Waterfall hairstyles have been a popular trend for several years, and for a good reason: they are both beautiful and versatile! There is a waterfall hairstyle for everyone, whether you have long or short hair. The best part is that there are so many variations of the waterfall style, from braids to twists to buns, and you can tailor each one to your preferences.
We’ve compiled a list of 40 stunning waterfall hairstyles to inspire your next hair appointment in this blog. We have you covered whether you want a romantic hairstyle for a special occasion or a chic and sophisticated look for work. You’ll be able to recreate these hairstyles at home with ease thanks to step-by-step instructions and photos. Prepare to up your hair game with these stunning waterfall hairstyle ideas!
1. Cascading Waterfall Braid
This gorgeous waterfall braid variation has multiple layers of cascading braids. Long hair works best for this hairstyle. Start with a waterfall braid at the crown and add hair from the sides and bottom as you braid down to create the cascading effect. The layered effect resembles a waterfall on your back. You can embellish the braid with small flowers or jewels.
2. Twisted Waterfall Braid
This intricate hairstyle combines a twisted braid with a waterfall braid. Start with a small twist on top of your head, then add a waterfall braid. The strands spiral as you braid down. This style is perfect for special occasions and nights out with medium to long hair.
3. Double Waterfall Braid
This intricate hairstyle has two braids cascading down each side of your head. Start with a waterfall braid on one side, then another on the other. You can leave the braids loose or secure them at the back with bobby pins or elastic bands. This formal style is best for long hair and weddings.
4. Side-Swept
This romantic and feminine hairstyle works best on long hair. Start with a waterfall braid on one side of your head and braid down to the other. You can braid loosely or use bobby pins or elastic bands. Date nights and summer weddings suit this style.
5. Classic Waterfall Braid
Medium to long hair works best for this timeless and elegant hairstyle. Start with a small braid at the crown of your head, then braid down, adding hair from one side. Each step drops a section of hair to create the cascading effect. The braid resembles a waterfall on your back. You can braid loosely or use bobby pins or elastic bands.
6. Messy Hairstyle
Medium to long hair works best for this casual and messy hairstyle. Start with a waterfall braid at the crown, then braid down with more hair from one side. Each step drops a section of hair to create the cascading effect. Use a texturizing spray or pull out small sections of hair to get the messy look. This look is great for a beach day or brunch with friends.
7. Dutch Braid
This waterfall braid variation involves weaving a Dutch braid and dropping sections of hair to create a cascading effect. Start with a small section of crown hair and weave a Dutch braid. Like the waterfall braid, you drop hair as you braid. Dutch braids are more intricate and textured because each section of hair crosses underneath rather than over the top. This elegant hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, especially for a beachy day.
8. Waterfall Ponytail
This simple yet elegant hairstyle is perfect for any occasion. It involves bobby-pinning a waterfall braid on one side of the head. Then, an elastic band secures the ponytail. Long-haired people who want to look stylish but keep their hair out of their faces will love this style. Since it highlights the back of the head, it’s a great way to show off a gorgeous dress or outfit.
9. Waterfall Bun
This romantic and elegant hairstyle is perfect for weddings and other professional events. A bun at the back follows a waterfall braid on one side of the head to create this style. You can twist the hair into a low bun or use a hair donut for a fuller bun. The waterfall braid elevates the bun.
10. Waterfall Crown Braid
This elegant hairstyle is perfect for summer weddings and festivals. This style involves a crown braid with waterfall-like hair. Start by Dutch braiding a small section of hair at the front of the head. Braiding creates a waterfall effect by dropping hair. Continue braiding around the head until you reach the other side, where you can tuck the braid under the hair or leave it out for a bohemian look.
11. With a Twist
This simple yet elegant hairstyle is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Twisting two sections of hair, dropping one, and repeating on the other side creates this style. The braid has waterfall-like hair strands. This style is perfect for long-haired women who want elegance without a lot of effort.
12. Half-Up, Half-Down
The waterfall half-up, half-down is a trendy hairstyle that keeps hair out of the face. This style involves a waterfall braid on one side and a half-up half-down hairstyle. You can either braid or let your hair down for this look. The result is a chic, casual look for any occasion.
13. French Braid
French braid is lovely. This hairstyle creates a cascading effect by French braiding hair and dropping strands. After braiding the top section, release the hair closest to your face to create the waterfall effect. Start braiding again with a new section of hair until you reach the end. This hairstyle is perfect for casual and formal occasions on medium to long hair.
