Get ready for the ultimate deep dive into winter hair because we are about to level up our braid game in a major way. You guys loved the list of my fave winter braids, so I’m back to give you the full scoop on how to create each look, why it’s literally perfect for the chilly season, and all the secret pro-tips to make sure you look totally flawless. Say goodbye to static-y, wind-blown hair and hello to being the chicest one at the ice rink, the holiday party, or just chilling in the cafeteria. Let’s get into it and transform your hair from a winter woe to a winter WOW!
The Classic French Braid
Okay, we have to bow down to the queen, the OG, the Classic French Braid. She’s timeless, she’s elegant, and she’s your absolute best friend during the winter. Why? Because this style is the ultimate solution for hat hair! You can rock a super cute beanie all day, and when you take it off, your hair is still perfectly in place and looks amazing, instead of being all flat and staticky. The magic of a French braid is that it starts right at your hairline, gathering hair as it goes down, which means every single strand is secured and stylishly tucked away from those cold winter winds.
- How to Get the Look: Start by taking a small section of hair at the top of your head. Split it into three equal strands. Begin a normal braid: cross the right strand over the middle, then cross the left strand over the middle. Now for the “French” part! Before you cross the right strand over again, gather a small new piece of hair from the right side of your head and add it to that strand. Cross that entire section over the middle. Repeat on the left side: gather a new piece of hair from the left and add it to the left strand before crossing it over the middle. Keep repeating this pattern all the way down. Once you’ve gathered all your hair, just continue with a regular braid to the ends and secure it.
- Pro-Tip: For that trendy, super full look, gently pull on the edges of your finished braid. This technique is called “pancaking,” and it makes your braid look twice as thick and gives it a soft, romantic vibe.
Double Dutch Braids (a.k.a Boxer Braids)
If you’re looking for a hairstyle that is equal parts fierce and practical, you have officially found your match. Double Dutch Braids give off such a cool, athletic, and confident vibe, but they are also one of the most functional styles for winter. This style keeps every single strand of hair completely secured. That means no flyaways when the wind picks up and no hair getting caught in your jacket zipper (the worst!). They are called “Dutch” braids because, unlike a French braid where you cross the strands over, here you cross them under. This simple change is what makes the braid pop up off the head, giving it that bold, 3D effect.
- How to Get the Look: Part your hair straight down the middle. Clip one side away. On the first side, take a section at your hairline and split it into three. Now, cross the right strand under the middle, then cross the left strand under the middle. Before you cross the right strand under again, add a small new piece of hair to it. Then, cross the whole thing under the middle. Do the same on the left. The “under, under, under” motion is key! Continue all the way down, then repeat on the other side.
- Pro-Tip: These braids are the perfect base for adding some flair! Weave a colorful ribbon through one of the braids or add some clip-in tinsel for a festive, sparkly look.
The Whimsical Fishtail Braid
Step into your own personal winter fairy tale with the Whimsical Fishtail Braid. This braid is just so dreamy and delicate; it looks like something an ice princess would wear. The intricate pattern is gorgeous and looks way more complicated than it is. It’s the perfect choice for a more dressed-up winter event, like a holiday concert or a family gathering. Draped over the shoulder of a cozy sweater, it’s a look that’s both relaxed and incredibly elegant.
- How to Get the Look: Sweep your hair into a side ponytail to start. Split the ponytail into two main sections. Take a tiny piece of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over the top, and join it with the right section. Now do the opposite: take a tiny piece from the outside of the right section, cross it over, and join it with the left section. That’s the whole pattern! The smaller the pieces you take, the more intricate it will look.
- Pro-Tip: After you’re done, gently pull the braid apart to make it look fuller. For a super magical touch, add some tiny, sparkly snowflake or star clips along the length of the braid.
The Crown Braid
Want to feel like total winter royalty? The Crown Braid is your answer. This stunning hairstyle is basically a long braid wrapped up and over your head to create a beautiful, built-in headband. It’s a look that is pure elegance, but it’s also secretly one of the most practical styles for the cold. Because all of your hair is swept up, your neck stays completely free, which is a game-changer when you’re bundled up in a high-collared coat and a thick scarf.
- How to Get the Look: The easiest way is to part your hair down the middle and create two low pigtails. Braid each pigtail and secure the ends. Now, take the right braid, bring it up and over the top of your head, and use bobby pins to secure it. Then, take the left braid and lay it right behind the first one, pinning it securely in place.
- Pro-Tip: For a softer, more romantic look, pull out a few small, face-framing tendrils and give them a gentle curl with a curling iron or straightener.
