Gege has always loved everything about hair, especially hair care. She started her hair business ten years ago and is now the owner of GlamGorgeoushair, a salon listed as one of The Best Salons in the UK for Afro Hair In 2018 and 2019. She has worked on various productions at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester including King Lear and Dollhouse and supports the theatre crew with training and knowledge of afro, curly and mixed hair types. She loves all aspects of hair and worked with different hair types, but has chosen to specialize in curly and afro hair conditions. She works with hair extensions but she is most fascinated by what the hair underneath is like and works hard to keep it safe and healthy. Working in the industry for so many years, she has seen the impact hair can have on self-confidence and internalized trauma when children have grown up without understanding their hair or having tight hairstyles and pain from inpatient detangling. Her dedication to understanding the root cause of afro/curly textured hair conditions and build confidence from natural hairstyles made her the go-to person for afro and curly hair in Manchester.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesVanessa is a hair and beauty blogger that focuses on natural hair and clean, natural and organic beauty practices. She is based in Canada has been blogging for over a decade.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesGege has always loved everything about hair, especially hair care. She started her hair business ten years ago and is now the owner of GlamGorgeoushair, a salon listed as one of The Best Salons in the UK for Afro Hair In 2018 and 2019. She has worked on various productions at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester including King Lear and Dollhouse and supports the theatre crew with training and knowledge of afro, curly and mixed hair types. She loves all aspects of hair and worked with different hair types, but has chosen to specialize in curly and afro hair conditions. She works with hair extensions but she is most fascinated by what the hair underneath is like and works hard to keep it safe and healthy. Working in the industry for so many years, she has seen the impact hair can have on self-confidence and internalized trauma when children have grown up without understanding their hair or having tight hairstyles and pain from inpatient detangling. Her dedication to understanding the root cause of afro/curly textured hair conditions and build confidence from natural hairstyles made her the go-to person for afro and curly hair in Manchester.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesOne of the fastest and most pulled together protective styles is a braided bun. Suitable for a variety of hair textures and lengths, this style effortlessly accommodates additional hair to sculpt a voluminous bun that resembles a regal crown. It’s an embodiment of elegance and protection, offering a stunning option that keeps your hair secure and stylish.
Embrace the unique advantage your beautiful voluminous natural hair, allowing for creative and durable braided looks that stand out and also provide lasting protection. The versatility of African hair braiding styles — ranging from microbraids, cornrows, fishtail braids, to twist braids, tree braids, and French braids, among others — means you have a plethora of options to choose from.
Opting for a specific style and thickness, you can transform your hair into an array of stunning braided hairstyles suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. Explore different types of braids for Black women and embrace the natural bounty of your hair!
When choosing the ideal braid style, it’s crucial to weigh not just aesthetic appeal but also the health benefits for your hair, opting for styles that preserve moisture and reduce strain. Even as fashion trends shift, the core significance of braiding as a form of both protection and self-expression endures, seamlessly blending tradition with modern style. Let every braid reflect our deep-rooted expertise and the endless versatility of Afro curly hair.
Goddess braids, characterized by their chunky cornrow style, serve as a magnificent celebration of strength and beauty, ideal for protecting your hair while on vacation or during busy weeks. These braids offer a balance of ease and elegance, requiring moderate time to craft and remove, allowing you to embrace both relaxation and style. Remember, even protective styles need love — regularly moisturize your scalp to maintain hair health.
Side-swept cornrows are not just a hairstyle but a vibrant expression of culture and creativity, offering a protective haven for your hair from heat and excessive styling. As you wear this chic, intricate design, remember to nurture your scalp and hair with moisture to keep them vibrant. This style celebrates your identity with endless possibilities for personalization.
A blend of varied cornrow sizes to craft a masterpiece of texture and dimension, showcasing the innovative spirit of Afro-textured hair styling. This unexpected mix of chunky and sleek braids offers a modern twist on traditional plaits, inviting you to personalize your look with beads or gold cuffs. Embrace this style as a celebration of your uniqueness, remember maintenance is key to keep hair moisturized and scalp healthy.
The large cornrow braided bun, adorned with beautiful trendy hair cuffs, transforms the traditional ponytail into an emblem of elegance and versatility. Perfect for any age or occasion, this style encapsulates the beauty of simplicity and functionality. As you enjoy this sleek look, ensure your hair’s health with regular hydration and scalp care, proving that style and wellness go hand in hand.
Combining style with protection, stitch braids are a game-changer for Black women. This technique not only ensures a natural, seamless flow, reducing bulk at the hairline for that sleek, impeccable finish but also stands as a guardian for your edges. When done right, it significantly lessens tension, acting as a protective haven for your hair’s delicate borders. The vibrant cascade of blonde ombre breathes life and excitement into the style.
A style that combines the protective qualities of braids with the simplicity of a ponytail. Ideal for those seeking a hairstyle that’s both gentle on the edges and effortlessly chic, this ladies braided hairstyle makes a versatile updo fit for any occasion. As you rock this look, don’t forget the importance of regular hair and scalp care to keep your locks looking and feeling their best.