14. Micro Braid
This delicate hairstyle braids small sections of hair in a waterfall pattern. Long hair looks great with this hairstyle. Start by braiding a small section of hair on top of your head. Drop the bottom section of the hair and start a new braid to create the waterfall effect. Repeat until you finish doing your hair, then tie the braid.
15. Knotted Braid
This unique hairstyle combines knots and braids to create a stunning look. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and any occasion. Start by knotting a small section of hair on top of your head. Next, knot a new section of hair with the first, dropping the bottom section each time. Braid and tie your hair at the end.
16. Waterfall Braided Headband
This gorgeous hairstyle creates a headband-like effect by braiding hair in a waterfall pattern around the head. This hairstyle suits all hair types and lengths. Start by braiding a small section of hair on top of your head. After finishing the braid, drop the bottom section and pick up a new one to create the waterfall effect. Braid and drop hair around your head until you reach the other side. Clip or tie the braid.
17. Waterfall Updo
This elegant hairstyle is perfect for weddings and proms. This hairstyle involves waterfall braiding and up doing. Start by braiding a small section of hair on top of your head. After finishing the braid, drop the bottom section and pick up a new one to create the waterfall effect. Continue until you reach your nape, then twist and pin the remaining hair into an updo.
18. Halo Braid
This stunning style creates a “halo” effect by weaving hair in a circular pattern around the head. The waterfall technique cascades loose hair through the braid. This romantic, elegant style is perfect for weddings and special occasions. Long hair with natural waves or curls works best, but you can texture your straight hair with a curling iron or wand.
19. Fishtail Updo
A modern take on the fishtail braid. Fishtail braids on the side of the head are wrapped into buns or updos in this style. The waterfall technique creates a romantic, feminine updo by cascading loose hair through the braid. This style is ideal for weddings and formal events on medium to long hair with natural waves or curls.
20. Bubble Ponytail
This playful style creates a series of small bubbles in a high ponytail. The waterfall technique creates a cascade of loose hair that falls through the bubbles, making the ponytail stand out. This style is great for casual occasions, and you can dress it up or down. Customize it with bubble sizes and hair accessories for medium to long hair.
21. Knot Ponytail
This chic style involves knotting a low ponytail. The waterfall technique creates a romantic, feminine ponytail by cascading loose hair through the knots. Medium to long hair with natural waves or curls looks great in this style for formal and casual events.
22. A Side Bun
A low-side bun with cascading hair is a classic and elegant style. Waterfalling hair adds texture and dimension to the bun as all you need to do is a side ponytail. Medium-to-long hair with natural waves or curls works well for this wedding and formal event style.
23. Waterfall Cornrows
This beautiful and intricate style involves cornrows creating a series of small braids on the side of the head with cascading hair. Waterfall braids add texture and dimension to loose hair strands. This style is great for adding a unique touch to braided hairstyles on all hair types and lengths. It looks great with beads or charms in your hair, and you can dress it up or down.
24. French Fishtail Braid
This gorgeous hairstyle combines two classic braids—French braids on top lead to fishtail braids in this hairstyle. French braids add elegance, while fishtail braids add texture and dimension. This hairstyle is perfect for special occasions or a night out with friends. Shoulder-length hair works best. Start by French braiding your top layer of hair. Add small sections of side hair and braid into a fishtail braid, leaving some hair cascading down the side.
25. Dutch Fishtail Braid
The Dutch fishtail braid is another waterfall braid variation—Dutch braids on top lead to fishtail braids in this hairstyle. Dutch braids add volume and texture, while fishtail braids add elegance. This hairstyle is perfect for any occasion and works best on shoulder-length hair. Start by Dutch braiding your top layer of hair. Add small sections of side hair and braid into a fishtail braid, leaving some hair cascading down the side.
26. Mermaid Braid
A romantic and whimsical hairstyle for a beach wedding or summer event. Mermaid-inspired fishtail and waterfall braids create this hairstyle. The waterfall braid creates waves, while the fishtail braid adds texture. This hairstyle works best on shoulder-length hair. Start by braiding your top layer into a fishtail. Add small sections of hair from the sides and braid a waterfall braid, leaving some hair cascading down the side.
27. Braid with Curls
This romantic and feminine hairstyle is perfect for a formal event or romantic date. Waterfall braids and soft curls create this timeless hairstyle. The waterfall braid and curls give the hairstyle volume and elegance. This hairstyle suits shoulder-length to long hair. First, curl your hair, then section off the top layer to create a waterfall braid. Leave some hair cascading down the side in a waterfall effect and pin back the rest in soft curls.
