How to Make Pigtail Braids Look Chic

Think about it: When was the last time you gave pigtails a chance? If you've been thinking they're just a hairstyle that's suitable for kids, well, you're wrong! It turns out there are a number of ways to wear pigtail braids that are actually tres chic. Yep, you read that right! Just because you’re not in elementary school anymore doesn’t mean you can’t rock pigtails in your hair. To show you how to rev up this classic school girl hairstyle trend for an age-appropriate look, below we’re sharing five pretty pigtail hairstyles, from Dutch braid pigtails to fun pigtail space buns.

PIGTAIL BRAID #1: PIGTAIL FRENCH BRAIDS

You might be thinking that pigtail French braids are a little on the plain Jane side, but with the right style know-how, you can learn how to do French braid pigtails that look super-fashionable.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Part your hair

Down the middle or off to the side—either will work.

Step 2: Create three stitches on each side

Divide each side of your hair into three even sections at the center of your part and weave three traditional braid stitches.

Step 3: French braid

Begin to create a French braid on one side of your hair, adding loose hair to the left and right strands as you normally would. After French braiding one side, braid the remaining side.

Editor’s note: Rusty on your French braiding skills? Check out our article, Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair.

Step 4: Tie off your pigtails

Secure your braids using clear elastics.

Step 5: Conceal the hair ties

Take a small section of hair from each pigtail to wrap around your elastic and pin on the underside of your pigtail.

PIGTAIL BRAID #2: DUTCH BRAID PIGTAILS

Turn your traditional braids on their head for an inverted look that’s anything but juvenile.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Part hair down the middle

Using a rat tail comb, part your hair straight down the center of your head from your hairline all the way down to the nape of your neck.

Step 2: Dutch braid each side down to the nape of your neck

Grab a small section of hair at your hairline and braid it underhand, gathering new pieces as you go, all the way down to the nape of your neck. Repeat the same process on the other side of your head.

Step 3: Flip your ends to create teardrop buns

Flip the rest of your strands up into a teardrop bun with the ends fanning out to give an edgy finish to a classic milkmaid-inspired look.

Step 4: Pancake your braids

For your last step, gently tug at your braids to give them more volume at each wave.

PIGTAIL BRAID #3: LONG FISHTAIL PIGTAILS

If boho style is your go-to fashion statement, look no further than these messy, long fishtail braid pigtails to tie your look together.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Part your hair down the middle

Easy, peasy.

Step 2: Begin your fishtail at your part on each side

Starting at your hairline, fishtail your hair toward the back of your head, grabbing new pieces of hair as you go.

Step 3: Braid to the ends

Continue the fishtailing process until you get all the way to your ends and tie your braids off with clear mini elastics. Take a small section of hair from each braid to wrap around the hair tie for a more natural-looking, tool-free look.

Step 4: Pancake your braids

Pancake your hair, gently pulling at your braids starting at the bottom, and work your way all the way to your hairline. Get ready for gorgeous, blogger-worthy braids, y’all!

Step 5: Embrace your flyaways

Instead of grabbing a can of hairspray and patting your flyaways into place, just let them hang free. The beauty of this natural look is embracing a rolled-around hairstyle that’s part hippie, part fashionista.

PIGTAIL BRAID #4: PIGTAIL SPACE BUNS

Instead of choosing your regular go-to ‘do, why not switch it up with these fun, pigtail buns?

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Part your hair into four sections

Split your hair in four, down the middle and in top and bottom layers.

Step 2: Flip your hair and begin braiding

To keep your hairstyle neat and fuss-free, it’s a good idea to clip one full side (the one you’re not working with) out of the way, as well as the top half of the side you are working with. Once you have everything clipped, flip your head over and Dutch braid from the nape of your neck up to the crown of your head, tie it off with a clear mini elastic, and move on to the other underside.

Step 3: Tease your top sections of hair

For an extra-voluminous ‘do, tease the underside of your top sections of hair for just enough lift to give your look some height.

Step 4: Combine your top and bottom sections on each side

Using a hair-colored elastic, combine your Dutch braided underside with the teased top portion to create one gorgeous pigtail on each side of your head.

Step 5: Tease your pigtails

Using a fine-tooth comb, hold your pigtails straight in the air and tease your pigtails from the ends down to the hair tie.

Step 6: Wrap and pin your buns

Twist your teased strands around the base of each pigtail and pin them in place to complete your pretty new ‘do.

PIGTAIL BRAID #5: HALF-UP, HALF-DOWN PIGTAILS

Half-up, half-down braid pigtails? It doesn’t get much trendier than this hairstyle. This is the perfect option for those who want to leave the majority of their hair down but still give braided pigtails a try.

Step 1: Part your hair

Down the middle will do just fine!

Step 2: Section away

Part your hair from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section of hair. Secure the bottom section out of the way with a hair elastic, then split the top layer into two equal sections.

Step 3: Braid

Begin with the top right section of hair. Split it into three equal parts at your hairline, then Dutch braid backward until you reach the center of your head. Secure with a clear elastic. Repeat the same on the left.

Step 4: Let your hair down

Take the hair elastic off the bottom section of hair, letting it fall freely. Gently tug at the base of each half-up pigtail for added lift. All done!

Next: 30 Braided Ponytail Hairstyles You're About to Be Obsessed With