Medieval times were a golden era of elegance and romance, where hairstyles weren’t just about beauty—they were symbols of status, femininity, and artistry.
When we think of princesses from centuries past, we often picture flowing locks adorned with intricate braids, delicate ribbons, and jeweled accessories that captured the essence of royalty.
Today, these timeless styles are making a stunning comeback, inspiring modern brides, fantasy enthusiasts, and anyone who dreams of channeling their inner royal.
In this comprehensive guide to 27 Beautiful Medieval Braided Hairstyles for Princesses, you’ll discover an enchanting collection of braided styles that range from simple and sweet to elaborate and regal.
Whether you’re preparing for a Renaissance fair, a themed wedding, a cosplay event, or simply want to add a touch of historical glamour to your everyday look, these hairstyles will transport you back to an age of castles, courtly love, and timeless beauty.
Each style comes with detailed descriptions, styling tips, and creative variations to help you recreate these magnificent looks and feel like true royalty.
1. The Classic Crown Braid

The crown braid has been a signature style of medieval royalty for centuries, creating a natural tiara effect that frames the face with elegance.
This timeless hairstyle involves braiding the hair around the entire head in a circular pattern, giving the appearance of wearing a woven crown.
- The crown braid works beautifully on medium to long hair and can be adapted for various hair textures and thicknesses.
- Begin by parting your hair down the middle or to one side, then create a Dutch braid or French braid that wraps around your head like a halo.
- Secure the end of the braid beneath the starting point using bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish.
- For added medieval authenticity, weave thin ribbons or chains through the braid as you work, allowing them to peek through the woven sections.
- This style pairs perfectly with a simple circlet or delicate hair jewelry placed at the front of the crown braid.
- The crown braid was particularly popular among medieval noblewomen as it kept hair neatly contained while showcasing their braiding skills.
Styling Tip: Apply a light texturizing spray before braiding to add grip and make the hair easier to work with, especially if you have silky or fine hair.
2. Waterfall Braid with Loose Curls

The waterfall braid creates a cascading effect that resembles a gentle waterfall flowing down the hair, combining structured braiding with romantic loose sections.
This ethereal style became popular in later medieval periods and perfectly captures the dreamy aesthetic of fairy tale princesses.
- Start the waterfall braid at your temple by taking three sections of hair and beginning a standard French braid technique.
- As you braid, drop the bottom section with each pass and pick up a new section from the top, creating the distinctive waterfall effect.
- The dropped sections cascade down naturally and can be curled with a curling iron for added romance and texture.
- Continue the waterfall braid across the back of your head, either stopping at the opposite ear or continuing all the way around.
- This style works exceptionally well for weddings, balls, or any formal medieval-themed event where you want to appear both structured and flowing.
- Medieval princesses would often enhance this look with small flowers tucked into the braid or delicate pearl pins scattered throughout.
Styling Tip: For the most dramatic waterfall effect, curl all your hair before beginning the braid, then allow the dropped sections to flow naturally.
3. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids create a bold, symmetrical look that was both practical and beautiful for medieval women engaged in daily activities. These braids sit raised on top of the head, creating impressive texture and dimension.
- Part your hair straight down the middle from forehead to nape, creating two equal sections for symmetrical braids.
- Dutch braids are created by crossing sections under rather than over, making them appear to sit on top of the hair rather than sinking into it.
- Begin each braid at the hairline and work your way down, incorporating all the hair from each section as you progress.
- Secure each braid at the ends with ribbons, leather ties, or simple elastic bands that can be hidden with decorative wraps.
- For a more medieval appearance, wrap the ends of the braids up and pin them at the nape of the neck or leave them hanging for a youthful look.
- This style was particularly favored by working-class medieval women as it kept hair completely secure during physical tasks while still looking attractive.
Styling Tip: Pull gently on the outer edges of each braid section after completing them to create a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
4. Side-Swept Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid offers an intricate, scale-like pattern that appears complex but is surprisingly achievable with practice. When swept to one side, this braid creates an asymmetrical elegance perfect for medieval-inspired looks.
- Gather all your hair to one side of your neck, deciding which shoulder will showcase your beautiful braid.
- Divide the hair into two equal sections rather than the three used in traditional braiding techniques.
- Take a small strand from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to join the right section.
- Repeat on the opposite side, taking a small strand from the outer edge of the right section and crossing it to the left.
- Continue this alternating pattern all the way down, keeping sections small for a more intricate appearance or larger for a faster, chunkier braid.
- The fishtail pattern resembles medieval chainmail or fish scales, making it particularly appropriate for fantasy and historical themes.
- Finish by securing with a ribbon or decorative hair tie, and gently pull on the braid edges to create a fuller, more romantic effect.
Styling Tip: Slightly dampen your hair or apply a small amount of styling cream before braiding to prevent flyaways and create a sleeker fishtail pattern.
5. Braided Updo with Jeweled Accessories

