Top 52 Waterfall Braid Hairstyles with Pictures

Waterfall Braid is just another synonym for versatile hairstyle. Be it blonde or brunette, long, medium or even bob, straight, wavy or curly, this hairstyle is everyone’s cup of tea. It can be worn for a casual party or even a formal meeting.

You name it and there are so many variants of Waterfall Braids to suit all occasions. So, grab your brushes and bobby pins and let us begin the magic.

This cascading waterfall braid can sweep anyone off their feet and make you the center of attraction. Though it has a complex look, it is pretty simple to get this style, if you know the knick-knacks and have some patience to understand what suits you the best.

How to do a Waterfall Braid

Curls and braids are a killer combination. Learn how to make the simple waterfall braid with curls with these easy steps. Let us understand how to braid hair with curls.

Step 1: Brush

Brush your hair and make sure it is free of knots and tangles.

Step 2: Divide

Make a side partition and take a small section of hair from the front, from the partition till where your eyebrows almost end. Divide this section into 3, just like a regular braid.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Take the front strand and put it over the center one. Now complete one sequence of the normal 3-strand braid.

Step 4: The Cascade Effect

After one sequence is complete, begin adding hair from the back-most strand and drop the front-most strand. Cross over the back strand on the center strand as you braid. Let the front piece drop, unlike a regular braid. This is the first cascade.

Step 5: Incorporate New Strands

After dropping the front strand, take another strand from near the roots of the front strand and cross it over the center strand.

This is similar to the French Braid technique. Then, when you reach the back strand, add more strands from the back, which will make the back-most strand thicker. Once again drop the front strand and use a new one in its place.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat this braiding process till you reach behind your ears and secure the hair using bobby pins. Follow the same steps for the other side of the partition and secure it too. Finally curl the ends of your hair, if you have naturally straight hair.

Now that you know the basic waterfall braid, check out these 52 Waterfall Braid Hairstyles with Curls which are currently in vogue.

Top 52 Waterfall Braid Hairstyles

The top 52 Waterfall braid hairstyles can be classified into 5 categories as below:

Simple Braids
Doubles
Buns and Updos
Sophisticated Braids
Colorful Styles

Simple Braids

These styles are very simple to make and take a maximum of 10 minutes to create.

1. Classic Simple Waterfall Braid

This is one such style that will never go out of fashion. It takes 5-10 minutes but can last all day long. If you are looking for a simple yet classy braid, then this one is for you.

2. Loop Waterfall Braid

This is a delicate-looking hairstyle. Instead of braiding the strands tightly, leave them in loops to create an illusion of a looped braid. You can increase the oomph factor of this look by curling your hair from the neck onwards. Loose waves will look effortless and chic.

3. Ponytail Waterfall Braid

A waterfall braid is a simple and cute way to spice up the old and boring ponytail. Just make a waterfall braid from the front of your head to your neck and secure the end with an elastic band.

Now make a ponytail with the rest of your hair. Then, wrap this waterfall braid end over the ponytail to create a cute look.

Another style is to make a normal ponytail and then waterfall braid diagonally using only the top layer of the pony. This one looks good on small girls, especially for birthday parties.

4. Curly Waterfall Braid

Be it tight ringlets or loose waves, curly hair always steals the show. Curl your hair first and then make a waterfall braid around your head from ear to ear. This will give the appearance of a tiara on your head. Use accessories like flowers and jewels to enhance the look.

5. Boho Waterfall Braid

Want a chic and girlish braid, then this Boho style is the perfect one for you. In Boho waterfall braid, instead of braiding the strands, twist them around in the waterfall pattern. Enhance the look by creating some loose curls.

6. Side-swept Waterfall Braid

To all women with long and thick hair, this hairstyle is your savior. Make a side partition and begin waterfall braiding in a slanting manner. Let the braid descend towards your neck. Bring the small braid to the nape of your neck and then secure it with bobby pins.

You can either leave the rest of the hair in curls or pull them into a pony. Making a fishtail braid is a good idea if you want a hassle-free look.

7. Waterfall headband

Here is the perfect hairstyle for all the school-going girls. This one keeps the hair out of your face and is also stylish. Make a waterfall braid from ear to ear and secure them.