28. Braid with Waves
This romantic hairstyle is ideal for a beach wedding or summer event. This whimsical hairstyle features a waterfall braid and soft waves. The waterfall braid and waves give the hairstyle volume and elegance. This hairstyle works best on shoulder-length hair. This hairstyle starts with soft waves and a waterfall braid. Leave loose waves cascading down the side.
29. Braided Bangs
This trendy hairstyle has a waterfall braid in the front. Long-haired women who want bangs with interest should try this hairstyle. The waterfall braid creates a cascade by weaving small sections of hair over and under each other. The detailed look adds elegance to any outfit. This hairstyle suits formal and informal occasions.
30. Pull-Through Braid
This gorgeous hairstyle has multiple braids pulled through each other to create a cascading effect. This style is ideal for medium-to-long-haired women who want texture and dimension. Pulling hair through loops creates a waterfall braid. It creates a stunning, intricate formal look.
31. Braided Top Knot
This trendy hairstyle wraps a waterfall braid around a top knot. This hairstyle is ideal for women who want to add texture to their hair while keeping it out of their faces. The cascades of hair are woven over and under to make the braid. Twisting and wrapping hair around the braid base creates the bun. A chic and sophisticated look for casual and formal occasions is the result.
32. Braid with a Ribbon
A waterfall braid with a ribbon is a unique and stylish hairstyle. This hairstyle is ideal for women who want to add texture and interest to their hair without sacrificing elegance. The cascades of hair are woven over and under to make the braid. Weave the ribbon through the braid for a stunning look. Formal events suit this hairstyle.
33. Waterfall Lace Braid
This exquisite hairstyle features a waterfall braid with a lace-like pattern. This hairstyle is ideal for feminine, elegant women who want to add texture and interest to their hair. The cascades of hair are woven over and under to make the braid. Weaving small sections of hair through the braid creates a beautiful lace-like pattern. Weddings and formal events suit this hairstyle.
34. Waterfall Braided Ponytail
This trendy hairstyle features a waterfall braid in a ponytail. This hairstyle is ideal for women who want to add texture to their hair while keeping it out of their faces. The cascades of hair are woven over and under to make the braid. Gathering hair at the back of the head and securing it with an elastic creates a ponytail. A chic and sophisticated look for casual and formal occasions is the result.
35. Braided Crown Updo
This sleek hairstyle braids hair in a waterfall pattern and wraps it around the head to form a crown. This hairstyle adds sophistication to formal events like weddings. Start with a deep side part, then braid hair in a waterfall pattern on one side of the head. After reaching the back of the head, braid regularly and secure with an elastic band. Repeat on the other side, then crown the head by wrapping each braid around it—Bobby pin and hairspray.
36. Waterfall Heart Braid
This romantic hairstyle creates a waterfall-patterned heart-shaped braid. Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions suit this hairstyle. Start by creating a deep side part and braiding one side of the head in a waterfall pattern. Twist the remaining hair into a heart and secure it with bobby pins when the braid reaches the back of the head. Repeat on the other side of the head and join the heart shapes with a small elastic band. Spray hair.
37. Fishtail Side Braid
This trendy hairstyle is a fishtail braid with a waterfall pattern on one side of the head. You can wear this everyday hairstyle up or down. Create a deep side part and braid hair in a fishtail pattern on one side to get this look. After reaching the back of the head, braid regularly and secure with an elastic band. Finish by pulling out a few hairs for a messy look.
38. Braid with a Bow
This girly hairstyle is a waterfall braid with a bow at the end. This hairstyle is great for a casual outing with friends. Start by creating a deep side part and braiding one side of the head in a waterfall pattern. To add fun to the hairstyle, tie a small ribbon or bow around the elastic band after the braid is finished.
39. Waterfall Braid with a Flower
This romantic and feminine hairstyle involves braiding a waterfall and adding a woven rose. Weddings and formal events suit this hairstyle. Start by creating a deep side part and braiding one side of the head in a waterfall pattern. Secure with an elastic band, and finish the braid by weaving a small flower with bobby pins.
40. Waterfall Twist with a Bun
This elegant hairstyle involves twisting hair into a bun. Work and formal events suit this hairstyle. Create a deep side part and twist hair in a waterfall pattern on one side to get this look. Secure with an elastic band and bun the hair once the twist reaches the back of the head—bobby pin and hairspray.
