Try your hand with these easy braided hairstyles for long hair
Our braided hair collection arrives just in time for sunset drinks, dance events, and the summer braids for long hair season. If you’re after easy braid ideas for long hair or something more polished, it’s the perfect way to sport a fashionable updo without looking “overdone” to be cool and stay cool!
Braiding Origins: A History of Plaits and Braids
Braiding is an ancient hairstyling technique that goes back to over 3000 BC. The history of hair braids for long hair stretches across cultures and centuries, and the most famous woman sporting braids from back then was Cleopatra.
Braids have appeared on men and women throughout history, indicating everything from functional hair to glamorous hair, your social status, cultural heritage, marital status and even religious associations. Today, plaits and braids for long hair carry on that same rich tradition, only now they’re turning heads on catwalks and at weekend parties.
Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair Today
Today anything goes with hairstyles, and while braids took a back seat in the fashion stakes for a while, one thing is certain – hairstyles for long hair braids are cool, and they’re back!
After making a big resurgence on the catwalks around 2010, each year designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and Alexander McQueen feature braid hairstyles for long hair as part of their catwalk look, and women can’t get enough of them.
Dutch Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair and Duchess Kim K
Dutch braid hairstyles for long hair are created by adding in strands while you braid, but instead of crossing the new hair over the top as you normally would when plaiting hair, you’re passing it from side to side underneath. What you end up with is a braid that appears to rise above your hair – bold, structured, and one of the most requested braids for long hairstyles we do.
The most famous “braidy bunch” lover is Kim Kardashian – pre and post birth she has been sporting not 1 Dutch Braid but 4! The secret to Kim’s plump braids is to add synthetic loose hair extensions to add volume.
Her stylist also uses a product called Colour Wow Root Concealer to cover up any roots that show through and to fill in any partings that may look a little bit too loose. This is a handy tip for easy braids for long hair at home, too.
Crème-style products such as this can be a pain to wash out, so we recommend Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray. This little beauty godsend instantly covers greys and roots. The spray feels like a dry shampoo; the product description says it absorbs dirt and oil to refresh hair. It comes in 6 shades, and the pigments blend seamlessly with your natural hair, keeping your colour fresh and your easy braided hairstyles for long hair looking salon-finished all day.
The secret to pretty braids for long hair is having beautiful hair to start with: your colour is fresh, your hair is healthy and your haircut hasn’t got lots of layers cut into it. There are loads of tutorials online if you want to DIY but why? Just come in with your favourite braid pic, and we’ll create it for you.
Side Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
If you’re after a relaxed, effortless look, side braid hairstyles for long hair are hard to beat. A classic side braid sweeps your hair over one shoulder and works beautifully for everything from a casual brunch to a beach afternoon. The style is one of the most accessible braid hairstyles for long hair; no professional training is required, and the results are consistently gorgeous. For a softer finish, pull a few face-framing strands loose before you start and secure the end with a small clear elastic.
Side braid hairstyles for long hair are also incredibly versatile, one of the best easy braid ideas for long hair when you need a style that works from day to night. Keep it sleek and smooth for a polished day look, or pair it with loose waves for a relaxed bohemian feel. You can also weave in a Dutch braid section along the crown for added texture and dimension, which looks far more complicated than it actually is. Ask one of our stylists to show you how at your next visit.
Loose Braid Hairstyles for Long Hair
Not every braid needs to be tight and precise. Loose braid hairstyles for long hair have a relaxed, lived-in quality that feels effortless and modern. Think undone fishtails, relaxed three-strand plaits and softly pulled-apart Dutch braids, all brilliant, easy braid ideas for long hair that take minutes to achieve. The trick is to braid slightly loosely from the start, then gently tug each section outward to add width and texture.
These hairstyles for long hair braids work especially well on second-day hair, when there’s a little natural texture to hold the style in place. Loose braid hairstyles for long hair are also incredibly forgiving; small flyaways and imperfections actually add to the charm, making them a go-to option for busy mornings or last-minute styling before an event.
Braided Updos for Long Hair
Braided updos for long hair are the go-to choice when you want your plaits and braids for long hair to do double duty, keeping your hair off your neck while still looking polished and put-together. A braided bun, a crown braid or a twisted chignon woven through with smaller plaits are all stunning options. These styles work particularly well for events, parties and warm-weather occasions, providing a polished finish for any occasion.
If you’re unsure which updo suits your face shape and hair type, come in and chat with one of our stylists. We’ll help you choose from our full range of braided styles and create the finished look for you in the salon. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a work event or a summer party, braided updos for long hair can be as relaxed or as formal as the occasion calls for. Bring in a photo of the updo you love, and our team will tailor it to your hair type, length and the occasion.
Creative direction: Graeme Cumming for Lily Jackson Hair & Makeup
Makeup: Natasha Newman, Lily Jackson Hair & Makeup
Photography: John Buckley, www.johnbuckley.com.au, represented by Sync Production
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest braids for long hair to do at home?
The easiest braids for long hair to do at home are the classic three-strand plait, the side braid and the loose fishtail. All three are beginner-friendly easy hairstyles for long hair braids that require no professional tools. Start with slightly damp or second-day hair for the best grip, and secure the end with a small clear elastic. If you want something more intricate, come into the salon and we’ll walk you through the options.
What is the difference between a Dutch braid and a regular braid?
A regular braid (or plait) crosses strands over the top, sitting flat against your head. Dutch braid hairstyles for long hair do the opposite – strands cross underneath, which makes the braid appear to sit raised on the surface of your hair. The result is bolder and more three-dimensional than a standard plait. Dutch braids for long hair work especially well on thick or voluminous hair.
How do I keep my plaits and braids for long hair from falling out?
The key to long-lasting plaits and braids for long hair is preparation. Start with clean, dry hair – not freshly washed, as it can be too slippery. A light texturising spray adds grip before you begin. Secure the braid firmly at the end and use bobby pins to anchor any loose sections. For summer braids for long hair worn outdoors, a light-hold hairspray over the finished style keeps everything in place.
What braid hairstyles for long hair suit a formal event?
For formal occasions, braided updos for long hair are the most elegant choice. A crown braid, a braided chignon or a half-up style with a Dutch braid detail all read as polished and occasion-ready. Easy braided hairstyles like a French braid updo or a braided low bun can also be dressed up with pins or accessories. Our stylists can recreate any style from a photo – whether it’s a relaxed plait or an intricate updo.
