This braid is the perfect style for second-day hair, since a little bit of texture helps makes it easier to style. You can recreate it with a quick spritz of amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, which adds extra body and grit. Once youve finished braiding, rub in a little R+Co BADLANDS Dry Shampoo Paste and use it to (gently!) tug apart the plaits for a perfectly imperfect look.

The French braid is a classic for a reason: Its a little more dressed-up than your average plait, but not so fussy that you need an hour and two mirrors to do it. Start with clean, knot-free hair. (Here, we brushed it through with Number 4 Detangling Brush, which gently takes down tangles.) Once youre done braiding, leave it as-is or spritz it with a shine-enhancing hair spray. Try Bumble and bumble. Hairdresser's Invisible Oil UV Protective Dry Oil Finishing Spray, which has a weightless blend of six oils to hydrate hair and amp up shine.

Learn how to create classic braid hairstyles with these easy (we promise!) tutorials.

At first glance, braids can seem intimidatingespecially if you dont have a spare pair of hands to help you out. But all braid hairstyles are not created equal! In fact, some braids, like the reverse fishtail braid and French braid here, can be surprisingly simple to DIY so long as you know how. Were giving you the full breakdown for both so you can create these easy but chic looks for yourself.

Teach Me How To: Reverse Fishtail and French Braid

Lets start with the basics. After securing hair with a clear elastic, find two strands from the middle of your pony and pull them to create lift at the crown before braiding with the classic three-strand technique.

Before you attempt a crown or waterfall braid, you'll want to master the french braid, which starts with three strands of hair at the crown of your head and slowly gathers additional strands as you make your way to the ends of your hair. (Once you have it down pat, put your skills to the test with a more advanced style.)

Though it might look complicated, the Dutch braid is easy to master. And because these inside-out braids give the illusion of thickness, the style is a great alternative for those of us with finer hair. Once you've gotten the hang of the Katniss-inspired technique, you can incorporate it into a pretty updo like this Dutch braid twist.

The four-strand braid looks just as goodif not better-when messy, which makes this style is especially good for curly or wavy-haired textures prone to flyaways. Styling tip: Tying off each of the four strands with a clear elastic before you start braiding will make it easy-breezy.

Have extra-long hair? Use the technique you mastered with the four-strand braid for this five-strand version (the extra piece of hair will make your braid shorter, faster). Keep track of each strand by repeating the braiding pattern out loud to yourself: Under, over, under, over!

Like a fresh pair of Flyknits, fishtail braids are dressy-casualthey can be worn anywhere and last through everything and the messier they are, the better they look. Follow this tutorial to learn how to style a basic version, and if youre looking for fishtail-inspired updo, try this fishtail braid bun.

Once youve accomplished the regular fishtail braid, update your technique with this reverse version. The trick: Pass sections of hair under each other instead of over.

Transition your everyday fishtail braid into nighttime look with this simple updo. You can also pin the pigtails on top of your head for a modern milkmaid look.

Waterfall braids are a piece of cake with a little practice. Even better, this style doesnt discriminate between short and long lengths.

In addition to being a summertime necessity for those with waist-skimming hair, the crown braid is essential for anyone who needs her hair completely out of her face for the day. Unlike ponytails, this style needs little adjusting and leaves no loose ends behind. Pro tip: Adding a little texturizing spray will give you the grip to create a no-slip style.

When you want the elegance of a crown braid with romantic, loose hair around your face, this half-up version is the answer. Since it doesnt actually go all the way around your head, it also works for shorter lengths.

This style may seem elaborate, but it's actually just three basic braids pinned into a pretty design. Since there is no right way to style this look, get creative with where you pin your braids to create your own unique plait.

Whether you're heading to the gym or a black tie wedding, there's braid for every occasion. We make learning our favorite plaits easy to do. 

Theres a reason why weve worn them since elementary school. Braids are the most versatile hairstyle out therethey hide bad hair days, withstand the sweatiest of spin classes, and dress up a regular bob. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced styler, follow the tutorials below to master some of the most popular (and statement-making) plaits.

Teach Me How To: Reverse Fishtail and French Braid

The Birchbox Guide to Braided Hairstyles