Reinvents the cornrow ponytail with a tiered design that exudes sophistication and style. Perfect for formal occasions, this bun stands out with its unique structure and creative parts, making it a compliment magnet. The intricate details in the cornrow style add to the beauty.
This ombre fro’ hawk offers a bold and edgy look without the commitment of cutting your hair. Don’t worry about shaving the sides. This style celebrates the hair’s natural texture, blending braids and curls for a dynamic appearance. Keep your curls hydrated and twisting them at night can help preserve the style’s vibrancy. This is a daring look that lets you flaunt your unique personality confidently.
Merge simplicity with sophistication, using a mix of thick and thin braids to create a captivating look. The curved parts add an artistic touch, showcasing the stylistic flexibility of cornrows. This style not only looks stunning but also offers a protective benefit, keeping your hair neat and manageable. Add some hair accessories like hair cuffs and cowries add a traditional touch to these neat stich braids.
This takes the classic punk mohawk and infuses it with a braided elegance. By crafting a braided pompadour at the top and letting the rest of the braids cascade freely, this style achieves a stunning silhouette that commands attention. It’s a creative homage to punk roots while celebrating the versatility of braided textures. Feel free to experiment with different colors to highlight this head-turning style.
Unleash edgy elegance, a hairstyle that beautifully marries the simplicity of twists with the boldness of a mohawk. This innovative style features striking side cornrow that cascades into a plush two-strand twist. Perfect for those who dare to stand out, creating a unique statement that’s all about self-expression and style resilience. Embrace this trend-setting blend to showcase your individuality while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
A captivating blend of dramatically large braids intertwined with intricately woven small cornrows. This style stands out with its bold contrasts, creating a voluminous ponytail that’s not just a hairstyle but a statement piece. Elevate your ponytail game to new heights with this stunning fusion, where each braid plays a part in crafting an exquisite masterpiece of texture and dimension.
Weave a tale of elegance and intricacy, offering a creative twist on traditional cornrows with their long, serpentine paths. This style invites experimentation and personalization, such as threading golden beads along the braids for an added sparkle. Embrace this mesmerizing look to add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to your hair repertoire.
Bold and edgy, an alternative to the traditional mohawk without the need for cutting the sides, as sides are intricately cornrowed. Preserving the versatility and length of your hair, this style allows for endless creativity and exploring various braiding techniques, from cornrows to individual twists, each reflecting your unique style and spirit. Embrace this audacious look to stand out and express your individuality.
Closely braided cornrows are a captivating blend of boldness and intricacy. In addition, medium knotless braids that are as functional as they are fashionable. This versatile mohawk can transition from sleek and subdued to voluminous and vibrant, offering a playground for your creativity. Whether you’re aiming for a streamlined look, something vibrant with a flair of color or a bouffant that boasts volume, this style adapts to your mood and occasion, all while ensuring easier manageability when it’s time for a change.
This beautiful hairstyle style is a testament to the artistry possible with braids, weaving love and creativity into each strand. The repeated heart-shaped design at the crown is not only eye-catching but also sparks imagination about what other symbols could adorn one’s head. Neat stitch braided feed-in cornrows rounding up into a sleek low bun accentuates the heart motif, making this hairstyle a bold expression of personality and flair.
These stitch braids effortlessly marry elegance with playfulness, presenting a sophisticated high bun at the front that transitions into a whimsical heart-shaped design at the back. This style celebrates the multifaceted nature of personal expression of afro curly hair, symbolizing the balance between the earnest and the joyful. A great surprise at the back from a simple looking feeding cornrows at the front!
This bun embodies sophistication with its meticulously crafted varied sixed cornrows culminating in a gracefully wrapped bun atop the head. This style is a beacon of chicness and efficiency, offering a polished look with minimal daily upkeep, ideal for the modern Black woman navigating a bustling lifestyle. Beyond its elegance, this updo champions comfort and practicality.
This braided ponytail transforms the classic bun into a voluminous and impactful statement, highlighting the beauty of feed-in braids’ thickness and texture. Sleek yet sophisticated, this style seamlessly transitions from a day at the office to an evening out. It’s a celebration of tradition and modernity, offering a standout look that’s as empowering as it is beautiful.
Elevate the classic updo through the intricate texture of flat twists combined with twists packed on top, creating a low manipulation and distinctive natural looking hairstyle. The style is designed for those with curly hair textures seeking a protective style that doesn’t sacrifice elegance. It’s a testament to the innovative ways traditional techniques can be adapted for contemporary expression, offering a polished and protective option for any occasion.
Embody the spirited joy of self-expression through waist-length braided style that captivates and enchants. Snake braids and heart-shaped cornrow designs are accented by playful beads. This hairstyle is a vibrant celebration for those who embrace youthfulness at any age. It’s a lively declaration of fun and freedom, inviting you to express your individuality with every twirl of a bead.
A harmonious blend of precision and grace, where each braid is meticulously parted to curve in unison, creating a captivating pattern of unity and balance. This style celebrates the meticulous artistry of cornrow designs, highlighting how subtle variations can transform the overall aesthetic into something profoundly beautiful and balanced.
