51 Flattering French Braid Hairstyles to Wear in 2023

French Braid Hairstyles are versatile and can be done on pretty much every hair type. The best part is that you can style them in various ways and there are looks for every part of the day. You can wear simple braids when you go to work, double braids when you go out, and special braids at various events that you are attending.
Don’t wear the same braid hairstyle every day because it can become repetitive. Check out these fun ways you can shake things up!

1. Side French Braid Styles

Start braiding on the side and go across the head, then come down in a simple plait at the base of your neck. Simple, but so effective!

Side French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a white tank top — Source

2. Loose and Relaxed French Braids

For a more messy look, braid loosely and allow strands to fly out. Enjoy this chill, summery look all year round!

Loose and Relaxed French Braids- a woman wearing a black t-shirt — Source

3. Fishtail French Braids

Start with a classic French braid, then switch to a fishtail once all your hair is tied together. Guaranteed to look outstanding!

Fishtail French Braids- a woman wearing a gray tank top — Source

4. The Flower Crown Braid Hairstyle

Wear this crown at summer festivals or winter fairs. It all depends on the accessories, the hairstyle is the same: a wrap-around braid starting behind your ear.

The Flower Crown Braid Hairstyle- a woman wearing a black polo shirt — Source

5. Twist Braids Hairstyles

The hair itself is an important element. This highlighted hairstyle goes great with a classic French braid and gives it depth.

Twist Braids Hairstyles- a woman wearing a silver earrings — Source

6. Faux French Braid

If you don’t have the patience or skill to do a French Braid, try a faux. Tie a small portion of hair with a clear elastic, add some hair, and tie it again. Repeat.

Faux French Braid- a woman wearing a blue patterned camisole — Source

7. Curly Waves French Braid Styles

This is a great idea if you have curly or thick hair! It pulls your mane back and keeps it secure, while also giving you a stylish look.

Curly Waves French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a gray off-shoulder blouse — Source

8. Double French Braided Updo

These bun French braid styles are a great option to spice up a professional look!

Double French Braided Updo- a girl wearing a pink polo shirt — Source

9. Puffy Side French Braid

Up your side braid game with this fluffed version! It looks great for all occasions, from an office party to a wedding, it all depends on the accessories.

Puffy Side French Braid- a woman wearing a face mask and a black shirt — Source

10. French Braid Hairstyles with Undercut

Mix a rebellious undercut with a more conservative braid for a surprising effect!

French Braid Hairstyles with Undercut- a woman wearing a face mask and a blouse — Source

11. Upside Down French Braid

Turn stereotypes on their head with this upside-down French braid and bun combo!

Upside Down French Braid- a woman wearing a red jacket — Source

12. Stylish and Put Together

Variations of these classic French braid styles look professional and keep very long hair clean, organized, and out of the way.

Stylish and Put Together- a woman wearing a blue t-shirt — Source

13. Tucked French Braid Styles

Once you are done braiding, tuck the loose end under the braid to keep it out of the way. It’s a great solution for thin hair, as it hides the end braid.

Tucked French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a gray shirt — Source

14. Bring Out the Colors

A French braid emphasizes the color blend in this hairstyle and it looks great! Check out these ideas for more hair colors!

Bring Out the Colors- a woman wearing a purple camisole — Source

15. Mermaid French Braids

Focus on keeping the strands you add equal, not on finishing at the base of the head. Keep going down for this effortless look!

Mermaid French Braids- a woman wearing a white blouse shirt — Source

16. Fishtail Pigtails Braid

This is one of the more difficult French braid styles out there and it needs patience and precision. The results are worth it though!

Fishtail Pigtails Braid- a woman wearing a white t-shirt — Source

17. Shy Behind the Ear Braid

You don’t have to include all the hair in a braid. A small, hidden braid adds a surprising element of elegance to loose locks.

Shy Behind the Ear Braid- a woman wearing a face mask — Source

18. Tiny French Braids

These might not be your typical two French braids but you can try this look for a simple and elegant do. Pin up just half of the hair for a more relaxed version.

Tiny French Braids- a woman wearing a blue scarf and a blue jacket — Source

19. Pink French Braids Hairstyles

These braids bring out the pink big time and complete a slightly rebellious look. Check out more pink hairstyles for inspiration!

Pink French Braids Hairstyles- a woman wearing a white shirt — Source

20. Classic French Braids

No list would be complete without an entry from the back-to-school look we all sported at some point. The two braids are practical and secure so use them for everything sport!

Classic French Braids- a woman wearing a gray patterned blouse — Source

21. Nice and Neat Braids

French braid styles can be protective as well as good-looking! Use this if you have natural hair and need to keep it secured and neat.

Nice and Neat Braids- a woman wearing a white barber's cape — Source

22. Braids for Cool Teacher

You can wear your braids at work as well, like this teacher does. Add a splash… or more of color to keep it looking cool!

French Braids for Cool Teacher- a woman wearing a gray t-shirt — Source

23. Back-to-School Braids

Looking for inspiration for the little one’s hair? Or simply for something for your inner child? Go for this combination of French braids and rainbow elastic bands!

Back-to-School Braids- a girls wearing a black blouse — Source

24. Ribbon French Braids Hairstyle

Braid ribbons or colored stripes in your hair to emphasize your hair color or style. Go for matching or contrasting!

Ribbon French Braids Hairstyle- a woman wearing a gray sweater — Source

25. Double Crown Braids

If one braid isn’t enough for your crown, try with two!

Double Crown Braids-a woman wearing a maroon sweater — Source

26. Festival Fishtail Braids

This is the double version of the fishtail braid and frankly, I admire this person’s patience!

