There is something powerful—almost magical—about switching up your hairstyle. That salon chair is known to transform women into new beings with fired-up ambitions. Your beautiful hair is an extension of your your personality, and we're lucky to know an infinite amount of ways to style it.
Braided hairstyles are gorgeous ways to switch up your look and play with different identities. Not only are they versatile (seriously, there's no shortage of ways you can braid your hair), but they are protective styles for Black women and men to prevent sun damage, which makes them a go-to style for the beach, vacations, and general summer cool. And while there's no shortage of ways you can twist and turn those strands, sometimes an overwhelming amount of options is just that: overwhelming. So to make decisions more easy for you, we've rounded up 27 braided hairstyles to bring to your hairstylist or to try out at home.
Whether you choose to go the goddess braid style that never fails to make you look like royalty or a classic boxed braid look, and whether you opt for thick or slim braids, the following 27 braided hairstyles will have you fully marveling at the beauty staring back at you in the mirror.
1
Small Knotless Ultra-long Box Braids
Give them inches on inches of long knotless braids—a look that is guaranteed to reel in tons of attention. Not only does this look have longevity, but it's easy to style and creates less tension to the scalp.
2
Messy High Ponytail
Blake Lively is known to have stunned in a few showstopping braided looks in her career, but none have left a splash like this messy ponytail.
3
Heart-Shaped Feed-Ins
A really talented hairstylist will be able to create shapes and designs through feed-in braids. Hearts, stars, and boxes are just a few to get you started.
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4
Short & Big Box Braids with Curly Ends
Opt for a thicker braid, and finish the ends in cute little curls—a great option if you don't have as much time on your hands to create smaller braids.
5
Classic Box Braids
Naturally, the next look is the classic box braids. These slim braids take tons of skilled handwork and can be considered a true work of art.
6
Loose French Braids with Open Ends
A cute, classic, and easy look to recreate are loose French braids. Just braid one on either side of your head and tie them closed at the nape of your neck.
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7
Classic Braided Ponytail
Something about whipping around a long braided ponytail just feels extraordinarily powerful. This classic staple is a go-to for Black women.
8
Boho Goddess Box Braids
The boho goddess box braids, sometimes referred to as "Lisa Bonet braids," are a natural plait hairstyle with loose ends. Tie it up or let it all hang loosely around you.
9
Feed-In Braided Ponytail
Feed-in braids never fail to look fierce. Particularly when braided up into a high ponytail, you've got one killer crown to show off.
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10
Upside-Down Dutch Braided Space Buns
Space buns are cute on their own, but when you can have a Dutch braid leading up to them, then they're just straight up showstopping.
11
Classic Knotless Braids
Let those knotless braids curl up at the bottom for a stunning braided look. You can have your stylist braid in different colors to create an ombré effect as well.
12
Braided Updo
These zigzag feed-in braids are quite a work of art. Collect those long braids into a beautiful updo on top of your head to recreate this look.
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13
Braided Side-Bun
A popular wedding hairstyle, the braided side-bun is an enchanting look that helps keep all your hair up in an artistic way.
14
Jumbo Accessorized Braids
It's all about the accessories in this one. Opt for jumbo braids that frame the face elegantly for a short-hair look.
15
Stitch Feed-In Braids
Here's an old classic that's been remixed and modernized. The stitch feed-in braids are a remix of the early Y2K hairstyle of fishbone braids.
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16
Two-Toned Black with Blonde Box Braids
Try mixing in a different color for a contrasting look. This can apply to all kinds of braiding and hairstyles as well.
17
Medium Bob Braids with Side Cornrows
This one is a '90s-inspired look that's serving endless amounts of sultry sophistication. You can accessorize with a little bead in your hair to recreate the full look.
18
Braid Frame Ponytail
Braid the sides of your hair, tie them together, twist and pull the rest of your hair through them. This is a cute and easy way to keep your hair out of your face as you run your daily errands.
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19
Braided Bantu Knots
The braided Bantu knots are a Central and South African hairstyle that has transitioned into a modern day protective style for African Americans.
20
Half Zigzag Braids with Extended Box Braids
Mix in a little color when you opt for extended box braids. The zigzag feed-in braids add a fun visual to opt for as well.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in hairstyling and a passionate enthusiast, I can confidently say that switching up your hairstyle can be an incredibly powerful and transformative experience. The salon chair has a magical ability to breathe new life into individuals, igniting their ambitions and enhancing their overall persona. Your hair is not just hair; it is an extension of your unique personality, and luckily, there are countless ways to style it.
