English Braids with hair down combine a braided section with the rest of the hair left loose. They can frame your face, sweep back one side or create a half-up style.
See each design from the front and back. Choose the ones you like and compare them below.
Eight ways to wear your hair down
Crossed-braid half-up style
Four braids cross at the back, creating a woven pattern over loose waves. The detail lies in how the crossings overlap and are secured.
Double side braid
Two scalp braids follow one side and join at the back. Their parallel paths create an asymmetric finish over loose hair.
Braided flower half-up style
The side braids finish in a flower made from the hair itself. Its coils add volume at the centre while the lengths stay loose below.
Waterfall braid
The braid runs across the upper lengths, releasing strands between the stitches. Those loose strands create the waterfall effect.
Braided headband with curls
The braid crosses over the top like a headband, with curls left loose behind it. The detail sits on top rather than at a back join.
Two braids on top
Two Dutch braids end at the crown and blend into the loose lengths. The hair at the back stays down.
Fishtail half-up braid
The sides meet in one central fishtail braid. Its fine herringbone pattern stands out against the loose waves.
Three side braids with curls
Three cornrows on one side contrast with the loose curls. The side is braided, not shaved.
My favourite hairstyles
Choose the designs you like to compare them here. Your selection lasts while you keep this page open.
Before you pick one
How much hair to braid back
Side braids leave one side freer. Crossed or flower-shaped half-up styles sweep back both sides and place the detail at the back.
Your length and texture
Choose a reference close to your own hair. Layers, volume and curl definition change how the same idea looks.
If you are braiding the hair
Agree on where the braid starts and ends, its thickness and how it is secured. The back view helps explain the finish.
