Viking braids are having a major moment. They are fierce, functional, and incredibly stylish. Whether you are heading to a Renaissance fair, a music festival, or just want to feel like a warrior in your everyday life, Viking braids deliver. These braids are bold, intricate, and surprisingly versatile.
I know the appeal of this look. Maybe you have seen characters in shows like Vikings or The Last Kingdom and loved their hair. Or you want a protective style that keeps your hair secure for days.
Perhaps you have thick hair that needs to be tamed, or fine hair that needs the illusion of volume. You might be looking for a style that stands out at a costume event or becomes your signature look.
I have been there, and I am here to help.
Viking braids are not just for people with long, thick hair. There are styles for every length and texture. The key is understanding the basic techniques like Dutch braiding, fishtailing, and pull through braiding. Then you add accessories like rings, cuffs, and beads to get that authentic warrior feel.
This guide breaks down 20 incredible Viking braid styles. You will find mohawk braids, crown braids, side cornrows, and bubble braids. I will share exactly what tools and products you need. Plus you will get pro tips on adding accessories, working with different hair types, and making your braids last.
Let us unleash your inner shield maiden.
Classic & Crown Viking Braids for Bold Warriors
These styles sit on top of your head like a crown or helmet. They are perfect for keeping hair off your face while looking incredibly fierce. These classic Viking braids are great for long hair.
1. Platinum Blonde Viking Braid with Side Plaits and Undercut Detail
Description: This bold style features a central platinum blonde braid with smaller side plaits on each side. An undercut detail at the nape adds edge. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and metallic hair rings. The vibe is fierce, modern, and very warrior chic.
Why It Works: The undercut removes bulk and keeps you cool. The side plaits frame your face beautifully. This style works best on thick, straight to wavy hair. The platinum blonde color makes the braid details pop.
Pro Tip: The undercut requires maintenance every four to six weeks. Use a purple shampoo to keep platinum tones bright. Thread metallic rings onto small sections before braiding. This locks them in place. The side plaits should be Dutch braided for maximum hold.
2. Double Dutch Braid Crown with Multiple Long Micro-Braids
Description: This crown style uses two Dutch braids that wrap around your head like a halo. Multiple long micro braids hang down from the crown. You will need a tail comb, small elastics, and optional beads. The vibe is ethereal, regal, and very shield maiden.
Why It Works: The double Dutch crown keeps every strand off your face and neck. The micro braids add movement and visual interest. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for hot weather or active days.
Pro Tip: Create the micro braids first before forming the crown. Use small sections, about a quarter inch each. The Dutch crown should be braided tightly against your scalp. Weave beads onto the micro braids by threading them before sealing the ends with elastic.
3. High-Contrast Bronde Dutch Braid with Side Cornrows
Description: This style features a high contrast bronde (brown and blonde) Dutch braid down the center. Side cornrows run along both temples. You will need a tail comb, edge control, and elastics. The vibe is edgy, geometric, and very striking.
Why It Works: The side cornrows keep face framing hair completely controlled. The high contrast bronde makes the braid patterns visible. This style works on straight or wavy hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for festivals or costume events.
Pro Tip: Use edge control on the cornrows to keep them sleek. The center Dutch braid should be thick and voluminous. Pull gently on the edges of the Dutch braid to pancake it and make it wider. The high contrast color looks best with a shine spray.
4. Intricate Multi-Braid Style with Pull-Through and Rope Twists
Description: This advanced style combines multiple braiding techniques. Pull through braids alternate with rope twists. The overall look is intricate and textured. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is complex, artistic, and very impressive.
Why It Works: The combination of techniques creates incredible texture and volume. The pull through braids look like they took hours (but they don’t). This style works on medium to long hair of any thickness. It is perfect for special events or when you want to show off.
Pro Tip: Practice each technique separately before combining them. Pull through braids are created by tying elastics and pulling sections through. Rope twists are made by twisting two sections around each other. Use texturizing spray on dry hair for better grip.