One particularly stunning and versatile hairstyle is braided hairstyles. Braids offer a multitude of options for experimentation and allow individuals to play with different identities. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also serve as protective styles for Black women and men, shielding their hair from sun damage. This makes braided hairstyles the go-to choice for beach trips, vacations, and embracing the coolness of summer.
With that being said, the abundance of braiding options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fear not! To simplify your decision-making process, we have curated a list of 27 braided hairstyles that you can bring to your hairstylist or try out at home. Whether you prefer the regal and timeless beauty of goddess braids or the classic elegance of boxed braids, whether you opt for thick or slim braids, the following hairstyles will undoubtedly leave you mesmerized by the beauty reflected in your mirror.
-
Small Knotless Ultra-long Box Braids: Give yourself an awe-inspiring look with inches upon inches of long knotless braids. This style not only provides longevity but also creates less tension on the scalp, making it easier to maintain.
-
Messy High Ponytail: Inspired by the stunning braided looks rocked by Blake Lively, this messy ponytail is sure to make a splash. Its effortless charm and disheveled appeal make it a head-turning choice.
-
Heart-Shaped Feed-Ins: A skilled hairstylist can create intricate shapes and designs with feed-in braids. Hearts, stars, and boxes are just a few examples of the artistic possibilities.
-
Short & Big Box Braids with Curly Ends: Opt for thicker braids and finish the ends with adorable little curls. This style is perfect for those who desire a bold look but have limited time for styling.
-
Classic Box Braids: Naturally, the classic box braids must make an appearance. These slim braids require expert handiwork and can be considered a true work of art.
-
Loose French Braids with Open Ends: Recreate this cute, classic, and easy look by braiding loose French braids on either side of your head and tying them at the nape of your neck.
-
Classic Braided Ponytail: There's something undeniably powerful about whipping around a long braided ponytail. This classic style is a go-to for Black women, exuding confidence and grace.
-
Boho Goddess Box Braids: Also known as "Lisa Bonet braids," these boho goddess box braids offer a natural plait hairstyle with loose ends. You can tie them up or let them hang loosely around you, creating an effortlessly chic look.
-
Feed-In Braided Ponytail: Feed-in braids never fail to look fierce. When braided into a high ponytail, they create a killer crown that demands attention.
-
Upside-Down Dutch Braided Space Buns: Space buns are cute on their own, but when combined with Dutch braids leading up to them, they become showstoppers.
-
Classic Knotless Braids: Let your knotless braids curl up at the bottom for a stunning braided look. You can even have your stylist incorporate different colors to create an ombre effect.
-
Braided Updo: These zigzag feed-in braids are a true work of art. Gather those long braids into a beautiful updo on top of your head, recreating this elegant and sophisticated look.
-
Braided Side-Bun: An enchanting hairstyle often seen at weddings, the braided side-bun keeps all your hair up in an artistic and captivating manner.
-
Jumbo Accessorized Braids: Accessories take the spotlight in this style. Opt for jumbo braids that elegantly frame your face, creating a stunning short-hair look.
-
Stitch Feed-In Braids: This hairstyle is a modernized twist on the classic fishbone braids of the early 2000s. The stitch feed-in braids offer a fresh and contemporary take on the traditional braiding technique.
-
Two-Toned Black with Blonde Box Braids: Add a touch of contrast by incorporating a different color into your braids. This technique can be applied to various braiding styles, offering a unique and eye-catching look.
-
Medium Bob Braids with Side Cornrows: Inspired by the fashion trends of the '90s, this sultry and sophisticated look is sure to turn heads. Enhance the style by adding a little bead to your hair for the complete effect.
-
Braid Frame Ponytail: Braid the sides of your hair, tie them together, then twist and pull the rest of your hair through them. This cute and easy hairstyle keeps your hair out of your face while running your daily errands.
-
Braided Bantu Knots: Originating from Central and South Africa, braided Bantu knots have transitioned into a modern-day protective style for African Americans.
-
Half Zigzag Braids with Extended Box Braids: Inject a splash of color by opting for extended box braids and incorporating zigzag feed-in braids. This combination adds a playful and visually appealing twist to your hairstyle.
Now armed with this comprehensive list of braided hairstyles, you can confidently explore and experiment with different looks that reflect your unique style and personality. Switching up your hairstyle is a powerful form of self-expression, allowing you to embrace your individuality and showcase your beauty to the world. So go ahead, have fun with your hair and let your creativity shine!
