Braids are beautiful, but sometimes you need a break! As much as we love intricate braiding patterns, that tight tension on your edges and hours sitting in the styling chair can get old real quick.
But going braid-free doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are so many cute and easy no-braid hairstyles that are perfect when you need to give your hair and scalp a rest.
No braid hairstyles can be as easy or as detailed as you want, and they work with any hair type. All you need is a decent hair length to work with!
Twists, loops, and criss-crossed hairstyles can all turn your hair into a stunning optical illusion that makes it appear as if it’s braided.
Fashionable Non-Braided Hairstyles
You don’t need a braid to be gorgeous! Explore ponytails, buns, twists, and updos that do not require braiding.
1. Twisted Low Ponytail
If you have some time to spend on styling, try this low braidless ponytail featuring plenty of twists. It’s best for hair that is at least medium length so it looks its most voluminous.
2. Wavy Hair with a Claw Clip
Take one small section of hair from either side of your face, and gather it together in a ponytail in the back.
Twist and flip the ponytail before securing it with a hair claw. Fill the bottom half of your hair with large spirals or loose waves.
3. Looped Pigtails
Looped no-braid pigtails offer an alternative to braided hairstyles.
To create this hairstyle, divide your hair into two equal sections and tie each one at the crown. Then shape each tail into a series of large loose loops, securing them with small ties and leaving the ends straight below the lowest tie. The repeated loops give the two tails more volume and detail than simple loose pigtails.
You can adjust the fullness of the loops for a looser or tighter look. Accessorize your pigtails with headbands, clips, or flowers.
4. Loop Ponytail
This looped no braid ponytail for straight hair is basically a flatter version of a bubble ponytail. Make several ponytails down the back, leaving some hair loose to criss cross and wind through.
5. Angled Pull-Through Side Ponytail
If you know how to do a pull-through ponytail, you can make this angled hairstyle to dress up your medium-length or long hair. For fancy occasions, tuck in some flowers to make it romantic.
6. High Wrapped Ponytail
If you have extra long hair or want to rock extensions one evening, secure your hair up high in a slicked-back peppy ponytail. Wrap one strand of hair around the base to disguise a hair tie.
7. Low Bun with Wide Twists
A mid-height twisted bun is the elegant no-braid hairstyle you need to try next. Simply make a ponytail slightly above your neckline.
Twist and loop small sections of hair in opposite directions and pin them in place with bobby pins.
8. Straight Criss-Cross Updo
Style up your typical hairstyle by turning a plain half ponytail into this intricate beauty.
Make two sections straight down the back, then take small sections of hair on either side and criss cross them through down to the neckline.
9. Small Knots on a Long Ponytail
A soft, low ponytail is the hairstyle you need to add to your life. Instead of braiding, the hair is loosely knotted at small intervals. Secure it an inch or two above the end and you’re done!
10. Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
If you can make a bubble ponytail, you’ll easily be able to do this no-braid half updo.
Turn two small sections at the side of your head into a bubble ponytail secured with neutral hair ties. Leave the rest of your hair down straight or filled with waves.
11. Rope-Twist Low Bun
For your special day, choose a jumbo low bun with plenty of twists to make you feel like an elegant queen. Tease the crown for a little volume and don’t forget to tuck in a pearled or rhinestone barrette.
12. Twisted Half-Up Ponytail with Waves
To enhance the shape of the two twisted strands on this braidless half updo, tease the hair for volume. Use a pretty ribbon to tie the strands together and fill the bottom half of the hair with soft waves.
13. Inverted Half-Up Ponytail
As long as your hair is shoulder length, you can make this simple yet stylish half updo. Simply make a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Flip it inside out for an easy refreshing update to the classic look.
14. Loose Knotted Ponytail with Wide Loops
Feel like a mermaid for a day with a low-knotted hairstyle. With the top half of your hair, make a loose ponytail halfway down your hair.
Then take small sections of hair underneath and twist them together over the top to make ‘knots.’