This will give an illusion of a headband. Pull the rest of your hair into a high pony and get ready to become the diva of high school.

8. Strand Waterfall Braid

This braid style combines some weaving styles and the braid, as the name suggests uses 5 strands instead of the conventional 3 strands. The first step is to divide a small portion of your hair from the front into 5 strands. Place the first strand under the second one and over the third one.

Just like weaving! Next, place the fifth one under the fourth one and bring it under the third one to complete one sequence. While beginning the next sequence, use a new strand of hair for the first one and drop the previous one to create the cascading effect.

Finally, secure the end using bobby pins. This hairstyle looks best with evening gowns and floral summer wear.

9. Waterfall Braid with Plait

If you want a style that will keep your hair tamed for the entire day, then make a waterfall that cascades the nape of your neck and secure it using an elastic band.

Then make a simple three-strand braid with the rest of your hair and secure it too. This is a simple yet effective hairstyle that lasts all day long.

10. Two-Sided Waterfall Braid

Instead of making a side partition, make a middle partition. Then make similar waterfall braids on either side of your head. Bring them to the back center of your head and secure them using a fancy clip or bobby pins. Pull the rest of your hair into a low ponytail or curl them into ringlets.

11. Side Waterfall Braid

This is the best style for parties and picnics. Begin waterfall braiding your hair by making a side partition. Make it just on one side and braid it till the end. Secure it with an elastic band and leave the other side free. Curl your hair to get a Boho look.

12. Side Waterfall Braid with Long Plaits

The first step is to take a side partition and begin waterfall braiding in a diagonal manner. Instead of using bobby pins, make a long plait using the strands of waterfall braid. Secure it at the end. This style looks classy and elegant. It suits straight hair as well as curly ones.

13. Waterfall Braid on Bob

You may think your bob is boring when it comes to trying out new styles, but the truth is different. Bobs are more versatile than you ever imagined. Waterfall braid your bob and secure the ends using pins. This takes less time than longer hair and looks cool.

Doubles

These are the hairstyles that require two waterfall braids. They take about half an hour or less to make.

14. Double Waterfall Braid

Double the fun by making two waterfall braids, one at the crown of your head and another one below it. You may either incorporate the flowing strands of the first braid or make a new braid. This style looks best with loose waves.

15. Double Waterfall Half Updo

Make a double waterfall braid as mentioned in the previous style. Finally, instead of securing them with bobby pins, plait them together. This will give the effect of an updo. You can also roll the plaits and make a half-bun.

16. Triple French Double Waterfall Braid

Don’t let the lengthy name trick you into thinking this is a difficult style. All you have to do is start waterfall braiding from the center of your crown, without making any partitions. The strands mentioned as front and back ones in the step-by-step guidelines must be left on the sides.

After the waterfall braid reaches the center of your head, secure it. Now French braid the hair left on the sides and bring it to the center of your head. Bring all the hair together at the center of your hair and make a bun – The triple french braid double waterfall is ready for you!

This hairstyle is best for traveling when you don’t want any stray hairs flying. If you have a long and busy day ahead, this hairstyle is the best option as you have one less thing to worry about.

17. Double Waterfall Braid High Bun

This is a hairstyle that looks cute and fragile but requires patience and braiding skills. First, make a waterfall braid at the front and then incorporate the waterfall strands from the first to make a second waterfall.

Once these braids reach the center of your head, bring the rest of your hair in a high ponytail. Use some hairspray to hold it all in place. Finally, make a top bun and secure it. This style is great for casual parties.

18. Two Row Braided Crown

Make a waterfall braid at the crown of your head and secure it. Make another one right below the first one to create the double crown look. Making a side braid with the rest of your hair will keep it in place for the entire day.

Buns and Updos

These are the best styles for travel. They look chic and are extremely comfortable.

19. Waterfall Braid French Updo

This is a hairstyle that looks complex but pretty simple. All you need to do is create a side partition and make the waterfall braid, as mentioned above, to your neck. Then on the other side of your head, make a fishtail braid till the neck.

Hold these at the side of your head and roll them to give it the French updo look. Finally, use hairspray to hold it all in place.

