20 Braid Hairstyles You Will Want To Rock
Love to rock braids? Try out our top 20 fun styles you should try the next time you style your hair. From classic styles like the French braid to the butterfly braid, you’ll never run out of opportunities to incorporate braids in your hair no matter the occasion. Read on for more hairstyling inspiration!
Simple Three-Strand Braids
The easiest style to rock braids is with a simple three-strand braid. Just part your hair in three sections and create a weaving motion with your hands by crossing the right strand over the middle and then the left over the middle strand. Complete this pattern until you get to the ends of your hair and secure with an elastic or hair tie.
Crown Braids
Crown braids are three-strand braids that have been stretched out and pinned to create a crown or halo shape. Crown braids are a beautiful style that can be worn dressed up or down for any occasion. This style has been a popular hairstyle for special occasions such as dances and proms.
Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid braids are similar to crown braids. Instead of pinning the braids into a crown around the forehead, the braids will be pinned near the center of the head.
Cornrows
Cornrows or braids are a style of hair braiding in which the hair is braided very close to the scalp using an underhand technique. Classic cornrows are braided from the crown of the head straight back to the nape.
Boxed Braids
Boxed braids have been around for a long time. Women of color have been wearing them forever. They continue to be a popular hairstyle in many different variations and colors. Boxed braids are simply three-strand braids that are divided into square-shaped sections. Box braids can be done with natural hair or with extended hair for extra length and fullness.
Fishtail Braids
This intricate hairstyle is not as intimating as it seems. As long as you can hold multiple pieces of hair in your hands you can master this style. It’s important to remember that braiding is probably the simplest hair skill to master. All you need is your hands and a hair tie, no other tools or product is necessary.
French Braids
French braiding your hair is an easy way to rock braids all year round. A french braid also called a French plait is a type of hair braiding hairstyle that starts similar to a three-strand braid. Separate hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections and weave the hair down the nape of the neck by crossing the left and right hair sides over the center as you would a standard braid. As you braid down the neck, you simply gather pieces of hair as you go.
Dutch Braids
If you love French braids, rock braids like Dutch ones for a similar style. The Dutch braid is done exactly like a French braid, except that you cross the strands under instead of over. If you have shorter hair, try a double dutch braid instead, two braids on both sides of your head instead of a large one down the middle.
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids look like oversized cornrows. They are also braided closely to the scalp on natural hair or with the use of hair extensions. The designs of Goddess braids can vary. Another example of a protective styling technique, goddess braids are perfect for any woman wanting to keep their hair damage-free while looking trendy.
Braided Ponytails
Ponytails are so versatile and fun hairstyles to wear. One thing that can make them even better is adding a braid. For a simple style, pull your hair into the highest ponytail possible using styling gel to slick back your edges, then separate the tail into three strands and begin braiding down to the ends. You can add hair extensions if you want to make the ponytail super long, a look Beyoncé has been known to flaunt on more than one occasion.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are three-strand braids that are just small in size. They last way longer than box braids. The possibilities of styling micro braids are endless but they are a commitment. Braids, especially, micro braids take a long, long time to finish. Make sure you go prepared to the salon with a book and a Netflix show you can binge-watch while you wait for the stylist to be done.
Half Up Half Down Braids
For this style, it will take you less than 10 minutes to attain, perfect for when you are on the go. Gather a small section of hair from one side of your head and braid the strand of hair and hair tie at the end. Repeat for the other side so that you have two braids, one on each side. Take the two braids and bring them together in the middle back of the head. You can use another hair tie to attach the two pieces or take the two braids and twist them around each other. Wear the remaining hair flatiron straight, natural, or add curls for body.
Double Braided Buns
Double the bun, double the fun! Rock braids with this atmospheric hairstyle that stars like Mel B and Kylie Jenner have been known to sport. But we all know it was Raven Symoné character, Nebula in Zenon: The Girl Of The 21st Century that started this trend. Part your hair down the middle and create two ponytails. Braid each one and wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create the space-like buns.
Braided Bun
Buns are a great way to pull your hair out of your face while still looking cute. Incorporate some flair to your hair by adding a braid. Start by creating a ponytail and three-strand braid your hair down to the end and secure with an elastic. After, create a “hole” in the area of your hair above the ponytail. insert the end of your ponytail through the hole and continue to fold your hair through the hole. The idea is to have the bulkiest part of the braid be the majority of the bun seen. Using bobby pins, secure the braid into place.
Braided Top Knot
Rock braids during the warmer months with a braided top knot. Simply put your hair in a high ponytail and separate it into two sections. Braid each section and secure each braid with a hair tie. You can add depth by gently pulling the braids plaits apart for a wider braid look. With one braided section, wrap it around the base of your ponytail and secure it. Then do the same for the other braid but wrap in the opposite direction.
Waterfall Braids
A waterfall braid is a chic modified version of the French braid. The hair is braided along the upper hairline and gradually descended towards the back of your head while dropping individual strands to create a cascading effect like a waterfall.
Yarn Braids
Choose to rock braids but instead of using braiding hair opt for yarn. Yarn braids are a protective style that offers many of the same benefits as other braiding protective styles. Stay away from any wool blends of yarn and choose an acrylic.
Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids are the opposite of micro braids in size but with a similar technique. Jumbo box braids are just that, large. If you love the look of micro braids but hate the idea of waiting hours on end to get them installed, jumbo box braids are a great alternative. They might not last as long as a protective style compared to micro braids, but they will still look trendy and fashionable for both the office and a night on the town.
Mohawk Braids
Mohawk braids are an edgy and cool hair trend. This hairstyle allows you to sport a mohawk without having to shave off your hair. So even if you are hesitant about trying out the style, it’s not permanent. So give it a try!
Butterfly Braids
Butterfly braids have become one of the hottest hairstyles to try because they look amazing and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Rock braids like the butterfly to a party, or a formal event like a wedding. Braiding hair extensions are a must for this look! Even if you have hair that reaches your back, hair extensions are the only way to give you the butterfly braid. The major length and volume is needed to complete this look.
