19 Dookie Braids That’ll Speak to Your Inner ’90s Babe
’90s hairstyles have made a major comeback this year (ahem, space buns!) but just when you think you’ve seen them all, an even cooler throwback trend makes a fashionable revival in the black hair world: dookie braids.
Just like Poetic Justice braids (but with a thicker weave) these beautiful box braid styles have been on our mane radar ever since we spotted them on Rihanna. And now, everyone who’s anyone is rocking them — which means you should totally try them, too!
1. Rapunzel-inspired dookie braid style
Have you been living for the long hair trend lately? Us too! So when we spotted this trendsetter with long dookie braids, we just had to include her in our edit.
This Rapunzel-worthy braided style will have you feeling super stylish 24/7, as you’ll be rocking two trends at once. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to do that? Credit: @missshan_shan
2. Short dookie box braid style
While we adore Rapunzel-worthy plaits, we really think short dookie braids are equally drop-dead gorgeous! Don’t believe us? Just one glance above is all you need.
As this trendsetter demonstrates, the shorter take on the trend is both minimalist and It-girl-worthy. We especially love how the ends have been left undone for a distinctly modern edge — pretty neat, right?
3. Golden dookie braids
For those days when you want to look like a golden goddess and wear your hair down, you’ll want to rock this colourful braided look.
The best thing about this practical style? It’s less time-consuming than standard box braids (since you’re working with a bigger circumference of hair) and an easy yet protective way for you to rock the colour of your dreams. Credit: @itsnicholelee
4. White braids with accent colour
Add a creative flair to your colourful braids by getting an accent colour done, just like this. Credit: @africansbraid
Editor’s tip: Want to ensure your hair is taken care of while in dookie braids? Then make sure to mist them with the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist!
This amazing product will help keep your hair looking and feeling softer, smoother and more hydrated, all while leaving it smelling divine.
5. Half-up, half-down braids
These fiery red braids aren’t for the shy and retiring sort, but if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, you definitely will with this half-up, half-down braid hairstyle. Credit:@_.fabhairbycee
6. Two-tone braids
What’s not to love about these two-tone braids? With a deeper purple, you’ll be able to go to work with colourful hue that won’t go against the dress code. Credit:@_yaramel
7. High ponytail + dookie braids
While no braided hairstyle could ever truly top Janet Jackson’s original look from the Poetic Justice film, we reckon these stylish braids, above, come pretty close.
Notice how this Instgrammer has styled her dookie braids into a high ponytail? And how’s she’s also paired the look with a plain headscarf? Now that’s what we call a killer combo. Credit: @beigeojai
8. Braided bun
Fancy an updo? Try a beautiful ballerina bun, as this lady has done.
Whether you’re heading to brunch or running to catch your morning train, this pretty ‘do has totally got your back. Credit: @kersti.pitre
9. Triangle parting + dookie braids
Who said that your partings have to boring? If you’re looking for a subtle way to spice up your next dookie braid style, going for a triangle parting is a simple yet stylish way to switch things up.
To really show off your cool parting, try rocking a half-up, half-down bun hairstyle and just watch as the compliments pour in. Credit: @beautycreationsinsta
10. Slanted parting
We love this slanted parting! This parting type is just the right amount of cool, not to mention a great way to make your look super unique. Credit: @brandiamarion
11. Romantic half-up, half-down hairstyle
Prepping for a hot date? Look the part with this romantic half-up, half-down hairstyle that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Credit: @nnoorxo
12. Pink bob
Pink hair and bobs are always in vogue! Channel your inner Barbie and try this cute candyfloss hue with your next dookie braids choice. #Slay! Credit: @futibraids
13. Set It Off inspired braids
Janet Jackson wasn’t the only star rocking big braids on the screen! In fact, Jada Pinkett Smith’s short braided mane in the 1996 classic Set It Off also had us swooning. So, when we saw this beauty’s take on them, we couldn’t help but show you. Credit: @therealateku
14. French girl hair
The secret to street style-worthy hair? The right accessory, of course! And if you’re keen to get snapped by a fashion week photographer, you’ll need to team your braids with a beret, just like this. Credit: @magavilhas
Recommended: 10 hairstyles that will get you snapped by a fashion week photographer.
15. Ribbon braids
Ribbon can be worn in multiple ways — around the base of a box braids ponytail to channel runway vibes, or on a singular dookie braid, like it’s worn here, for a subtle yet striking effect. Credit:@beautyrebellion_
16. Lemonade braids with dookie ends
Another great thing about dookie braids? They’ll allow you to experiment with other braiding styles while still maintaining the thickness that is associated with them.
In this example, this beauty has channelled Lemonade vibes with her cornrow-style braids, but left the rest of her braids bigger to get on the dookie bandwagon. Credit: @braidedbytee
17. Sleek braids
Want to slay your dookie braids and have them look as chic as this? To make your mane look sleek and selfie-ready, you’ll need a good hair gel and that’s it! Credit: @beautifulbraidsofcolour
Editor’s tip: Recreating this polished look will be a breeze with the Alberto Balsam Ultra Strong Gel at hand, as it provides a long-lasting hold and keeps frizz at bay.
18. Braided Bantu knots
Are Bantu knots your go-to style for parties? Hate it when they come undone halfway through the night? Just take a look at how this lady has created them with dookie braids and you’ll give your style some extra security in a pinch! Credit: @mominatu
19. Edgy dookie braids
The combo of big braids with an edgy undercut is sure to make you feel like a serious badass. Complete the look with a denim or leather jacket, and enjoy. Credit:@authentically.b