5. Half-Up Shield-Maiden Braid with Metallic Hair Cuffs
Description: This half up style features a thick braid from the crown that flows into loose waves below. Metallic hair cuffs are clipped along the braid. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and hair cuffs. The vibe is warrior princess, elegant, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The half up style keeps hair off your face while showing off your length. The metallic cuffs add instant Viking authenticity. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for Renaissance fairs or themed photoshoots.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown section lightly before braiding for extra volume. Clip the hair cuffs onto the finished braid by opening the hinge and closing it around a section. Space them evenly, about two inches apart. The loose waves can be created with a curling wand.
6. Targaryen-Inspired Multi-Strand Braid with Silver Accessories
Description: This fantasy inspired style features a multi strand braid that looks like dragon scales. Silver accessories and chain links are woven throughout. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and silver hair chains. The vibe is fantasy, regal, and very Game of Thrones.
Why It Works: The multi strand technique creates a wide, flat braid that resembles scales. The silver accessories catch the light beautifully. This style works on long, thick hair that can hold multiple strands. It is perfect for cosplay or fantasy events.
Pro Tip: Divide your hair into five or seven equal sections for the multi strand braid. Cross the rightmost section over two, then under one. Repeat on the left. Weave silver chains into the braid by laying them alongside a section before crossing. This hides the chain links inside.
Bohemian & Festival Viking Braids for Free Spirits
These Viking braids have a softer, more romantic feel. They are perfect for music festivals, bohemian weddings, or everyday wear with a touch of warrior spirit.
7. Bohemian Half-Up Braid with Delicate Fishtail Accents
Description: This bohemian style features a half up fishtail braid with delicate, wispy pieces left out around the face. Small accent braids are woven throughout. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very free spirited.
Why It Works: The fishtail braid looks intricate but is surprisingly simple. The wispy face framing pieces soften the warrior look. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor weddings or summer festivals.
Pro Tip: Fishtail braids are made by dividing the hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it to the right. Repeat on the other side. Pull the braid gently after finishing to pancake it. Leave out two thin pieces on each side of your face.
8. Voluminous Layered Pull-Through Braid on Light Brown Hair
Description: This voluminous style uses the pull through braid technique to create a thick, layered look. The light brown hair has natural dimension. You will need small clear elastics and a tail comb. The vibe is boho, textured, and very effortless.
Why It Works: The pull through braid creates major volume without needing thick hair. Each section is tied with an elastic and pulled through, creating a stacked effect. This style works on fine to medium hair that needs volume. It is perfect for second or third day hair.
Pro Tip: Start with day old hair for better grip. Create a high ponytail. Tie an elastic two inches down, split the section, and pull the tail through. Repeat every two inches. Gently tug each section to create the bubble effect. The light brown color looks great with a texturizing spray.
9. Classic French Braid with Mixed Accent Plaits and Gold Beads
Description: This classic French braid is elevated with multiple small accent plaits woven in. Gold beads are threaded onto the ends. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and gold beads. The vibe is classic Viking with a touch of treasure.
Why It Works: The French braid is secure and long lasting. The accent plaits add visual interest without complexity. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for everyday wear or casual events.
Pro Tip: Create the accent plaits first using small sections from the hairline. French braid them into the main braid as you go. Thread gold beads onto the ends of the accent plaits by feeding the hair through the bead. Use a tiny drop of clear glue on the elastic to keep beads from sliding off.
10. Bubble Braid and Fishtail Combo with Ornate Silver Rings
Description: This combination style starts with a bubble braid at the crown and transitions into a fishtail. Ornate silver rings are clipped along the bubble sections. You will need elastics, a tail comb, and silver hair rings. The vibe is intricate, detailed, and very unique.
Why It Works: The bubble braid adds volume at the crown where hair often falls flat. The fishtail keeps the lower section interesting. This style works on medium to long hair of any thickness. It is perfect for when you want a conversation starting style.
Pro Tip: Create the bubble braid first by tying elastics every two inches down the ponytail. Gently tug each section to create bubbles. Clip silver rings onto the elastic points. Transition to the fishtail after the last bubble by splitting the remaining hair into two sections and fishtailing down.