Medieval noblewomen often wore elaborate updos that incorporated multiple braids, twists, and decorative elements to display their wealth and status.
This sophisticated style combines several braiding techniques into one stunning updo.
- Begin by creating three or four separate braids throughout your hair, varying the starting positions for visual interest.
- These can include French braids, regular three-strand braids, or rope braids depending on your skill level and desired aesthetic.
- Wrap each braid around itself or around other braids, pinning them securely at the back of your head to create a low bun or cluster.
- Incorporate jeweled hairpins, decorative combs, or small brooches throughout the updo to catch the light and add medieval opulence.
- Leave a few face-framing tendrils loose for a softer, more romantic appearance that balances the structured updo.
- This style was often worn by princesses during important ceremonies, banquets, or wedding celebrations.
- The complexity of the braiding demonstrated the wearer’s access to skilled ladies-in-waiting or personal servants.
Styling Tip: Use a combination of bobby pins and decorative pins, with the bobby pins doing the structural work and decorative pins adding the final aesthetic touches.
6. Half-Up Braided Crown

This versatile style combines the practicality of wearing hair down with the elegant framing of a braided crown across the top of the head. It’s perfect for those who want a medieval look without committing to a full updo.
- Section off the hair from temple to temple across the top of your head, leaving the back section loose.
- Create a French or Dutch braid along this section, incorporating hair from both the hairline and the interior as you work.
- The braid can go straight across the back of your head or curve slightly to follow your head’s natural shape.
- Secure the end with bobby pins, tucking it under the braid or allowing it to blend with the loose hair below.
- The remaining hair can be left straight, curled into loose waves, or styled with smaller accent braids for additional detail.
- This style became particularly popular in the High Medieval period as it allowed women to display the length and quality of their hair while keeping it manageable.
Styling Tip: Add small flowers, sprigs of herbs like lavender or rosemary, or silk flowers into the braid for an authentic medieval touch that would have been common at festivals.
7. Rope Braid Ponytail

The rope braid creates a twisted, cord-like effect that is both simple to create and visually striking. Medieval women appreciated this technique for its speed and the way it kept long hair secure during work or travel.
- Gather your hair into a ponytail at whatever height you prefer—low for a more mature look or higher for a youthful appearance.
- Secure the ponytail with a ribbon, leather cord, or hair tie that matches your medieval aesthetic.
- Divide the ponytail into two equal sections and twist each section clockwise several times until the entire length is tightly twisted.
- Hold both twisted sections and wrap them around each other in a counter-clockwise direction, which prevents them from unraveling.
- The two sections will naturally want to coil together, creating the rope-like appearance that gives this braid its name.
- Secure the end with another tie, and consider wrapping a decorative ribbon or cord around the base of the ponytail for added medieval flair.
Styling Tip: For a fuller rope braid, gently pull on the twisted sections after securing the end, being careful not to pull so much that the braid loses its integrity.
8. Milkmaid Braids

