46 Braid Styles for Black Women We Absolutely Love
Do it for the culture.
We’re admiring the way women of color are speaking up more and more about black braid styles. While braids are a type of hairstyle anyone can wear, there are some braids that have a more cultural meaning behind them and as such, should be celebrated not only for their aesthetic but for their heritage behind them as well.
Many celebrities of all ethnicities are wearing different types of braids for black hair not knowing what they are called or what the reference or context behind each one is. No one expects anyone to know everything about braids, but these conversations are shedding some light on the types of braids for black hair that have a powerful representation. Box braids, in particular, are a diverse hairstyle with many different variations. And they’re great for men and women!
Amongst the many types of braids for black hair that exist, here are some of our favorite looks. You may be wondering: What hair do you use for braids? What is the best hair to use when braiding hair? How can I get my braids to last longer? Keep reading to find out!
46 Trending Braid Styles for Black Women
1. Two Feed-In Braids
Rather than tying the synthetic hair at the root of your strands and then braiding, the hair is added to the braids farther down the shaft. This results in a natural, thick-looking braid.
2. African Braids
The term ‘African braids’ includes a range of different braided styles. The origin of these braids can be traced back 5000 years and was an identifier of sorts for different African tribes.
3. Big Box Braids
Large box braids are just what they sound like! Slightly bigger box braids that do the same protective work of their smaller counterparts.
4. Blonde Box Braids
Blonde box braids give you the chance to play with your hair color and opt for a lighter hue.
5. Bob Braids
When we think box braids we often think long elbow-length styles. You don’t necessarily have to go long, though! Consider bob braids for a shorter and spunkier look.
6. Box Braids
You really can’t go wrong with classic box braids! We love this fuss-free standard style. Keep your braids happy and hydrated with Suave Define & Shine Serum Gel.
7. Box Braids with Curls
Add a little flair to your look by opting for box braids with curls! Some added movement and texture makes your box braids style a bit more unique.
8. Braid Hairstyles with a Weave
Using synthetic hair to bulk up and lengthen your braids with help you tailor your look to you and achieve the exact style you have in mind!
9. Braided Bun
A braided bun is a perfect answer for those days when you want your braids up and out of your face!
10. Braided Dreads
Combine two of the most popular natural braided hairstyles out there with braided dreads.
11. Braided Lace-Front Wig
Braided lace front wigs allow you to try any braided hairstyle you have in mind without any of the commitment. Lace front wigs give the illusion of the wig growing out of your head so that no one is the wiser. Generally, the more expensive the wig, the more realistic it looks. If you’re working on a budget, you can opt for a more inexpensive option and simply wear a hat on top!
12. Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is a classic chic and simple style.
13. Braided Updo
Braided updos include ponytails, buns and even more intricate twisted styles.
14. Milkmaid Braids
A milkmaid braid sits right where a headband does and wraps around the top of your head in the same way. Keep this style and your curls healthy and hydrated with SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In.
15. Braids for Men
Braids for men are really the same as braids for women! You can opt for all the same styles.
16. Braids for Short Hair
Braids for short hair can hit any length! We love this lob style.
17. Braids with Curls
Braids with curls have a touch of waved or curled texture worked into the braids!
18. Cornrow Braids
We love this classic style in any length or color!
19. Crochet Box Braids
Crochet box braids can last up to 4-6 weeks! Try this look for your next protective style.
20. Crochet Braids
The crochet braid technique is a method that involves crocheting synthetic hair extensions with a latch hook or crochet hook.
21. Cute Braids
Cute braids come in all shapes, sizes, and lengths. We are firm believers that cute braids work with any outfit style.
22. Feed-In Braids
Feed in braids give the illusion of naturally long cornrow braids with extensions that are added right at the root of each braid.
23. Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are styled with unique patterns that are created close to the head and then taper out.
24. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are created by intertwining your natural hair with extenstions to create these thick oversized braids or twists.
25. Goddess Box Braids
Goddess box braids are like a thicker version of cornrows!
26. Dookie Braids
Dookie braids are large braids that hang freely. They can be worn down, half-up or swept up into a ponytail!
27. Half-Up, Half-Down Braids
Half up half down braids are a great way to keep your braids out of your face while still showing off your length and style!
28. Individual Braids
Individual braids allow you to show off your plaits!
29. Jumbo Braids
This jumbo braid hairstyle is one of our favorite variations!
30. Man Bun Braids
Man bun braids can be created with any kind of braids that are simply pulled back into a man bun.
31. Medium Box Braids
Medium box braids are a super popular style and can be worn in a number of different ways! You can wear them down, up in a half-up or fully-up style, or with accessories.
32. Micro Braids
Micro braids are one of the most time-consuming braided styles of this collection. These small braids are delicate and thin and can be styled up into a number of other styles.
33. Natural Braided Hairstyles
Natural braided hairstyles come in every length, color, and size!
34. Ombre Braiding Hair
Ombré braiding hair comes in every color combination and length! Create a totally customized style by choosing two shades you love.
35. Side Braids
We love this effortless and casual style!
36. Tree Braids
This protective style is made up of braids so tiny that you can barely even tell they’re there! Protective styles are some of our favorite braid styles for black women.
37. Tribal Braids
This intricate braided pattern can also be tailored to your unique preferences!
38. Twist Braids
Extend your natural hair with a twist style! Your stylist will use strands to lengthen your look in these beautiful twists.
39. Two Braids
Double up on the braided fun with a set of two braids. This style also lets you easily apply hair treatments to re-hydrate your strands. Apply Nexxus Humectress Moisture Restoring Masque to bring moisture back to your hair.
39. Bohemian Braids
Boho braids are meant to be irregular and look completely different!
40. Knotless Box Braids
Knotless braids are created using a feed-in technique that yields a flatter result that puts less strain on your roots.
41. Rubber Band Braids
Creating box braids using the rubber band method adds a cool and fun element to your braids!
42. Braids with Beads
Beads are the perfect addition to any kind of braided style!
43. Crochet Micro Braids
It’s super easy to style crochet micro braids into many different styles. We love a flirty high ponytail for this style!
44. Front Braids
Draw the attention to the front of your style with classic front braids.
45. High Ponytail Braid
There’s nothing like a flirty high ponytail for just about any occassion. Gather your braids up into a high ponytail to keep your strands out of your face and look cute doing it.
46. Loose Braids
Loose braids are best worn on longer hair as it gives you more room to play with the braid and loosen it as desired.
It can be overwhelming to sift through the different kinds of hair available for braiding and to figure out which works best for your style! Some women prefer real human hair while others go the synthetic root. When it comes to using human hair, you should be prepared to pay a higher price per unit. It’s also best to look for human kinky hair as it will hold better in the braids.
Whether you opt for synthetic hair or human hair, you can customize your braid styles for black women depending on the length and color you prefer. These variations will differ depending on the style you choose.
