Stars, red carpets, Pinterest memories from the 2010s come up everywhere in our hairstyle ideas. Mats, XXL wavy and floral accessories are back on display, driven by a big wave of nostalgia and the festival season. A precise hairstyle nevertheless concentrates all the desires of the moment.
It’s that braided hairstyle that encircles the head like a jewel, spotted on icons of the 2010s and suddenly everywhere again this summer. Stars on the red carpet and influencers at concerts make it their hair signature. The question now is how to carry it in 2026.
Braided crown: the cult hairstyle of the 2010s
The crown braid, or crown braid, involves passing one or more braids around the head like a headband. Hair can be worn completely up or left partially down, with a few strands around the face. In the 2010s, sisters Olsen and Blake Lively wore it everywhere.
We’ve seen her on red carpets and at festivals, often in a bohemian version, slightly blurred braids and flowers slipped here and there. By encircling the skull, this hairstyle immediately gave a worked, almost sophisticated look, while remaining simple to wear on a daily basis, especially in summer.
Why the braided crown is a hit in summer 2026
Its return this summer 2026 is part of the wave of nostalgia for 2010 beauty treatments, between colorful manicures and graphic eyeliners. The braided crown fits the festival atmosphere, but also the current red carpets where Zendaya has worn it, the Dreaming Eli catwalks or even the double version adopted by Ciara.
When temperatures rise, this hairstyle frees up the neck and face, while remaining more sophisticated than a quick bun. Tight and well smoothed, it becomes very elegant for an evening. More blurred, with locks that frame the face and a few flowery accessories, she finds her bohemian spirit.
How to adopt the braided crown today
The good news is that the braided crown remains accessible as soon as the hair reaches the shoulders, even with a layer. Pros like Schwarzkopf advise working on dry, lightly textured hair, then creating two braids on each side, crossing them at the top of the head and securing them with pins. Shorter lengths can rely on extensions.
Once the technique has been mastered, everything comes down to styling, depending on the occasion:
- bohemian version for a festival, with loose locks and flowers in the braids;
- sleek version for a wedding, slicked hair and mirror shine;
- discreet version for the office, fine braid worn slightly back.
Because basically, this hairstyle goes with almost everything, from the beach to the evening.
How to start a braided crown?
Detangle your hair, make two braids on each side, cross them and secure them.
Braided crown and short hair, is it possible?
On a short bob, it’s better to cheat with extensions or a braided headband.
How long does the hairstyle last?
With good pins and a little hairspray, it lasts all day.
