Braid Hairstyle Ideas: Messy, Front, Paranda Choti and French Braids
18 looks Women and girls Updated 8 Oct 2026
A braid hairstyle is the most practical look for Indian weather. It holds through sweat, wind and a long day, and it looks right with jeans, a kurta or a saree.
Below you will find messy braids, front braids, the classic choti with paranda, French and Dutch braids, braided crowns and long hair braids. Every picture shows the back of the head so you can see how the braid is built. Each card lists the hair length, face shape and time it takes.
Want to pair a braid with open hair or a bun? See our open hair hairstyle and bun and juda pages.
Messy Braid Hairstyle
A messy braid is loose, pulled apart and soft around the face. The messy braid hairstyle front look, with a few pieces left out at the front, is the most popular style right now.
- Hair
- Long, wavy or straight
- Best for
- Oval, round faces
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 1 elastic
A pulled-apart side braid with soft pieces left near the face. Easy for college or a casual kurta.
Stylist note: Braid loosely to one side, then pinch and pull each loop outward and free two front strands.
- Hair
- Long, thick
- Best for
- All face shapes
- Upkeep
- 20 min, pins, flowers
Small white flowers tucked into a messy braid. Lovely for haldi, mehendi and summer weddings.
Stylist note: Make a loose braid first, pull it wide, then push short flower stems into the loops with small pins.
- Hair
- Medium to long, any
- Best for
- Heart, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 2 pins
Two twisted front sections join into one loose braid at the back. Keeps hair out of the face all day.
Stylist note: Twist each front section back, pin them together, then braid everything loosely below the pins.
Front Braid Hairstyle
A front braid frames the face and can be worn with open hair, a ponytail or a bun. It is the best quick fix on a bad hair day.
- Hair
- Medium to long, straight
- Best for
- Round, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 5 min, 1 bobby pin
One thin braid from the side parting pinned behind the ear, rest left open. Done in five minutes.
Stylist note: Braid a thin front section from the parting backward and pin the end behind the ear.
- Hair
- Medium, layered
- Best for
- Long, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 3 pins
A French braid running across the head like a headband. Keeps fringe and short layers in place.
Stylist note: French braid from one ear to the other along the hairline, adding hair as you go, and pin the end.
- Hair
- Long, any texture
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 1 elastic
A front braid that ends in a high ponytail. Sporty and tidy for college, travel and the gym.
Stylist note: Dutch braid the front section back to the crown, then tie it with the rest into a high ponytail.
Choti Hairstyle with Paranda
The paranda is a tasselled thread braided into the choti. It is the classic Punjabi hairstyle with paranda and is back in fashion for weddings and festivals.
- Hair
- Long, any thickness
- Best for
- All face shapes
- Upkeep
- 15 min, paranda
A long single choti with a bright paranda woven in from the nape. Traditional and very photogenic.
Stylist note: Tie the paranda loop to one strand at the nape and braid it in all the way down.
- Hair
- Long, medium thickness
- Best for
- Round, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, paranda, pins
A small front puff with a paranda choti behind it. Ideal for a sangeet, Lohri or a Punjabi suit.
Stylist note: Backcomb a little at the crown, pin a soft puff, then braid the paranda into the rest.
- Hair
- Long, thick
- Best for
- Oval, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, ribbon, pins
Gota patti ribbon wrapped through the braid gives a festive shine. A light choice for mehendi day.
Stylist note: Pin the gota ribbon at the nape and wrap it around the braid in a spiral, tie off at the end.
French, Dutch and Fishtail Braid Hairstyle
A French braid lies flat. A Dutch braid stands up because you cross strands under. A fishtail uses two sections and looks woven. All three hold well in humid weather.
- Hair
- Medium to long, any
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 1 elastic
A single French braid from the forehead to the nape. Neat for office, school and travel.
Stylist note: Start at the top, cross strands over and add hair each time until you reach the nape.
- Hair
- Medium to long, thick
- Best for
- Oval, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, 2 elastics
Two raised Dutch braids, one on each side. Strong hold for gym, travel and windy days.
Stylist note: Centre part, then Dutch braid each side by crossing strands under, and tie off below the ears.