Milkmaid braids, also called halo braids, create a soft, approachable look that evokes the pastoral charm of medieval countryside life. This style involves two braids wrapped around the head like a crown.
- Part your hair down the middle and create two standard three-strand braids, one on each side of your head.
- The braids should start behind your ears and continue down to the ends of your hair.
- Take the right braid and wrap it across the top of your head like a headband, securing it with bobby pins along the way.
- Take the left braid and wrap it in the opposite direction, tucking the end underneath the first braid for a seamless appearance.
- This creates a complete circle of braids around your head that resembles a natural crown or halo.
- Medieval peasant women and dairy maids popularized this practical style that kept their hair completely controlled during work.
- The look was later adopted by nobility for its charming simplicity and romantic appeal.
Styling Tip: For a more textured, voluminous look, pancake the braids before wrapping them around your head by gently pulling on the outer loops of each braid section.
9. French Braid into Low Bun

This elegant combination style showcases braiding skill while creating a sophisticated low bun perfect for formal medieval occasions. The French braid adds interest to the journey from crown to bun.
- Begin a French braid at the crown of your head, starting with a small section and gradually incorporating more hair as you braid downward.
- Continue the French braid straight down the back of your head until you reach the nape of your neck.
- Once all the hair has been incorporated into the braid, continue with a regular three-strand braid for a few more inches.
- Coil the remaining braid into a low bun at the nape of your neck, wrapping it around itself in a circular or spiral pattern.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins, making sure to catch both the bun itself and anchor it to the head for stability.
- This style was favored by medieval noblewomen for everyday wear as it was both attractive and practical for managing long hair.
- A decorative hair net or snood can be placed over the bun for added medieval authenticity and elegance.
Styling Tip: Leave the bun slightly loose rather than pulling it tight for a softer, more romantic medieval appearance that suggests natural beauty rather than severe styling.
10. Side Braids with Ribbons

Incorporating ribbons into medieval braids was a common way to add color, texture, and personal expression to hairstyles. Side braids with woven ribbons create a youthful, festive appearance perfect for celebrations.
- Choose ribbons in colors that complement your outfit or represent personal symbolism—red for passion, blue for loyalty, green for fertility, or gold for wealth.
- Part your hair to one side or down the middle, creating sections for two side braids that will frame your face.
- As you begin each braid, incorporate a ribbon by folding it in half and including the fold as part of one of the three braid sections.
- The ribbon will weave through the braid as you work, creating colorful stripes throughout the pattern.
- Continue braiding down to the ends and tie off with more ribbon, allowing long ribbon tails to flow decoratively.
- Medieval maidens often received ribbons as tokens from admirers and would wear them prominently in their hairstyles.
- This style was particularly popular at festivals, tournaments, and other festive occasions where displays of color were encouraged.
Styling Tip: Use ribbons that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide for the most attractive integration into the braid—wider ribbons can overwhelm the hair while narrower ones may not show up well.
11. Viking-Inspired Mohawk Braid

While technically from the Viking era that overlapped with medieval times, this dramatic style features a central braided mohawk that creates a warrior-princess aesthetic.
The sides are kept smooth while the center creates impressive height and drama.
- Section your hair vertically, creating a wide strip down the center of your head from forehead to nape.
- The side sections should be either slicked back tightly, twisted, or braided in small, tight braids that lie flat against the head.
- Create a Dutch braid or series of small braids in the center section, starting at the hairline and working backward.
- For maximum height and drama, tease the hair before braiding or pull generously on the outer loops of the braid once complete.
- This style can continue down the back in a single large braid or separate into multiple smaller braids for a different effect.
- Medieval shieldmaidens and warrior women would have worn practical versions of this style to keep hair controlled during combat training.
- Modern interpretations can be softened with flowers or made more dramatic with metallic hair accessories and cuffs.
Styling Tip: Apply strong-hold gel or pomade to the side sections to keep them sleek and smooth, creating maximum contrast with the textured center braid.
12. Twisted Half-Up Style

