5 Pigtail Braid Ideas and How to Achieve Them

Step 2: Part Your Hair

“Then, you want to create a clean, even center part from the front of the hairline all the way to the base of the neck,” says Potempa. “You can draw a line with your comb from one point to the other to get a perfectly straight part. From here, you can smooth the hair into clear left and right sections.” Pull each section to the front of your shoulders — these will be your braids. To make the braiding even easier, Potempa says you can secure each section with a styling clip.

Step 3: Smooth the Sections

Step 4: Start Braiding

We love the simplicity of a classic three-strand braid. Grab the right section of your hair, and divide it into three smaller sections, keeping them as even as you can. “Starting just below the ear, bring the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle,” says Potempa. Continue repeating the phrase "right over middle, left over middle” until you’ve finished your braid. Secure that side with an elastic and repeat the process on the left half of your hair.

Pigtail Braid Ideas

Once you’ve got the hang of basic pigtail braids, you can try out some of the hairstyle ideas below. 

Pigtail Braids With Charms

Here, model Kristina Dewa starts with small braids at the crown of her head, which lead into decorated pigtail braids. For a similar sparkle, try attaching these metallic cuffs throughout your hair once your braids are finished. 

Pigtail Bubble Braids

Multiple Braids

Why stop at two pigtail braids when you could have six? This style is a perfect way to flaunt long, thick hair. Start by creating two even sections on either side of your head, then dividing each section into smaller sections, then get braiding.

Tousled Pigtail Braids

Faux Pigtail Braids

Photo: @savtrinn, Design: Juliana Campisi