Mohawk & Faux-Hawk Viking Braids for Edgy Warriors
These styles are bold, dramatic, and incredibly fierce. They mimic the look of a mohawk using braids instead of shaved sides. Perfect for making a statement.
11. Blonde Mohawk Braid with Side Cornrows and Gold Accessories
Description: This mohawk style features a thick blonde braid running down the center of your head. Side cornrows are braided on both sides. Gold accessories are clipped along the mohawk. You will need a tail comb, edge control, and gold hair cuffs. The vibe is punk, fierce, and very warrior.
Why It Works: The mohawk shape is dramatic and eye catching. The side cornrows keep the sides sleek and controlled. This style works on straight or wavy hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for concerts, festivals, or any time you want to stand out.
Pro Tip: Create the side cornrows first, braiding from your temples down to your nape. The center mohawk section should be about two inches wide. Dutch braid this section tightly. Clip gold cuffs onto the center braid. Use edge control on the cornrows for a sleek finish.
12. Silver and Purple Dutch Braid with Side Feed-in Braids
Description: This bold style features a silver and purple Dutch braid down the center. Side feed in braids add thickness and color. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and colored hair extensions. The vibe is fantasy, colorful, and very magical.
Why It Works: The feed in technique adds length and color without damaging your natural hair. The purple and silver combination is striking. This style works on natural hair of any texture. It is perfect for cosplay, fantasy events, or when you want a pop of color.
Pro Tip: Feed in the purple and silver extensions as you Dutch braid. Hold the extension alongside a small section of natural hair and braid them together. The side feed in braids should be thinner than the center. Use a small amount of gel to keep the feed in sections smooth.
13. Golden Blonde Pull-Through Braid with Chain and Leaf Charms
Description: This golden blonde pull through braid is decorated with chain links and leaf shaped charms. The braid is thick and voluminous. You will need elastics, a tail comb, and charm clips. The vibe is elven, magical, and very woodland warrior.
Why It Works: The pull through technique creates a braid that looks solid but is actually hollow and lightweight. The leaf charms add a nature inspired touch. This style works on fine to medium hair that needs volume. It is perfect for Renaissance fairs or woodland themed events.
Pro Tip: Create the pull through braid starting at the crown. Use small sections for more volume. Clip the chain links onto the elastic points. The leaf charms can be woven into the braid by clipping them to individual strands. Spray with a light hold hairspray to keep charms in place.
14. Brunette Faux-Hawk Braid with Purple Tinsel and Hair Rings
Description: This faux-hawk style uses a thick brunette braid down the center with purple tinsel woven throughout. Hair rings are threaded onto the ends. You will need a tail comb, elastics, tinsel, and hair rings. The vibe is edgy, colorful, and very festival ready.
Why It Works: The faux-hawk gives you the mohawk look without shaving your head. The purple tinsel adds sparkle and color without dye. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for music festivals or concert nights.
Pro Tip: Fold a piece of tinsel in half and place it over a small section of hair before braiding. Braid the tinsel right into the strand. Thread hair rings onto the ends of smaller accent braids. The center faux-hawk should be Dutch braided for height.
15. Metallic Green Tapered Braid with Side Cornrow Detailing
Description: This bold style features a metallic green tapered braid that gets thinner toward the ends. Intricate side cornrow detailing frames the face. You will need a tail comb, edge control, and green hair extensions. The vibe is mystical, fierce, and very otherworldly.
Why It Works: The tapered shape mimics traditional Viking braids found in historical findings. The metallic green is unexpected but stunning. This style works on straight or wavy hair of medium length. It is perfect for fantasy conventions or themed photoshoots.
Pro Tip: To taper the braid, gradually take smaller sections as you braid down. Feed in less extension hair as you go. The side cornrows should be very detailed with sharp, clean parts. Use edge control to lay down any flyaways. The metallic green looks best with a matte finish spray.
Side Braid & Bubble Viking Styles for Modern Warriors
These Viking braids are worn to one side or feature bubble details. They are modern takes on classic warrior styles. Perfect for everyday wear with a fierce twist.