- Hair
- Long, straight
- Best for
- Round, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 1 elastic
A fishtail braid pulled slightly loose. Looks detailed but needs only two sections.
Stylist note: Split hair in two, keep passing a thin strand from the outside of one half to the other.
Braided Crown and Waterfall Braids
Crown and waterfall braids are pretty for weddings, parties and photos. They take a little practice but need very few pins.
- Hair
- Long, medium thickness
- Best for
- Long, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, 8 U-pins
Two braids wrapped over the head and pinned into a crown. Keeps the neck cool in summer.
Stylist note: Make two side braids, lift each over the top of the head and pin them where they meet.
- Hair
- Long, wavy
- Best for
- Heart, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, 2 pins
A waterfall braid lets strands drop through like water. Best on wavy or curled hair.
Stylist note: Braid across the back, drop the top strand each time and pick a new one, then pin the end.
- Hair
- Long, thick
- Best for
- Round, square faces
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 6 elastics
A bubble braid uses elastics, not braiding, so anyone can do it. Fun for college events.
Stylist note: Tie a high ponytail, add an elastic every 5 cm and gently pull each section into a bubble.
Braid Hairstyle for Girls with Long Hair
Long hair can carry heavier, simple braids. These are easy for school, college and daily wear.
- Hair
- Long, any texture
- Best for
- All face shapes
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 2 elastics
Two simple low plaits, one behind each ear. A daily favourite that keeps long hair tidy.
Stylist note: Centre part, then a plain three-strand plait on each side starting low behind the ear.
- Hair
- Long, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, ribbon, elastic
A loose side braid with a thin satin ribbon woven in. Soft and pretty for a dinner or date.
Stylist note: Tie the ribbon to one strand at the top, braid loosely to the side and tie both off together.
- Hair
- Very long, thick
- Best for
- Long, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, 1 elastic
A four strand braid looks wider and flatter than a normal choti. Shows off very long hair.
Stylist note: Split into four strands and weave the outer strand over and under toward the centre each time.
Which Braid Hairstyle Suits You
| Hair or need | Best braid |
|---|---|
| Short or shoulder length | Front braid, Dutch braids, braided headband |
| Fine or thin hair | Messy braid pulled wide, fishtail |
| Very long, thick hair | Choti with paranda, four strand braid |
| Gym, travel, helmet | Two Dutch braids, French braid |
| Weddings and festivals | Paranda, gota braid, crown braid |
Round faces look best with height at the crown and a side braid. Long faces suit side volume, like a waterfall braid. For more, see face shape hairstyle for women.
Tips for Braids That Last
- Braid on slightly dirty, dry hair. Clean hair slips.
- Use a little light hair cream on fine ends to stop flyaways.
- Do not braid wet hair tightly. It can pull and break.
- Avoid very tight braids every day. Tight pulls stress the hairline, so keep braids comfortable.
- Sleep on a loose braid to get soft waves the next morning without heat.
Braids cost more at a salon when they add extensions, fresh flowers or bridal work. For girls who want more ideas, see our hairstyle for girls page and the ponytail hairstyle gallery.
Common hairstyle questions
What is the easiest braid hairstyle for beginners?
A simple three-strand plait or a bubble braid is easiest. Once you can do those, try a French braid by adding hair as you go.
How do I make a paranda hairstyle at home?
Tie the paranda's top loop to one strand at the nape. Braid it in as part of that strand all the way down. Tie off at the end so the tassels hang freely.
What is the difference between a French braid hairstyle and a Dutch braid hairstyle?
In a French braid you cross strands over, so it lies flat. In a Dutch braid you cross them under, so it stands up. Dutch braids look bolder in photos.
Which front hairstyle with paranda suits a round face?
A small puff at the crown with a paranda choti adds height and slims a round face. Keep the sides smooth and avoid a flat centre part.
Can I do a messy braid hairstyle with short hair?
Yes, if your hair reaches your shoulders. Try two short Dutch braids or a front braid and pull the loops wide for a messy look.
Are tight braids bad for hair?
Very tight braids worn every day can pull at the hairline. Keep them comfortable and change the style often. If you notice thinning or patches, see a dermatologist.
