68 dreamy braids and braid hairstyles, from modern twists to butterfly locs

Immaculate cornrows

Likewise, trad cornrows never went out of style, but we've spotted the girls going back to basics with immaculate straight backs executed to perfection.

Bubble braids

For beginners, the bubble braid is exactly as cute as it sounds and they're a great shout if you want to dip your toe into braided styles without having to brush up on complex techniques (because they're so damn easy). You simply take a ponytail and add hair ties at intervals down the length to create a bubble effect.

Bubble braids are the chicest poolside style this summer and they're the easiest way to up your hair game

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By Elle Turner and Annabelle Spranklen

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Knotless braids

Another style we're absolutely loving is knotless braids. They offer all the same style kudos as other braids, but without placing as much pressure on your scalp or strands.

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Protective styling but keep it cute.

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Baby braids

We're 100% back on board with '90s style baby braids (the dinky face framing braids that we used to stick beads on when we were 12). They're a cute but stylish upgrade that adds a cool twist to hair.

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Throwback, but make it fashion.

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Remixed baby braids

And we've seen baby braids remixed with baby root braids, like the ones worn by Zoe Kravitz

And baby braids scattered through hair, like Lizzo and Charlie D'Amelio

Butterfly locs

Butterfly locs and faux locs add beautiful intricacy to hair.

Sculptural braids

This is where hair becomes art with show-stopping and gravity defying graphic shapes. Some seriously talented hair artists we love include Fesa Nu (@hair_poet) who's intriguing hair sculptures give braids a whole new twist and Laeticia Ky, who creates whole landscapes, animals and protests out of braids.

Rope braid

Pretty rope braids offer up a new spin on plaits. Simply twist each section all the way to the bottom, then wrap them round each other. Simples.

Braided ponytail

And we can't get over how chic Laura Harrier's sky high braids look scooped up into a pony.

Box braids

Of course, traditional three-strand plaits will always look good. Likewise, box braids are a classic for a reason – especially for naturally curly girls – and we love the chunkier rendition Zendaya previously wore to the CFDAs. Both have the ability to feel laidback, but still pulled-together.

So, whether you've always wanted to master beautiful crochet braids, a fashionable fishtail, Queen Bey's statement slogan braids or even just off-duty pigtails, get on Youtube, find yourself a tutorial and get cracking.

Make sure to take a look at our favourite romantic braid hairstyle ideas

Here's all the inspiration you'll need…

These chunky high rope braid pigtails make a cute statement.

These delicate braids are simple but effective.

For a looser, grungier braid that's still pretty and delicate we love this low, mussy plait.

These honey butter braids are beautiful.

These half up braids for Queen Charlotte actress, India Amarteifio, look regal and statement, while offering up a fresh twist at the same time.

These sculptural braids are stunning and snatched.

Baby braids sprinkled through hair are so cute and so easy to do.

We love these coquette pigtails.

This bubble braid is immaculate.

There's no reason you can't level-up your braids a step further with some pretty embellishment. These butterfly pigtail plaits are adorable.

This beautiful high bun is perfect for summer.

These beaded braids a cool, cute and add personality.

A simple mid-height plait is perfect for second hair days.

These loose locs are stunning.

Simple and cool, but with a little extra personality, we love the baby braids at the front and the halo braids at the back.

This snatched ponytail braid is all about the placement (and the little details, like the dinky braid back from her hairline)

This simple slick-back low pony has been given a stunning twist with this polished braid cupping the crown.

Swap a high pony for a high plait.

Simple, classic and never not cute, we love simple low pigtails.