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Thanksgiving is a hair day with a twist. You want something that looks pulled together in photos, stays put while you cook and hug and laugh, and does not need fixing every twenty minutes. Braids are made for exactly that. They hold their shape, keep hair off your face, and look intentional with everything from a chunky sweater to a velvet dress.
Here are six Thanksgiving braid hairstyles you can actually do at home: two dutch braids, a crown braid with face framing strands, a low braided bun, a half up braid with a clip, a side braid, and a loose fishtail. Each one comes with a short how-to, a tip for hair type and a reminder of what to wear with it. For more holiday hair, our Thanksgiving hairstyles for medium hair and winter braided hairstyles are good companions.
1. Two Dutch Braids With a Camel Coat
Two dutch braids are a clean, practical choice that looks great from behind, which matters when you are in a coat for half the day. Each braid starts at the crown and runs down the back, keeping hair neat while you carry dishes and greet people at the door. The effect is sporty yet polished, and it works on every hair length from shoulder to waist.
To do it, part your hair down the middle, then take a section at the front of one side and cross the strands under rather than over, adding hair as you go. Finish with a clear elastic and pull the edges of the braid gently to make it look fuller. Soft texture is what keeps this from looking like a school look, so loosen a few strands around the face.
It pairs especially well with a long wool coat. If you have one in camel, our camel coat outfits show how to style it all season.
Best for: Travel days, cold weather and anyone who wants a hands-free style
Maintenance: Low, braids hold for a full day and can be redone the next morning
Styling tip: Pancake the braid, which means gently pulling the loops outward, to make thin hair look thicker.
2. The Crown Braid With Face Framing Strands
A crown braid wraps around the head like a halo and looks festive without being fussy. It is the hairstyle you wear when you want a little ceremony, perhaps for hosting, giving a toast or taking the family photo. Leaving a few wispy strands loose around the face softens the effect and keeps it modern instead of formal.
The Davines Thanksgiving hair guide lists the crown braid among its simple ideas for the holiday, along with a braided bun, a half up bun and a chignon. Start with two braids, one on each side, then pin them across the top of the head and tuck the ends under. Use bobby pins that match your hair color and set the finish with a light texturizing spray.
The look is a lovely match for a bright knit. In this example, an orange sweater adds a pop of autumn color to the soft brown tones of the hair. Our face framing layers are worth a look if you want more ideas for those loose strands.
Best for: Hosting, family photos and anyone with long or medium hair
Maintenance: Medium, it needs a handful of pins and a little patience to set
Styling tip: Braid on dry hair that has a bit of grip, and add a texturizing spray before you start so strands do not slip.
3. The Low Braided Bun With Loose Curls
A low braided bun gives you the elegance of an updo with the ease of a braid. The braids wrap into a soft bun at the nape of the neck, and a few loose curls at the front keep it relaxed. It is the perfect choice for curly or wavy hair, because the natural texture adds volume and movement.
This style looks fantastic with a collar, a turtleneck or a jacket, since the hair sits out of the way. The Davines article also suggests a braided bun as an easy holiday option, and you can make it as casual or as dressy as you like. For a casual version, leave it a little messy. For a more formal feel, smooth the front and pin it neatly.
If you love this look, you might also enjoy our half up half down hairstyles for days when you want to keep some length loose.
Best for: Curly or wavy hair, formal dinners and jackets with collars
Maintenance: Medium, use pins and a light hairspray for hold
Styling tip: Make the braid slightly loose before you wrap it so the bun looks soft rather than tight.
4. The Half Up Braid With a Tortoiseshell Clip
A half up braid keeps your hair off your face while still showing off length and waves. A small braid across the back of the head, finished with a tortoiseshell clip, looks polished and a little retro. Because the rest of the hair falls loose, it is comfortable to wear and easy to refresh.
Soft waves help this style look finished. You can curl the lower hair with a wand, or use a braid overnight to create a natural wave. The overnight braid wave technique is another idea featured in the Davines guide, and it takes almost no effort. In the morning, brush out the waves gently and add the half up braid on top.
