The Easy And Chic Way To Update Classic French Braids

Our go-to lazy girl hairstyle consists of cute braids that take less than five minutes to accomplish. They're the ideal hairstyle that doesn't use hot tools or rollers that'll take up our time. Plus, they're healthier for our hair since they don't require heat. The fun part about braiding is there are countless braid styles, such as fishtail braids (the perfect summer braid), Dutch braids, waterfall braids, rope braids, infinity braids, and more. The options are endless, and the most common braid you hear of is the French braid. It's timeless and elevates any makeup or outfit, especially on days when you feel like going for a lounging fit and a "no-makeup" makeup look.

You can style French braids in myriad ways, but one style we love is the French braid and bun combo. This dynamic duo is effortless, and the buns add the perfect touch of chicness to the hairstyle. To create the French braid buns, divide your hair into two sections and make the French braids as you'd typically do. Then, instead of braiding your hair to the end, pull the ends into a small bun that rests on the back of your neck. Here are a few ways you can style the duo differently.

French braiding the hair is an easy part of this hairstyle. However, when you're looping the ends into a bun, it can get a little tricky. If you have shorter hair, you might end up with a few strands poking out that you can bobby pin to the back of the bun. Or opt for a messy bun look and leave a few strands hanging loose. For longer hair, you can pull the braid through the hair to create a bun to hide the hair ties you don't want showing.

Space buns came back in 2022 after being super popular in the '90s. We know how fashionistas love bringing back old styles and giving them their own twist. Space buns aren't making an exit anytime soon, so it's only fair we add them to the mix with some French braids. You can create reverse French braids that start from the bottom of your head to the top. You'll have to keep your head tilted forward for some time, but the cute hairstyle makes the discomfort worth it.

If you're short on time and can't make two French braid buns, go for one French braid bun and add some fun accessories to elevate the look. For example, you can add a cute hair bow to the back if you do a reverse French braid. Place the bow below the bun to add contrast and show a distinct separation between where the braid and bun start. Or add a chic or sparkly headband if you decide to create traditional French braids with a low bun.

Short hair can be challenging to style since there isn't a lot of hair to work with. You might stick with keeping it straight or incorporating some fun accessories. However, French braids work with whichever hair length you have, and you can make tiny, messy buns. For example, YouTuber Heather Austrie has her hair on the short side, so she creates two French braids at the top that end at the top back of her head and turns the ends into two messy space buns. The final look is light and flirty.

Style your French braids differently by braiding them on the outer part of your head instead of the traditional way of going straight back. Create two outer French braids and pull them back into a single bun for a quick and easy hairstyle. Add some gold accessories, like YouTuber Candice Jones, who adds a few gold cuffs around her braid that match her hoops. It makes the hairstyle sleek and elegant, perfect for a night out with friends or a first date with someone new.