Upgrade your Autumn / Winter Look with a Low-maintenance Braid

Braids are one of the most versatile hairstyles, perfect for shaking up your look without the need for a dramatic colour change or hours of heat styling. Gone are the days when braiding was just three strands of hair worn for school; now, there are endless variations of this classic technique that can be as functional as they are drop-dead gorgeous. Instead of throwing your hair in a boring bun or same-old messy ponytail, start getting creative with our low-maintenance braid inspo from far and wide.

With so many magical braided hairstyles to choose from for every occasion, it’s easy to shy away from the unknown. But, never fear, we’re here to show you how to take your braid game to the next level and have you rocking a hot new look with minimal upkeep!

French braids

This timeless and feminine braid forms the foundation of many of the braided hairstyles featured in this blog, so what better place to start? Mastering the art of a French braid isn’t difficult, but once you nail it, you’ll be rocking a chic new look in minutes. This three-piece plait can be styled as a single braid, an elegant side braid, or a fun double braided ‘do, to name just a few classic ways to work this look. 

The basic premise is to plait the hair, adding a section from either side on rotation. The best way to French braid your own hair, if you’re a beginner, is to create a double braid; one on either side of your head. To help you master this technique, we’ve broken down the steps:

1. Brush out your hair, ensuring there are no knots.
2. Split your hair into two sections and tie one side out of the way while you focus on the other.
3. Take a small section of hair from the front of the side you have left down. Split this strand into three sections with your fingers. 
4. Begin plaiting these strands in a traditional braid pattern; crossing the right strand over to the centre then the left strand over to the centre.
5. Once you have started the braid, begin adding extra strands of hair to the three sections as you plait, working your way down the head. 
6. Continue until all of the hair has been incorporated on one side. Tie off with a hairband and repeat for the other side of your head.

Bubble braids

Bubble braids are the easiest way to up your hair game. If you’re short on time or need to pull off a new look at a moment’s notice, then this flawless style is for you! Doja Cat rocked it at this year’s Grammys, Kim K gave us bubble braid envy on Insta, and we’ve been obsessed with Kendal Jenner’s take on a bubble ponytail for years. 

Offering up a twist on a classic ponytail, the bubble braid takes just a few minutes to create with no prior expertise required. Here’s how:

1. Dry your hair with the VS Sassoon 5Q Brilliance High Performance Dryer to add body and shine.

2. Tie your hair into a high, mid or low ponytail - the choice is yours. 

3. Take a hairband and tie it a couple of inches down your ponytail. Using your fingers, tease the space between the first and second hairbands to create the bubble shape.

4. Repeat this step for the rest of the hair, spacing the hairbands a couple of inches apart each time.

There are a few variations on the bubble braid if you don’t fancy a ponytail or if you have shorter hair. Try wearing your hair half up and braiding the same way as above. Or you can rock some bubble braid pigtails for a fun, youthful look.

Crown braid

Bring out your inner princess with this classic braid choice ideal for long hair. This style works best in between washes as it not only hides oily roots, but it needs hair with a bit of texture to work; so two or more days after you’ve washed it is perfect. 

The easiest way to create a crown is to plait your hair in a traditional side braid first, then wrap it up and over the top of your forehead, securing it with bobby pins along the way. Alternatively, you can plait your hair into two French braids on either side of your head, then lift each one and pin to the opposite side to form a crown. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold and tease out a couple of strands at the front to curl with the Unbound Cordless Auto Curler. We’ll have you looking like royalty in no time!

Box braids

Super stylish and protective, head-turning box braids have been inspiring us since the ‘90s when the likes of Jada Pinkett Smith, Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys rocked these traditional African braids. But what are box braids, and where did the name come from? Box braids are three-strand braids divided into square-shaped sections across the head, hence the name. They can be created with natural or extended locks and best suit afro-textured hair. Box braids can take a long time to put in and are best done by a professional unless you go for jumbo braids, which are easier to create a home. Once they’re in, they are low maintenance and give the natural hair a break. 

How to style box braids:

Box braids are super versatile and easy to style. You can wear them tied up in a high pony or top knot, accessorise with beads or coloured thread, play around with colourful highlights or even rock braided bangs. One of our favourite looks is to twist and pin the braids into a high bun or, for a seriously head-turning style, braid your braids into two or more plaits.  

Fishtail braid

The fishtail braid is a festival classic and, despite its complex look, is one of the simplest braids to create for instant boho glamour. The versatile fishtail works as a classic braid, ponytail, double or side braid, and we’re here to help you achieve the look at home. Here’s how:

1. This braid works best on day-old hair, but if your hair is clean or is quite fine hair, spritz with texture spray and dry in with the Digital Sensor Luxe Airsonic first for best results.

2. Grab the section of hair you want to fishtail and split it in half, holding one section in each hand.

3. Pick out a small strand of hair from the outside of the right section, then cross it over and add to the left section. 

4. Repeat on the left side: pick out a small strand and cross it over to become part of the right section. Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the centre of the plaited hair as you go, helping to keep the braid in place until you tie it off with a hairband at the end.

5. Repeat, alternating left and right until you have finished the braid. You can watch a straightforward tutorial here.

Dutch braids

A take on a classic, the Dutch braid is an underhand braid style - basically a French plait in reverse. Instead of crossing the sections of hair over each other, you cross them under one another. The finished result is an enviable 3D sculpted look flaunted on the red carpet by the likes of Rita Ora, Rihanna and the gorgeous Olivia Munn. For an easier version, try creating one or two accent braids for a pretty, ultra-feminine look.

Love your style, from the VS Sassoon team.  X