This elegant style uses twisting techniques rather than traditional braiding to create a sophisticated medieval look with a softer, more flowing appearance.
The twists create dimension and interest without the structural precision of braids.
- Take a section of hair from one temple and twist it backward toward the center of your head, keeping the twist relatively loose.
- Secure the twist temporarily with a clip while you create a matching twist on the opposite side.
- Bring both twists together at the back of your head and secure them with bobby pins or a decorative barrette.
- The remaining hair can flow freely down your back, creating a beautiful contrast between the structured top and loose bottom sections.
- For added medieval detail, weave small flowers, pearls, or chains through the twists before securing them.
- This style was particularly popular among younger medieval noblewomen and princesses as it appeared youthful and romantic.
- The simplicity of the technique meant that women could recreate it themselves without assistance from servants.
Styling Tip: Set the twists with a light-hold hairspray before pinning them together to prevent them from loosening throughout the day while maintaining a soft appearance.
13. Braided Headband with Flowing Hair

A braided headband creates a natural hair accessory that frames the face beautifully while allowing the rest of the hair to remain loose and flowing. This style perfectly captures medieval femininity and grace.
- Section off a strip of hair from ear to ear across the top of your head, approximately one to two inches back from your hairline.
- Create a standard three-strand braid with this section, braiding it completely from one side to the other.
- Position the braid across your forehead like a headband, securing both ends behind your ears with bobby pins.
- The remaining hair stays loose and can be curled, waved, or left straight depending on your preference and natural hair texture.
- This style was particularly flattering for medieval women with high foreheads, which were considered a sign of beauty during many medieval periods.
- Small decorative elements like beads or tiny flowers can be woven into the braided headband for special occasions.
Styling Tip: For a more secure headband that won’t slip, pin the braid in multiple places along its length rather than just at the ends.
14. Ladder Braid Technique

The ladder braid creates a unique visual effect with horizontal sections appearing to cross through the braid like rungs on a ladder.
This advanced technique showcases exceptional braiding skill and creates a stunning focal point.
- This complex braid requires leaving out small sections of hair at regular intervals as you create a standard braid down one side.
- The left-out sections are later woven through the completed braid to create the ladder effect.
- Begin by creating a French lace braid on one side of your head, which means you only add hair from one direction.
- Every few crossovers, leave a small section of hair out before continuing with the braiding process.
- Once the braid is complete, thread the leftover sections through the braid in a consistent pattern to create horizontal “rungs.”
- This intricate style would have been reserved for the most skilled medieval hairdressers and worn only on special occasions.
- The complexity of the pattern demonstrated wealth and status, as it required time and expertise to create.
Styling Tip: Use a rat-tail comb to help thread the ladder sections through the braid cleanly, and secure each one with a small bobby pin to prevent it from slipping back through.
15. Sleeping Beauty-Inspired Waves with Braided Detail

Long, flowing waves accented with delicate braided details capture the fairy tale essence of medieval princesses like Sleeping Beauty.
This style balances structure and softness for a truly romantic appearance.
- Begin by curling your hair in large sections using a curling iron or hot rollers to create soft, flowing waves throughout.
- Once cooled, gently brush through the curls to create softer waves rather than defined ringlets.
- Take small sections of hair near your face or temples and create tiny accent braids—three-strand, rope braids, or micro Dutch braids.
- These small braids can frame your face, connect behind your head, or simply dangle as decorative elements among the waves.
- The combination of structured braids and flowing waves represents the duality of medieval femininity—both controlled and free.
- Medieval princesses would enhance this look with light veils, circlets, or delicate chains draped across the forehead.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray after creating the waves to add body and prevent the style from appearing too polished or modern.
16. Double Braided Bun

