Whether they are mussed up or severe, braids never lose their appeal. Braided hairstyles are timeless gems that have made their way from mythology to the red carpet, continuing to delight and dazzle all onlookers with their suave simplicity, coy charm and understated elegance. If you are looking to try a new twist with braided hairstyles, we’ve got some irresistible ideas:

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Suggested read: 20 trendy short hairstyles for round faces you can try this summer

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1. Three’s A Party

The three strand braid may bring back old memories of early-morning oiled tresses tugged at and pulled back into a Ms. Goody shoes look. Reinvent the look, sans oil, by wearing a single plait with a delicate, feminine blouse and braid a thin, satin ribbon (pink) to add some pep to this simple yet stylish look.

Lengthwise: It works best with shoulder-length hair.

You’ll need: Shine serum and paddle brush.

Image source: Pinterest

How to: Brush the hair smooth to the centre of the nape and hold the hair with your left hand. Place two fingers of your right hand into the centre of the hair, creating three equal portions. Lay the left portion in your left palm and separate the middle section with your fingers. Your right hand should be holding the right section meanwhile. Cross the right section over the middle one and pinch it with your left thumb and index finger. Take the middle section in your right hand and pinch it between your thumb and fingers. With your left hand, cross the left section over the middle one and pinch the left section with your right thumb. Take away the middle section with your left hand and pinch the section with your left thumb and index finger. With your right hand, cross the right section over to the middle section and left and hold it with your left thumb. Repeat all the way down the length of the hair and secure the braid with an elastic band.

2. Flighty Fun

If you got the three-strand braid straight, this one’s a piece of cake. The technique for the butterfly plait is similar to the regular plait, only backwards. Flaunt this sporty style with a racer back and a short, pleated skirt for a sporty look.

Lengthwise: Best for shoulder-length hair.

You’ll need: Funky hair ties and brush.

Image source: Pinterest

How to: Tie your hair in a ponytail. Separate the ponytail into three sections- one top section and two bottom sections on each side. Begin with one of the side sections. Use the same technique as the regular plait but cross the strands over from underneath. In a way, it’d be the opposite of the three-strand braid. Move all the way to the ends and secure with an elastic band.

3. The Indian Rope Trick

A two-strand braid, the rope looks easy but needs a fair bit of practice to master. Try it on a willing guinea pig a few times before you get it down perfect.

Lengthwise: Long, single-length hair works best.

You’ll need: A paddle brush, hair mousse, and a rubber band.

Image source: Pinterest

How to: Smooth some mousse into your hair so that the style holds. Brush the hair smooth with a paddle brush to the centre of the nape. Place one finger of your right hand into the centre of the hair, creating two equal sections of same thickness. Hold one strand in each hand, keeping your hands close to the head. Twist both sections anti-clockwise for a half-turn. Cross the right section over the left section, and take the bottom left section with the right index finger. Your left hand takes the top section while the bottom one remains in your right hand, causing the sections to switch hands. Continue twisting anti-clockwise in a similar manner all the way down to the end and secure with a band.

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Suggested read: 19 most flattering short hairstyles for oval faces you MUST try

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4. A Bone To Pick

The herringbone or the fishtail braid is an intricate two-stranded braid that is deceptively easy. The narrower the strands, the more intricate the braid appears.

Lengthwise: Long, single-length or long, layered hair.

You’ll need: A paddle brush, styling wax, a rattail comb and hair tie.

Image source: Pinterest

How to: Run some styling wax through your hair before starting, to keep the style in place for a long time. Brush the hair to remove any knots. Insert your left index finger through the hair from the bottom, separating it into two sections at the base of your nape. Use your right hand to finish separating the two sections and gather a small section of hair from the right. Move the section over your index finger and combine it with the left section. Gather a small section of hair from the left side of the head and move the section over your index finger to combine it with the right hand section. Repeat the process until there’s no more hair to add. Move all the way to the ends and secure with a band.

Also, remember to wash off all styling products to avoid chemical buildup in your hair.

Tell us about which of these braided hairstyles is your favorite. Are there any more you love? Better yet, show us how you do it…there’s a comments section for you, right below.

Featured image source: Pinterest