It is just the right time of year to update your style and sport bright, protective, and fashionable braids just in time to kick off fall. As part of this guide to Stunning Braid Hairstyles Fall, 2025 we have pulled together the most striking and pleasing styles of the season. Beautiful fall braids hairstyles are a mixture of the old and the new, and these styles are really attractive. These are some of the most incredible braids fall hairstyles. Whether you’re going for a natural look, experimenting with braids hairstyles fall colors, or searching for protective styles that highlight your beauty, there’s something here for every African American woman ready to embrace the new season in style.
Laid-Back Side Braid with Wavy Pony
This braid screams casual cool and yet it feels put together. It begins with a low, pulled Dutch braid that winds diagonally around the head and is hidden in a voluminous ponytail with dreamy, loose waves. It is casual, feminine, and provides significant boho vibes- without overdoing it. This one is ideal brunch in a flannel or simply a flirty night out under the fairy lights. The transition from braid to ponytail keeps things interesting, and if you’re into braids hairstyles fall colors, this warm honey-blonde tone feels totally seasonal.
To ensure that the waves remain in place without frizz, I would spray some of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and then braid. It gives you extra grip, extra volume and makes the entire style last longer, even when you are layering under a jacket throughout the day. A wide-tooth comb in your tote will help reshape the waves later, also.
Personally the thing I love about this braid is that it provides structure, but you still feel like you have your hair down and loose. It’s flattering on layered cuts and grows out beautifully. Bonus: It can be done with second-day hair and it will even look better.
If you’re looking to dip into fall hairstyles braids hair ideas that don’t scream commitment, this is your starter look. I could even add a velvet scrunchie next time to have a soft fall feel.
Classic French Braid with a Modern Finish
The classic French braid is here to stay, but it will have a bit of a glow-up this fall. This is more streamlined at the crown, is more sculpted in the plaits and it tapers down into a close finish with a minimalist tie. It’s giving “clean girl meets heritage braid.” It is one of these adorable fall hairstyles on braids that do not require any fuss but give you polish in a second.
You should pre-treat this one with a smoothing serum, namely Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil, in case you are dealing with humidity or curvy hair. I apply a boar bristle brush to maintain the top clean and bump-free and a little edge control in case flyaways occur in the middle of the day.
Personally, I turn to this braid when I want to feel grounded, like a little structure in my day (or outfit). Think ballet flats, trench coat, pumpkin spice latte- yes I am that girl in this braid.
It is one of those looks that looks marvellous with medium or long hair and that feels as at home in a gym class as it does at a dinner party. You don’t need bells and whistles—just clean, intentional styling.
Double Dutch Braids for Cozy Cool
I am addicted to the feeling of how safe and adorable these symmetrical Dutch braids are in fall. This style is sleek, styled close to the head, and parted straight down the middle and is resistant to wind, scarves, or even a beanie. It is a functional and fashionable choice, surely among my preferred protective hairstyles braids for fall that does not seem grown-up or too mature.
This style is most effective on day-two hair that has some hold. I add a little bit of Kinky-Curly Spiral Spritz to give it a little hold but not crunch. To take care of curly or coily hair, a bit of leave-in conditioner prior to braiding will ensure the strands are moisturized during the process.
What I adore is the simplicity. When I suspect it will be a long day–coffee run, errands, possibly a hayride?–I will do this style in the morning and not worry about it till bedtime. Total fall energy.
It is also very good as an overnight curl foundation when you unravel it the following day. One style, two moods. That is the type of fall braided hairstyles black women braids which can bend with your week.
Romantic Braided Crown Bun
Talk about elegance with an effortless twist. The woven crown bun is half-fairy-tale and half-practical. There is a braid going around the head and the braid is pinned into a low, clean chignon. It is quite simply one of the most inventive approaches to the fall hairstyle in braids that has remained classic. Fall weddings cozy, pretty enough to make an elevated everyday moment.
To get that polished braid definition, I prep the hair with a leave-in conditioner and a touch of mousse (try the one from Briogeo for hold that’s not sticky). In case you have hair that falls flat when you put your hair up, put a small amount of dry shampoo at the crown of your head to give it some volume.