This hairstyle shows off rich brown tones especially well. If you are thinking about a color refresh before the holiday, our chestnut brown hair ideas and espresso brown hair ideas are good places to start.
Best for: Long and medium hair, cozy sweaters and relaxed dinners
Maintenance: Low, add a clip to keep it secure throughout the day
Styling tip: Choose a clip with a strong grip, and place it just below the braid so it holds the weight of the hair.
5. The Side Braid With a Rust Scarf
A side braid is the friendliest style on this list. It sits over one shoulder, frames the face and makes a scarf look intentional. In this example, the braid loops around a rust colored scarf, and the whole picture feels warm and relaxed, like a walk through the leaves before dinner.
Make it by gathering the hair to one side, braiding loosely and pulling it into a fuller shape. A thin elastic is enough. If your hair is fine, tease the roots first and pull out a few face framing pieces. Add a pretty clip or a ribbon if you want to dress it up.
The style works with scarves, hats and big collars, because it stays out of the way. For layers that go well with it, see our fall layering outfits.
Best for: Walks, football games and outdoor gatherings in cooler weather
Maintenance: Low, quick to redo and forgiving if it gets messy
Styling tip: Braid a bit lower than you think you should so it falls naturally over the scarf instead of bunching up.
6. The Loose Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid looks intricate, but it is easy to master and very forgiving when worn loose. Taking small sections from each side and crossing them over creates a delicate weave. Pulled apart gently, it looks soft and romantic, especially against a chunky cream knit.
This is the style to choose when the meal is the main event and you do not want to think about your hair. It stays tidy for hours and holds well on straight or wavy hair. If you have layers, a few pieces may fall out, and that only adds to the effect.
For the outfit, a cream cable knit like the one in this photo makes the braid stand out. Our chunky cardigan outfits and oversized sweater outfits have more ways to wear that texture.
Best for: Long hair, big knit sweaters and a day of eating and chatting
Maintenance: Low, the loose weave tolerates movement and still looks neat
Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray on clean hair first so the small sections grip each other.
How to Choose a Braid for Your Hair Type and Length
Straight hair holds braids beautifully when it has a little texture, so a light spray or a day-old wash helps. Wavy hair gives braids natural volume and tends to look effortless. Curly hair is especially beautiful in braided buns and crown braids, because the curls fill out the shape. Fine hair benefits from loosening the braid after it is finished, and thick hair can handle tight, structured styles.
Length matters too. Shoulder length hair works well for crown braids, half up braids and low buns. Long hair can do anything, from fishtails to double braids. If your hair is short, small braids at the front or sides can still give a festive look and keep strands away from your face.
Think about your outfit before you decide. A high neckline or a scarf suits a side braid or a low bun, while an open neckline suits a crown braid or a half up style.
Prep, Products and Pins That Make Braids Last
Good braids start with good prep. Work with hair that is clean but not slippery, or give it grip with a texturizing spray or a dry shampoo at the roots. Keep a comb, clear elastics, and bobby pins in your hair color on hand. A light flexible hairspray finishes the job without making hair stiff.
Do not forget the back of your head. A hand mirror or a phone camera helps you check that braids sit evenly. If you are short on time, braid your hair damp the night before, sleep on it and undo it in the morning for loose waves that you can style however you like.
If you prefer heat styling, a wand or curling iron gives waves that stay in place under a braid. For a softer, beachy version, check out our beach wave hairstyles.
Hair Color and Accessories That Go With Braids
Braids look especially good in warm, dimensional colors, because the weave shows off the highlights. Rich browns, caramel and copper tones are a natural fit for fall, and our fall hair color ideas have plenty of options. If you like the idea of a refresh, a gloss treatment a week before can add shine without a big change.
Accessories make a braid feel finished. Tortoiseshell clips, gold pins, small ribbons and fabric scrunchies in autumn tones all look right at home. Choose one accessory rather than several so the hair stays the focus.