Two braids wound together into a single bun creates a substantial, impressive updo that sits low at the nape of the neck. This style provides excellent hold and can last through even the most active medieval festivities.
- Part your hair down the middle and create two equal braids, one on each side of your head.
- The braids can start at the temples or further back, depending on whether you want any hair left loose around your face.
- Bring both braids together at the nape of your neck and twist or wrap them around each other.
- Coil the combined braids into a low bun, pinning securely as you wrap to ensure the style holds throughout the day.
- This substantial bun can be decorated with jeweled pins, a decorative hair net, or left simple for an understated elegant look.
- Medieval noblewomen appreciated this style for its security—it could withstand dancing, horseback riding, and other activities without coming loose.
Styling Tip: If your hair is particularly thick or heavy, create the braids slightly to the sides rather than directly at the centerline so the bun sits more comfortably at the nape.
17. Celtic Knot-Inspired Braiding

Celtic knotwork designs can be recreated in hair through careful braiding and weaving techniques that create the appearance of interlocking patterns.
These intricate styles represent the artistic heritage of medieval Celtic regions.
- This advanced technique involves creating multiple small braids that are then woven through each other in patterns inspired by Celtic illuminated manuscripts.
- Begin by sectioning the hair into the number of parts needed for your chosen knot design—typically four to eight sections.
- Create individual braids with each section, keeping them relatively tight so they hold their shape during the weaving process.
- Following a Celtic knot pattern, weave the braids over and under each other, pinning as you go to hold the design in place.
- The finished result should resemble an interwoven knot with no clear beginning or end, symbolizing eternity and interconnection.
- These designs were most common in medieval Ireland and Scotland, where Celtic artistic traditions remained strong.
- The complexity of the knotwork indicated special occasions and the skill of the person creating the style.
Styling Tip: Practice your chosen Celtic knot pattern with ribbons or cords before attempting it with hair to ensure you understand the weaving sequence.
18. Elizabethan-Style High Bun with Braids

The later medieval period leading into the Renaissance saw the emergence of high, ornate buns that elevated the hair to impressive heights.
This style combines braiding with strategic pinning to create vertical emphasis.
- Flip your head forward and create a high ponytail at the crown of your head, gathering all hair to this point.
- Divide the ponytail into three sections and create separate braids with each section.
- Wrap each braid around the base of the ponytail, pinning as you go to create a high, rounded bun shape.
- The braids can be wrapped in various patterns—all in the same direction, in opposite directions, or in a basket-weave pattern.
- Leave some small sections at the hairline loose to soften the look and frame the face naturally.
- This elevated style literally raised noblewomen’s status, making them appear taller and more imposing.
- The high bun was often further adorned with decorative caps, jeweled pins, or small crowns for court appearances.
Styling Tip: Tease the hair at the crown before creating the ponytail to add extra volume and help support the weight of the high bun throughout the day.
19. Wrapped Ponytail Braid

This style features a section of hair wrapped around the base of a braided ponytail to conceal the hair tie and create a polished, finished appearance. The technique adds sophistication to a simple braid.
- Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height and secure it with an elastic band.
- Before braiding, take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band several times.
- Secure the wrapping with a bobby pin tucked underneath the ponytail where it won’t be visible.
- Create your chosen braid style with the remaining ponytail—three-strand, fishtail, rope, or any variation you prefer.
- The wrapped base creates a cleaner, more refined appearance that suggests attention to detail and personal grooming.
- Medieval women used ribbons, leather cords, or strips of fabric for this wrapping technique, coordinating with their clothing.
Styling Tip: If you have shorter layers that won’t reach the wrap, smooth them back with a small amount of pomade before wrapping the longer section around the base.
20. Accent Braids with Loose Hair

Small decorative braids scattered throughout loose, flowing hair create texture and interest without requiring all the hair to be restrained. This style offers the best of both worlds—structure and freedom.
- Leave the majority of your hair loose and flowing, either straight, wavy, or curled according to your preference.
- Take small sections randomly throughout your hair and create tiny braids—these can be three-strand braids, rope braids, or any simple technique.
- The accent braids can start at different heights and lengths, creating an organic, natural appearance.
- Consider placing some braids near your face, some at your temples, and some throughout the length for balanced distribution.
- Small beads, rings, or tiny flowers can be added to individual braids for extra embellishment.
- This style suggests a free-spirited medieval maiden, perhaps a shepherdess or a young woman enjoying a country festival.
- The randomness of the braid placement creates a bohemian, romantic aesthetic perfect for outdoor medieval events.
Styling Tip: Vary the size and type of accent braids throughout your hair to create more visual interest than using all identical braids.
21. Twisted Side Updo

