The Best Braided Hairstyles On Instagram

When you fall into a hair rut, your gut reaction might be to frantically call up your stylist for a new 'do. And while there’s nothing wrong with a drastic chop, color change or fresh fringe, sometimes all it takes to fall back in love with your mane is mixing up your styling technique. That means it’s time to stop wearing your in a ponytail every.single.day (guilty) or actually taking more than thirty seconds to create something other than a messy bun.

The simplest way to spice up your strands? Start braiding. “Braids are such versatile hairstyles because there are so many varieties of them—there’s a braided hairstyle for every occasion,” explains Malcom Cuthbert, colorist at BAJA Studio in New York City. “They’re also a protective style because your hair is tucked away, so braids are like armor for the hair.”

From cornrows and micro braids to bigger twists and fishtails, these woven styles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making it a beauty trend that flatters literally everyone. There are two keys to becoming a braiding boss: Knowing how to prep your hair based off your texture and practice, practice, practice. “If you have straight hair, use a product that’ll give your hair texture to create and secure the style like TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen For A Day Thickening Spray, while waves can benefit from something with moisture and hold such such as Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion," says Cuthbert. For curly girls or kinky coils, it’s all about keeping hair hydrated and shiny, so use a serum like Pattern by Tracy Ellis Ross Jojoba Oil Hair Serum or a treatment spray like Vernon Francois Scalp Nourish-Ment Braids & Locs Spray.

As for the type of braid to try, it’s all about finding your plait personality. Below, we’ve rounded up thirty of the prettiest styles on Instagram that will leave you with some serious hair envy. Happy scrolling!