Messy braids are the antidote to polished hair: you start with a braid, then pull it apart until it looks like you forgot to finish. The undone finish is the whole point, and the trend runs from barely-there fishtails to chunky Dutch braids that sit loose on purpose.
These twenty messy braid styles cover every texture, length, and occasion, from a five-minute side braid to an updo that holds all day. Fine hair finally gets volume without teasing, and anyone with a fringe can tuck it in or leave it out depending on the mood. No perfection required. For more braided inspiration, the trendy bora bora braids hairstyle ideas roundup covers statement braids of every kind.
Platinum Blonde Messy Fishtail Braid
Photo via salonsatori.com
The key to a messy fishtail braid that looks built rather than collapsed is the pull-apart. This one starts with a standard fishtail on thick, wavy hair at mid-back length, then each section is gently tugged outward until the braid doubles in volume. Side-swept bangs keep the face framed while the rest reads as deliberately undone.
It works best on hair with natural wave and enough density to hold the shape without a dozen pins. A texturising spray before braiding gives the strands grip, and a trim every eight weeks keeps the ends from looking straggly against the platinum base.
Brown With Blonde Highlights Messy Side Braid
Image credit: hairstyleay.com
Want a side braid with a relaxed finish? Start by asking for the right foundation. This collarbone-length style pairs brown hair with blonde highlights for dimension, then a loose side braid is built from thick, wavy texture. Face-framing tendrils are left out before braiding, so they soften the whole look without needing to be curled later.
The key words are “loose” and “side”, so specify both. A side part and a few pulled-out strands will get you there, with no second mirror required.
Vibrant Red Messy Fishtail Braid With a Full Fringe
Courtesy of insiderlyfe.com
A messy fishtail braid without a full fringe is one thing; with one, it is a different animal entirely. The fringe adds a graphic line across the forehead that balances the loose, textured braid falling to collarbone length. On thick, wavy red hair, the contrast is deliberate: a structured front with a relaxed back.
The fringe needs a trim every three to four weeks to stay blunt, while the braid itself only asks for a shape-up every eight. It is a festival look that also works for a Tuesday, provided you can commit to the bang upkeep.
Ash Blonde Half-Up Braided Headband
Source: boldhairstyles.com
A braided headband is one of those styles that looks more complicated than it is. On fine, wavy ash blonde hair at collarbone length, you take a section from behind one ear, Dutch-braid it across the crown, and pin it behind the opposite ear. The rest stays loose in waves, and curtain bangs soften the transition.
Do it yourself in about ten minutes: braid, pin, then gently pull the braid wider for that undone fit. No heat is needed on the waves if your hair has natural movement, and a trim every six weeks keeps the ends from looking wispy.
Auburn Braided Updo With Face-Framing Pieces
Via haber724.org
A braided updo with face-framing pieces occupies the sweet spot between polished and relaxed. The auburn base with red highlights gives depth, while the loose, textured braid is pinned into a low updo at the nape. Two sections are left out at the front to soften the hairline.
On medium-density wavy hair at mid-back length, the braid has enough substance to hold the shape without feeling heavy. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well, since the face-framing strands can be tucked or left out depending on the angle. A trim every eight weeks maintains the layers.
Platinum Blonde Braid With Floral Accents
Photo credit: cleodiva.com
Ever wondered how to make a braid feel like an event? This style weaves small white flowers into a thick, textured platinum blonde braid that falls to mid-back, with side-swept bangs softening the whole look. The root shadow keeps the colour grounded, so the style appears polished rather than costume-like.
Thick, wavy hair at mid-back length works well for this style, and side-swept bangs soften angular faces. Braid the hair first, then insert the flowers carefully so they stay put. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends from looking ragged, which is the only thing that could ruin the bohemian effect.
Dark Brown Braid Into a Ponytail With Highlights
Photo via fashionacy.com
A braid that turns into a ponytail is one of those rare designs that holds through a full day without constant adjustments. This version starts with a dark brown base threaded with blonde highlights, the braid running from mid-length into a relaxed ponytail, with loose strands left out around the face.
