Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed and been stopped in your tracks by a hairstyle that looks both perfectly imperfect and incredibly cool? Chances are, you were looking at choppy braid hair. This isn’t your grandmother’s pristine, not-a-hair-out-of-place braid. This is a braid with attitude, a style that whispers of effortless mornings and a confident, don’t-care-too-much vibe.
Gone are the days when braids had to be tight, uniform, and sleek. The modern approach is all about texture, volume, and a touch of deliberate disarray. The choppy braid is the poster child for this movement, offering a look that is simultaneously bohemian, edgy, and undeniably chic. If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and inject some serious style into your braid game, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master and rock the choppy braid hair trend.
What Exactly is Choppy Braid Hair?
Let’s start by defining our subject. Choppy braid hair is a styling technique where a braid—whether it’s a classic three-strand, a fishtail, or a Dutch braid—is intentionally made to look textured, piecey, and slightly undone. The goal is not neatness, but rather artful chaos. This is achieved by gently pulling apart the sections of the braid after it’s been completed, creating a wider, softer, and more voluminous look.
The magic of the choppy braid lies in its versatility. It works on almost every hair type and length, from short bobs with face-framing pieces to long, flowing locks. It’s the perfect solution for second or third-day hair when your natural texture and oils can add to the lived-in feel. It’s a style that says, “I just threw this together,” even if you spent a few extra minutes perfecting the imperfection.
Why You’ll Love the Choppy Braid Trend
Why has this particular style captured the hearts of fashionistas and everyday style-seekers alike? The reasons are as compelling as the look itself.
Effortless Cool Factor: The choppy braid is the epitome of cool-girl hair. It’s not overly polished, which makes it feel more authentic and accessible. It adds an instant edge to any outfit, from a casual jeans-and-tee combo to a flowing summer dress.
Adds Instant Volume: If you have fine or flat hair, this technique is a godsend. By pulling the braid apart, you automatically create the illusion of thicker, more abundant hair. The braid appears fuller and more substantial, giving your hair a healthy, voluminous boost.
Versatility is Key: This isn’t a one-note style. A choppy braid can be a practical way to keep hair out of your face during a workout, an elegant solution for a wedding or formal event, or a fun, festival-ready look. You can wear it as a single side braid, a low braid, twin braids, or even incorporate it into a half-up, half-down style.
Perfect for “Not-So-Fresh” Hair: This style truly shines on day-two or day-three hair. The natural oils and slightly faded texture from previous styling actually help the braid hold its shape and achieve that perfectly undone look more easily.
Step-by-Step: How to Create the Perfect Choppy Braid
Ready to try it yourself? Follow these steps to create a flawless, face-framing choppy braid.
Step 1: Prep is Everything
Start with hair that is not squeaky clean. Day-old hair has more grip. If your hair is freshly washed, spray a texturizing or sea salt spray throughout your mid-lengths and ends. This will add the grit and hold needed for the style to last. You can also lightly tousle your roots with a volumizing powder for extra lift.
Step 2: Create a Textured Base
For the ultimate choppy effect, don’t brush your hair into a smooth, sleek state. Instead, use your fingers to detangle and gather your hair. Leaving some natural wave and texture is crucial. If your hair is very straight, consider curling it loosely with a waver or a large-barrel curling iron before you begin braiding. This will give the pulled-apart sections more definition and body.
Step 3: Braid Loosely
This is the most important step. Whether you’re doing a simple three-strand braid or something more complex, braid loosely. A tight braid is very difficult to “chop up” effectively. As you braid, allow small pieces to escape naturally. Don’t worry about capturing every single strand; these wispy pieces will only add to the final look.
Step 4: The “Chopifying” Process
Once your braid is secured at the end with a clear or matching elastic, the real fun begins. Starting from the top and working your way down, gently pinch the outer loops of the braid between your thumb and forefinger and pull them outward. Do this on both sides of the braid, alternating as you go. The goal is to widen the braid and create gaps and texture. Be gentle and patient—you can always pull more, but you can’t easily put it back.
Step 5: Pull Out Face-Framing Pieces
To soften the look and make it more flattering, deliberately pull out a few small, wispy pieces around your hairline, at your temples, and near your ears. These face-framing pieces are a signature element of the style and help it blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Choppy Braid
To truly elevate your choppy braid from good to great, keep these professional tips in mind.
Embrace Texture Sprays: Your texturizing spray is your best friend. Spritz it both before braiding for grip and after you’ve “chopped” the braid to set the style and enhance the piecey effect.
Secure Wisely: Use a small, thin hair elastic that matches your hair color to secure the end. For an even more undone finish, you can twist a small section of hair from the end of the braid and wrap it around the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin hidden underneath.
Tease for Volume: For maximum volume at the crown, gently backcomb the hair at the roots before you start braiding. This will give your entire style a lift and prevent it from looking flat on top.
Don’t Fear the Flyaways: In this style, flyaways are not the enemy; they are an accessory. They contribute to the effortless, lived-in aesthetic. So, put down the hairspray and edge control for a moment and let them be.
Variations on the Choppy Braid Theme
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the world of choppy braids is your oyster. Here are a few popular variations to try.
The Choppy Fishtail Braid: The fishtail braid is already a textural masterpiece, and making it choppy takes it to the next level. It creates an intricate, bohemian look that’s perfect for festivals or a day at the beach.
The Choppy Crown Braid: Create a soft, romantic look by braiding two choppy braids and pinning them around the back of your head like a crown. This is an incredibly elegant yet relaxed updo for a special occasion.
The Double Choppy Braid: Channel your inner ’90s kid with twin choppy braids. This look is playful, youthful, and surprisingly chic when done with the signature textured, pulled-apart technique.
The Half-Up Choppy Braid: For a subtler take, simply braid a small section of hair from your crown back into a short, choppy braid, leaving the rest of your hair down. It’s a quick and easy way to add interest to your everyday look.
Caring for Your Hair with Frequent Braiding
While braids are a protective style, frequently putting tension on your hair—even with a loose braid—can cause stress. Here’s how to keep your hair healthy.
Switch Up Your Style: Don’t wear a braid in the exact same position every day. Alternate between side, center, and low braids to avoid putting constant stress on the same sections of hair and scalp.
Use a Silk Scrunchie or Pillowcase: Ditch the rough elastics that can cause breakage. Opt for silk or satin scrunchies that are gentler on your hair. Similarly, sleeping on a silk pillowcase reduces friction, preventing frizz and breakage.
Deep Condition Regularly: Incorporate a hydrating hair mask into your routine once a week to keep your strands strong, moisturized, and resilient against any styling stress.
Conclusion: Embrace the Art of Undone
The choppy braid is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing imperfection, celebrating texture, and finding beauty in the effortless. It’s a liberating departure from the pursuit of overly polished perfection, offering a look that is uniquely personal and full of character.
So, the next time you’re thinking about putting your hair up, don’t just settle for a basic ponytail or a neat braid. Grab your texturizing spray, braid with a loose hand, and pull, pinch, and play. With these tips, you’re fully equipped to rock the choppy braid hair trend and make it your own. Now go forth and be gloriously, choppily chic.