Braids for Different Thanksgiving Moments
Think about where you will spend most of the day. If you are cooking, a low braided bun or two dutch braids keep hair away from heat and food. If you are traveling, a side braid or a fishtail survives car seats, scarves and coat collars better than a loose style. If you are hosting a larger dinner, a crown braid is a quiet way to look a little more dressed up without changing your outfit.
Children and relatives often love a braid too, so it can become part of the day. Offer to braid a younger cousin’s hair, or ask someone to help with the back of yours. It is a small ritual that tends to make the day feel warmer, and the photos will look better for it.
If your plans include a walk or a football game, add a hat or a headband over a low braid, and keep a spare elastic in your pocket. A braid is forgiving, and it is easy to tighten or loosen as the day goes on.
Matching Your Braid With Your Makeup and Nails
A relaxed braid pairs best with makeup that feels warm and natural. A soft brown lip, a bronze eye or a berry stain all suit these styles, and our Thanksgiving makeup looks shows how to do each one. For nails, plum nails and Thanksgiving nail inspo complete the look nicely.
Keeping Your Style Fresh Through Dinner and Dessert
Braids are low maintenance, but a quick check before dinner helps. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of product, tuck in loose pins and gently pull the braid to re-fluff it if it feels flat. A tiny travel size hairspray and a few extra pins will save you if the wind picks up on the walk from the car.
If you plan to nap on the couch after the meal, loosen the braid or switch to a low ponytail so you do not wake up with dents. A silk scrunchie is a good choice for this, because it holds without creasing the hair.
Thanksgiving Braid Cheat Sheet
| Style | Best hair length | Difficulty | Best with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two dutch braids | Shoulder to long | Medium | Wool coats and scarves |
| Crown braid | Medium to long | Hard | Bright knits |
| Low braided bun | Medium to long | Medium | Collars and jackets |
| Half up braid with clip | Medium to long | Easy | Cozy sweaters |
| Side braid | Any length that braids | Easy | Scarves and hats |
| Loose fishtail | Long | Medium | Cable knits |
Five Quick Questions Before You Start Braiding
A little planning makes the styling go smoothly. Ask yourself these before you pick up the comb.
How long will I be wearing my hair like this, and will I want it to hold all day?,What neckline or collar am I wearing, and will the braid sit well with it?,Do I have clear elastics, pins and a light hairspray on hand?,Will I be outside, and do I need a style that handles wind and hats?,Do I want to add a clip, ribbon or other accessory?
A Simple Thanksgiving Hair Timeline
- The night before, wash and dry your hair, or braid it damp for waves. In the morning, brush out the braid, add texture spray and style your chosen braid. Before dinner, refresh with a few pins and a light mist of hairspray. After the meal, loosen the style if you want to relax, and brush it out the next day for soft waves.
Thanksgiving Braid FAQs
What is the easiest braid for Thanksgiving?
A side braid or a half up braid is the easiest. Both take only a few minutes and look good even if they are a bit messy.
How do I keep a braid from falling out?
Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, a strong elastic and a few bobby pins. A light hairspray at the end helps it hold.
Can I do a braided style on short hair?
Yes. Small braids at the front or sides, or a braided headband, work well on shorter hair and keep the face clear.
What goes well with a crown braid?
Warm knits, off the shoulder sweaters and simple jewelry all work. Keep the outfit simple so the hair stays the focus.
How do I make braids look fuller?
Gently pull the loops outward after braiding, starting at the bottom. Fine hair benefits from a bit of texture spray first.
Can I braid my hair the night before?
Yes. Braiding damp hair overnight creates soft waves in the morning, and you can style it further as you like.
The best Thanksgiving braid is the one that feels easy and lets you enjoy the day. Pick a style that suits your hair and outfit, practice it once before the holiday and keep a few pins in your bag. Save your favorite from these six and tell us which one you tried.
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