The Best Winter Hair Braids You’ll Be Obsessed With

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The best winter braids hairstyles keep your hair protected from cold, dry weather while looking effortlessly stylish under beanies, scarves and cozy knitwear. Whether you love elegant French braids, relaxed side braids or trendy fishtails, braided hairstyles are perfect for reducing tangles, preventing breakage and creating polished looks that last all day. In this guide, you’ll discover the prettiest winter braid ideas, plus styling tips, face shape advice and clever ways to make every braid flatter your features throughout the colder months.

Ponytail Braids

Braided ponytails combine practicality with style, making them ideal for busy winter mornings. They keep your hair neatly secured while still looking polished enough for work, school runs or weekend outings. Because your hair stays off your neck, they’re also comfortable under coats and hooded jackets.

Popular options include a high braided ponytail, low braided ponytail, bubble braid ponytail, French braided ponytail or braided wrap-around ponytail. Each style works equally well with straight, wavy or lightly curled hair.

Styling tip: Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to instantly elevate the finished hairstyle. Add a little shine serum to smooth flyaways.

Face shape advice

• Round: High ponytails help elongate the face.
• Oval: Both high and low ponytails are flattering.
• Square: Leave soft tendrils around the face.
• Heart: Mid-height ponytails create the best balance.
• Long: Lower ponytails prevent adding unnecessary height.

French Braids

French braids are one of the most practical yet elegant winter braids hairstyles because they keep every strand neatly secured, making them ideal for windy days and chunky winter scarves. They also help protect your hair from friction against coats and knitwear, reducing tangles and breakage during colder weather.

There are plenty of ways to wear French braids. Try classic double French braids for a sporty everyday look, a single loose French braid down the back for effortless elegance, or create a French braided ponytail for something more modern. You can also combine French braids with buns or half-up styles for extra texture.

Styling tip: Gently pancake the braid by pulling apart each section to create fuller, softer-looking braids. Finish with a light texturizing spray for extra grip. Add a scrunchie or a silk scarf woven throughout for a touch of whimsy.

Face shape advice

• Round: Add height at the crown before braiding to elongate the face.
• Oval: Almost every French braid variation is flattering.
• Square: Leave soft face-framing pieces to soften strong jawlines.
• Heart: Keep volume around the jaw with looser lower sections.
• Long: Avoid excessive height and keep the braid slightly fuller around the sides.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are essentially inside-out French braids, creating a raised braid that appears thicker and more dramatic. They’re fantastic for winter because they stay secure all day, even under hats and beanies, while giving fine hair the illusion of extra volume.

Popular variations include double Dutch braids, a single Dutch braid, Dutch braided buns and braided crowns.

Styling tip: Pancake the braid generously after securing it to maximize fullness, especially if you have fine hair.

Face shape advice

• Round: Add extra height before starting the braid.
• Oval: All Dutch braid styles suit this face shape.
• Square: Loosen the braid around the temples.
• Heart: Keep fullness below the ears.
• Long: Wider Dutch braids create beautiful balance.

Side Braids

Side braids have a wonderfully romantic feel that’s perfect for winter outfits. Sweeping your braid over one shoulder creates instant softness while also preventing long hair from rubbing against bulky coats and scarves. They’re comfortable, feminine and surprisingly easy to dress up or down.

You can wear a loose side braid, a Dutch side braid, waterfall side braid, rope braid or even combine curls with a relaxed side plait for special occasions. Adding a velvet ribbon or pearl accessories makes this hairstyle especially festive during the holiday season.

Styling tip: Curl your hair before braiding for extra volume and texture. Loosening the braid afterwards creates that effortless “Pinterest” finish.

Face shape advice

• Round: Create extra volume on top to lengthen the face.
• Oval: Any side braid style works beautifully.
• Square: Loose pieces around the face soften angular features.
• Heart: Position the braid lower to balance a wider forehead.
• Long: Keep plenty of width through the braid to create balance.

Fishtail Braids

Fishtail braids look intricate but are surprisingly simple once you learn the technique. Their woven texture pairs beautifully with chunky knit sweaters, wool coats and winter accessories, making them one of the prettiest hairstyles for colder months.

Wear a classic fishtail, messy fishtail, side fishtail, half-up fishtail or even twin fishtail braids for a younger, playful style. Because the braid uses smaller sections of hair, it creates beautiful dimension that looks especially striking on highlighted or balayage hair.

Styling tip: Apply a little texture spray before braiding. Pull the braid apart gently afterwards to create a thicker, more luxurious finish.

Face shape advice

• Round: Keep the braid slightly lower and add crown volume.
• Oval: Every fishtail variation is flattering.
• Square: Wispy layers soften strong facial angles.
• Heart: Side fishtails help balance wider foreheads.
• Long: Wider, fuller fishtails create more horizontal balance.

Crown Braids

Few hairstyles feel as elegant as a crown braid during winter. Wrapping the braid around your head creates a timeless look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, winter weddings or simply elevating everyday outfits. It also keeps every strand neatly tucked away, protecting your hair from wind and friction.

Crown braids can be created using French braids, Dutch braids or, if your hair is long enough, two braids pinned around the head.

Styling tip: Gently curl the loose front pieces before pinning them for a softer, more romantic finish.

Face shape advice

• Round: Leave height at the crown.
• Oval: Every crown braid style is flattering.
• Square: Wispy tendrils soften the forehead and jawline.
• Heart: Keep the braid slightly lower around the head.
• Long: Fuller crown braids create balanced proportions.