The Curly Braid Hair Styles Going Viral on TikTok

In the ever-evolving world of hair trends, braided styles with curls have taken TikTok by storm. These versatile looks combine the structure of braids with the romantic flow of curls, creating styles that work for everything from casual outings to formal events. Here are five stunning curly braid styles that content creators can't stop sharing—and followers can't stop saving to their inspiration boards.

5. Half-Up Crown Braid with Soft Waves

This elegant half-up style features a crown braid that wraps around the head while leaving soft, bouncy waves flowing down the back. The braided portion creates a natural "crown" effect that frames the face beautifully. TikTok beauty gurus have shared countless tutorials for achieving the perfect tension in the braid while maintaining volume in the crown—a technique that has been dubbed "pancaking" in the platform's beauty vocabulary.

4. Cornrow-Inspired Multiple Braids

This striking style features multiple braids that start at the scalp, similar to cornrows, before transitioning into defined three-strand braids. The contrast between the tight braiding near the scalp and the looser curls at the ends creates beautiful texture and dimension. TikTok has seen endless creative variations of this protective style, with creators adding accessories like beads, wraps, or colorful extensions to personalize the look.

3. Side Dutch Braid with Natural Curls

For a more everyday wearable option, this side Dutch braid seamlessly integrates with natural curls. The braid begins at the crown and gradually incorporates more hair as it travels down the side, creating a polished yet relaxed look. TikTok creators have popularized this style for its versatility—it works beautifully for various hair textures and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Why These Styles Are Trending

What makes these braided curly styles particularly successful on TikTok is their photogenic quality combined with practical wearability. Unlike some high-fashion runway styles, these looks can be achieved at home with practice, making them perfect content for tutorial creators.

The hashtags #BraidedCurls and #CurlyBraidTutorial have amassed billions of views collectively, with users sharing their attempts, modifications, and tips for making these styles work for different hair types and lengths.

Tips for Achieving These Viral Styles

TikTok creators consistently recommend these steps for successful braided curly styles:

1. Prep your hair properly: Most viral tutorials start with second-day hair or texturizing spray for better grip

2. Use the right tools: Sectioning clips, small clear elastics, and texture-specific products are must-haves

3. Practice your braiding technique: Many creators recommend practicing basic braids before attempting more complex styles

4. Set your style: Light-hold hairspray applied throughout the process helps maintain the look

5. Embrace imperfection: The slightly undone, "lived-in" quality of these styles is part of their charm

Whether you're looking for wedding hair inspiration or simply want to elevate your everyday look, these TikTok-viral braided curly styles offer something for everyone. The best part? The more you practice, the more you can customize these techniques to create your own signature style that might just become the next viral sensation.

Which of these trending styles will you try first? Tag us in your attempts!

2. Braided Pull-Through with Dimensional Blonde Highlights

This showstopping style combines multiple braiding techniques with a pull-through braid cascading down the back. What makes this look particularly popular on TikTok is how it showcases dimensional hair color—the braiding pattern creates a perfect canvas to highlight blonde balayage or highlights. Hair artists note that this style, while looking complex, can be broken down into manageable steps that many tutorials now demonstrate.

1. Half-Up Braided Crown with Cascading Curls

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This romantic half-up style features intricate braiding along the crown of the head, with a statement blush-pink satin bow as the focal point. The braided section creates texture and dimension while the cascading curls add movement and volume. Perfect for special occasions like weddings or proms, this style has become a favorite among TikTok beauty influencers for its fairy-tale quality and surprisingly manageable upkeep throughout an event.