Thick, wavy hair at mid-back length works best here, and a side part suits most face shapes. Braid the lower half, then gather everything into the ponytail. A trim every eight weeks keeps the layers from tangling at the transition point. For more braid-into-ponytail shapes, the feed-in braid hairstyles roundup covers every length.
Dark Blonde Braided Buns With Loose Waves
Image credit: cleodiva.com
This is not a sleek ballerina bun situation. Two thick braids are twisted into messy buns at the nape, with loose, voluminous waves left below, and the dark blonde base with lighter highlights adds dimension without needing a ton of product.
Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length handles the volume, and a middle part balances longer faces. A salon can nail the placement, but with practice this is a do-it-yourself option: use a texturising spray for grip before you braid, then twist each pigtail into a bun and pin. A trim every eight weeks keeps the waves from looking ragged.
Ash Blonde Messy Braid With a Bohemian Effect
Courtesy of haber724.org
A single thick braid that is deliberately loose and textured, with strands pulled out to create that bohemian effect. The ash blonde colour with subtle highlights keeps it from looking flat, and the middle part gives it a centred, grounded feel.
Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length suits this style. The honest drawback is that the looseness means it can start to unravel after a few hours, so gently tug sections outward for volume but do not expect it to hold through a full festival day without a touch-up. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends tidy.
Ash Blonde Loose Messy Braid
Source: hairtrendstudio.com
This is not the kind of braid you wrestle into submission. It is a loose, textured braid with a middle part and a relaxed finish, the ash blonde colour with highlights visible as it moves. The key is the looseness: each section is pulled gently apart so the braid looks full and not tight.
Thick, wavy hair at mid-back length is the starting point, and a middle part balances longer faces. Use a texturising spray before braiding for grip, then pull strands outward. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends from looking too clean for the undone style.
Blonde Fishtail Braid With Loose Strands
Via thecuddl.com
A fishtail braid is built by alternating small sections from each side, which creates that distinct herringbone pattern. On wavy, medium-density hair at mid-back length, the technique shines because each strand has enough grip to stay put while still allowing for a soft, loose finish. A middle part keeps the braid centred and balanced.
The key is tension: braid firmly enough to hold the pattern, then gently pull out strands along the sides and at the nape for that undone look. The subtle highlights add dimension without overwhelming the braid’s texture. No bangs means the face-framing pieces come from the braid itself. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends tidy, and the style holds well for a full day of casual wear.
Blonde Balayage Two Loose Fishtail Braids
Photo credit: pookieelife.com
A single fishtail braid looks formal, but two loose fishtail braids show off the colour transitions of a blonde balayage more effectively on thick, wavy hair. The mid-back length gives enough room for each braid to have its own texture, and the waves at the ends keep the whole look soft.
This is a salon-level finish: the braids need to be symmetrical, and the balayage placement needs to be precise, so a professional handles both the colour and the braiding. Do-it-yourself is possible if you have good mirror work and patience, but the balayage effect is harder to replicate at home. A texturising spray before braiding gives the strands enough grit to stay loose without unravelling completely.
Blonde Double Dutch Braids With Loose Waves
Photo via latest-hairstyles.com
Chunky Dutch braids rely on the reverse braiding technique, where the sections cross under instead of over, which lifts the braid off the scalp. On thick, wavy hair with dimensional highlights, the raised effect makes each braid look substantial. The mid-back length allows the remaining waves to fall freely, creating a contrast between the structured braids and the loose ends.
The braids sit close to the head and the waves soften the edges, which makes this style work for many face shapes. Hair that is fine or very straight may not hold the chunky shape as well, since the braids need volume and texture to stay lifted. For more Dutch braid shapes, the butterfly braids hairstyles roundup has stylish variations.
Blonde Double Dutch Braids With Loose Waves, Close-Up
Image credit: glamivibe.com
Two chunky Dutch braids with loose waves are a style that wears well through a full day, but the looseness is not accidental. The braids start firm at the scalp and gradually relax toward the ends, a design that keeps the look polished. On wavy, thick hair with a middle part and no bangs, the braids sit cleanly without slipping.
Upkeep is straightforward: the braids hold for two days if you sleep on a silk pillowcase, and the waves can be refreshed with a spritz of water. A trim every eight weeks prevents the ends from looking scraggly. The highlights add depth, so the braid pattern is visible even in low light.
