13 Afro Braids and Twists: Protective Style Ideas

It's all about the texture in these styles.

Alyssa François | July 13, 2020

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Thinking of getting braids as a protective style very soon? Don’t make your decision until you’ve scrolled through some of our most favorite looks in this gallery. Afro braids are our latest obsession and it may be yours too! With this style, it’s all about getting braids that have a more natural looking afro texture to it. Case in point: Marley braiding hair. With this type of hair, the texture is much thicker and resembles the look of most type 4 hair types.

Want that look? Then see our favorite afro braids and twisted looks below:

Get the Textured Look with Afro Braids and Twist Styles

1. Blonde Streak

afro braids blonde — Create an accent with a unexpected color.

Add a special feature to your braids with an accent color. Platinum blonde looks great against black afro braids.

2. Blue Streak

afro braids: blue streak — Add a bold pop of color. Photo credit: Allyson Allapont

If the platinum blonde accent braid from the previous style is too basic for you, go for this blue streak instead.

3. Blue and White

afro braids: blue and white braids — Create a fun look with your hair. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Make your afro braids a piece of art by mixing fun colors. Add a shiny finish with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum.

TRESemmé

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum

4. Half-Up Style

afro braid half up — Wear your hair half up. Photo credit: Craig Alexander

Embrace the flexibility you have with box braids. Try this half-up style.

5. Extra Long Braids

afro braid extra long — Go long! Photo credit: Craig Alexander

Want a not-so-basic look? Opt for extra long braids.

6. Senegalese Twists

afro braids: senegalese twist — Try textured Senegalese twists.

If you’re looking for a textured style. Opt for braiding hair that has an afro or yarn texture to create your Senegalese twists.

7. Bob Afro Braids

Experiment with short braided styles. You can’t ever go wrong with a bob length. Wear it plain, add in accent braids with fun colors or use hair charms.

8. Crochet Braids

afro braids crochet — Crochet braids and simple, yet chic.

Try crochet braids if you’re after a simple braided look. For fancy occasions, or when you just want to change your look up a bit you can update your style with hair accessories. Maintain your style and prevent unwanted frizz with Emerge My Everything Hair Styling Butter Cream.

Emerge

Emerge My Everything Hair Styling Butter Cream

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9. The Lived-In Dreadlock Look

afro braids lived in — Go for a lived in look. Photo credit: Craig Alexander

Wear your dreadlock braids long-term and embrace the undone texture that comes along with it.

10. Thick Braids

afro braids: thick braids — Go with jumbo braids.

Let a bit of your natural hair texture shine through at the roots for a more natural finish to your afro textured braids. Whenever your hair needs a refresh, use Dove Between Washes Clarifying Dry Shampoo to give your hair a clean feel.

Dove

Dove Care Between Washes Clarifying Dry Shampoo

11. Twisted Bun

afro braids: twist bun — Roll your strands up into a bun.

Make a big statement with a twisted bun style.

12. Afro Textured Twists

afro braids: twists — Pull it back for the office.

Need new ways to wear your style to the office? Try this pulled back low half-ponytail style.

13. Yarn Braids

afro braids: yarn braids — All about texture with yarn braids.

Want a look that gives you the textured look you’re after? Go for yarn braids. We love the look of this jumbo braided style.