Cute and Easy Braided Hairstyles for Teens

Classic Three-Strand Braid

Honestly, this is the first braid I ever learned, and I still come back to it when I want something easy and familiar. The classic three-strand braid is one of those styles that never tries too hard, and that’s exactly why teens love it. I’ve found it works best on slightly messy hair, not freshly washed, because the strands grip better and don’t slip out every two minutes. In my opinion, it’s perfect for school mornings when you’re half-awake but still want to look put together.

When I do this braid, I don’t stress about perfection. I split the hair into three equal sections, cross the right over the middle, then the left over the middle, and just keep going. If a few pieces stick out, I let them. To be fair, that relaxed look actually makes it cuter. Sometimes I gently pull the braid apart at the end to make it look fuller, especially for teens with fine hair.

French Braid

I remember feeling so proud the first time I nailed a French braid without my arms getting tired halfway through. It looks fancy, but once you get the rhythm, it’s honestly not that scary. What I like most about French braids for teens is how neat they stay all day, even during sports or long school hours. In my experience, this braid gives that “I tried” look without being over-the-top.

I usually start at the crown, taking a small section and dividing it into three. As I braid, I keep adding small pieces from the sides. The trick I’ve learned is to keep the sections neat but not tight. If you pull too hard, it can hurt and look flat. I tell teens to practice in front of a mirror at first, and yes, your arms will ache, but that’s part of the journey.

Dutch Braid

To be fair, the Dutch braid is just a French braid’s cooler cousin. The first time I tried it, I kept mixing up the direction, and it looked completely wrong. But once it clicked, I was obsessed. This braid pops out instead of lying flat, which makes it perfect for teens who want something bold but still practical. I’ve found it especially flattering on thick hair.

The main difference is simple: instead of crossing strands over the middle, you cross them under. I always remind readers to take their time at the start because that sets the whole braid. In my opinion, slightly loosening the braid at the end makes it look trendy instead of stiff. I’ve seen teens wear this to school, practice, and even casual parties without fixing it once.

Fishtail Braid

I’ll be honest, fishtail braids look way harder than they actually are. The first time I wore one, people thought I’d spent ages on it, when in reality it took me ten minutes. That’s why I love recommending it to teens who want compliments without too much effort. It gives off a boho, artsy vibe that feels very natural.

I split the hair into two sections and take tiny pieces from the outside of each section, crossing them over to the opposite side. That’s it. The smaller the pieces, the more detailed it looks. I’ve found that slightly messy fishtails look better than super-tight ones. When I gently tug at the braid, it suddenly looks fuller and more relaxed, which teens usually prefer.

Side Braid

Side braids feel soft, casual, and a little romantic, which is probably why I keep going back to them. I started wearing them on lazy days, and now I actually prefer them over center braids. For teens, this style feels effortless and age-appropriate without looking boring. In my opinion, it works beautifully with layers and side-parted hair.

I usually sweep all my hair to one side and braid it loosely. You can do a three-strand, fishtail, or even a French version here. I’ve noticed that leaving a few face-framing strands makes the look feel less strict. Honestly, it’s one of those styles that looks better as the day goes on, especially when it loosens naturally.

Boxer Braids

Boxer braids remind me of school sports days and dance practices. They’re practical, stylish, and surprisingly empowering. I’ve seen teens instantly feel more confident once their hair is neatly braided back. In my experience, this style keeps hair completely out of the face, which is a lifesaver on busy days.

I part the hair straight down the middle and create two Dutch braids on each side. The key is starting close to the hairline and keeping the sections even. I always suggest teens braid tightly at the top and relax it slightly toward the ends. To be honest, the first attempt might look uneven, but practice fixes that fast.

Crown Braid

The crown braid always makes me feel a little magical, like I put in more effort than I actually did. It’s such a sweet style for teens, especially for birthdays or family events. I’ve found it works best on medium to long hair, and slightly wavy textures make it even prettier.

I usually braid along the hairline, wrapping the braid around the head like a halo. Sometimes I use two braids and pin them together. In my opinion, bobby pins are your best friend here. I never hide every pin perfectly because that slightly undone look feels more modern and less costume-like.

Braided Ponytail

This is my go-to when I want something quick but not boring. A braided ponytail upgrades a basic pony in seconds, and teens absolutely love that. I’ve worn this style to casual outings and even last-minute plans, and it never feels out of place.

I usually braid a small section first, either from the front or side, and then tie everything into a ponytail. Sometimes I braid the ponytail itself for extra detail. I’ve found that wrapping a small strand of hair around the hair tie makes it look polished without trying too hard.

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid was tricky for me at first, and I won’t lie about that. But once I understood the pattern, it became one of my favorites. It looks delicate and dreamy, which is perfect for teens who like soft, flowy hairstyles.

I start like a French braid but drop one section each time, letting it fall like a “waterfall.” In my experience, curling the loose hair slightly makes the braid stand out more. It’s not an everyday style for everyone, but for special days, it feels totally worth it.

Half-Up Braided Hairstyle

This style feels like the best of both worlds, and that’s why I recommend it so often. Teens get the beauty of loose hair with the control of a braid. I’ve worn half-up braids on days when I couldn’t decide what to do, and it always worked out.

I usually braid two small sections from each side and pin them at the back. Sometimes I do a single braid down the middle. Honestly, this style is very forgiving. Even if it’s a little uneven, it still looks cute and relaxed, which is exactly the vibe most teens want.