Before you choose
How to choose from these holiday braids and braided hairstyles
Start with the feature that matters most to you, then use the photographs to compare the remaining details. Treat color, lighting, and a fresh salon finish as separate from the underlying cut or style.
The hairstyle gallery
29+ Holiday Braids and Braided Hairstyles
Compare these 29+ holiday braids and braided hairstyles by their visible shape, texture, front detail, and wearability. Save the details that fit your hair and routine.
Idea 01
Simple Braided Low Updo with a Halo and Some Locks Down
For shape comparison, visible braided separation gives the braided movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Simple braided low updo with a halo and some locks down; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 02
Whimsical Updo with a Loose Braid on One Side
At a glance, the braided texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Whimsical updo with a loose braid on one side and star rhinestone hairpins; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Test whether the braided finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 03
Boho Half Updo with a Double Braided Halo and Waves Down, Waves
At a glance, this braided is defined by a wavy surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
- Detail
- Balayage
Boho half updo with a double braided halo and waves down, waves framing the face and caramel balayage that; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Choose your direction
First decision
Choose the anchor height and overall silhouette before refining small details.
Texture check
Tension affects comfort, polish, and how well the style lasts.
Upkeep check
Accessories should support the structure rather than hide the hairstyle.
Best reference
Save a clear front view and a second angle when the back shape matters.
Idea 04
Braided Low Updo with a Bump on Top
At a glance, this view clearly records an open front, the braided perimeter, and the direction of the braided texture.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low updo with a bump on top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 05
Braided Updo with a Sleek Top, a Gold Leaf Accent
The sleek finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Braided updo with a sleek top, a gold leaf accent and statement earrings for a chic party look; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the sleek texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and sleek finish stay balanced.
Idea 06
Half Updo with a Fishtail Braided Halo and Waves Down
For shape comparison, the wavy texture softens the fishtail braid; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Wavy
- Detail
- Ombré
Half updo with a fishtail braided halo and waves down, with a sligth ombre effect for a party; this photograph shows the structure of the fishtail braid clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the wavy finish and fishtail braid hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 07
Low Ponytail
At a glance, the photograph makes the braided, braided movement, and an open front easy to compare.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Low ponytail; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 08
Blonde Medium-Length Half Updo with a Braided Top and Waves Down
At a glance, the photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, an open front, and wavy movement.
- Length
- Medium-length
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Blonde medium-length half updo with a braided top and waves down; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, test whether the wavy finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 09
Boho Half Updo on Medium Hair
For shape comparison, this fishtail braid is defined by a wavy surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Wavy
Boho half updo on medium hair, with a large fishtail braid on one side and waves down; the style is organized around the fishtail braid, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, choose a comfortable tension for the fishtail braid, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 10
Boho Updo with Braids and Twists and Some Waves Down Plus a Bump
For shape comparison, this view clearly records an open front, the braided perimeter, and the direction of the wavy texture.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Boho updo with braids and twists and some waves down plus a bump on top; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the wavy texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the wavy finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 11
Braided Halo Low Updo with a Volume on Top, Some Waves Down
For shape comparison, the face frame is set by an open front, while the wavy finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Braided halo low updo with a volume on top, some waves down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 12
Braided Low Bun and Braids on Both Sides of the Head Are a Great
Here, an open front connects cleanly to the braided, and the braided finish keeps the shape light.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low bun and braids on both sides of the head are a great and catchy holiday updo; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 13
Braided Low Bun Plus a Braided Top Look Very Chic and Cool and Such
At a glance, the clearest visual cues are the braided, braided texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided low bun plus a braided top look very chic and cool and such a hairstyle; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 14
Braided Low Bun with a Sleek Top
For shape comparison, this view clearly records an open front, the braided perimeter, and the direction of the sleek texture.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Sleek
Braided low bun with a sleek top; the style is organized around the braided, with the sleek finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, test whether the sleek finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 15
Braided Low Updo with Some Volume on Top and Some Locks Down
At a glance, the voluminous finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided low updo with some volume on top and some locks down; the style is organized around the braided, with the voluminous finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and voluminous finish stay balanced.