16. Platinum Blonde Bubble Braid with Contrasting Dark Roots
Description: This modern style features a platinum blonde bubble braid with visible dark roots for contrast. The bubbles are large and voluminous. You will need clear elastics and a tail comb. The vibe is edgy, modern, and very fashion forward.
Why It Works: The contrasting dark roots make the platinum pop and reduce maintenance. The bubble braid creates volume without teasing. This style works on medium to long hair of any thickness. It is perfect for women who love bold color but want lower maintenance.
Pro Tip: Create a high ponytail. Tie elastics every two inches down the length. Gently tug each section between the elastics to create bubbles. The dark roots should be about one inch long. Use a purple shampoo on the platinum sections only to keep them bright.
17. Classic Auburn French Braid with Low Tapered Tail
Description: This classic auburn French braid features a low, tapered tail that gets thinner toward the ends. The auburn color is rich and warm. You will need a tail comb and elastics. The vibe is classic, historical, and very authentic.
Why It Works: The tapered tail is historically accurate for Viking braids. The auburn color adds warmth and dimension. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for historical reenactments or anyone who loves a classic look.
Pro Tip: French braid from your crown down to your nape. Once you reach the nape, transition to a standard three strand braid. To taper, gradually take smaller sections as you braid. The auburn color looks best with a shine spray. This style can last for several days.
18. Long Brunette Pull-Through Braid with Multiple Accent Micro-Braids
Description: This long brunette style uses the pull through technique with multiple accent micro braids woven throughout. The overall look is textured and dimensional. You will need elastics, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is intricate, detailed, and very impressive.
Why It Works: The pull through technique creates a braid that looks solid but is lightweight. The accent micro braids add visual interest and can be decorated. This style works on medium to long hair of any thickness. It is perfect for special events or when you want a complex look.
Pro Tip: Create the micro braids first using small sections throughout your hair. Then gather everything into a ponytail and begin the pull through braid. The micro braids will stick out of the pull through sections, creating texture. Use texturizing spray for grip.
19. Sleek Raven Side Cornrows with Voluminous Center Dutch Braid
Description: This sleek style features raven black side cornrows that curve around the temples. A voluminous center Dutch braid runs from forehead to nape. You will need a tail comb, edge control, and elastics. The vibe is sleek, sharp, and very dramatic.
Why It Works: The side cornrows keep all face framing hair completely controlled. The voluminous center Dutch braid adds height and drama. This style works on straight or wavy hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for formal events or when you want a sharp, clean look.
Pro Tip: Use edge control on the cornrows for a sleek, glass like finish. The center Dutch braid should be pancaked by pulling gently on the edges to make it wider. The raven black color looks best with a shine spray. This style can last up to a week with a satin scarf at night.
20. Multi-Tonal Blonde Side Braids with Wavy Curled Ends
Description: This romantic style features two multi tonal blonde side braids that start at the temples. The remaining hair is left in soft, wavy curled ends. You will need a curling wand and a tail comb. The vibe is soft, romantic, and very bohemian.
Why It Works: The side braids keep hair off your face while the wavy ends show off your length. The multi tonal blonde adds dimension and brightness. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for date nights, weddings, or everyday wear.
Pro Tip: Dutch braid the side sections from your temples down to your ears. Secure with small elastics. Use a curling wand to create loose waves on the remaining hair. Curl away from your face on both sides. Brush through the waves gently with your fingers. The multi tonal color looks best with a shine spray.
Conclusion
Viking braids are more than just a trend. They are a celebration of strength, beauty, and warrior spirit. Whether you want a simple crown braid for everyday wear or an intricate multi braid style for a special event, there is a Viking braid for you. The key is practicing the basic techniques and having fun with accessories.
I hope these 20 Viking braid styles have inspired you to try something new and fierce. The best advice I can give is to start with simpler styles like Dutch braids or pull through braids before attempting the more intricate looks. Watch video tutorials and practice on a day when you are not in a rush. And do not be afraid to add rings, cuffs, and beads to make the style your own.
Now I want to hear from you. Which of these 20 Viking braid styles will you try first? Do you have a question about how a certain style would work with your hair length or texture? Drop a comment below. I read every single one and I am happy to help you channel your inner shield maiden. Skål.
