12 French Braid Variations You Haven’t Tried

1. The Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid creates the illusion of cascading strands, like a flowing stream of hair. It’s a semi-braided, semi-loose style that looks incredibly complex but follows a simple, repetitive pattern. Perfect for adding a touch of bohemian elegance to any look.

How it’s different: Instead of incorporating all hair into the braid, you drop the bottom strand with each crossover, picking up a new section from the top to replace it. The dropped strands fall freely, creating the “waterfall” effect.

2. The Dutch (Inside-Out) Braid

Often called the inverted French braid, the Dutch braid is the bold, 3D sibling of the classic style. By braiding sections under the central strand instead of over, the braid pops outward from the head, creating a striking, crown-like effect.

This variation is phenomenal for adding volume and a sporty-chic vibe. It’s the foundational technique for many advanced styles, like braided crowns and headband braids, making it a crucial technique to master.

3. The Lace Braid

Think of the lace braid as a one-sided French or Dutch braid. You only add hair from one side—typically the top or front—while the other side remains static. This creates a delicate, embellished edge that can frame your face or accent an updo.

Its beauty lies in its subtlety. A lace braid can be a minimalist headband, a graceful detail along a hairline, or a beautiful way to incorporate smaller sections of hair into a larger style.

4. The Fishtail Braid (French Start)

Everyone loves a bohemian fishtail, but starting it as a French braid takes it to new heights. This method eliminates the slippery start of a traditional fishtail and adds incredible volume at the roots. You begin with a small French braid, then separate the hair into two large sections to begin the fishtail pattern.

The result is a braid that appears to morph from a chunky, textured base into a intricate, woven tail, offering the best of both braiding worlds.

5. The Four-Strand French Braid

Ready for a challenge? The four-strand French braid introduces an extra strand, creating a flatter, more ribbon-like appearance with a stunning, complex pattern. It follows an “over-under” sequence that, once mastered, yields a beautifully unique look.

This braid is a surefire conversation starter. It looks intricate and high-fashion, yet it’s built on the same foundational principle of adding hair as you go.

6. The Twist Braid (Rope Braid)

Not all braids require crossing over. The French twist braid, or rope braid, is created by continuously twisting two sections of hair around each other while incorporating new hair from the sides. It creates a sleek, spiraled effect that is both elegant and surprisingly secure.

This style is excellent for smoother hair textures and offers a more modern, minimalist take on the braided look. It’s also less likely to tangle than traditional braids.

7. The Pull-Through Braid (Halo Effect)

This genius style looks like a continuous crown braid but is actually created with a series of connected ponytails and a simple tool: a hair elastic. You create a row of ponytails around the head, then split each and connect it to the next, “pulling” hair through to form the braided illusion.

It’s a fantastic hack for those who struggle with traditional crown braiding, offering a voluminous, halo-like result with minimal technical braiding skill required.

8. The Milkmaid (Double Crown) Braid

A timeless romantic style, the milkmaid braid involves creating two braids—usually Dutch or classic French—and wrapping them across the crown of your head, pinning them in place. This variation frees the nape of your neck and showcases beautiful braid work like a living headpiece.

It’s perfect for hot days, special events, or simply channeling a rustic, feminine vibe. Experiment with braid thickness and placement for different effects.

9. The Bubble Braid with French Start

Combine the polished start of a French braid with the playful, modern trend of the bubble braid. Begin with a short French braid at the crown, then gather all hair into a ponytail or a single braid. Use elastics spaced down the length and gently “puff” out the hair between them to create the bubble effect.

This style is fun, youthful, and adds incredible volume. It also cleverly uses the French braid base to keep flyaways at the crown in check.

10. The Infinity Braid

A true showstopper, the infinity braid (or figure-8 braid) creates a continuous, looping pattern that resembles the infinity symbol. It’s an advanced technique that builds on the Dutch braid, requiring you to split and loop sections of hair.

While challenging, the result is a stunning, architectural hairstyle that looks like a piece of hair art. It’s ideal for weddings, proms, or any occasion where you want your hair to be the absolute centerpiece.

11. The French Braid Headband

This isn’t your average headband braid. Instead of a simple side braid, create a French or Dutch braid that starts at one temple, curves along the hairline, and ends at the opposite ear. You can leave the rest of your hair down, or tuck it up into a chic knot.

This variation is both practical and pretty, keeping hair out of your face while serving as a beautiful accessory. It works beautifully on both straight and curly hair.

12. The Knotted French Braid

Introduce a unexpected texture by incorporating small, strategic knots into your French braid. As you braid, instead of simply crossing a section, you can first tie a loose knot with two strands before continuing the braid pattern.

This creates a chunky, organic, and slightly messy-chic look with incredible visual interest. It’s perfect for adding a bit of edgy texture to an otherwise classic technique.

Mastering Your Braid Journey

Venturing into these French braid variations is about more than just following steps; it’s about developing a feel for the hair and understanding how tension, sectioning, and pattern create different effects. Start with the styles that intrigue you most, use mirrors, and don’t be afraid of a few failed attempts—they’re part of the process.

Remember: slightly dirty hair, a good texturizing spray, and a fine-tooth comb for clean sections are your best friends. Whether you’re aiming for a casual weekend look or a formal updo, these 12 variations provide a limitless toolkit for expression. So grab your elastics, bobby pins, and a little patience, and start weaving your way to breathtaking new hairstyles.