Hey friend! If you’re blessed with thick, gorgeous hair, you know the struggle is real. We have all this amazing volume, but sometimes it feels like we’re just wearing the same three styles on repeat. I get it. You want something that feels fresh, holds up all day, and actually celebrates the thickness instead of fighting it.
That’s where laced up braids come in. Think of them as your hair’s best friend. They’re intricate, they’re secure, and they’re the perfect way to channel that cool-girl energy we all love. This technique is a game-changer for managing and styling thick hair with serious flair.
I’ve put together 22 of my favorite ideas, from everyday looks to head-turning styles perfect for a night out. Whether you’re into 2026 hairstyles or timeless old money hair vibes, there’s a braid here with your name on it. Let’s dive in and find your next signature look!
1. The Classic Laced Crown Braid
This is the ultimate romantic updo for thick hair. It starts with a deep side part, with a laced Dutch braid tracing your hairline from one temple to the other. The “lacing” technique pulls in small sections as you go, creating a secure, elegant crown that feels both princess-y and perfectly modern.
It’s perfect for weddings, brunch, or any day you want to feel put-together. The best part? It keeps every strand in place, so you don’t have to worry about flyaways.
2. Boho Laced Fishtail Ponytail
Elevate your basic ponytail with some boho charm. Create a high ponytail first, then take a small section from underneath to wrap and conceal the elastic. Now, split the tail in two and begin a loose fishtail braid, using the lacing method to gently pull in tiny pieces from the sides as you braid down.
This adds incredible texture and detail, making a simple style look incredibly intentional. It’s effortless but looks like you tried really hard.
3. Laced Milkmaid Braids with Volume
Forget flat milkmaid braids! This version is all about height and drama. Create two pigtail braids using a laced Dutch technique for extra hold. Instead of laying them flat, gently pull the braids upward and pin them across the top of your head, allowing the middle section to pouf out for major volume.
This style taps into that quiet luxury bob feeling—but for long hair. It’s sophisticated, unique, and surprisingly comfortable.
4. Half-Up Laced Heart Braid
This adorable style is easier than it looks. Section off the top center part of your hair. Split it into two sections and begin two Dutch braids that curve inward to meet in the middle, forming the top of a heart. Continue braiding down and join them, using the lacing technique for a crisp, defined shape.
It’s a sweet, romantic look that keeps hair out of your face while showing off your thick hair’s potential. Perfect for date night or a cute weekend look.
5. Gothic Laced Rope Braid Bun
Channel some romantic goth hairstyles energy with this sleek yet intricate updo. Create two rope braids (twists) on either side of your head, using the lacing method to seamlessly incorporate hair. Wrap them around a low bun at your nape, creating a structured, almost architectural look.
Pair it with deep lip color and you have a vampiric vibe that’s elegant, not messy. It’s a stunning way to wear your thick hair up for a formal event.
6. Glitchy Glam Face-Framing Braids
This is my take on glitchy glam hair—intentional pieces that look artfully undone. Create two small, thin laced braids starting at your temples. Braid them loosely, pulling in random, small pieces to create a “glitchy” textured effect. Let them hang with the rest of your down hair.
The contrast between the intricate braids and your loose waves is everything. It’s a cool, editorial look that works for a concert or a night out with friends.
7. Asymmetrical Laced Lob Braid
Short hair girls, this one’s for you! If you have an asymmetrical lob, play up the angle. Start a laced French braid on the heavier, longer side, following the diagonal line of your cut. Braid it back and tuck it behind your ear, securing the end flat against your head.
It highlights the cool shape of your cut and adds a punk-rock edge. This style proves braids aren’t just for long hair.
8. Modern Hime Cut with Laced Accents
The hime cut is all about bold, straight lines. To soften it, add two delicate laced braids. Start them right where the short, cheek-length layers begin, braiding them straight back. Keep them tight and neat to complement the cut’s graphic nature.
This blend of traditional Japanese inspiration and modern braiding is so fashion-forward. It’s a beautiful way to accessorize a statement haircut.
9. Vampire Haircut with Laced Detail
The vampire haircut (that sharp, wolf-cut sibling) is made for texture. Enhance its layers with a disconnected laced braid. Pick a section from the longer top layers and create a single braid that falls over the shorter bottom layers.
It emphasizes the cut’s edgy, lived-in texture and adds a touch of medieval fantasy. Think modern-day vampire, just trying to get a coffee.
10. Double Laced Dutch Braids for the Gym
The holy grail for thick hair at the gym. Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids, but use the lacing technique. This method locks every single hair in place, no matter how hard you workout or how thick your hair is.
They’ll survive spin class, hot yoga, you name it. Plus, you’ll have amazing wave texture when you take them out. Total win-win.
11. Old Money Textured Laced Bun
This is the essence of old money hair: looking effortlessly pristine. Create a low, loose bun at your nape. Before wrapping the final length, take a small section and create a thin laced braid. Wrap that braid around the base of the bun to hide the elastic.