This asymmetrical style features twisted sections that gather into a side bun or cluster, creating an elegant off-center focal point. The twisted technique offers a softer alternative to structured braiding.
- Part your hair deeply to one side, creating an asymmetrical division that will guide the entire style.
- Take sections of hair from the smaller side and twist them backward, pinning them as you go toward the larger side.
- Continue taking sections from around your head, twisting and pinning them all toward one side.
- As the twists gather on one side, begin coiling them into a low side bun positioned behind your ear.
- Pin the bun securely and consider leaving a few face-framing pieces loose on the opposite side for balance.
- This style works beautifully for medieval weddings or formal events where an elegant but softer appearance is desired.
Styling Tip: Apply a smoothing serum before twisting to ensure each section is sleek and defined, preventing frizz from disrupting the polished appearance.
22. Mermaid-Style Triple Braid

Three separate braids combined at intervals create a unique rope-like effect that suggests the fantasy and romance of medieval mermaids and water spirits. This style works best on very long hair.
- Divide your hair into three equal vertical sections—left, center, and right.
- Create a separate braid with each section, working all three simultaneously or one at a time.
- The three braids remain separate for the first few inches, then are temporarily joined together with a small elastic or ribbon.
- Below the joining point, the three braids separate again for several more inches before being joined again.
- This pattern of separating and joining continues down the length of the hair, creating a unique undulating appearance.
- The style resembles the scales or tail of a mermaid, connecting to medieval legends and folklore about water spirits.
Styling Tip: Keep the three individual braids relatively loose so they flow together more naturally at the joining points rather than remaining rigid and separate.
23. Braided Chignon

The chignon is a classic low bun that gains medieval character when created with braided techniques rather than simply twisted hair. This sophisticated style works for formal medieval occasions and everyday elegant wear.
- Create one large braid or multiple smaller braids starting from various points on your head.
- Gather all the braids at the nape of your neck, allowing them to combine into a cluster.
- Coil the braid or braids into a low, rounded bun shape at the nape, tucking the ends under.
- Pin securely throughout the chignon, making sure each coil is anchored to both the other braids and to your head.
- The chignon can sit directly at the nape or slightly to one side for an asymmetrical variation.
- Medieval noblewomen wore chignons to formal events, often covering them with decorative hair nets studded with pearls or jewels.
- This style kept hair completely controlled and presented a mature, sophisticated appearance appropriate for married women and nobility.
Styling Tip: Create the chignon slightly lower and looser than you initially think necessary—overtightening can make the style appear severe rather than romantic and medieval.
24. Heart-Shaped Braided Updo

This creative style uses braiding and pinning techniques to create a heart shape at the back of the head, perfect for medieval valentines, weddings, or romantic celebrations.
The heart symbol has represented love since medieval times.
- Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids starting at the temples.
- As you braid, curve each braid outward and then back inward, following the outline of a heart shape.
- The two braids should meet at the bottom center of the heart, where they can be pinned together or continue as a single braid.
- This style requires practice to achieve symmetrical heart curves, so patience and careful pinning are essential.
- Additional small braids or twisted sections can fill in the center of the heart shape for a fuller appearance.
- Heart-shaped hairstyles were created for special romantic occasions in medieval courts, particularly for betrothal celebrations or Valentine’s Day festivities.
Styling Tip: Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your head frequently while creating this style, adjusting the curves as needed to maintain the heart shape’s symmetry.
25. Viking Shield Maiden War Braids