Festival Fishtail Braids- a woman wearing a black barber's cape — Source

27. Ombre French Braids

Try pairing French braids with Ombre hair for a surprising effect!

Ombre French Braids- a woman wearing a gray off-shoulder blouse — Source

28. Really Short Braids

You don’t need long hair to do French braids. A bob will probably be enough. Add a splash of color for some extra effect.

Really Short Braids- a woman wearing a black shirt — Source

29. Half Done Loose French Braids

Try these loosely done half-braids for a relaxed look. They are also perfect for hiding your roots if your hair can go one more day without washing.

Half Done Loose French Braids- a woman wearing a black camisole — Source

30. Prom French Braid Styles

Add a braid to the side of your prom bun for more volume and a bonus of elegance!

Prom French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a black blouse — Source

31. Wispy Thin Braids

Match an ethereal outfit with these wispy thin braids. Accessorize with flowers!

Wispy Thin Braids- a woman wearing a pink blouse — Source

32. Heat-free Summer Braids

French braid styles have the advantage that they can curl long hair without using heat. Wear them as practical preparation for an event!

Heat-free Summer Braids- a woman wearing a black and white stripes camisole — Source

33. French Braids with Double Bun

Once the braids lift from the head, start coiling them for a double bun look!

French Braids with Double Buns- a woman wearing a peach blouse shirt — Source

34. Braids as Accessories

Use the braids as accessories for a bun. They are excellent for adding some elegance to a simple look.

Braids as Accessories- a woman wearing a silver necklace — Source

35. Crossing French Braids

Another simple design or style for French braids are that the two long braids can be cross from one another.

Crossing French Braids- a woman wearing a black shirt — Source

36. Platinum White Waterfall French Braid

Is she the mother of dragons? This hairstyle seems to point that way.

Platinum White Waterfall French Braid- a woman wearing a white off-shoulder dress — Source

37. Rose Waterfall French Braid Styles

Waterfall braids are an elegant variant of the French braid, and they are relatively easy to do. Get the rose effect by coiling the remaining hair and pinning it in place.

Rose Waterfall French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a pink blouse shirt — Source

38. French Braid Hairstyle with Space Buns

Try these French braid styles that bring your hair on the top of your head.

French Braid Hairstyle with Space Buns- a woman wearing a white shirt — Source

39. French Braids on Top of Braids

Use smaller braids as strands of hair to add to your French braid for some extra texture to your hair.

French Braids on Top of Braids- a woman wearing a pink blouse — Source

40. French Braids with Ponytail

French braids are simple braids looped around the head, but if your hair is long you can compensate with this ponytail style french braids.

French Braids with Ponytail- a woman wearing a white blouse — Source

41. Faux French Braid Half Up Top Knot

French braids are versatile and can be used to replace pretty much any haircut in existence. All you need is imagination!

Faux French Braid Half Up Top Knot- a woman wearing a white t-shirt — Source

42. Practical and Pretty French Braid Styles

This hairstyle consists of a French braid finished in a simple bun. They keep any loose strands in place and the look comes together nicely.

Practical and Pretty French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a gray hoodie jacket — Source

43. Serpentine Braid Styles

Her French braid styles resemble a winding mountain road. Try this look and go on an adventure!

Serpentine Braid Styles- a girl wearing a white shirt — Source

44. Five Strand Fishtail French Braids

This is not a hairstyle you can do at home, but I believe it deserves an honorable mention.

Five Strand Fishtail French Braids- a woman wearing a dark green t-shirt — Source

45. Fall French Braid Styles

This blend of two French braids, loose hair, and reddish colors is a great fall hairstyle!

Fall French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a white sweater — Source

46. Double Four-strand French Braids

Double up on the four-strand style with this pair of side braids that intersect in a mesmerizing way!

Double Four-strand French Braids- a woman wearing a blue jacket — Source

47. Weave French Braid Hairstyle with Pigtails

The struggle all girls with thick hair know: there’s just so much of it! Tame it with these weave-like French braids brought together into pigtails.

Weave French Braid Hairstyle with Pigtails- a woman wearing a dark blue blouse — Source

48. Curly Waterfall French Braid Hairstyles

Pair a waterfall hairstyle with curls for a free, nature-inspired look!

Curly Waterfall French Braid Hairstyles- a woman wearing necklace — Source

49. Bubble French Braids

A Bubble braids with French braids as its foundation. Confusing, but good looking!

Bubble French Braids- a woman wearing a light blue t-shirt — Source

50. Complex French Braids with Bubble Braid Pigtails

The weave on her head is impressive and a little intimidating, but if you can get this hairstyle, you are sure to turn some heads.

Complex French Braids with Bubble Braid Pigtails- a woman wearing a blue dress — Source

51. Impossible French Braid Styles

Clearly possible, but very complex, this hairstyle looks incredible! A good hairstylist should be able to do it. While waiting, take a look at these blue hair ideas for inspiration!

Impossible French Braid Styles- a woman wearing a dark gray blouse — Source

Final Thoughts

Have I convinced you to bring back French braid styles? Which ones will you try to do yourself and which ones will you have done? Let me know in the comment section below!

Kate May

Hi there! I’m Kate, great to meet you! I used to be the kid in school who always had the most complicated braids and as young as 14 years old I was the go-to schoolyard hairstylist. Working with hair has always relaxed me and I am always looking for new styles to try. My latest achievement is a great looking undercut and blue-black dye job on one of my friends. Now I’m blending my skill at hairstyling with my passion for writing and doing what I love.