# Braid Beauty Plaits become the go-to hairstyle in beauty and fashion. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published May 31, 2012 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/braid-beauty ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.7/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Braid Beauty trend? **Braid Beauty:** French braids, Dutch braids, waterfall braids, fishtail braids and more -- the plait is in fashion and it's all-encompassing. It used to be that one type of braid (for example, the Medieval princess style) would take over the fashion world, but today, any braid is a good braid and consumers are embracing this hairstyle with fervor. This might be due to the braid's versatility: from messy to perfectly coiffed, plaits provide the female consumer with a variety of looks ranging from boho glam and warrior princess to pretty mermaid and tribal princess. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 23 to May 23, 2012 - Published: May 31, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Braid Beauty trend ### Braid Fashion Trend Braid hairstyles continue to dominate fashion and beauty industries, showcasing versatility whether messy or thoroughly coiffed to elevate one's style game. ### Cultural Inspiration Trend Editorials and photoshoots often look to different cultures for inspiration in beauty and fashion, treating audiences to romantic and fresh takes on hair trends. ### DIY Hair Trend Hair tutorial videos and social media posts ranging from simple home applications to innovative styles continue to be popular for beauty enthusiasts and present lucrative opportunities for online entrepreneurs. ## What the Braid Beauty trend means for industry ### For Fashion Beauty Industry Hairstylists in high-fashion and beauty industries seek to create innovative braided hairstyles to spruce up their editorials and photo campaigns, consequently boosting sales for hair care and styling products. ### For Cultural Industry A wide variety of cultures were directly or indirectly depicted in fashion and beauty editorials, which could influence cultural merchandise and tourism. ### For Social Media Industry DIY hair styling tutorials are continuously popular on social media platforms, leading to rise of influencers creating online businesses capitalizing on tutorials and flexible online hair care-related products. ## Trend signals for Braid Beauty Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 87%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 87% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Braid Beauty trend 9 featured examples from Jan 23 to May 23, 2012. - [Sun-Kissed Blonde Beautorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-glynn-modelco-campaign): The Crystal Glynn Modelco Campaign is Fresh-Faced (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential in beauty campaigns to create unique and captivating visuals. - [Becoming Braid Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cover-magazine-february-2012): This Cover Magazine Editorial Spread is Flirty and Feminine (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry to meet growing consumer demands. - [Seaside Tresses DIY Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mermaid-braid): Cup of Jo's Mermaid Braid Tutorial is Instructive and Eye-Catching (Category: Fashion) Implication: Beauty and personal care industry can market beach-inspired hair products using tutorials such as this mermaid braid tutorial. - [Fairytale Nomad Editorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emily-soto): The 'Irish Gypsy' by Emily Soto for En Vie Magazine is Dreamy (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion brands can incorporate Celtic and bohemian influences into their designs for a unique and captivating aesthetic. - [Messy Braid Editorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eurowoman-det-store-mix): The Eurowoman 'Det Store Mix' Photoshoot Clashes High- and Low-End Pieces (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from the trend of mixing high- and low-end pieces in their designs to cater to the everyday woman. - [Messy Braid Editorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aline-weber-vogue-paris): The Aline Weber Vogue Paris Photo Shoot Features Outlandish Hairstyles (Category: Fashion) Implication: Integrate creative braids and unique hairstyles into fashion and beauty editorial shoots to set new trends. - [Brilliantly Braided Hairstyles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeff-hahn-for-tatler-hong-kong): The Jeff Hahn for Tatler Hong Kong Presents Countryside Charm (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use innovative techniques or technologies in fashion photography to create unique and captivating editorials. - [Tribal-Braided Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmopolitan-us-april-2012): Heide Lindegren Looks Dazzling for Cosmopolitan US April 2012 (Category: Naughty) Implication: A chance for haircare brands to create products specifically designed for braided hairstyles. - [Gorgeous Fishtail Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelsey-chow-by-justin-coit): The Kelsey Chow by Justin Coit Shoot Features Fabulously Laid-Back Looks (Category: Fashion) Implication: Developing innovative hair products and tools for creating intricate fishtail braids, disrupting the hair care industry with new styling possibilities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [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) ## Trending in Fashion - 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