Multiple small, tight braids along the sides of the head with a loose center section create a warrior-inspired look that combines femininity with strength.
This practical style kept hair controlled during combat training.
- Section the hair on both sides of your head from temple to behind the ears, leaving a center section loose.
- Create multiple small, tight braids with the side sections—typically three to five braids on each side.
- These braids should lie flat against your head and can be directed backward or downward depending on your preference.
- The center section can remain loose, be braided in one large braid, or styled in a mohawk-like fashion for maximum drama.
- Pin or wrap the small side braids at the back of your head to keep them secure.
- Medieval women warriors and those engaged in physical training needed hairstyles that wouldn’t obstruct their vision or movement.
- This style has become popular for Renaissance fairs, medieval combat reenactments, and fantasy character portrayal.
Styling Tip: Braid the side sections very tightly and use small elastics every few inches to prevent them from loosening during active wear.
26. Rapunzel-Inspired Single Long Braid

The ultimate medieval fairy tale braid, a single long braid down the back captures the romantic essence of tower-bound princesses and flowing femininity.
This classic style showcases hair length and health while remaining practical and beautiful.
- Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck or slightly higher, depending on where you want the braid to begin.
- Create one thick three-strand braid, French braid, or Dutch braid incorporating all of your hair into a single substantial plait.
- The braid should be kept relatively loose to showcase volume and create a softer, more romantic appearance than a tight utilitarian braid.
- Continue braiding all the way to the ends and secure with a ribbon, decorative tie, or wrapped section of hair.
- For added medieval authenticity, weave flowers, ribbons, or chains throughout the length of the braid at regular intervals.
- Long hair was considered a woman’s crowning glory during medieval times, and a single long braid displayed this asset while keeping it manageable.
- Unmarried maidens often wore their hair in a single braid, while married women typically covered their braids or wore more elaborate updos.
- This style was practical for sleeping, traveling, and daily activities while still presenting an attractive appearance.
Styling Tip: Pancake the braid by gently pulling on the outer edges of each section to create a fuller, more voluminous appearance that looks even more impressive.
27. Bohemian Mixed Braid Style

This free-spirited style combines multiple braiding techniques—regular braids, fishtails, rope braids, and twists—throughout the hair for an eclectic, artistic medieval appearance.
The mixing of techniques creates unique texture and visual interest.
- Divide your hair into five to seven sections of varying sizes to create an organic, unplanned appearance.
- Create a different type of braid with each section—one three-strand braid, one fishtail, one rope braid, one twisted section, and so on.
- The braids can start at different heights and be different thicknesses, adding to the bohemian aesthetic.
- Leave some sections of hair completely loose and flowing between the various braids for contrast.
- Incorporate decorative elements like beads, feathers, leather cords, or ribbons that differ from braid to braid.
- This eclectic style suggests a medieval traveling artist, musician, or free spirit unbound by courtly conventions.
- The variety of techniques showcases braiding versatility and creates a one-of-a-kind look that can’t be exactly replicated.
- Medieval entertainers, troubadours, and women in creative professions might have worn their hair in these more expressive, less structured styles.
Styling Tip: Balance the placement of different braid types throughout your head rather than clustering all of one type together—this creates better visual distribution and interest.
Conclusion
The timeless beauty of 27 Beautiful Medieval Braided Hairstyles for Princesses continues to captivate and inspire us centuries after these styles first graced the heads of royal ladies and noble maidens.
From the elegant simplicity of a classic crown braid to the intricate artistry of Celtic knot-inspired patterns, these hairstyles represent more than just fashion—they embody the romance, grace, and creativity of medieval times.
Whether you’re preparing for a themed event, exploring historical hairstyling, or simply seeking to add a touch of fairy tale magic to your everyday look, these braided styles offer endless possibilities for expressing your inner princess.
Each braid tells a story of femininity, status, and artistic skill that transcends time, proving that true beauty and elegance never go out of style.
With practice, patience, and the right techniques, you can master these medieval masterpieces and carry forward a beautiful tradition that has enchanted generations.
May these hairstyles transport you to an age of castles and courtly love, where every woman could feel like royalty through the art of beautiful braiding.