Braided hairstyles offer a convenient and delightful way to give your hair a break from styling for months while protecting it from environmental factors. With a plethora of braiding techniques and styles to choose from, you have endless opportunities to express your creativity and make your hairstyle truly unique. Whether you have natural curls or thick hair, braids are a perfect fit, enhancing your natural texture and adding flair to your look.
From microbraids to cornrows, fishtail braids to French braids, the versatility of African hair braiding allows for endless possibilities. Once you’ve chosen your desired style and thickness, you can transform your braids into stunning hairstyles for both everyday wear and special occasions. With a history dating back to 2000 B.C., braids have stood the test of time and continue to be a timeless and beloved hairstyle choice.
From fashion runways to YouTube tutorials, braids remain a constant source of inspiration and admiration. Whether you’re seeking classic elegance or trendy innovation, braided hairstyles offer something for everyone. Explore the latest trends and find your perfect braided look with inspiration from top hairstylists worldwide.
African Braids Hairstyles
#1 Asymmetrical Goddess Braids
Create texture and dimension in your braid hairstyles by mixing plaits of different sizes. Combining chunky and thin braids adds an unexpected and exciting twist to your look, keeping it fresh and fun. For a personalized touch, consider adding beads or gold cuffs as the final embellishment.
#2 Braided Ponytail
For those seeking a lighter alternative to individual plaits, a cornrow ponytail is a fantastic option. This casual updo offers the perfect balance between style and comfort, providing a protective hairstyle without the added weight. Plus, it’s gentle on your edges, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear or special occasions.
#3 Curly Mohawk with Flat Twisted Sides
For an edgy yet versatile look, consider experimenting with different braid styles instead of opting for a shaved mohawk. This allows you to maintain your length while still showcasing your unique style. To refresh your curls in the morning, try sleeping with your ends in two-strand twists overnight. When you unravel them, your hair will fall into a luscious and voluminous mane, perfect for embracing your natural texture.
#4 Cornrows Going Back
When braiding the back of your hair, don’t settle for ordinary—aim for cool and interesting. Alternating large cornrows with smaller ones is a popular technique for adding flair and making your style stand out. Incorporating curved parts at the front adds an extra touch of elegance. Plus, the versatility to switch effortlessly between a bun and a ponytail makes this hairstyle a true winner for any occasion.
#5 Perfect Black Braided Ponytail
For those looking to grow out their natural hair while maintaining a stylish look, box braids are an excellent choice. This low-maintenance hairstyle allows you to enjoy back-skimming locks while keeping your hair out of your face when you’re on the go. Whether you’re running errands or heading to a special event, this updo provides both convenience and style.
#6 Chunky Mohawk Braid with Cornrows
Chunky braids are a chic choice for black hair, offering both style and practicality. Thicker braids are easier to undo once your hairstyle has run its course, providing versatility and ease of maintenance. While rocking a mohawk, there are various ways to change up your look. You can wear it braided down the back for a sleek and modern appearance, or experiment with styling it into a retro-inspired bouffant up top for a bold and glamorous vibe.
#7 Heart Cornrows into a High Bun
The hairstyle exudes “serious in the front, party in the back” vibes, with the high bun embodying sophistication and the heart shape at the back adding a touch of fun and whimsy. Is this hairstyle a metaphor for the duality of man? Perhaps. Nonetheless, it’s playful and enjoyable, and we absolutely adore it.
#8 Feed-In Bun with Ghana Braids
Elevate your Ghana braids by wrapping them into a chic bun for a stylish change. The beautifully thick Ghana braids create a full and statement-making bun that exudes sophistication. Whether you’re heading for a night out or a day at the office, this sleek hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of elegance to your look.
#9 Side-Swept Cornrows
If you adore the side swept look, you’ll love trying out these side swept cornrow braids. This hairstyle is fun, fresh, and effortlessly stylish, ensuring that every side is your best side when you rock this look.
#10 Box Braided Bob
Today’s letter is B, representing both box braids and bobs. The classic bob hairstyle receives an edgy makeover with chunky shoulder-length box braids, creating a bold and beautiful look. While B may be the letter of the day, this style undoubtedly deserves an A for its stunning and innovative appeal.