It’s that one subtle detail that whispers luxury and effort. Pair it with a silk scarf and pearl earrings for the full effect.
12. Waterfall Laced Braid for Weddings
This style is pure fairy-tale. A waterfall braid already feels special, but adding the lacing technique makes it bulletproof for a long day. Start at one temple and create a waterfall braid that cascades back, but lace in small sections from above for extra security and dimension.
It looks incredibly complex, but with practice, it’s totally achievable. Your thick hair will hold this style flawlessly from ceremony to last dance.
13. Laced Headband Braid for Bad Hair Days
This is my go-to “I need my hair off my face” style. Instead of a regular French braid headband, do a laced one. Start above one ear and braid across your hairline, lacing in hair only from the front. Secure it behind the other ear and let the rest of your hair flow free.
It instantly looks polished and hides any greasy roots or frizz. It’s the ultimate practical, pretty solution.
14. Chunky Laced Ponytail for Volume
Want a ponytail that looks like it has its own fan club? This is it. Tease the crown of your hair slightly for base volume. Gather a high ponytail, but before securing it, do a single laced braid at the top center section only. Then, incorporate that braid into the ponytail.
The braid adds a focal point and gives the illusion of even more height and thickness. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it takes two minutes.
15. Laced Braids into a Low Twist
For a super elegant, minimalist look, try this. Create two laced braids starting at your temples, but make them thin and delicate. Bring them to the back of your head at the nape. Instead of braiding the remaining hair, twist it all together into a low, sleek twist.
The tiny braids add just enough detail to make a simple twist look runway-ready. This is peak quiet luxury.
16. Space Buns with Laced Bases
Give your space buns an upgrade! Part your hair down the middle. On each side, create a laced Dutch braid from your hairline back to where you want your bun. Then, gather the remaining hair, combine it with the braid, and create your bun.
The braided base makes the style look intentional and chic, not childish. It’s perfect for a festival or just a really fun Tuesday.
17. Laced Braid for Growing Out Bangs
Growing out bangs or face-framing layers is a pain. Manage them with a cute, side-swept laced braid. Start the braid deep on the side with your bangs, lacing them in as you go across your hairline. Sweep it back and secure it behind your ear.
It keeps the wispy pieces contained and turns a growing-out phase into a stylish moment. So practical and so cute.
18. Mermaid Laced Braid with Waves
This is for showing off your length. Do a simple three-strand braid down your back, but use the lacing technique: constantly pull in tiny, thin sections from the sides as you braid. This makes the braid look wider, more textured, and completely seamless with your hair.
When you’re done, gently pull on the edges of the braid to pancake it and make it look even thicker. Mermaid hair, achieved.
19. Laced Braid Crown for Natural Hair
This style celebrates the beautiful texture of natural, thick hair. Using a good holding cream or gel, create two laced cornrows that start at the front and curve around the head to meet at the back. The lacing technique helps guide the hair smoothly and reduces frizz.
It’s a protective style that’s also a stunning crown. You can leave the ends out in a puff or tuck them under.
20. Office-Chic Laced Low Bun
This is your power meeting bun. Create a deep side part. On the heavier side, start a laced braid that follows the curve of your head back to the nape. Gather all your hair, including the braid, into a tight, low bun.
The single braid adds a discreet element of style that’s perfectly professional. It says you’re detail-oriented and in charge.
21. Laced Braid into a Voluminous Bob
Got a blunt bob and think you can’t braid? Think again! Create a single, horizontal laced braid at the back of your crown, from ear to ear. Let the rest of your bob hair flip out below it.
This adds incredible texture and the illusion of layers to a one-length cut. It’s a fun way to play with the shape and add a boho touch.
22. Easy Laced Braid for Beginners
If you’re new to this, start here. Just do a simple three-strand braid on a section of hair. Now, as you braid, every other stitch, pull in a tiny piece of hair from the surrounding section and add it to the strand you’re about to cross over.
- Step 1: Section a piece of hair and split into three.
- Step 2: Braid once normally.
- Step 3: On the next cross, pull a tiny piece from nearby hair into the strand.
- Step 4: Continue, alternating sides.
Practice on a small section before a full style. You’ve got this!
And there you have it! Twenty-two ways to fall in love with your thick hair all over again. The beauty of laced braids is how they turn what we sometimes see as a challenge—all that volume!—into our biggest styling asset.
My biggest tip? Don’t be afraid to practice. Start with the beginner style, maybe while watching your favorite show. Once you get the motion down, a whole world of hairstyles opens up. Your thick hair is your canvas, and these braids are your favorite new tool.
I’d love to hear which idea you’re trying first! Did one of these styles scream your name? Save this post to Pinterest so you never lose it, and drop a comment below telling me which number you’re most excited to try. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Happy braiding,
Hailey & Team