In my case, it is the style I would resort to when I need to be raised on the spot. Imagine: dinner at a winery, or a visit by friends with a warm night in with mulled wine. It sets a mood.
In case you are not long-haired enough to accommodate the full wrap, a braided extension is perfect. Just make sure the texture and color match your base shade—especially if you’re into color hair moments for fall.
Chunky Braid with a Twist
A bold move without being excess. A single braid is thick starting high and loose with volume in the front and softness at the temples. The braid itself is chunky and tactile-as in you want to run your hands through it. It is part French curls and part traditional plaiting that makes it incredibly dimensional and perfect fall crochet braids hairstyles inspiration, even when you are using your natural hair.
This one can use some plumping up–slick it with IGK Expensive Amla Oil to add some shine and smoothness, particularly when your ends get dry as the weather gets cooler. There is added fall charm by a silk scrunchie at the base.
The best part? This can be your own look depending on the way you frame the face. A couple of curled tendrils and some daring brows, and you have got a whole moment. It is feminine, wearable and yet it still feels like it is out of your usual braid playbook.
This might also be applied over the knotless base braids to make it more sculptural. It is one of those other braids that do not seem overdone- but gets compliments.
Statement-Length Cornrow Braids with Fall Fade
This braid style is built on bold structure. Layered cornrows begin at the crown and are tight at the scalp and extend to the ombr e lengths of a lighter honey-blonde shade that creates drama instantly. It is quite an accurate look that is not only powerful but wearable as well, it fits perfectly in the whole category of fall braids hair styles that make your everyday mood higher. Added to that, the darker roots blended smoothly into soft blonde tips exude the energy of braids hairstyles fall colors.
When you do this sleek and long, you have to have your maintenance game on point. I would always suggest a light scalp oil in between the rows something like the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil. It maintains the scalp hydrated without tampering the braid design, particularly after the weather becomes dry and crisp.
To me, I have always adored this type of braid hairstyle to transition into fall. That warm-to-cold energy is ingrained in it, the darker roots to the light ends, and it makes an excellent candidate in protective hairstyles braids in fall should you want to have your hair tucked and flourishing as the air turns cooler.
What I’d tweak next time? Perhaps put hair jewelry or matte gold cuffs on the ends. It is such a blank slate- you can keep it simple, or layer the accents on based on what you are wearing and how you are feeling.
Milkmaid Crown Braid with Low Bun
This crown braid is serving major cottage-core vibes–but taken up a notch to a fresh fall brunch look, or even a more casual wedding guest style. The heavy plait rests lightly on top of the head like a halo and comes together at the nape in a traditional low bun. I think this is the most multifunctional hairstyle of braids in the fall. And honestly? Yes, easy, when you are flirting with romantic French vibes but not wearing a full costume.
This braid is all about softness and shape so a light dry texture spray will be your new best friend. I’ve used the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to keep the braid voluminous without that stiff “helmet head” feeling. Bonus: it leaves you with that fresh-from-the-salon smell that lasts in the best manner.
The thing that attracts me to this appearance is that it is rather bold, yet very subtle. It doesn’t scream for attention—but it still turns heads. In case you prefer artistic interpretations of braids to the cool trends, this one can become your fall trademark.
This is one you could completely convert to a mini boho as well- just leave the crown and allow loose waves to fall out at the bottom. It’s feminine without being precious.
Tight-to-Scalp Cornrows with Long Blonde Ends
There’s something powerful about a style that hugs the scalp with clean, geometric partings and then lets loose into waist-length plaits. This appearance exudes a sort of energy that conveys the message, I did this-but I am not trying so hard. Certainly one of the best options in the fall braided hairstyles black women braids and, frankly? A show of force to anyone that likes symmetry and contrast.
This one is enhanced by a spray of shine or light mousse as the braids age. Give the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse a go–it is good not only on curls but also on frizzy hair that needs a lift and a hold. And when those blonde ends start looking dusty? Quick rinse and re-gel, and you’re golden.
My favorite part about this style is that it works on days when I want my face to be the center of attention: those tight braids drag everything back and emphasize the bone structure in a way contour always fails to. And even in case you are already adoring fall black hairstyles braids, this one is both practical and cool in that just-right now way.
