When it comes to protective styles, braids will forever be a fan favorite. They can be chic or casual, depending on how you decide to rock them. While a sophisticated braided bob can elevate the class of your look, bohemian braids can give you a casual edge. Whether you’re a braid veteran or just venturing into the style, here’s a deep dive into the various braided looks you can choose from and how to keep your braids looking fresh and healthy.
How To Take Care Of Your Braids
Moisturize your scalp: Use a lightweight oil or scalp serum to keep your scalp hydrated. Look for products with ingredients, like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, or aloe vera. Keeping your scalp moisturized will help prevent dryness and itchiness.
Scarfs and bonnets: Using a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase will help minimize friction while you sleep. This helps prevent frizz and ensures your braids stay neat.
Wash and condition with care: When it’s time to wash your braids, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. You can dilute the shampoo with water and apply it directly to your scalp, focusing on cleansing without disturbing the braids too much. You can then follow up with a light conditioner, avoiding heavy products that can build up. Opt for a leave-in conditioner or a light spray to keep your hair moisturized.
Avoid tension: Be mindful of the tightness of your braids when the stylist installs them. If you feel discomfort, don’t be shy about speaking up. Loose braids are generally healthier for your scalp and hair.
Limit heat: Try to avoid heat styling tools. If you want to add curls or waves, consider using heatless methods, like braiding damp hair before you take out the braids.
Trim regularly: If you notice split ends or frayed braids, trim them carefully to maintain the neatness of your look. Regular maintenance can also prolong the life of your braids.
Keep it timely: To prevent damage, it’s best to remove your braids after six to eight weeks. While you may want to get the most bang for your buck, leaving them in longer can lead to matting and breakage.
14 Braided Hairstyles
Your braided style determines your identity for a moment. Some styles lend to more versatility, while others are bold and striking. With so many to choose from, be brave enough to try a new style and pay homage to your cultural roots.
Box Braids
Box braids are a classic protective hairstyle that have individual square-shaped plaits at the roots, creating a boxy appearance. They can vary in thickness and length, making them versatile for different styles. Box braids include synthetic or natural hair extensions, allowing for a wide range of colors and textures. This style not only offers a stunning visual appeal, but also protects the natural hair underneath, promoting growth and reducing damage.
Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are a modern twist on traditional braiding techniques, designed for comfort and a natural look. In this style, the braids start with the natural hair, gradually incorporating extensions as they progress, which eliminates the bulky knots typically seen at the roots. This results in a flatter, more seamless appearance that feels lightweight and reduces tension on the scalp. Knotless braids can be customized in size and length, making them a popular choice for those seeking both style and ease.
Jumbo Braids
Jumbo braids are bold and eye-catching, featuring larger, thicker plaits. This hairstyle often requires fewer braids compared to standard braids, making it quicker to install. In fact, you can even use just your natural hair. Jumbo braids can be styled in various lengths and colors, allowing for personal expression while maintaining a chic look. Their volume and dimension make them a favorite among those looking for a statement style that’s both fun and manageable.
Goddess/Boho Braids
The trendiest braided style of the summer, goddess or bohemian braids embody a free-spirited, effortless vibe. They often feature loose, wavy strands that frame the face. This style combines elements of traditional braiding with a softer, more relaxed approach, often incorporating curls or waves throughout the plaits. While this style can be quick to tangle and a times hard to maintain, the look is always worth it.
Cornrows
Cornrows are a traditional African braiding style that involves weaving the hair close to the scalp in straight, narrow rows. It’s both classic and timeless. This technique also lends to intricate patterns and designs, showcasing artistry and skill. Cornrows can be styled in various lengths and shapes. They can be in simple straight lines to complex geometric patterns. This low-maintenance style is not only functional, but also deeply rooted in cultural significance, often serving as a form of expression and heritage.
Braided Bob
The braided bob is a chic and contemporary take on the classic bob haircut, featuring braids that frame the face and fall to the shoulders or chin. This style offers a fresh twist by incorporating various braiding techniques, such as box or twist braids, into a shorter silhouette. The braided bob is perfect for those seeking a stylish, low-maintenance option that combines elegance with a playful edge. It can be worn sleek or tousled, making it versatile for any occasion.
Micro Braids
When it comes to micro braids, you can’t help but think of Zoe Kravitz always rocking this iconic look. Micro braids are numerous tiny braids that the stylist spaces closely together. This style allows for versatile styling options, as the fine braids can be worn loose or pulled into various updos.
French Curl Braids
French curl braids combine the elegance of traditional braiding with a soft, curled texture. This style features larger sections of hair that are braided and then lightly curled, creating a voluminous and playful look. French curl braids can be styled in various ways, from loose and flowing to more structured updos. It offers a romantic and feminine aesthetic perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are a type of cornrow braids that originated in West Africa, particularly Ghana. They are distinctive due to their thick, raised and flat look, which creates a dramatic yet sleek effect. Unlike traditional cornrows, Ghana braids are often larger and more textured, featuring a “twisted” or “interlocking” technique that creates the illusion of a raised ridge along the scalp.
Bora Bora Braids
Bora Bora braids are the perfect vacation hairstyle. Inspired by the tropical beauty and laid-back vibes of Bora Bora, these braids feature a mix of small, medium or large-sized braids. They’re also paired with loose curls or waves and adorned with beads, shells or colorful accessories. Essentially, they’re boho braids with some island pizazz. The idea is to create a natural, free-flowing look that matches the sandy beaches and azure waters of tropical locales.
Twist Braids
Twist braids are a hairstyle where two strands of hair are twisted around each other to form a rope-like pattern. Unlike traditional three-strand braids, twist braids require only two sections of hair to create a sleek, twisted look. You can use natural hair or hair extensions and offers different variations, including two-strand twists, Senegalese twists, Marley twists, and flat twists. They can be styled in different ways, from thick and chunky to small and delicate. The style offers a lot of flexibility.
Tree Braids
Tree braids are a hairstyle that combines the appearance of loose, flowing hair with braiding. This style involves cornrowed sections of hair at the scalp, with loose, straight hair added to the braided base. The result is a hairstyle that mimics the look of natural, unbraided hair with the security and longevity of a braided installation.
Butterfly Braids
Butterfly braids are a type of braid that incorporate loops or twists along the length of the braid, creating a 3D, butterfly-wing effect. The style is distinguished by its voluminous, airy appearance, and the way it frames the face. The key feature of butterfly braids is the delicate, puffed-up sections that mimic the wings of a butterfly. This braid style often combines elements of the Dutch braid and pull-through braid, but with extra volume and texture, making it appear larger and more intricate than traditional braids.
Lemondade Braids
Lemonade braids, also known as duchess or fulani braids, are a type of intricate and bold protective hairstyle. Characterized by small, tight cornrow braids styled into a long shape, these braids are a nod to feminine power while embracing modern aesthetics. The braids, which Beyoncé wore during the album’s promotional period and throughout its various music videos, have become symbolic of empowerment and resilience.