Front Braid Hairstyles: 28 Side, Crown and Updo Ideas

Front braid hairstyles can be as simple as one slim side plait or as detailed as a woven crown. These 28 looks compare neat cornrows, soft half-up braids, ponytails and dressier front details, so you can choose the finish that suits your hair.

Waterfall Side Braid

A waterfall braid runs across one side while slim sections fall through onto the straight lengths. It frames the upper hair without covering the long hair underneath.

Style note: Let the dropped strands hang separately so the waterfall pattern stays visible.

Curved Front Cornrows

Curved cornrows follow the hairline and lead into long, straight lengths. The sharply defined front sections add structure while the rest of the hair stays loose.

Slim Side Braid

A small braid near the front sweeps the hair away from one temple while the rest falls into curled lengths. It works when you want detail without a full braided crown.

Twin Front Braids

Two raised braids sit on either side of a neat middle part, with soft curls left around the shoulders. Matching braid widths keep the front looking balanced.

Ask your stylist: Mark the centre part before braiding if you want both sides to appear even.

Half-Up Braid Variations

This comparison shows narrow plaits, thicker side braids and several layered half-up patterns on similar long hair. Choose a finer braid for subtle detail or a fuller weave for a stronger outline.

Wide Side Crown Braid

A broad braid curves from the front towards the back and sits above the loose lengths. The volume near the crown balances the softly curled ends.

Double Side Crown Braids

Layered braids sweep along the side before meeting near a sparkling clip at the back. Keeping the lower hair smooth allows the braid pattern and accessory to stand apart.

Good to know: A small clip at the meeting point can serve as a visible finishing detail.

Beaded Bridal Hair Rolls

Raised, smooth front sections form a sculpted shape with red and white bead sprays along the side. This is a rolled bridal alternative rather than a clearly visible front plait.

Bow-Tied Half-Up Braid

A side braid meets at the back beneath a pale blue bow, while long curls are left down. The accessory makes the joining point look intentional without hiding the braid.

Braided High Ponytail

Raised braids gather towards a high ponytail, giving the front a defined pattern and the back a clean fall. This is a useful contrast if you prefer straight lengths to curled ends.

Pro tip: Keep the ponytail base neat so the front braids remain the main detail.

Pull-Through Front Braid

The step-by-step image shows small tied sections pulled through each other to make a rounded front pattern. It gives a braid-like finish without the same crossing pattern as a standard plait.

Jeweled Front Hair Sweep

Smooth, lifted front sections sit beside a fine pearl strand and a forehead ornament. The soft sweep offers a dressier alternative when a visible front braid is not essential.

Braided Half-Up Rosette

A woven braid gathers into a small rosette-style detail high at the back, leaving long waves below. That separation lets the intricate upper section stand out from the softer lengths.

Style note: A back-view reference helps show where the woven detail sits above the waves.

Twin Braids to Ponytail

Two front braids run back on either side of a part and join a high ponytail. The straight tail keeps the finish streamlined while the raised front sections add texture.

Side-Braided Ponytail

A chunky braid follows one front side and feeds into a high ponytail. Leaving the opposite side smoother makes the braid easier to notice in profile.

Mini Top Braid

A short, raised braid sits at the centre of the front section, with the surrounding hair softly curled. The small plait draws the eye upward without taking over the whole style.

Centre Braid With Twists

A narrow braid runs back from the front, while smooth sections curve away on either side. This combination gives a tidy hairline and a more sculpted finish than loose front pieces.

Paired Mini Cornrows

Two slim cornrows sit close to the middle part while the remaining hair hangs straight. The narrow braids offer a small change at the hairline without adding bulk.

Pro tip: Keep the part lines clear if you want the paired braid pattern to stand out.

Braided Half-Up Curls

A front braid sweeps into the half-up section, leaving full curls through the lower lengths. It makes a defined top section without pulling all the hair away from the face.

Fine Side Cornrows

Fine braids trace one side of the hairline while smooth lengths remain loose. The subtle pattern pairs well with a simple centre or off-centre part.

Floral Waterfall Braid

A braid crosses the upper back of the head, releasing narrow strands into the loose hair below. A small pink floral clip softens the line above the curled ends.

Color pairing: Choose a clip that contrasts gently with the hair so the accessory does not hide the braid.

Radiating Front Cornrows

Several cornrows fan back from the forehead in a symmetrical pattern. Their changing direction adds graphic detail at the front while the lengths stay sleek.

Curved Side Cornrows

Close-set braids arc around the side of the hairline above a smooth straight finish. The curved parting lines make this variation different from straight-back cornrows.

Asymmetric Side Front Braid

One small braid follows a side part above loose, side-swept curls. The contrast between a neat braided strip and full waves keeps the look light on one side.

Loose Side Crown Plait

A fuller plait curves over the side and blends into a half-up finish. Slightly loose sections create a softer edge than tightly worked scalp braids.

Ask your stylist: Keep a little softness near the temple if you prefer less of a pulled-back outline.

Braided Crown With Ringlets

Two braided sections frame the upper back of the head, with springy ringlets falling beneath. This half-up style separates the braid work from the more voluminous curled ends.

Side Braid and Ponytail

A narrow braid crosses the upper side and joins a lifted ponytail section. The clean parting underneath keeps the front braid clear against the straight hair.

Braided Half-Up Waves

A substantial braid curves across the upper side and meets the half-up section towards the back. Loose waves below soften the otherwise structured top.

Style note: Keep the join tucked beneath the upper hair if you want a continuous braid effect.