As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to refresh your hairstyle with a chic fall braid. Braids are not only a stylish way to embrace the season but also a protective option, especially for African American women. From classic to contemporary, these 23 fall braid hairstyles will keep you looking effortlessly gorgeous throughout 2024. Get ready to explore the most stunning braid styles of the season!
Classic French Braid with Autumnal Ribbons
The Classic French Braid is a timeless choice that becomes even more enchanting when adorned with autumnal ribbons. This braid is perfect for those who want a sleek and polished look that can be dressed up or down. The autumnal ribbons, in shades of burnt orange, deep red, or gold, add a festive touch that’s perfect for fall weddings or other formal events. This style works best for those with medium to long hair and suits almost every face shape.
To achieve this look, start with clean, dry hair, and incorporate a lightweight styling cream like Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to keep the braid smooth and frizz-free. Secure the braid with a ribbon of your choice, and finish with a light mist of TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray to keep everything in place without weighing it down.
Loose Fishtail Braid with Warm Highlights
A Loose Fishtail Braid exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, making it ideal for both casual and semi-formal fall events. This braid is slightly undone, with wisps of hair gently falling out, giving it a soft, romantic appearance. The warm highlights woven through the braid—think caramel or honey tones—add depth and dimension, perfect for those with naturally darker hair. This style is especially flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces.
To style, apply a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and grip to the hair before braiding. Once braided, gently pull at the edges of the braid to create the loose, undone effect. Finish with a shine-enhancing product like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to give the highlights a luminous finish.
Bohemian Side Braid with Fall Flowers
The Bohemian Side Braid is a perfect blend of carefree and chic, making it an excellent choice for outdoor fall festivals or casual gatherings. This braid is styled to one side, with a few loose strands framing the face, and adorned with small fall flowers like marigolds or chrysanthemums. It’s an ideal style for those with long, thick hair and complements a variety of face shapes, particularly round and square faces.
To create this look, start by applying a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to damp hair to tame frizz. Braid the hair loosely to one side, securing it with a clear elastic band. Tuck small, fresh or silk flowers into the braid, and finish with a spritz of Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray to ensure the flowers stay in place.
Dutch Crown Braid with Subtle Ombre
The Dutch Crown Braid offers a regal, elegant look that’s perfect for special occasions like fall weddings or formal dinners. This style wraps around the head like a crown, creating a beautiful halo effect. The subtle ombre, transitioning from a darker base to lighter ends, adds an extra layer of sophistication. This style is best suited for those with long hair and works well for heart-shaped and oval faces.
To achieve this look, start by applying a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17 to damp hair to create lift and body. Braid the hair in a Dutch style (underhand) around the head, securing the ends with bobby pins. Add a light touch of Redken Shine Flash 02 to enhance the ombre effect, and finish with a firm hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
Messy Braided Bun with Rustic Charm
The Messy Braided Bun is a go-to style for those who love effortless elegance. This look combines the structure of a braid with the laid-back appeal of a messy bun, making it perfect for both casual outings and more relaxed formal events. The rustic charm is enhanced by loose tendrils and a slightly tousled finish, ideal for fall settings. This style suits medium to long hair and is especially flattering for those with square or diamond-shaped faces.
To style, use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo to add texture and volume to second-day hair. Create a loose braid and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Let a few strands fall naturally around the face, and finish with a matte finishing spray like Ouai Matte Pomade for a soft, undone look.
Braided Half-Up, Half-Down Style with Leafy Accents
The Braided Half-Up, Half-Down Style is a perfect blend of casual and sophisticated, making it a versatile choice for fall. This hairstyle features a delicate braid at the crown, with the rest of the hair left down in loose waves. Adding leafy accents in shades of gold or copper gives the style a distinctly autumnal feel, perfect for outdoor events or fall photoshoots. This look works well on medium to long hair and suits heart-shaped and oval faces.
Start by curling the hair loosely with a curling iron like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron to create soft waves. Next, take a section of hair from each side of the head and braid them, securing them at the back with bobby pins. Add small, metallic leaf accents to the braid, and finish with a light mist of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Texturizing Sea Spray for a touch of natural texture.
Double Dutch Braids with Cozy Beanies
Double Dutch Braids are a practical yet stylish choice, especially when paired with cozy beanies for the cooler fall weather. This hairstyle involves two tight braids starting from the hairline and running down the back, keeping the hair neat and out of the face. It’s an ideal look for outdoor activities like hiking or apple picking. This style works well for medium to long hair and suits round and square faces.
To create this look, start by applying a smoothing cream like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to damp hair. Divide the hair into two sections and braid each tightly, securing the ends with clear elastics. Top the look with a cozy beanie in a fall color like burgundy or mustard, and finish with a touch of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep flyaways at bay.
Waterfall Braid with Chestnut Brown Tones
The Waterfall Braid is a delicate and feminine style that’s perfect for showcasing rich fall hair colors like chestnut brown. This braid creates a cascading effect, with strands of hair flowing through the braid like a waterfall. It’s a stunning choice for formal occasions, especially when paired with soft curls. This style is best suited for those with medium to long hair and complements oval and round face shapes.