Would I wear this into fall? Absolutely. Particularly, in combination with oversized coats and heavy hoop earrings. It makes everything else you’re wearing feel more intentional.
Half-Head Side Braid with Long Loose Hair
This wispy side braid is just slipped in with long, pin straght hair- so ethereal, so easy. It is like something you would come across under fall hairstyles braids hair ideas or boho braid inspiration boards. It is half refined and half unfinished, and this makes it contemporary. That braid gives you some structure to take a simple blow out to a complete look.
Honestly, this style is low-stress. It does not cry out product, yet when I am styling it I will apply a light anti-frizz serum such as the Briogeo Farewell Frizz to maintain that sleek finish even as fall winds misbehave. It really changes the texture and hold a great deal, so don’t leave it out.
The thing I like about this braid is that it is contrasting. It is a single, textured, physical element up against that ultra smooth background. It does not shout at you, it simply exists and you cannot stop looking.
Want to upgrade it? Pull some small florals or gold pins in the braid in case of an outdoor fall event. It’s giving short boho energy even with longer hair.
Chunky Double Dutch Braids in Blonde Ombre
Can we talk about different braids for a second? This one’s an eye-catcher. These thick triple thick Dutch braids are not on the low-down-they are all about the volume. Dark to light blonde ends, this is the braid style you should want when you are over being safe. It is daring, yet it is not too outlandish as it has that clean symmetry that makes it wearable.
These types of braids do best with edge control (trust me). The Edge Booster Strong Hold Gel is the way to go should you want the roots to remain snatched and smooth even days later. It won’t flake, and it smells amazing too.
This provides me with fall crochet braids hairstyles meets festival-ready vibes. It is one of those styles that can be worn across seasons, it could be worn to a concert in the fall and then stored to be worn at Friendsgiving.
What would I say is one word of this look? Confidence. You’re walking into a room with this one. Or striding into fall in boots and oversized flannel–it is up to you.
Fairytale Dutch Braids with Ribbon Ends
This would be a braid moment made in the golden hour in a wheat field. The thick Dutch braids are secured at the crown and loosened as they go down, bound with soft blush satin ribbons which are dreamy throwbak. This style is perfect to be worn with long hair and brings out the soft-girl vibe of the season without compromising its structure. Not only is it sweet, it is nostalgic and flirty in the most fall-like manner. This is one of the cutest fall hairstyles that I have come across this year to braid.
This one benefits from a strong foundation—start with volumizing mousse at the roots (I like Amika’s Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse) to get the lift and fullness needed for those thick plaits. And don’t skip the ribbon! A simple color switch can alter the mood, burgundy to feel cozy at dinner and velvet black to get in the spooky season mood.
When I put this on, I really feel like I am the protagonist of my own rural novel. It’s simple, yes, but it’s never boring. Put on some lip tint and a small touch of makeup and you can romanticize your walk to the coffee shop.
It’s also a subtle nod to French braid technique with just enough variation to keep it modern. Certainly one of the more popular of the softer fall hairstyles braids hair ideas this fall.
Side Swept Loose Braid with Dimensional Waves
This loose, side-swept plait allows your hair to do all the talking, soft waves, subtle highlights and a lived in texture that is both casual and curated. It is swept back beginning close to the temple and plaited in a chunky fashion that curls softly to one shoulder. It is easy in the most perfect sense and when you want something quite pretty but not too finished. It is a braid that is ideal on lazy Sundays and comfy jumpers.
I prefer to curl with a 1.25-inch barrel curling wand prior to braiding, this adds some movement without things getting too rigid. Next I add moisture and shine with a few drops of Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil, which is really useful when the fall air begins to dry things out.
To me, this is the braid that I will use when I want to appear like I did not even make an effort, but still, I am completely in control. It is one of those medium effort styles that are just in the middle in the sense of done-up or undone.
This is the hairstyle I would begin with if you are just getting into boho style or you are experimenting on how to braid layers. Bonus: it looks gorgeous with textured cardigans and earthy colors.
Half-Up Crown Braid for Soft Texture
This crown-like braid, situated at an optimal position over free waves, is all that one can describe as an autumn goddess on a coffee run. It is understated and soft yet provides a little lift around the face to serve as a natural frame. It is ideal during in-between wash or when you want to wear something that is out of the way of your eyes and not lose that flowy effect. I would definitely say that this is a low maintenance version of a boho crown braid.
