Wearing your hair in a braid (especially a French one) is fairly common. However, switching up your appearance can come as easily as flipping the braid on its head–namely, with an upside down French braid. Read on to reveal new ideas for braided hairstyles!
With all types of flipped French braided styles, 2nd or 3rd day hair is ideal, because it has better hold. Follow these instructions:
Practice braiding and be ready to mix the braid with other elements – a bun, a knot or a bunch of curls. Check these 20 beautiful updos with upside-down braid!
The updo with an upside down plait and deconstructed braided bun is simple but with a character. If you have balayage hair, braid loosely to make your braid dimensional.
@annette_updo_artist
An upside down French braid can be the focus of your updo or just its complement. In this braided ‘do the large intricate bun is in the spotlight, while a small braid up the neck only works as an interesting detail, coordinated with the sparkly barrette.
@aurorabraids
At first glance, this updo hardly includes any plait, just a few criss-crossed sections. But a loose messy braid is still there. Top it off by a lazy ballerina bun and you’ve got a cool summer look to wear anywhere.
@jenniekaybeauty
A sleek updo with tightly pulled back hair is for those who are confident to wear their hair without volume. You can add a fun twist to your pulled together look to impair its perfection deliberately. This hairstyle is quite easy to copy without any tutorial.
@hairbyjessica_
Upside down braids were made for fitness chicks. With the bulk of loose hair sitting atop your head, rather than on the bottom where it could easily accumulate sweat, you can hit your spinning class–and maybe get away with dry shampooing every once in a while!
@missysueblog
A regular bun is not the only option to finish off your upside down braid. The strikingly elegant updo with a bow is the definition of adorable and girly.
@n.starck
With hues of violet, turquoise, and orange, this hairstyle is breathtaking–and we haven’t even mentioned the charming braids yet. Three braids are sometimes better than one, so this curly French braid bun is a worthy option if you want something fancier in terms of braid and bun updos.
@davidsolis22
A braid and a bun are a fantastic couple, and what’s better, an upside down braid bun is also fairly easy to create. If you love the look, you can vary sleek and tousled updos, play with the number of braids and volume of the bun.
@anniesforgetmeknots
When the sides of your head are shaved, it can often feel like you’re limited to one or two ways of doing your hair. But as the example here proves, even the most unlikely styles can rock an upside-down plait. Since you have less hair to work with, re-creating this look on yourself will be a breeze.
@jbraidsandbows
An upside down fishtail braid is one of the most perfect, picturesque styles you can choose for prom, wedding or another formal affair. Try a relaxed bun with a cuff or a bracelet around and prepare to steal the show!
@thegypsybazaar
From Coachella to Governor’s Ball to even country festivals like Stagecoach, you can’t get away from upside down braid buns these past few years. Try the punk-rock (but glam) appearance yourself by dividing hair into two sections and braiding each separately.
@thebraidsfactory
Although it’s common to see most reverse braids moving upwards in a straight vertical line, don’t be afraid to get a bit asymmetrical with yours. A tight Dutch braid moves effortlessly into a curly ponytail, adding spice with a variety.
@sweethearts_hair
As wispy as cotton candy, this updo is meant for lazy beach days. Even better, it’s a perfect coif to show off a pair of statement earrings or a necklace. Works best with ombre or pastel hair.
@qtmobilehair
If you haven’t tried the sock bun look yet, drop everything and pick one up–just trust us. But if you happen to have a sock handy, consider pairing it with an upside down braid. Optionally add a few skinny braids wrapping the donut.
@nicoledrege
Perfect for the girl-on-the-go, a low-maintenance messy bun will never go out of style. Of course, some types of messy buns can look a bit too undone–especially if you’re headed to work or a more formal setting, but this unofficial updo is too pretty and well-styled to be rejected.
@ermiranebihu
French plaits are inherently sweet, youthful and timeless, having been worn for hundreds of years. To update the style, consider incorporating a strategically messy topknot. The key is to not appear put-together, so leave a few strands loose.
@thebraidsfactory
Although it’s traditional for an upside down French braid to stem upwards, there’s no reason why that braid can’t go sideways and be complimented by another braided element.
@r.h.braiding
Plaits can run the gamut from formal to relaxed. This trendy French braid ponytail oozes cool and informal, perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or bike ride in the park.
@hairbylissdominish
An upside down fishtail braid is absolutely stunning, made even more eye-popping with the oversized, puffy bun it extends to. If you don’t have enough hair to make an oversized bun, consider incorporating a donut to complete the style.
@wb_upstyles
Don’t be afraid to try a tight upside down braid and an extra high knot. Consider putting in extensions (or using your natural hair, if you’re lucky enough!) to form a sky-high multitier bun.
@thehairqueen
When it comes to creating the perfect upside down French braid, individuality and expression are key, as no two styles are (or should) be the same. Consult with your stylist to find the best form that shows off your facial features and unique personality.
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