The Chunky Knit Sweater Braid
Get ready to match your hair to your favorite cozy outfit! The Chunky Knit Sweater Braid, also known as a pull-through braid, is a total showstopper. It looks incredibly intricate, but plot twist: it’s not even a real braid! It’s actually a clever ponytail trick that creates huge, woven-looking sections. Because it’s so voluminous, it looks amazing peeking out from under a winter coat or draped over a big, soft scarf.
- How to Get the Look: Start with a small ponytail at the top of your head. Create a second ponytail right below it. Split the top ponytail into two halves. Pull the bottom ponytail up through that split and clip it out of the way on top of your head. Now, gather a little more hair from the sides and add it to the two halves of that first ponytail, securing them together with an elastic to create a new bottom pony. Unclip the top pony and repeat the process all the way down.
- Pro-Tip: The key to the “chunky knit” look is pulling each section apart. After you complete each new “link” in the chain, gently tug on the sides to fan it out and make it look as big and woven as possible.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Braid
For those days when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down, the Half-Up, Half-Down Braid is your perfect compromise. It is the best of both worlds! You get the practicality of having the front pieces of your hair pulled back and out of your face, while still getting to show off your length. It’s a super versatile look that works for a casual day at school but can also be dressed up for a special occasion.
- How to Get the Look: Section off the top half of your hair, from your temples to the crown of your head. With this section, you can do any braid you love! A simple three-strand braid is cute and easy, or you can do a small French or Dutch braid for a more polished look. Braid it back as far as you like and secure it with a clear elastic or a cute clip.
- Pro-Tip: After you’ve braided the top section, use a curling wand or straightener to add some soft waves to the hair that’s left down. This adds extra volume and makes the whole style look really put-together and dreamy.
The Messy Side Braid
This is the ultimate “I woke up like this” but still look amazing braid. It’s all about effortless, cool-girl vibes. The Messy Side Braid is perfect for winter because it looks so good draped over the collar of a big coat or nestled into a cozy infinity scarf. It’s intentionally a little bit undone, so you don’t have to worry about it being perfect, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings.
- How to Get the Look: Sweep all of your hair over to one shoulder. Don’t worry about making the part perfect. Loosely braid your hair—a simple three-strand or a fishtail braid works great. Secure the end, leaving a few inches of hair out at the bottom for a more relaxed feel.
- Pro-Tip: The “messy” part is key! Once the braid is secured, gently pull it apart to make it thicker. Then, use your fingers to pull out a few face-framing pieces at the front and even tug on a few strands within the braid itself to make it look perfectly imperfect.
Bubble Braids
Okay, not technically a braid, but bubble braids are SO in right now, super easy, and perfect for winter. This style is fun, playful, and keeps your hair completely under control. Because it’s just a series of ponytails, it has amazing staying power and won’t get messed up by hats, hoods, or scarves. It’s a bold look that will definitely get you noticed in the hallway in the best way possible.
- How to Get the Look: Start with a high or low ponytail. A few inches down from the first hair tie, add another one. Gently pull apart the section of hair between the two elastics to create a round “bubble.” Continue adding elastics and creating bubbles all the way down your ponytail.
- Pro-Tip: Make this style your own by using colorful elastics! You can match them to your outfit or create a fun rainbow pattern down your ponytail for a major pop of color on a dreary winter day.
The Braided Ponytail
Give your everyday ponytail a serious glow-up by simply braiding it! This is one of the easiest ways to make it look like you put in a ton of effort when it only took an extra minute. It turns a simple, practical hairstyle into a chic and stylish statement. It keeps your hair off your neck and tangle-free, which is essential when you’re wearing multiple layers.
- How to Get the Look: Pull your hair back into a sleek high or low ponytail and secure it. Then, simply braid the length of the ponytail. You can do a classic three-strand braid, a cool fishtail, or even a rope braid (where you split the hair in two, twist both sections, and then wrap them around each other).
- Pro-Tip: For a super polished, influencer-worthy finish, take a small strand of hair from the bottom of your ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic to hide it. Secure the end of the strand underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin.
Braided Space Buns
Ready for a look that’s out-of-this-world cute? Braided space buns are so fun, playful, and totally practical. This style keeps all your hair up and securely out of the way, making it perfect for any winter activity, from building a snowman to a long day of holiday shopping. They sit high on your head, so they won’t get in the way of your coat or scarf, and they look adorable peeking out from under a beanie.
- How to Get the Look: Part your hair down the middle and create two high pigtails. Braid each pigtail all the way to the end and secure them. Now, gently tug the braids apart to make them look fuller. Finally, wrap each braid around the base of its pigtail to create a bun, and pin it securely in place with bobby pins.
- Pro-Tip: For a fun, festive party look, add some hair glitter to your center part after you’ve made the buns. It’s an easy way to add some serious sparkle to your winter style!
So there you have it, my ultimate guide to the best winter braids! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these styles your own. Which one are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!
Stay cozy!