Blonde Double Dutch Braids With Loose Waves, Office-Safe
Courtesy of hairstyleloom.com
Two chunky Dutch braids with loose waves keep hair off the face while the soft ends prevent a severe appearance. On thick, wavy hair at mid-back length, the braids sit close to the scalp, which makes them work under a helmet or a hood without losing shape.
This style transitions from a desk to an evening event without a touch-up: the loose waves add movement, and the braids hold their tension for eight to ten hours. A middle part keeps the look symmetrical and professional, and the dimensional highlights prevent the braids from reading as too casual.
Blonde Double Messy Dutch Braids Pigtails
Source: haber724.org
The trick to a successful double messy Dutch braid is that it looks like you wrestled a professional styling session into submission. Two thick, wavy pigtails in blonde with subtle highlights start from a middle part and end at the mid-back, with the braids deliberately loosened.
Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length works well, and pigtails suit most face shapes. Braid tightly at first, then gently pull out sections of the braid for that relaxed effect. A trim every eight weeks keeps the layers from looking ragged. For more playful braided pigtails, the goddess braid ideas roundup has chic crown and feed-in options.
Ash Blonde Loose Dutch Braid, Mid-Back
A Dutch braid is essentially a French braid flipped inside out: instead of crossing sections over the middle strand, you cross them under, which pushes the braid up off the scalp. The result is a raised, rope-like texture that gives thick, wavy ash blonde hair with highlights a lot of volume without any backcombing.
A middle part works well here, and the style suits thick, wavy hair of mid-back length. After the braid is finished, the real styling move is to gently pull out sections of the braid for a relaxed look. A trim every eight weeks keeps the layers defined so the braid does not turn into a fuzzy mess by week six.
Dark Brown Braids Into a Ponytail With a Scarf
Photo credit: boldhairstyles.com
This is a braided ponytail that actually stays put. Two Dutch braids start at the hairline and meet at the nape, where they merge into a ponytail secured with a colourful scarf. The dark brown hair with subtle lighter highlights is thick and wavy, ending at mid-back, and the scarf adds the pop of colour that makes the style feel finished.
For upkeep, add the scarf after securing the ponytail. The double braid construction keeps the style secure for a full day, even on thick, wavy hair. A trim every eight weeks maintains the layers and prevents the braids from looking bulky.
Blonde Braid With a Velvet Bow Accent
Photo via lovelyish.com
A single braid with a velvet bow separates a casual look from a polished one. This blonde braid with highlights is textured and slightly undone with loose waves through the hair, and the bow sits at the base of the braid where the eye lands first.
Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length is ideal, and the style suits most face shapes. While you can do it yourself at home, the salon version ensures the bow is placed at the best spot for the braid’s volume. Add the bow after braiding for a polished finish. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends from fraying. For seasonal braid ideas, the fall braid hairstyles and fall braid hairstyles roundups carry the same texture into autumn.
Platinum Blonde Fishtail Braid With Star Accessories
Image credit: inflexa.com
A fishtail braid is more intricate than a standard three-strand braid, and adding sparkling star and pearl-like hair accessories makes it a commitment. This platinum blonde version is tightly woven from a middle part, with loose ends adding softness, and the star clips catch the light at every turn of the head.
Thick, straight hair of mid-back length works best, and a middle part suits most face shapes. The honest take is that this is not a ten-minute morning style: the braiding itself requires patience, and inserting the accessories takes care to keep them secure without pulling the braid apart. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends healthy enough for the tight weave. For more braided colour inspiration, the winter braid colours for black women, winter braided hairstyles and stylish summer braids hairstyle roundups round out the braid library.
Final Thoughts
For a truly messy braid, focus on pulling out strands after braiding and use a texturising spray. For more structured messy styles, a light-hold hairspray keeps pieces in place without stiffness. The bantu knots hairstyles roundup is a good next stop if braids have you thinking about protective styles too.
- Refresh messy braids by gently pulling out a few strands to enhance volume and texture.
- Use a texturising spray or dry shampoo on clean hair to create grip for braiding.
- For colour longevity, use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners, toning as needed.
- Trim split ends every 6-8 weeks to maintain the health of braided styles.
Embrace the beauty of the undone.
