Step	Action
1	Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
2	Create a loose, messy braid.
3	Secure the braid with an elastic band.
4	Pull out a few strands to create a more relaxed and natural look.

11. Braided Updo

A braided updo is a sophisticated and elegant style that adds a touch of glamour to your winter look. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a night out. To create this look, start by creating a French braid down the centre of your head. Wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail and secure it with bobby pins to form an updo.