How to Create the Braid Around Head Style
Creating a braid-around-head hairstyle can be done based on your braiding experience. There are so many different looks you can create, so the choice is up to you! Aside from the type of braid, you can also decide if you want the braid to be built into your scalp, like a French braid, or if you want to secure it with bobby pins.
For Beginners
If you’re a beginner, then we recommend going for the bobby pin route. This technique is easiest because once you’ve completed your braid, you simply use bobby pins around your head to secure your look. This style can be pinned around the back or in the front over your forehead.
For Experienced Braiders
Got some serious braid skills? Then you should create your style by “attaching” the braid to your head by braiding your style and grabbing/adding strands to the sections as you go. It’s exactly as you would French or Dutch braid, but you start in a different place to lead the braid around your head. This technique won’t work for every braid (i.e. the fishtail) but it’ll work for three-strand styles. Creating your look this way adds more security and makes the look flow a lot smoother. Check out some of our fave styles for inspo!
1. Fat Crown Braid
The crown braid is one of our favorite braids that go around the head, but have you seen this pancaked version? The trick to this look is that it’s created via the assistance of a thick ponytail (genius, right?). Get the full scoop on how to master this hairstyle in our easy crown braids tutorial.
2. Pull-Through Crown
For an ethereal version of the crown braid, we love the pull-through crown that’s all about a looser texture. Opt for some face-framing tendrils that are teased out of the around the head braid, and you’ve got one gorgeous look for the season. Be sure to lock in this style with Dove Style+Care Strength & Shine Flexible Hold Hairspray to ensure that your crown stays in place all day long.
3. Half-up Waterfall Braid
Another way to frame your face and embrace your texture is with this cool half-up waterfall style. Start by mussing up your hair with a sea salt spray, like Bed Head by TIGI Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray. Scrunch the product throughout your hair, then go about creating your half braid. We love how this skinny braid goes into a side bun style, showcasing a funky and modern style that you can easily rock on your hair for work or a special event.
4. Classic Milkmaid Braid
And of course, we couldn’t talk about braids around the head without mentioning the classic milkmaid braid. A high-impact around the head braid style that’s actually not too challenging to master, especially with step-by-step guidance from our milkmaid braid tutorial. Hint: the base of this style are double pigtails that you connect to frame your face.
5. Fishtail Crown Braid
For a different take on the around the head braid style, you’ll love the fishtail crown braid that’s totally gorgeous and romantic! Master this style with some tips from our fishtail braid crown tutorial and be sure to wear this style with pride as it’s bound to turn heads!
6. Parted Braided Updo
Easy hairstyle alert! We are all about gorgeous styles that actually don’t take all that long to create. This parted braided updo certainly fits that bill where you essentially create an even part, then create two three-strand braids on each side of your face, joining them into a middle or low updo.
7. Side Braid
Another way to rock a braid around your head is by showcasing two side braids that meet at the back of your head. This easy half-up style allows you to wear your hair down while still getting the front pieces off your face. Give it some extra shine with a few sprays of Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray. Easy and functional—we love it!
8. Messy Crown Fishtail
A similar vein to the above style, this braid around the head features two thick fishtail braids that meet towards the back of your head. We love the lived-in look that’s mixed with the glam of the crown fishtail braid.
9. Box Braid Crown Braid
The beauty of braids is that you can create them on a variety of hair lengths and textures. Take these boxer braids featuring a crown braid. We love the contrast of the chunkier braid that goes into the box braids.
10. Chunky Braid
If you’re worried about finding a braid around head style that works for short hair, look no further. This short chunky side braid is perfect for shorter lengths.
