Winter is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to switch up your hair game. The crisp air, cozy layers, and festive vibes call for hairstyles that are equal parts practical and chic. Enter braids—the ultimate winter hair trend that keeps your locks tame, stylish, and ready for anything from snowy strolls to holiday parties. I’ve rounded up six trendy braid hairstyles that are dominating the season, complete with step-by-step guides to help you nail each look. Whether you’re a braiding newbie or a pro, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Chunky Dutch Braid: Bold and Cozy
If winter had a signature hairstyle, the Chunky Dutch Braid would be it. This bold, textured braid is all about volume and personality—think of it as the hair equivalent of your favorite oversized sweater. It’s raised, rustic, and perfect for pairing with a scarf or beanie.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Start with a center or slightly off-center part—your call! Grab a 3-inch section of hair at the crown.
- Step 2: Split it into three strands. Unlike a French braid, cross each strand under the middle (left under, then right under), adding a 1-inch section from each side as you go.
- Step 3: Keep the tension loose to build that chunky vibe. Braid down to the nape, then finish it off without adding more hair.
- Step 4: Secure with a hair tie, then gently tug the edges of each braid section outward to widen it. Fluff it up!
- Step 5: Optional—spritz with texturizing spray for extra grip and a tousled finish.
Why It Works for Winter: The thickness stands up to wind and hats, and it looks effortlessly cool with bulky knits. Picture yourself sipping cocoa at a winter market with this braid swaying behind you—perfection.
2. Fishtail Crown Braid: Winter Royalty
For a touch of elegance, the Fishtail Crown Braid is your go-to. This delicate weave wraps around your head like a halo, making it ideal for festive gatherings or a cozy night by the fire. It’s intricate yet surprisingly doable.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Brush your hair smooth and part it slightly off-center for a modern twist.
- Step 2: At the back, split your hair into two even sections. Take a half-inch strand from the outer left, cross it over, and merge it with the right.
- Step 3: Repeat on the right side, alternating back and forth to create the fishtail pattern. Keep the strands small for detail.
- Step 4: Braid until you’ve got 12-18 inches (depending on your length), then secure with a tiny elastic.
- Step 5: Wrap it around your head like a crown, tucking the end under the start. Pin it with bobby pins and pull out a few face-framing strands.
Why It Works for Winter: It’s regal yet soft, pairing beautifully with velvet dresses or fur-trimmed coats. Plus, it keeps your hair secure for those blustery days.
3. Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail: Sleek and Simple
When you need a quick, windproof style, the Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail delivers. This sleek, spiraled look takes a classic pony up a notch, making it a winter staple for busy mornings or casual outings.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Brush your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Step 2: Split the pony into two equal sections—left and right.
- Step 3: Twist each section clockwise with both hands until it coils tightly from root to tip.
- Step 4: Wrap the two twisted sections around each other counterclockwise to form a rope. Keep going until the ends.
- Step 5: Tie it off with a small elastic and smooth flyaways with hairspray.
Why It Works for Winter: It’s fast, polished, and stays put under hats or hoods. Rock it with a puffer jacket for that cool-girl vibe.
4. Boho Side Braid with Scarf: Whimsical Warmth
Nothing says winter boho like a Side Braid with a Scarf woven in. This loose, romantic style combines hair and accessory for a look that’s equal parts cozy and free-spirited—think woodland walks or coffee dates.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Part your hair deeply to one side. Grab a lightweight scarf (silk or cotton) and fold it into a thin strip.
- Step 2: On the heavier side, start a French braid near your temple with a 2-inch section, crossing strands over the middle.
- Step 3: After two crosses, drape the scarf over the middle strand and braid it in, treating it like hair.
- Step 4: Keep it loose, working down to your shoulder or chest. Tie it off with a hair tie, letting the scarf ends hang.
- Step 5: Pull out a few strands around your face and spritz with wave spray for softness.
Why It Works for Winter: The scarf adds warmth and flair, while the relaxed braid screams effortless charm. Pair it with a fringed sweater for the full effect.
5. Double Bubble Braids: Playful Volume
For a fun, youthful twist, Double Bubble Braids bring the volume and bounce. These puffed mini ponytails are quirky and modern—perfect for apres-ski or a casual winter day.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Part your hair down the middle into two even sections.
- Step 2: On one side, gather a 2-inch section at the top and secure it with a clear elastic.
- Step 3: Tease the hair below the elastic lightly to puff it into a ‘bubble.’
- Step 4: Add another elastic 3 inches down, teasing again. Repeat 2-3 times to the ends.
- Step 5: Mirror the process on the other side, then fluff each bubble with your fingers.
Why It Works for Winter: The volume pops against snowy backdrops, and it’s playful enough to match a pom-pom beanie or ski gear.
6. Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves: Romantic Flow
For a softer winter look, the Waterfall Braid with Loose Waves is pure magic. This style blends a delicate braid with flowing curls, creating a dreamy vibe that’s perfect for evening plans.
How to Get the Look:
- Step 1: Curl your hair with a 1-inch wand for loose waves—don’t brush them out yet.
- Step 2: Near your temple, grab three 1-inch strands. Cross the top over the middle, then the bottom over the middle, adding hair to the top strand.
- Step 3: After the first cross, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new one from below. Repeat this ‘drop and replace’ across your head.
- Step 4: Secure the braid with a small elastic and pin it behind your ear.
- Step 5: Fluff the dropped strands into your waves and mist with shine spray.
Why It Works for Winter: It’s romantic and elegant, ideal for holiday lights or a frosty date night. Pair it with a wool coat for extra swoon.
Final Thoughts
These six braid hairstyles are your winter hair MVPs—versatile, trendy, and oh-so-seasonal. Whether you’re channeling bold volume with the Chunky Dutch Braid or soft romance with the Waterfall Braid, there’s a look here to match every mood and outfit. Grab your hair ties, a mirror, and maybe a cup of tea, and give one (or all!) a try. Which one’s calling your name? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it goes! Happy braiding, and stay cozy out there!
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Joan Seifert es una educadora experimentada con más de 10 años de experiencia en enseñanza/educación. Con una profunda pasión por capacitar a los estudiantes de todas las edades y orígenes, ha dedicado su carrera a crear entornos de aprendizaje innovadores que fomenten el crecimiento personal, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico.
Ha sido reconocida por innumerables publicaciones o contribuciones a blogs educativos. También es una oradora, consultora y mentora solicitada que ha ayudado a innumerables educadores, estudiantes y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Ella cree que el aprendizaje debe ser una búsqueda de por vida, y está comprometida a inspirar a otros a abrazar el poder de la educación para transformar vidas y comunidades.