Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Braids

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017

With less than month left in 2016, it's time to think about how you'll level up your hair game for the New Year. Braids are always an option. Although the install takes some time, they're relatively low maintenance and in short: the epitome of effortless beauty. If you want a design that leaves everyone asking, "where'd you get that done?!," Instagram is a great place to start for inspiration. These elaborate braid designs are definitely getting us excited to make a change. 
By Nikki Brown · Updated October 26, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Elaborate Braid Designs

This woman elevated her chestnut brown braids by styling into a high ponytail. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@the_tei_touch/ instagram
02
Elaborate Braid Designs

This beautiful mohawk is proof that sometimes, the teeniest braids can make a huge impact. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@nmdc_makeup/ instagram
03
Elaborate Braid Designs

This fishtail braid looks expert level, thanks to the blonde strands. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@_jazitup/ instagram
04
Elaborate Braid Designs

These criss-cross goddess braids are super regal. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@naturally_ci/ instagram
05
Elaborate Braid Designs

Now, this is how you upgrade a basic ponytail. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@voiceofhair/ instagram
06
Elaborate Braid Designs

This intricate design leaves room for her natural texture to shine through–love it! 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@loopsalon/ instagram
07
Elaborate Braid Designs

This braided style looks breathtaking from every angle. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@steph_odia/ instagram
08
Elaborate Braid Designs

This regal bun is the perfect mix of braids and twists. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@styledbytiffany3/ instagram
09
Elaborate Braid Designs

Who says you can’t have braids and beautiful curls at the same time?

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@klassykinks/ instagram
10
Elaborate Braid Designs

These purple plaits are worthy of your obsession. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@iamglamfreak/ instagram
11
Elaborate Braid Designs

This jumbo braid styled into a high ponytail is epic! And it definitely reminds us of the look sported by Beyonce at this year’s TIDAL concert. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@voiceofhair/ instagram
12
Elaborate Braid Designs

A touch of red and wavy-patterned braids take this look to the next level. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@littlemixxedmuffin/instagram
13
Elaborate Braid Designs

These side swept mini braids are stunning. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@inkedsunshine/instagram
14
Elaborate Braid Designs

Sleek goddess braids are always a good choice! 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@makeupmariaaa_/ instagram
15
Elaborate Braid Designs

This braided ponytail is the perfect hairstyle for a gal who’s always on the go. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@mlkendeck/ instagram
16
Elaborate Braid Designs

We’re getting serious mermaid vibes from these beautiful blue braids. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@tasha_worldofstyles/instagram
17
Elaborate Braid Designs

Wear your crown proudly with this genius hairstyle that combines braids and curls. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@kienyabooker/ instagram
18
Elaborate Braid Designs

These blonde braids are definitely a must if you love rose gold anything. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@ravenelyse/ instagram
19
Elaborate Braid Designs

Look close and you can see the perfect brown shade of her goddess braids. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@8thwonderhair/ instgrarm
20
Elaborate Braid Designs

Jet black braids always look fierce. 

20 Elaborate Braid Designs You'll Want To Try In 2017
@jazminenicolee/ instagram
TOPICS:  Black Hairstyles Braids