I find that this style works best with some dry shampoo at the roots for volume—Kristin Ess’s Dry Finish Working Texture Spray is a winner here. It provides a hold to the braid without making the entire style matte. A featherweight wave spray can be used to revive ends when your curls have flattened the previous day.
I wear this braid when I am in a relaxed mood sweater, leggings, possibly running errands or writing in a warm cafe. It has that easy, laid back beat that declares, I am welcoming fall, but does not scream it.
It’s also an easy transition look if you plan to go from desk to dinner. One twist, one braid, and boom-there it is that creative, hidden-away feel that is still you.
Feed-In Blonde and Brown Knotless Braids
Lastly, a real fall braids hairstyles for black women moment that is protective, long-lasting and more than stylish. These knotless feed-in braids mix golden and dark brown colors in side-parted, scalp-tight pattern that not only stands out in contrast but provides you with days worth of texture. It’s sleek, edgy, and unbelievably versatile. When you decide to style a braided protective style this season, this is going to be it.
These are easier to keep healthy and need a strong hydration game- don’t scrimp on your scalp oil. I use the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil every 2-3 days to maintain the scalp fresh. And never go to bed without a silk scarf or bonnet to keep down the frizz and save the moisture.
This look speaks for itself. When I need something that can last me throughout the entire season, that can protect my strands and make people turn heads? This is it. You could do buns, ponytails or wear down like this- it is the type of protective hairstyles braids for fall that needs no explanation.
The multi-tonal strands are also so on trend to braids hairstyles fall colors-and you do not even need to dye your hair. Total win.
Chic Rustic Braids with a Fall Twist
In case you have oversized sweaters, boots, and a golden-hour hike with crunchy leaves in your fall uniform, this is your braid. The old-time middle parted two-braid, with a little bit of teasing of the strands to give it texture and body. It’s giving structured simplicity, which is always in style. The natural gradient of the soft coloring in the braid tilts just right into fall black hairstyles braids, yes, even on lighter hair tones.
If your ends feel brittle by mid-fall (thanks, indoor heat), rub in a bit of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil before you braid. It keeps the tails looking fresh and full. All you need to do is apply a little bit of hairspray to set things in place- don t overapply.
I pull this style out when I want to feel grounded, such as when I am at a pumpkin patch or visiting with friends on a weekend at a cabin. It feels familiar, but somehow still elevated.
This is easily changed to a short boho variant via clip-ins or extensions, to add more bounce and depth, particularly when you are experimenting with textures. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to do this one.
Loose Side Braid with Autumn Auburn Shine
This braid style is soft, voluminous, and totally romantic. The deep auburn color all but cries out to be accompanied by a cable-knit sweater and a pumpkin chai latte. The deep side braid begins with a broad French plait over the crown which is tucked into a looser classic braid lying close by the collarbone. It’s an easy go-to under braids hairstyles fall colors if you’re playing with seasonal hair tones.
I would spritz a light-hold hairspray, such as R+Co Bleu Featherlight Finishing Spray to keep this braid looking clean and soft throughout the day. It won’t make it crunchy and it provides a little grip to those wispy pieces you do not want dropping out too soon.
Actually, I have worn this to snuggly bookstore afternoons, and laid back coffee dates, and it has never disappointed. It has that sort of effortless I just threw this together feel that reads considered.
You could also base a boho wedding or a fall photo shoot on this with a tuck-in of mini florals or a velvet ribbon tie in place of a standard elastic.
Classic Knotless Braids with Center Part
This one’s a staple for a reason. Clean portions, gorgeous smooth knotless braids, a center part that balances the entire appearance. It is the type of braid style that can be used literally everywhere: school, work, nights out and it can easily be placed in fall braids hairstyles black women category, particularly when you need something lasting and multi-purposeful.
For maintenance, I like to lightly oil the scalp with Camille Rose’s Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum—it keeps everything soothed under tension without making it greasy. Bonus tip? At night put a satin scarf around your hair to keep the braids neat longer.
I adore this style as it is elegant and not demanding at the same time. A pair of hoop earrings and a deep plum lip and I am instantly styled.
