49 dreamy braids and braid hairstyles, from modern twists to butterfly locs

Likewise, trad cornrows never went out of style, but we've spotted the girls going back to basics with immaculate straight backs executed to perfection.

For beginners, the bubble braid is exactly as cute as it sounds and they're a great shout if you want to dip your toe into braided styles without having to brush up on complex techniques (because they're so damn easy).

Bubble braids are, hands down, the biggest red carpet hair trend of 2021 – and they're the easiest way to up your hair game

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By Elle Turner

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Another style we're absolutely loving is knotless braids. They offer all the same style kudos as other braids, but without placing as much pressure on your scalp or strands.

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 21 knotless braids that all the natural hair girls are loving

Protective styling but keep it cute!

By Elle Turner and Sheilla Mamona

We're 100% back on board with '90s style baby braids (the dinky face framing braids that we used to stick beads on when we were 12). They're a cute but stylish upgrade that adds a cool twist to hair.

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'90s hair is going nowhere – these are the trends we keep seeing everywhere

Throwback, but make it fashion.

By Elle Turner

Butterfly locs and faux locs add beautiful intricacy to hair.

Pretty rope braids offer up a new spin on plaits. Simply twist each section all the way to the bottom, then wrap them round each other. Simples.

And we can't get over how chic Laura Harrier's sky high braids look scooped up into a pony.

Of course, traditional three-strand plaits will always look good. Likewise, box braids are a classic for a reason – especially for naturally curly girls – and we love the chunkier rendition Zendaya previously wore to the CFDAs. Both have the ability to feel laidback, but still pulled-together.

So, whether you've always wanted to master beautiful crochet braids, a fashionable fishtail, Queen Bey's statement slogan braids or even just off-duty pigtails, get on Youtube, find yourself a tutorial and get cracking.

Make sure to take a look at our favourite romantic braid hairstyle ideas

Here's all the inspiration you'll need…

These chunky high rope braid pigtails make a cute statement.

These delicate braids are simple but efffective.

Swap a high pony for a high plait.

These sculptural braids are stunning and snatched.

Baby braids sprinkled through hair are so cute and so easy to do.

This beautiful high bun is perfect for summer.

These beaded braids a cool, cute and add personality.

This snatched ponytail braid is all about the placement (and the little details, like the dinky braid back from her hairline)

These dinky baby braids are perfect for festival season.