#11 Upside Down Braids to Bun
For a super sleek and bold look, opt for upright braids. Let the cornrows lead into either a ponytail or a bun, offering versatility in styling. Wear the ends down for a casual vibe or gather them up into a bun for a more dressy appearance. This hairstyle offers the perfect blend of sophistication and versatility for any occasion.
#12 Cornrows in Pigtails
This side part cornrow style is truly stunning. The curved part following the shape of the ear adds an elegant touch to the look. Opting for pigtails created with the braided hair instead of traditional ponytail holders is a stylistic choice that preserves the hairstyle’s sophistication and maturity. Who says pigtails are just for kids? This elevated take on the classic style proves otherwise.
#13 Triangle Box Braids
African-American braided hairstyles offer a canvas for creativity where parts don’t have to adhere to routine squares. Consider this geometric, triangular design as an example—it’s unexpected, cool, and injects a totally fresh feel into the classic box braid style. Experimenting with unconventional shapes and patterns allows for endless possibilities and unique expressions of individuality.
#14 Half Cornrows Half Box Braids
The half cornrows, half braid style is immensely popular among braid wearers for its versatility. Combining box braids and cornrows opens up a plethora of styling options. As demonstrated by this style, the choice of braiding hair color can be just as impactful as the style itself. If you’ve typically opted for colors close to your natural hair, why not switch things up next time and explore new shades for a fresh and dynamic look?
#15 Braided Bun
Large braided updos have historically been associated with older women on the go. However, as trends evolve, what was once considered old-fashioned is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with younger women embracing the style with flair and enthusiasm.
#16 Medium-Sized Cornrow Braids
These medium-sized cornrows and braids strike the perfect balance for those of us who want a stylish hairdo without dedicating an entire day to it. They’re large enough to be done quickly, yet still small enough to ensure longevity. And as for the color—well, we’re absolutely smitten with it!
#17 Long Jumbo Box Braids
Long jumbo box braids exude a timeless, classic, and simple beauty that makes a real statement. However, it’s important to note that they can also be heavy, so be prepared for your neck muscles to get a workout. Despite the potential weight, their striking appearance and versatility make them a popular choice among braided hairstyles.
#18 Feed-In Cornrows with Temple Heart Design
Even if you’re not one to wear your heart on your sleeve, you can still rock a heart in your hair. Adding a heart design to traditional braids from the front to the back adds flair and makes a bold statement that’s sure to turn heads.
#19 Burgundy Feed-In Braids
If you needed proof that a protective style doesn’t have to be dull and boring, look no further. This style combines many favorite elements: beads, color, and a cool design. The whimsical nature of this style adds a playful touch that’s truly delightful.
#20 Cornrow on Cornrow Crown Braids
A creative twist on the classic crown braid, this hairstyle offers long-lasting beauty that can endure for weeks at a time. While it may require some time investment to install, its durability makes it well worth the effort. With its resilience and stylish appeal, it’s the perfect hairstyle for a carefree summer break.
#21 Cute Jumbo Twist Braids
Whether you call them jumbo twists or crochet braids, the result is equally impressive. This style exudes an undeniable edge, elegance, and eye-catching appeal. To enhance the look, consider adding scattered golden beads to break up the gorgeous mass of hair.
#22 Black Braided Mohawk
The versatility of braiding offers endless possibilities for creative designs. This mohawk with braids combines curvy cornrows with one-point burst rows, resulting in a dynamic and jazzy style. Perfect for a woman who prefers to steer clear of boring hairdos, this bold mohawk is sure to make a statement.
#23 The Most Sophisticated Braided Updo Ever!
Absolutely stunning! These elegant spirals, expertly rolled into the most sophisticated updo, are truly remarkable. They are perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, such as a wedding, to say the least. With their timeless beauty and intricate craftsmanship, they are sure to make any bride feel like royalty on her special day.
#24 Revamped Braided Ponytail
Elevate a simple ponytail with braids to add an extra touch of flair. Since the ponytail style can feel somewhat limited, introducing something quirky or fun can keep it from feeling boring after a few days. Incorporating smaller braids or wrapping hair around your ponytail holder are simple yet effective touches that will keep the style exciting and fresh.
#25 Twist from Box Braids
Indeed, the possibilities for transforming your look with various types of braids are endless. Embrace the beauty of your naturally thick, wavy hair and showcase just how breathtaking you can be to the world. With so many exciting ideas to explore, you can experiment with different braiding styles to express your unique personality and elevate your style to new heights.