Who knew tying your hair under your chin would lead to something this stunning?
You have probably spotted them flooding your FYP lately, women tying their hair under their chin like a beard, flipping it back, and somehow ending up with an intricate plait that looks completely intentional. It is one of those trends that seems too weird to work until you try it.
The “beard braid” has taken TikTok by storm, and for good reason. It is one of the cleverest hair styling hacks to go viral in a while. The technique creates structure, texture, and a woven, net-like finish without needing to braid section by section in the traditional way.
Here are five variations of the beard hairstyle trend, from curly half updos to twisted romantic styles, to try on your next wash day or lazy afternoon. Pick the one that suits your hair best!
Curly hair makes this one look even more stunning, but it absolutely works on other textures too. Start by taking the front tendrils and tying them together underneath your chin, making sure to leave a gap in the knot. When you flip the style backward, your hair will pull through that opening to create the base of the plait.
From there, divide the remaining sections into two and keep connecting each part to the neighboring strand, working your way back. What builds is a pull-through braid-style net that sits beautifully across the back of your head. Finish with a few hair piercings or pins scattered throughout for that extra bit of personality, and you are set.
This one is for anyone who loves a playful twist on the classic beard braid format. Tie the front sections together under your chin as usual, but stop halfway down the strand instead of going all the way to the ends. Once you have that mid-length connection point, create bubble braids from the bottom portion by securing small elastics a couple of inches apart and gently pulling each section outward to puff it up.
Flip everything back into a half updo and fluff as needed. The result is a style that has all the architecture of the beard braid trend but with that bouncy, voluminous finish that makes it look polished rather than messy.
No complicated calculations here. This variation follows one consistent pattern all the way through, making it the most beginner-friendly of the five. Take the side sections and tie them together under your chin first. Then grab the sections just behind those and do the same, working your way back through your hair until every section is tied forward in front of you, beard-style.
Then comes the satisfying part. Flip each section back one by one, pulling and tucking the tails as you go. The result is a structured, Greek goddess-worthy braid that honestly looks red-carpet appropriate, and you did it without following a single complicated instruction.
A great option if you want to put your braiding skills to use while still getting the beard braid effect. Tie two thin strands together under your chin to form the starting anchor, then braid them all the way down to the ends. From there, start attaching the side strands directly onto the braid, feeding them in so they branch off the sides like tree limbs.
It is a very different visual from the woven net look of the first variation. This one is more defined and structured. The no-hair-tie braid technique inspiration is all over this style. Flip everything back once the side sections are attached and smooth out the shape. A great one to try when you want a style that looks like you put serious effort in.
If a romantic half updo with a little texture is what you are after, this is the one. Tie the first two sections together under your chin as the base, then flip those sections backward toward the nape of your neck. Add two more sections using the same flipped technique, bringing them back and securing everything into a soft half updo at the back of your head.
The result has that tousled, woven quality that feels somewhere between a classic elastic braid hack and a romantic upswept style, structured enough to look intentional, loose enough to feel effortless. It works especially well on second-day hair with a bit of natural grip and texture to hold the shape.
The beard braid is one of those trends that looks like a party trick until it lands as a gorgeous style. All five variations here take the same basic concept and run in completely different directions with it, so there is no reason not to work through them all. Start with the flipped-back look for a quick introduction, then graduate to the braided style when you want something a little more intricate.
For even more daily hair inspiration, try the TheRightHairstyles virtual try-on tool to experiment with new looks before committing to them, or get the HairHunt app (iOS, Android) for daily hair styling and coloring ideas that suit your face. A new favorite style might be closer than you think.