To achieve this look, start by curling the hair with a large-barrel curling iron like the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron to create loose, flowing waves. Braid the top section of the hair in a waterfall pattern, allowing sections to fall through the braid as you go. Secure the braid with a clear elastic, and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Professional Shine Spray to enhance the chestnut brown tones.
Intricate Pull-Through Braid for Chilly Days
The Intricate Pull-Through Braid is a complex and eye-catching style that adds a touch of elegance to any fall outfit. This braid creates a voluminous, almost three-dimensional effect, making it ideal for those with longer hair. It’s a great choice for both casual and formal events, offering a unique look that stands out in the cooler months. This style is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
To create this braid, start by applying a texturizing mousse like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse to damp hair. Divide the hair into small sections and use clear elastics to create the pull-through effect, pulling sections of hair through each other to form the braid. Secure the ends with an elastic, and finish with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray for a firm hold that lasts all day.
Braided Ponytail with Cinnamon-Colored Streaks
The Braided Ponytail with Cinnamon-Colored Streaks is a chic and modern hairstyle perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their look. The braid starts at the crown and merges into a high ponytail, with cinnamon-colored streaks adding warmth and dimension. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and suits most face shapes, particularly oval and square faces.
To achieve this look, apply a heat protectant like Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray to dry hair before straightening. Braid the hair at the crown, then gather it into a high ponytail. Secure with an elastic and wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic. Add cinnamon-colored extensions if needed, and finish with Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for a glossy finish.
Romantic Halo Braid with Gold Hair Accessories
The Romantic Halo Braid is a beautifully soft and feminine style that’s perfect for special occasions, particularly in the fall. This braid wraps around the head, creating a halo effect that is both elegant and timeless. Gold hair accessories, such as delicate pins or clips, add a touch of luxury to this look. This style works best for medium to long hair and is especially flattering for heart-shaped and oval faces.
To style, start by parting the hair and creating two Dutch braids along the hairline, wrapping them around the head to form a halo. Secure the ends with bobby pins and tuck them neatly under the braid. Add gold hairpins or small clips to enhance the braid, and finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for a soft, touchable hold.
Thick Rope Braid with Velvet Scrunchies
The Thick Rope Braid is a bold and eye-catching style that’s perfect for making a statement in the fall. This braid is thick and twisted, resembling a rope, and is secured with a velvet scrunchie for a luxurious finish. This style works well on long, thick hair and is particularly flattering for round and square face shapes.
To create this braid, start by applying a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to damp hair to keep it smooth and hydrated. Divide the hair into two sections and twist each section tightly, then twist them together to form the rope braid. Secure the braid with a velvet scrunchie in a fall color like burgundy or navy, and finish with Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Sheen for added shine and moisture.
Milkmaid Braids with Seasonal Hair Scarves
Milkmaid Braids are a charming and versatile fall hairstyle, especially when paired with seasonal hair scarves. This style features two braids wrapped around the head, giving a neat and tidy look that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions. The addition of a hair scarf in autumnal colors like rust or mustard adds a fun and seasonal twist. This look is ideal for medium to long hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces.
To style, start by braiding the hair into two even braids. Wrap each braid over the top of the head and secure it with bobby pins. Thread a seasonal hair scarf through the braids, or tie it into a bow at the back for added flair. Finish with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Spray to keep the braids smooth and frizz-free.
Cornrow Braids with Bold Autumnal Colors
Cornrow Braids are a classic and protective style, particularly popular among African American women. This fall, try adding a bold twist by incorporating autumnal colors like burnt orange, deep red, or gold into the braids. These vibrant colors can be woven through the braids as highlights or accents, adding a fresh and seasonal touch to the traditional style. Cornrows are suitable for all hair lengths and are particularly flattering for round and square faces.
To achieve this look, part the hair into sections and apply a moisturizing cream like As I Am DoubleButter Cream to keep the hair hydrated and manageable. Braid the sections into cornrows, adding in colored extensions as desired. Secure the ends with small rubber bands, and finish with Murray’s Edgewax Extreme Hold to smooth down the edges and keep the braids looking sleek.
Braided Space Buns with Glitter Accents
Braided Space Buns are a fun and playful hairstyle that’s perfect for fall festivals or casual outings. This style features two braided buns on either side of the head, adding a touch of whimsy and youthfulness. The addition of glitter accents in the parting or around the buns adds a festive sparkle, making it a great choice for evening events or parties. This style works best on medium to long hair and suits round and heart-shaped faces.
To style, start by creating two high ponytails, one on each side of the head. Braid each ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing with bobby pins. Apply a glitter gel like IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray to the parting or around the buns for added sparkle. Finish with Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to keep the buns in place all night.
Woven Braids with Deep Burgundy Hues
Woven Braids offer a sophisticated and intricate look that’s perfect for fall. This style involves weaving several small braids into a larger, more complex braid, creating a beautiful and detailed pattern. Adding deep burgundy hues to the braids gives this style a rich and luxurious feel, perfect for evening events or special occasions. This look works well on long hair and suits oval and square face shapes.
