Long hair is where braids actually get to show off. There’s enough length to work with for a full fishtail, enough volume for a fuller three-strand plait, and enough hair left over even after braiding to still have movement at the ends. Short hair can approximate a braid. Long hair is where the technique really performs the way it’s supposed to.
The most common complaint about braids is that they slip loose by midday, and that’s almost always a tension problem rather than a braid problem. The twelve styles below note where to pull tighter and where to leave it loose, so the shape you start with is closer to the shape you end the day with.
The Classic Three-Strand Braid
A single braid straight down the back, sectioned evenly and pulled with consistent tension, is still the most reliable option for a full day of wear.
The Dutch Braid Crown
A Dutch braid, braided under rather than over, sits closer to the scalp and holds tighter through a full active day than a regular French braid.
The Fishtail Braid
A fishtail’s tighter weave makes it naturally more resistant to slipping than a standard braid, even without extra pins.
Double Dutch Braids
Two symmetrical braids distribute tension evenly across the scalp, which makes them a favorite for active days and workouts alike.
The Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid releases sections as it goes, giving you braid structure at the top and loose movement at the bottom.
The Braided Half-Up
A single small braid pulled back and secured, with the rest of the hair left down, gives you the structure of a braid without committing your whole head to one.
Complete the Look: More Long Hairstyle Ideas
If you’re headed somewhere active after, our gym hairstyles for long hair guide covers a few more styles that hold through actual movement. Which braid is holding up best for you day to day?
