# Beyond Braids The plaits of last year are replaced with even more intricate hairstyles. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Dec 15, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/beyond-braids ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Beyond Braids trend? **Beyond Braids:** It's undeniable that in the beauty world, this past couple years marked the era of the braided hairstyle. This is in part due to its intricacy -- a good braid is a testament to a person's skill. Taking this a step further, beauty bloggers and professional stylists alike are going beyond the braid and into even more complex coif territory as a channel to further communicate prestige. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 7, 2013 to Sep 13, 2014 - Published: Dec 15, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Beyond Braids trend ### Complex Coif Beauty bloggers and professional stylists are going beyond the braid and into even more complex coif territory as a channel to further communicate prestige. ### Rainbow Hair Hair trends have embraced rainbow hues in braided hairstyles. ### Braided Bangs Braided beaded bangs are an atypical hairstyle with a modern day Cleopatra vibe. ## What the Beyond Braids trend means for industry ### For Beauty Industry Beauty professionals can create products and tutorials that replicate intricate, rainbow hued and atypical hairstyles to match current hair trends. ### For Fashion Industry Designers can create an entire collection of textured apparel and accessories complemented by rugged and boho Himalayan fishtail braids as showcased by Etro. ### For Music Industry Hairstylists can be inspired by the hairstyles of musicians like FKA twigs and create new looks that capture the music artist's style. ## Trend signals for Beyond Braids Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Beyond Braids trend 5 featured examples from Feb 7, 2013 to Sep 13, 2014. - [Nomadic Rugged Braid Hairstyles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fishtail-braids): Himalayan Fishtail Braids are Creating Waves on Fashion Runways (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity to create and market hair care products and services inspired by the nomadic and Silk Road lifestyle. - [Valentine's Day Hairstyles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heart-bun): The Heart Bun by The Beauty Department is Romantically Girly (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: A growing industry that can capitalize on the demand for unique and trendy hairstyles. - [Rainbow-Hued Braided Hairstyles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nylon-mexico-december-2013): The Nylon Mexico December 2013 Issue Stars Chloe Norgaard (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for hair salons and stylists to incorporate rainbow-hued braided hairstyles as a popular trend among customers. - [Cinnamon Bun Updo Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braided-hair-updo-tutorial): The Braided Hair Updo Tutorial Provides a Look at a High Do (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new cosmetic products that help achieve the desired aesthetic look in a simple and time-efficient manner. - [Braided Beaded Bangs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braided-beaded-bangs): FKA twigs Debuts a Hairstyle Worthy of a Modern Day Cleopatra (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovative hairstyling techniques and the use of cultural elements may set new trends and lead to market differentiation. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) - [Scent Rituals](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/scent-rituals) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Futuristic Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-983) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Preppy Sport Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reformations-good-sport-campaign) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)