To create this style, start by braiding small sections of hair, then weave these braids together to form a larger, more intricate braid. Add deep burgundy-colored extensions or highlights to the braids for added depth and richness. Finish with a smoothing serum like OGX Smoothing + Shea Sleek Smooth Style Spray to give the braids a sleek and polished look.
Side-Swept Braid with Soft Layers
The Side-Swept Braid is a simple yet elegant style that’s perfect for showcasing soft layers and subtle highlights. This braid is styled to one side, with the hair softly cascading over the shoulder, making it ideal for both casual and formal fall events. This look is particularly flattering for those with long hair and works well with oval and heart-shaped faces.
To style, start by applying a volumizing spray like Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifting Spray Gel to damp hair. Blow-dry the hair, adding soft waves with a large-barrel curling iron. Create a loose braid on one side, letting some layers fall naturally for a soft, romantic look. Finish with a light mist of Herbal Essences Bio
Flexible Airspray to keep the style in place while maintaining movement.
Braided Top Knot with Textured Waves
The Braided Top Knot is a stylish and practical fall hairstyle that combines the chicness of a top knot with the elegance of a braid. This style is ideal for those who want to keep their hair up and out of the way while still looking polished. The textured waves left in the rest of the hair add a soft, romantic touch, making it a versatile choice for both day and night. This look works well on medium to long hair and suits oval and square faces.
To create this look, start by curling the hair with a medium-barrel curling iron like the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron to add texture and waves. Gather the top section of the hair and braid it, then twist it into a top knot and secure it with bobby pins. Leave the rest of the hair in loose, textured waves, and finish with a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray for a natural, tousled effect.
Elegant Lace Braid with Copper Highlights
The Lace Braid is a delicate and intricate style that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any fall outfit. This braid is similar to a French braid but is braided closer to the hairline, creating a lace-like effect. Adding copper highlights to the braid gives it a warm, autumnal glow, making it an ideal choice for fall weddings or other formal events. This style is best suited for medium to long hair and works well for oval and heart-shaped faces.
To achieve this look, start by applying a smoothing cream like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to damp hair. Braid the hair in a lace braid along the hairline, incorporating copper-colored extensions or highlights as you go. Secure the braid with bobby pins, and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray to enhance the copper tones and give the hair a polished finish.
Triple Braided Headband for Fall Festivals
The Triple Braided Headband is a unique and creative hairstyle that’s perfect for fall festivals and outdoor events. This style features three small braids woven together to form a headband, keeping the hair out of the face while adding a fun and stylish twist. It’s an ideal look for medium to long hair and suits round and oval face shapes.
To style, start by parting the hair into three sections near the front. Braid each section into a small, tight braid and weave them together to form a headband. Secure the braids with bobby pins behind the ears, and leave the rest of the hair in loose waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray to keep the braids in place without making the hair stiff.
Braided Mohawk with Rich Auburn Shades
The Braided Mohawk is a bold and edgy style that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement this fall. This hairstyle features braids along the sides of the head, leading to a voluminous mohawk in the center. Rich auburn shades add depth and warmth, making it an ideal look for fall. This style works best for medium to long hair and suits oval and square faces.
To create this look, start by applying a volumizing mousse like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse to damp hair. Braid the sides of the hair tightly, leaving the center section loose. Tease the center section to create volume, and finish with Sebastian Shaper Fierce Hairspray for strong hold and texture.
Braided Chignon with Pearl Embellishments
The Braided Chignon is a classic and elegant style that’s perfect for formal fall events like weddings or galas. This hairstyle features a low, braided bun at the nape of the neck, adorned with pearl embellishments for a touch of luxury. It’s an ideal look for medium to long hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces.
To style, start by parting the hair and creating a low braid at the nape of the neck. Twist the braid into a chignon and secure it with bobby pins. Add pearl embellishments by pinning them into the braid, and finish with a light-hold hairspray like Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist for a soft, touchable finish.
Box Braids with Autumnal Beads and Charms
Box Braids are a timeless and protective style, particularly popular among African American women. This fall, give your box braids a seasonal update by adding autumnal beads and charms in warm tones like amber, gold, and brown. These accents add a personal and festive touch to the braids, making them perfect for the fall season. Box braids are suitable for all hair lengths and are particularly flattering for round and square faces.
To achieve this look, start by applying a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner to keep the hair moisturized and healthy. Braid the hair into box braids, adding beads and charms as desired. Finish with ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray to give the braids a healthy shine.
Conclusion:
As the leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to experiment with new hairstyles that not only protect your hair but also capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a braided chignon or the playful charm of braided space buns, there’s a fall braid hairstyle here for everyone. These styles are not only beautiful but also versatile, allowing you to express your personality while keeping your hair stylish and manageable. So, why not try one of these stunning styles this fall and see how it transforms your look? Share your favorite fall braid hairstyle in the comments below, and let us know which one you’re excited to try!
