Spooky season may have come and gone, but a touch of gothic romance still dominates the hair moodboard: witchy braids. Thanks to Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, effortless, undone plaits have officially eclipsed the ultra-slicked-back look. We’re finally loosening our grip and leaning into soft, romantic femininity.
Braids are, after all, one of the most versatile and endlessly reinvented hairstyles – shifting seamlessly from playful pigtails to classic French plaits and fishtails.
But what truly defines a witchy braid is that deliberately messy finish: the romantic illusion that you fell asleep in your plaits and woke up with wispy tendrils slipping effortlessly from each side.
© Annie’sThe look has also peppered the runway, pairing seamlessly with the dark Victorian charm of Annie’s spring/summer 2027 collection, Nocturne. Amid signature hand-embroidery, intricate beadwork, and gossamer layers of lace, models wore plaits cascading from the crown of the head. Courtesy of hairstylist Sam McKnight, hair was curled prior to braiding, ensuring the escaping tendrils felt soft, playful and deliberate.
© East of EdenThe finished effect is purposely shaggy: a thick, central plait entwined with micro-braids for dimensional texture and detail. Rather than being tightly secured, the ends are loosely tied off, leaving the tail free to softly unravel on its own.
Nate B, stylist at Hershesons Belgravia, spoke to H! Fashion about the popularity of the look and how to achieve the witchy braid at home. “Witchy braids are part of a wider revival of braided hairstyles, offering a versatile way to elevate everyday looks and make a statement on special occasions,” they share. “Their relaxed, free-spirited style can range from romantic to rebellious. Social media and red carpets have helped popularise the trend, bringing together bohemian, gothic and spiritual influences.”
© Annie’sKeep it relaxed – perfection isn’t the goal here. “Select three small, uneven sections on each side. Braid each section to the ends, then set with the Hershesons Air Dry Spray. Leave the braids unsecured. Gently loosen them with your fingers from roots to ends to create a relaxed, undone look,” explains Nate.
The finish can also be customised to your preference. “Leave the hair down, gather it into a low, loose ponytail or bun, or incorporate the smaller braids into one larger braid. Add them as you go so they blend naturally with the remaining hair. Secure the ends with a small elastic and gently loosen for a soft, undone finish,” adds Nate.
Don’t worry, having shorter hair doesn’t mean missing out on the witchy braid trend. “If you have a bob haircut, gently backcomb the crown. Gather and tuck the ends together at the nape, securing with bobby pins,” says Nate.
Shop the best products to achieve the witchy braid look:
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© BaBylissStyle Secret Air Automatic Rotating Curler and Waver
BaByliss
Prior to braiding your hair, we advise curling your hair with a slight wave for added definition. Style Secret Air automatically wraps each section around its barrel, using heat and airflow to create natural movement.
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© JVN
Air Dry Volumising Wave Spray
JVN
A key part of the look is that purposeful texture and grit. Opt for JVN’s Air Dry Voluminising Spray, which is enriched with a blend of chia seed, linseed extracts and sugar cane extract for that lived-in look.
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© Hershesons
Spray, scrunch and then leave it to work its magic. This spray enhances your hair’s natural shape and texture.
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© Hair By Sam McKnight
Cool Girl Body Plumping & Volumising Cream
Hair by Sam McKnight
It is essential to prep the hair before styling. This cream will ensure you hair holds the volume for that shaggy effect.
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© GHD
Curve Conical Wand For Beach Curls
GHD
For those wispy tendrils, curl the front pieces of your hair with a long wand.
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© Living Proof
Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray
Living Proof
This texture spray provides buildable, no-slip grip for increased styling versatility.
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© TYPEBEA
S2 Sea Salt Texture Mist
TYPEBEA
This hydrating sea salt mist adds texture to the hair while using plant-based keratin to visibly strengthen the condition.
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© Oribe
Shampoo For Magnificent Volume
Oribe
Using a volumising shampoo is essential for the look. Our top pick is this option from Oribe.
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© Dyson
Chitosan™ Multi-use styling spray
Dyson
The ultra-fine non-aerosol spray holds hairstyles in place without that dreaded crunch. It is needed to keep the braid in place.
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© Aroma Zone
Curl-Defining Gel with Hyaluronic Acid & Flaxseed
Aroma Zone
For those with curly hair, this product defines and sets curls while hydrating your locks with a lightweight texture.
How we chose:
- Performance and personal testimony: The hair products chosen are products that our writer personally rates.
- High performance and consistent use: All the picks selected have been used consistently and selected carefully. The products vary, spanning from different luxury brands but are united in the fact that they are all high-performing products.
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