It is one of those protective hairstyles braids to wear in fall, which is ideal when you wish to take a break on your hair but still feel presentable during the season.
Double Braids with a Cozy Classroom Vibe
You can never go wrong with a couple of thick, rooted braids to get that back-to-school vibe. These vintage two plaits are left to drop down with a touch of a tousled end– ideal on a casual day in a library or a study cafe break. Fall hairstyles on braids seem to have had a gentle, wearable reincarnation.
This look thrives on texture. I enjoy the OUAI Wave Spray pre-braid to add a little bit of natural body and a lived-in feel. Air dry it and skip the heat- easier to braid and helps to hold the shape.
This makes me feel like I am in the best way possible a main character walking through crunchy leaves. I have had an iteration of this to go apple picking and for a Saturday out and about, and it never gets stale.
In case you would like to refresh it a little bit, simply loosen up a few strands around the ears or zigzag part it up to something a bit more playful and creative.
Half Braided Crown with Soft Curls
It is that just right fall sweet spot of difficulty and comfort. Two small French braids are taken out of each temple and join at the middle of the head and the rest of the hair is left down in soft natural curls. It is discreet, flirty, and quite frankly, one of my favorites as far as cute fall hairstyles are concerned when it comes to braids.
The best preparation of this style is to take a curling wand to the bottom half of your hair and brush it to give a soft texture. I apply the T3 SinglePass Curling Wand to get that barely-there bend and a heat protectant such as the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer.
What I actually like here is that it is so wearable. This would work at a fall birthday dinner, a casual office Friday, and you would feel completely seasonal.
Add additional fall appeal to one braid by weaving a small velvet ribbon or tucking a gold leaf clip inside. Little touches can elevate the whole vibe.
Wrapped Crown Braid with Voluminous Low Bun
We are into crown braid again but this one is just a step further. The braid is thick and high and wrapped like a halo into a smooth full bun. It is refined, it is sophisticated and it can easily be mistaken as a fall bridal/event style. Certainly, this one goes to the list of fall hairstyles braids hair ideas that deliver glam vibes.
This one’s all about control and finish. Before you style, you will need a pre-style smoothing serum, I pre-style with Moroccanoil Treatment Light on clean, dry hair then braid. It provides that glowing radiance and tames flyaways.
What I admire about this braid is the versatility. It is applicable to medium to long hair and can be done tighter when required to be dressy or a bit looser when going about the daily fall wear.
Thinking of switching it up? Swap the bun with the French curls boho ends to get a half-and-half romantic yet cool appearance.
Side Accent Braid with Wavy Ombre Ends
This braid is for the romantics. There is a side braid that is laid slightly above the temple and sweeps back into loose waves which is blended with beautiful caramel-toned color hair. The grown-up effect comes by the soft curve at the ends, it is soft and feminine and perfect in sweater weather.
I’d curl the ends with a 1.25″ barrel and brush them out with a boar bristle brush for that soft wave pattern. And when you want hold that is not stiff, you need the Kristin Ess Soft Shine Spray which gives you movement but with the right amount of hold.
This style is the ultimate in day-to-date-night flexibility. It can be taken to the next level with one small flower pin or hair clip in autumn tones. The best part? It still feels undone in the most thoughtful way.
I think it will end up being one of those other styles that people imitate since it is easy, yet fashionable. A little goes a long way.
Structured Crown Braid with Face-Framing Waves
This braid gives major regal fall energy. A heavily plaited braid goes round one side of the face and behind the ears to the other, and is placed over lightly curved, face-curving tendrils. It is classic yet not formal, and it is just perfect to wear to a fall wedding in cold weather, or a more formal event. Totally saving this as fall braided hairstyles black women braids with adaptations or medium lengths.
The key to this style is control. To maintain the appearance without making it too slicked back, I would suggest Kenra Volume Spray 25- it has some hold and still allows some movement, not to mention it smells pretty damn good.
On my side, I like the way the braid is strong compared to the softness of the face. It’s that little balance that makes it feel modern.
Thinking about trying this? Do it in a bright lip and a chunky knit turtleneck. The entire appearance will automatically be upgraded- and extremely fall 2025.
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