Idea 16
Braided Updo with a Loose Halo and a Bump on Top
At a glance, the balance comes from a defined braided, braided movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided updo with a loose halo and a bump on top; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 17
Braided Updo with a Volume on Top and Waves Down
The clearest visual cues are the braided, wavy texture, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Braided updo with a volume on top and waves down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 18
Braided Updo with a Wrapped Bun
At a glance, the braided remains readable through the braided texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Braided updo with a wrapped bun and chunky braids on the sides of the head; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 19
Braided Updo with Two Twisted Low Buns and Volume on Top
For shape comparison, the braided remains readable through the voluminous texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Voluminous
Braided updo with two twisted low buns and volume on top; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the voluminous finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this voluminous braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 20
Half Updo with a Loose Braid on One Side and Waves Down
The face frame is set by an open front, while the wavy finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Half updo with a loose braid on one side and waves down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and wavy finish stay balanced.
Idea 21
Half Updo with Braids, Waves and a Pretty Pearl Hair Piece
Visible wavy separation gives the braided movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Half updo with braids, waves and a pretty pearl hair piece; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the wavy texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, test whether the wavy finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 22
Classic Half Updo with a Bump on Top
For shape comparison, the wavy finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Classic half updo with a bump on top and a double braided halo plus some waves down; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and wavy finish stay balanced.
Idea 23
Boho Half Updo with a Double Braided Halo
This view clearly records an open front, the braided perimeter, and the direction of the wavy texture.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Boho half updo with a double braided halo and waves down plus a bump requires no accessories as it's gorgeous itself; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the wavy texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and wavy finish stay balanced.
Idea 24
Half Updo with a Volume on Top, Waves and a Loose Braid
The braided remains readable through the wavy texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Half updo with a volume on top, waves and a loose braid; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, for this wavy braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 25
Laconic Low Updo with Twists and a Braid and a Sleek Top, Waves
For shape comparison, this braided is defined by a wavy surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Laconic low updo with twists and a braid and a sleek top, waves framing the face; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the wavy texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 26
Creative and Fun Holiday Updo
At a glance, here, an open front connects cleanly to the braided, and the braided finish keeps the shape light.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Red
Creative and fun holiday updo with a large braid and red berries tucked in; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 27
Creative Braided Ponytail with a Double Side Braid and Waves Down
The balance comes from a defined braided, wavy movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Creative braided ponytail with a double side braid and waves down; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 28
Creative Dark Brown Half-Up Wedding Hairstyle
This braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Dark brunette
Creative dark brown half-up wedding hairstyle with large braids on top and hair down; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 29
Dutch Braided Bun with a Bump on Top and Face-Framing Hair
At a glance, the braided texture softens the dutch braid; the main face-framing detail comes from face-framing pieces.
- Style
- Dutch braid
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
- Finish
- Braided
Dutch braided bun with a bump on top and face-framing hair; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the dutch braid through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, test whether the braided finish and dutch braid hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 30
Volumetric Half Updo with Twists, a Loose Braid and Waves Down
The photograph makes the braided, wavy movement, and an open front easy to compare.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Volumetric half updo with twists, a loose braid and waves down; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 31
Long Angled Bob with a Side Fishtail Braid That
At a glance, the clearest visual cues are the fishtail braid, braided texture, and an open front.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Long angled bob with a side fishtail braid that; the style is organized around the fishtail braid, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, for longer wear, secure the fishtail braid and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 32
Loose Braided Halo Half Updo with Waves and Some Volume
At a glance, visible wavy separation gives the braided movement without obscuring an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Loose braided halo half updo with waves and some volume; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the wavy finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, for this wavy braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 33
Chic Half Updo with a Loose Braid and Hair Down
The braided remains readable through the braided texture, and the main front detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Chic half updo with a loose braid and hair down; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 34
Half Updo with a Braided Halo and Waves Down
For shape comparison, the wavy texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Wavy
Half updo with a braided halo and waves down; the style is organized around the braided, with the wavy finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this wavy braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 35
Low Ponytail with a Large Side Braid on Top and a Bump
The photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, an open front, and braided movement.
- Style
- Braided
- Shape
- Braided
Low ponytail with a large side braid on top and a bump; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Choose placement and structure
Compare where the style is anchored and how the hair travels into it. That structure determines the silhouette more than decorative finishing touches.
Balance hold with softness
A smooth base usually lasts longer, while loose texture feels softer and more relaxed. Decide which matters more for your routine or occasion.
Save the useful angle
Back views explain braiding, twisting, and pin placement; front views show face framing. Keep both when the style needs to be recreated accurately.
About the author
Bella Ross
Bella Ross is the hairstyle editor behind Latest Easy Hairstyles. She curates practical haircut, braid, color, and styling ideas with a focus on looks that are easy to browse, realistic to recreate, and useful for everyday hair decisions.