Historically, braided hairstyles have been the most popular manner of styling hair. Worldwide, women use braids to protect their beauty from environmental damage as well as to display their imagination. Among the most versatile styles, it can vary from incredibly intricate patterns to simple plaits. Braids are also a perfect choice for nearly any occasion. There's a braided hairstyle that's perfect for you whether you're at work, at school, in the gym or even at a wedding. Additionally, braids can protect your strands from damage and help grow your mane longer, depending on your hair type. Discover elegant yet easy braided hairstyles that will help you express yourself!
Braids with Curls
After trying many braided styles and becoming bored with the hairstyles that are available, this is the style for you. Braids with curls offer an interesting, voluminous finish. You can either use curly extensions to create your braid, or let the ends curly. This look can create a soft and feminine finish with many options. The wonderful thing about braids is that they are protective, allowing you to lock in moisture and promote the growth of your natural hair.
Triangle Braids
Triangular braids are shaped like triangles. This protective style is both practical and flattering, and it is similar to box braids. Besides locking in moisture, these braids can prevent breakage as well as promote natural hair growth. They can also be created with multiple hair textures and lengths and are generally edgier than some of the other braided hairstyles. Women who want to be different will love this style. Experiment with different hair accessories and coloring techniques to make this fabulous look even more personal.
Dookie Braids
Dookie braids are long, dangling braids. The braid might be made up of several separate braids. It became popular in the 1990s. Some Caucasians mistake them for dreadlocks. Dookie braids may be worn in a variety of fashions, including a ponytail, updo, top bun, and others. The most practical and comfortable appearance would be to combine them all into one big ponytail. You must first clean your hair before attempting this style. This is the greatest hairstyle for protecting your hair. There are several styles that might alter your appearance. Style superstars such as Rihanna have worn them, and there are several ways to customize the appearance to your liking. You can choose only a few or all of them.
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are a protective style that can be adapted to various lengths and sizes and comes in a variety of colors. Every woman and her style preference can find something to complement her braided hair, whether you would like to wear them in an elegant updo or in an edgy look with shaved sides. It is thicker and more closely braided around the scalp. Goddess braids last for about two to four weeks: they can be installed relatively easily and can be a great way to make a statement. Make your braids stand out with accessories like beads, cuffs, and wire, and enjoy the attention they will attract.
Box Braids
Among the most iconic styles of Afro-textured hair are box braids. This look is created by sectioning your hair into squares and working it into plaits. Hair extensions can be braided in or your own hair can be used, providing you with full, long locks. Box braids are considered protective styles and can be of any length or thickness; however, if you have naturally thin or fine hair, opt for smaller braids that won't put too much strain on your scalp. While box braids are a lot of work to put in, once done they last for weeks and are extremely low maintenance.
French Braid
In recent years, the French braid has seen an incredible resurgence in popularity even though it isn't a new style of hair. The braid is once again a timeless hairstyle that is being practiced by women all over the world. From celebrities to street style stars, everyone seems to be donning this look. It can be worn for a casual brunch, to the gym, or to the office. A smooth finish adds a professional appearance, while face-framing elements add a romantic and soft feel. A fishtail braid or half-up, half-down style are also options, and French braids are a popular hairstyle for wedding guests. French braids are perfect for every occasion.
Dutch Braids
There are numerous ways of executing Dutch braids, and they can be adapted to any hair type and style. Unlike normal braids, Dutch braids are arranged underhand, so they stick out from your head rather than lying flat. Dutch braids are a classic three-strand braiding technique, which means they follow a similar pattern to a standard plait. The Dutch braid is sometimes referred to as the reverse French braid since both plaits require you to add hair gradually. It's a fantastic way to add some extra flair to a basic plait or even create double braids and crown braids for special occasions.
Braided Buns
A stylish bun will always ensure that you look sleek and chic no matter what your hair length or type is. This easy-to-achieve style has a range of options to suit any occasion, making it the perfect style to take you from day to night. Braided buns recall the '90s as a festival favorite. This versatile style is available in many variations. Combine buns and double braids for a trend-right look. Create two Dutch braids at the nape of your neck after separating your hair down your center parting. Make your way to the crown of your head, then tie your hair in double ponytails. Double Dutch braids should then be created starting at the front of your head and braiding back to meet the other braid. Once the remaining hair is secured into a ponytail, twist all the loose hair into two buns. With this hairstyle, you'll stand out from the crowd.