20. Waterfall Braid Messy Bun

Who does not love messy buns? They look so chic and are easy look to pull. Begin waterfall braiding down the crown to the center of your head. Once reached, pull your hair into a high pony and roll it into a messy bun.

21. Formal Waterfall Updo

If you are looking for a nice hairstyle for your wedding which goes well with your gown, veil and tiara, then the formal waterfall updo is a must-try. Make a waterfall braid with a side partition and pull the rest of your hair in a tight, formal bun. This will give you an elegant look.

22. Long Half Updo

If you have long hair and are looking for a polished look with a fine balance of formal and fun, then half updos are a good choice. Make a waterfall braid from the front to the center of your head.

When it reaches the center, secure the braids using an elastic band to create an updo. Curl the rest of your hair in beach waves for the fun factor.

23. Dutch Waterfall Braid Updo

First, create a small pouf at the crown and then make a waterfall braid around it. Then, make another waterfall braid from the front of the forehead to the back of your crown. This style gives you a lot of volume and texture. Finally, make loose waves to complete the look.

24. Waterfall Braid with Side Bun

Make a side partition and waterfall braid to the nape of your neck. Pull the hair into a low-side pony. Roll the hair into a neat bun at the side to have a mess-free day.

Sophisticated Braids

These waterfall braid styles are suitable for events like weddings and parties. They take about 45 minutes to complete, depending on hair length and type.

25. Zigzag Double Waterfall Braid

This cascading and delicate piece of work requires a lot of skill and practice and can take a while to master. The waterfall begins from the top of your ear and cascades in a S shape till the end of your hair. No tips will be visible in this style.

26. Ladder Waterfall Braid

This style requires two waterfall braids next to each other. Create the illusion of a ladder by making the steps prominent. Use the dropped-down cascade of the first braid as the steps of the ladder.

27. Angular Three Waterfall Braids

If you love experimenting with new styles, then you will definitely love this one. It requires you to make a waterfall braid from the front of your head, without making a partition.

Use the dropped-down strands and create two waterfall braids on either side of your head. Bring them all together to the center of your head and join all three braids to make a single one.

28. Fishtail Waterfall Braid with Long Curls

Fishtail is a style that looks sophisticated but is pretty simple. Make a waterfall braid using two strands, just like you do for a fishtail braid. Braid them to the back of your ears and secure them with bobby pins. Finally, make long and tight curls to rock an evening party.

29. Waterfall Braid with Mini Plaits

For this hairstyle, make three small braids using the first three strands and use them for the waterfall braid. You need to make new plaits as you drop the first one and add a new one. This can be a tedious process but the outcome is worth the effort.

30. Waterfall Braid Curls with Embellishments

Embellishments like flowers, jewel stones and fancy clips can increase the game of any look. Increase the grandeur of a simple waterfall braid by adding a few embellishments like pearls on pins at each sequence. Small plastic roses and other embellishments can also be used.

31. Half up Waterfall Braid with Fishtail

Make a middle partition and make two braids from both sides of your head. Use two strands to make a waterfall braid in a fishtail style. Braid them to the center and join them together in a single long fishtail braid. Finally, curl the lower half of your hair to increase the beauty quotient.

32. Waterfall Braid and Crown Bun

This is a super cute hairstyle as it has both a waterfall crown and a top bun. First part your hair in the middle and make a waterfall braid at the crown of your head.

Then make a plait with it once it is done and roll it into a small bun. This looks extremely cute when the rest of your hair has small and bouncy curls.

33. Jeweled Waterfall Braid

Create a rich look for a wedding by adding some precious stone clips and jewels to your waterfall braid. Braid the rest of your hair and use jewels on every step to get a royal look.

34. Jeweled Crown

Make your waterfall crown resemble a royal crown by simply pinning some jewels here and there on it. This style consumes not much time and is a nice option for functions and special events.

35. Two-strand Crown

Instead of making a crown waterfall with 3 strands, use just two strands to create a simple look. Tight and small ringlets will enhance the look as it increases the volume and dimensions.

36. Half-up Pancake Braid

Mixing two different hairstyles is the easiest way to increase the texture of your hair. Make a waterfall braid from either side of your head. When these two braids meet in the middle, add a pancake braid. This style looks better with beach waves.

