The 40 Trendiest Plaited Hair Ideas for Every Hair Length

Plaited hair looks are bigger than ever this year! No matter your hair type or length, try these 40 inspirational styles.

By Leann Garofolo & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 03 Sep 2026

While you may not see sock buns regaining popularity anytime soon, some looks like plaited hair never goes out of style. From everyday women to lavish A-listers, plaited hair is a mainstay for almost everyone.

Since plaited styles range from simple to intricate, it can be hard to know which kind fits within the range of your braiding expertise. We've got you covered if your imagination only takes you as far as a single French braid. Whether your strands are short and sassy or long and wild, here are some of the best plaited hairstyle trends to try this year.

What is the difference between plaited and braided?

It’s understandable to get confused between the plaits and braids, but rest assured, they mean the same thing! Braids are the go-to word for those who speak American English, while plaits are the preferred term by anyone speaking British English.

40 Plaited Hairstyles to Try Now

Double-Plaited Space Buns

We adore all double bun hairstyles, but plaited space buns are definitely our favorite. Begin by flipping your hair over and splitting it evenly down the middle of your part. Working with one section at a time, begin crafting a French braid starting at the nape of your neck. Continue braiding until you reach the crown of your head. Secure the braid with a hair elastic and repeat the same steps on the opposite side.

Once your braids are complete, flip your hair back upright and backcomb the remaining hair in each section to create volume. Wrap the hair in each section around the base of the elastic to form buns. Use bobby pins to hold the buns in place and lock everything in with a few spritzes of hairspray.

Tri-Fold Plait

For a more oversized look, create three separate braids within your ponytail and braid all three together. You’ll get lots of volume now and tons of texture later on when the braids are removed.

Two-Strand Plaits

These are like your favorite middle school hairstyle but simpler and sleeker. Divide your pigtails in half and create a plait by weaving the two thick sections of hair together. Use Matrix Controller Gel to slick down the sides of your hair and add some shine.

Boho Braided Pigtails

This laidback version of pigtails is perfect for a breezy day at the beach. Simply part your hair down the middle and very loosely craft two identical three-strand plaits on each side of your head. Secure each braid with a hair elastic, and then pancake your plaits so they appear more undone. Finish with a few spritzes of texturizing hairspray like Redken Beach Spray.

French Braided Pigtails

Rounding out our favorite pigtail looks are the classic French pigtails—after all, we never said you had to reinvent the wheel completely!

Standard French Braid

You didn’t think we’d overlook a straightforward French braid, did you? This timeless style can be yours in minutes! Begin by detangling your hair with a boar bristle brush. Divide the hair at your hairline into three even sections—left, middle, and right.

Cross the right section under the middle section, then pull the left section under the right. Repeat these same steps as you continue braiding, adding more hair to the braid as you go. When you finally reach your ends, secure the braid with a hair elastic and a few spritzes of hairspray.

Plaited Highlights

Tiny braided highlights are the perfect way to add dimension to your hair without actually coloring it. Bonus points if you pair them with a zig-zag part, Y2K style.

Zig-Zag Braids

Speaking of zig-zags, if you have some time to spare before a special occasion, have your stylist recreate these zig-zag braids at the crown of your head. We promise that a little bit of patience will be worth the payoff!

Snake Braid

Snakes aren’t our first contenders as far as hairstyling icons go, but this quick tutorial from Audrey Trullinger will have you rethinking where you pull your inspiration from. A high-hold hairspray such as Matrix’s Vavoom Freezing Spray Extra Hold will prevent your serpentine plaits from slithering out of place.

Halo Braid

Ideal for medium to long hair on hot and humid days, this angelic-looking halo plait keeps your hair off of your face and neck.

Festival Plaits

Festival season is upon us, so there’s no better time to start planning your look. If you have festival season on the brain, you’re probably dreaming of all things desert and boho. A tousled, braided top knot is the perfect Instagram-worthy look for any festival-goer.

To achieve this look, section off the top of your head and separate it evenly as if you were creating four different plaits. Make sure the braids are as tight to your scalp as possible, braiding them into a top knot. Pull several thin strands from the top knot for a perfectly undone look. Since no festival-worthy style is complete without an accessory, embellish the look with some loose glitter at the top of your mane.

Half-Plaited Rosette

The half-plaited rosette may look intricate, but achieving this beautiful faux flower can be done in a few simple steps.

To begin, loosely braid small sections at the side of your head starting at your ear, stopping at the middle. Take the loose hair and both braids to the center, bringing them together with a hair tie. To create the rosette shape, create a three-strand braid with the remaining hair from the half ponytail and secure it. Roll the braid towards the top elastic to shape the rosette. Pin down the edges with bobby pins and complete the look with a medium-hold hairspray.

Embellished Side Braid

If you’re a sucker for diamonds and pearls, why not give braid jewelry, like rings, a try? Simply intertwine them throughout any braided look for an instant hint of glam.

Five Strand Braid

Five-strand braids appear to be super complicated, but the technique is similar to some of the most popular plaits out there—with just a few extra strands to work with. With a little practice and patience, you can master the five-strand braid in no time!

Discover more favorite professional hair care products to make sure your plaits stay styled to perfection on Hair.com.