Tribal Braids
It's all about combining different braid sizes and techniques to create unique tribal braid patterns. Tribal braids originate from Africa. A braid was traditionally used to represent an individual's heritage and status. Nowadays, braids are also a great way to show off your style. Tribal braids are endlessly customizable: they can be as intricate as you want!
Ponytail Braid
This minimalist look is easy to style, requires no special equipment, or techniques, and can be dressed up or down. There's a ponytail for every face shape and hair texture, no matter if it's high, medium, low, or on the side. Whether you're at the gym, out on a date, or getting married, a ponytail can make you look your best at any time. If you want a new look for your braids, attempt a high ponytail. Styles like this create the illusion of a longer face, because they draw the eye upward. Your braided ponytail will look perfectly polished if you secure it with a clear elastic and cover it with some braids. Don't forget to accessorize!
Crochet Braids
You should definitely try crochet braids as a protective hairstyle! Pre-styled braids come in various thicknesses and textures, allowing you to achieve the braid of your dreams. Crochet braids are often easier to install than cornrows, and the hair is first braided onto the head to form the foundation of the braid. After that, crochet hooks are used to thread the hair extensions through. They can be styled either with passion twists or box braids, based on your preference. Different hair colors can also be fun without damaging your natural hair.
Lemonade Braids
The lemonade braid, formerly known as the side braid, has always been popular in different cultures. Nonetheless, Beyoncé brought them back in a big way by rocking the cornrow hairstyle in the film clip for her smash hit album Lemonade. As a result of this, braids got their new name as well as their new status as one of the hottest hair trends. A neat, even and close cornrow that goes from left to right rather than straight back is a key part of the style. Lemonade braids can be as thick as you like, and they can also be combined with other cornrow styles such as zig-zag, or with accessories like rings and beads.
Waterfall Braids
It is considered to be one of the cutest and most feminine braid styles. French braids are modified into the braided style. Rather than pulling in sections and braiding all your hair into a plait, you braid across the top part of your hair, leaving the rest free. With a braided hairstyle, you create a cascading effect, so the look looks great paired with soft waves. Falls braids are popular among bridal and bridesmaid hairstyles because of their gentle, romantic vibe. For a pretty effect, add a dutch braid and some flowers.
Yarn Braids
Fiber braids are a type of hair extension that is made from acrylic - the non-wool fabric. These styles provide excellent protection for Afro-textured hair, especially during colder months. Color-pop styles like deep green and red, as well as pastel pink and peach, make a strong statement with yarn braids. A hairstyle option that works on all lengths of hair, yarn braids are extremely versatile. The size you choose depends on the thickness of your hair, and you can choose anything from mini to jumbo. It's also important to think about your patience when braiding - the bigger the braid, the longer it takes!
Snake Braid
Once you have mastered the standard three-strand plait, you can easily make a snake braid. Usually used to give half-up, half-down looks a fresh twist, this quick and easy style makes doing half-up, half-down look a breeze. To make a snake braid, start plaiting at your temple and finish up at the crown of your head. Continue braiding it back until you have no more hair. Then, hold one strand and push the other two up again. Pull out the braid slightly again so you can see the snake pattern. Using a section of hair to cover the joint, braid the two snake braids together on the opposite side, and tie them into a ponytail behind your head. There is nothing complicated about this braided hairstyle, but it still looks amazing.
Senegalese Twist Braids
These thick, rope-like braids that form when using this technique make them also known as senegalese twists. As a protective style, twists involve encircling your natural hair with hair extensions before twisting begins. Therefore, your hair won't be exposed to environmental pollution, and there's no need for heat styling or chemical treatments. Besides, twists can last up to 4 months. Synthetic hair extensions are recommended rather than human hair extensions to achieve the signature ultra-smooth and silky finish of Senegalese twists. Each time you wash your hair, you need to dry it thoroughly with a hair dryer - on a cool setting.
The styles are endless. Above are among some of the best braided hairstyles.