37. Waterfall Braid with Floral Style

Make a normal waterfall braid with a side partition. Then use the dropped-down strands to create a floral design. This requires skill and practice to get the perfect flower using strands of hair. You may also roll the strands one by one to create a spiral look.

38. Waterfall Braid with Bangs

Bangs have always been in fashion. Be it blunt bangs or side-swept, they give you a unique look. Even a simple waterfall braid looks sophisticated when the woman has cool bangs.

Colorful Styles

Waterfall braids that suit different hair colors are explained below. Hair colors reach a new dimension when the waterfall braided.

39. Silver Waterfall Braid

Winter is on and so are cold colors. If you want to show off your balayage of Silver and Grey dye, then nothing can beat a nice waterfall braid that brings out the contrasts in the colors. Curl your hair to create the illusion of a waterfall.

40. Sunset Hued Waterfall Braid

Waterfall and Sunsets are a killer combination. If you have different hues of sunset in your long mane, then pick a nice waterfall braid to showcase all the beautiful colors in a single view.

41. Black and Blonde Curly Waterfall Braid

Having brunette hair with blonde highlights is a great way to become a show-stealer. A 5 strand waterfall braid will ensure good texture while having curls at the end will enhance the look.

42. Beachy Blonde Style

Beach waves and blonde hair go hand in hand. Add a nice touch by making a crown waterfall braid. For a simple outing, some floral embellishments will look great.

43. Purple Updo

This is a hair color for fun-loving women. It may be difficult to find a style that compliments this bold hair color. The waterfall braid is one of the styles that adds an edge to this hair color. Purple hair looks great not only straight but also in tight curls.

44. Multi Colored Half Updo

If you love experimenting with new colors and don’t want to appear as if you are trying too much, mix cold shades like platinum or pastel shades and fiery shades in an ombre.

Then make a simple Two-Sided waterfall braid and braid the lower half of your hair. This style will bring out both colors in a nice way.

45. Cinnamon Hair

Cinnamon is not just a baker’s favorite, but also a stylist’s. This hue looks simple and elegant. You can add texture to this hair color by opting for a fishtail waterfall braid.

46. Loose Braid For Blonde Curls

For women with thick hair and blonde curls, the precise waterfall braid may seem like too much work. They can opt for twisted crown waterfall braiding which is comparatively simple and easy to manage. The loose curls at the end give an elegant look.

47. Dipped Tips

Women with light hair color and who want to spice the game can temporarily dye the tips of their hair with popping colors like red or fire orange. Waterfall braiding with a side partition and then French braiding the rest of the hair leaving only the tips free will be a head-turner.

48. Chocolaty Curls with Waterfall Braid

If you have chocolate-colored hair, then you must surely give the waterfall braid a try. This hairstyle gives a royal look. Use embellishments to make your mane look even more magnificent.

49. Waterfall Braid with Rainbow Hair

Rainbow-colored hair is rocking the runways and is everyone’s favorite. Managing rainbow hair can be a problem as you need to pick the best style. The handy option is a waterfall braid with a pony. Double crown braids with each crown in a different color will give you an angelic look.

50. Blue and Platinum Waterfall Braid

Having two shades of completely opposite hues can be a challenge. Blue hair with Platinum ombre is such a combo. Bring out the best of two worlds by waterfall braiding the blue part and curling the platinum half.

51. Brunette with Caramel Streaks

Brunettes can have fun too just by getting some caramel highlights at the right places. Use the caramel streaks to make a waterfall braid so that they are highlighted and make beach waves with the rest of your hair. This is an effortless way to flaunt your gorgeous hair.

52. Thick Wavy Balayage Hair with Waterfall Curls

Having thick hair and a small face may give an off-putting look. The best way to combat this is to get a balayage job which will make the strands less dense. Then make waterfall braids till the nape of your neck and curl the rest of your hair. Side-swept style suits balayage hair.

Conclusion:

With so much variety of waterfall braids to choose from, women are spoiled with choices. Waterfall braid looks great on every outfit be it sportswear, casuals, beach dress and even wedding gowns. So pick the right version for your outfit and brace the shower of compliments with that cute smile of yours.