10 Hottest Stitch Braids Styles For Festival Season and Beyond

We can't get enough of this easy-to-wear protective style.

If you are looking for a unique and easy-to-wear protective style, stitch braids for men and women might just be the look for you. Ultra-precise parting sets this braided style apart and helps to create that stitched look with 2, 4, 6, or 8-stitch braids. Even sections, expert braiding, and lots of skill go into creating any braids style, and stitch braids are no exception.

10 Ways to Wear Stitch Braids

We spoke to Bryiel, a Baltimore-based stylist and braiding expert, all about stitch braid styles she’s created and how to do braids. Read on to get some braids inspiration and learn how to care for your scalp while wearing this protective style.

1. Heart Shaped Braids

stitch braids
Photo and styling credit: instagram.com/busybry_

Have some fun with your style, and ask your stylist to add a design to your protective hairstyle. These stitch braids with hearts include a small heart-shaped design on the side and then extend into loose braids the rest of the way down. We love this style because it blends a classic look with a touch of edgy personality.

2. Classic Braids

stitch braids
Photo and styling credit: instagram.com/busybry_

Are you looking for a classic stitch braids style? Consider a style like this one that shows off your stylist’s expert braiding skills and keeps all of your hair out of your face. You can see the precision involved in creating the braids style perfectly here!

3. Alternate Direction Braids

stitch braids design
Photo and styling credit: instagram.com/busybry_

Protective hairstyles like these are a unique opportunity to show off your personality. Consider this look if you are up for an edgier and more unique style! By alternating the direction of the braids, Bryiel created a truly unique look for this client.

4. Tight Braids

Photo and styling credit: instagram.com/busybry_

This ultra-tight and expertly-created style is the epitome of stitch braids inspiration! Simple, easy-to-wear, and beautiful, this style is easily one of our favorites in this collection.

5. Heart-Inspired Braids

Photo and styling credit: instagram.com/busybry_

Another heart-inspired style, this looks perfect for anyone looking to change up their usual style. The best way to ensure that your style ends up how you envisioned it is to bring an inspirational photo to your stylist! Bookmark this article for easy reference next time you head to the salon.

6. Small Braids

stitch braids short with beads
Small and short stitch braids with beads. Photo credit: Pexels.com

You can try these small stitch braids with a middle parting for shorter hair. You may consider also adding light beads to your braid tips to make your hairstyle truly unique. We love how much personality this length infuses into a stitch braid style.

7. Side Parted Braids

stitch braids unique shape
This braid style is perfect for creating a retro ponytail look. Photo credit: Pexels.com

Stitch braids like this can look classy and elegant if they are braided in a cascade shape by creating two side partings to achieve a retro ponytail style. This style promises to draw the eye upwards for an overall lifted look.

8. Red Thread Braids

stitch braids brown ponytail
Brown and red are a perfect color combination. Photo credit: Pexels.com

Consider straight back stitch braids with an added signature detail, like a red thread at the roots. It will give your hairstyle a pop of color without compromising the integrity of your strands.

9. Braids Updo

stitch braids updo
A voluminous updo with stitch braids and accessories. Photo credit: Unsplash.com

Classic stitch braid styles can be the perfect canvas for voluminous updos. Gather your braids at the top of your head, secure them, and think about adding hair pins for extra decoration.

10. Stitch Braids with Highlights

stitch braids brown hair
Stitch braids to the back. Photo credit: Unsplash.com

Highlights look gorgeous in braiding styles as they add interest and dimension to your tresses. So why not combine slightly bleached strands with your braids for a multidimensional look?

How to Care for Stitch Braids

Scalp care and braid upkeep are especially important when wearing a protective style. Make sure to keep your strands moisturized and gently cleanse your scalp to keep everything in tip-top shape.

We recommend using a product like SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Scalp Soother. This formula is infused with Tea Tree Oil, Borage Seed Oil, and Aloe Vera, which help moisturize the scalp immediately. Use the pointed-tip applicator to easily target your scalp and quickly relieve any tightness or itchiness.

You can also try SheaMoisture Aloe Butter Scalp Moisture Cream with Aloe Butter, Vitamin B3, and Antioxidants to instantly hydrate and relieve dry scalp and achieve deeply moisturized and visibly healthier hair.

To add shine and definition to your braids, you can use SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Smooth & Hold Multi-Styling Mousse, enriched with Baobab, Coconut, and Mafura Oil. This product helps restore damaged hair with protein nutrition, provides hydration and glow, and enhances smoothness and manageability.

Looking for more hair inspiration? Be sure to follow us over @AllThingsHairUS!

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