Bring a dynamic and fresh perspective to traditional braiding styles, offering a playful yet elegant aesthetic that accentuates your facial features. Perfect for those who appreciate a bit of asymmetry, this look ensures that every angle is your best angle, inviting admiring glances and confident strides. The neat and alternating size stitch braids and sleeked baby hairs elevates this African traditional hairstyle to another level.
The braided lob (long bob) reimagines the timeless elegance of the bob cut with the bold texture of box braids, creating a stunning fusion of classic and contemporary styles. This past shoulder-length masterpiece stands out for its boldness and beauty, proving that traditional and modern can coexist in harmony. It’s a style that earns top marks.
These detailed stitch braids capture the essence of innovative styling with a delightful play on thickness and asymmetry. This approach not only enhances the cool factor of feed-in cornrows but also achieves a balanced aesthetic that draws the eye without looking overwhelming. It’s a style that artfully navigates the fine line between boldness and subtlety, making a statement with every braid.
This versatile design offers a sleek look for formal occasions or a casual daily hairstyle when worn down. It’s a statement of elegance and boldness, encouraging afro textured haired individuals to redefine traditional styles with a modern twist.
This extra-large loose braid, suitable for both loose and tighter-haired curlies alike, transforms the classic delicacy of a French braid into a bold expression of sass and style. Perfect for making a statement on your next night out, this jumbo braid is not just a hairstyle but a striking centerpiece of conversation and admiration.
This side part feed-in braids elegantly challenge the notion that pigtails are solely for children. This style uses braided hair to create the pigtails, ensuring an adult sophistication is maintained. It’s a beautiful blend of youthfulness and maturity, proving that style knows no age.
Introducing geometric triangular parts that defy the conventional square or circle sections. This unexpected twist not only revitalizes the classic box braids but also celebrates the artistry and uniqueness of each individual. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities of personal expression through afro curly hair braiding.
These Fulani braids offer a harmonious fusion of texture and technique, merging the sleekness of cornrows with the volume of box braids for a style rich in versatility and flair. This approach not only broadens styling horizons but also emphasizes the impact of color in transforming your look. It’s an encouragement to explore beyond traditional hues. If you’ve always chosen colors closer to your natural hair color, why not change things up a bit next time?
Here is a timeless feed-in braided hairstyle that transcends age, blending micro and jumbo cornrows for a contemporary twist on a classic style. It’s a celebration of heritage and modernity, offering a chic option for Black and Brown women of all ages.
This hairstyle flawlessly combines practicality with artistic design, featuring feed-in cornrows elegantly gathered into a stylish low bun. This hairstyle checks every box for those seeking a blend of comfort, style, and innovation. It’s a versatile look that’s likely to meet your needs. It has the added bonus of being quick to create, perfect for people with busy schedules who want creativity for their textured tresses.
Strike the perfect balance between ease of installation and longevity, offering a practical yet beautiful braiding option. Ideal for those who value both time and style, these braids are a testament to the idea that beauty does not require compromise. This lovely red-brown hue is a customizable and durable style solution to making this style more personal for the modern naturalista.
Refresh the classic cornrow look by incorporating soft, curvy parts that introduce a wavy dynamic to the straightforward straight-back design. This style, often among the first that aspiring braiders learn, is celebrated for its simplicity and relatively quick completion time. But please make allowance for a couple of hours, as getting the parts looking crisp and braiding large sections of hair can add some extra time to the braiding process.
Add some natural curls with heated rollers or add some crocheted curly hair extensions for an all-over protective hairstyle. It looks innovative and combines the elegance of a braided flat twist in the back with the playful freedom of spiral curls in the front. Specifically designed for short to medium afro coily hair lengths, it showcases how versatile and dynamic natural hair can be, even without extensive length. This hairstyle is a celebration of texture and volume, offering a fresh take on updo elegance.
This reimagined traditional cornrow afro hairstyle comes with a side-positioned bun that showcases its volume and texture from every angle. By allowing the ends of the cornrows to cascade into a curly bun, this style celebrates versatility, making it a stunning choice for any age. Its unique positioning and texture ensure it stands out, embodying both elegance and the element of surprise.
An effortlessly chic solution for those seeking a blend of simplicity and glamour. Perfect for enhancing daily routines or attending dressy events, this style can be achieved in a relatively short amount of time. It’s a celebration of natural hair and beauty, designed to elevate your look with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules without compromising on style.
A bold statement that combines simplicity with stunning beauty! While this style makes a visual impact, it’s important to be mindful of the added weight of hair extensions, suggesting a balance between fashion and comfort. These knotless braids stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic braided styles, updated for a less bulky and comfortable braiding experience.
Even if you aren’t one to wear your heart on your sleeve, creatively incorporating the double heart cornrow motif adds a playful twist to the traditional cornrow style. This unique element is more than just a design; it’s a statement of love and self-expression that radiates from within. Perfect for those looking to make their hairstyle a reflection of their inner confidence and self love, it blends artistry with personal significance in a beautifully braided canvas.
Break all stereotypes of protective styling being mundane, weaving together vibrant color, intricate design, and playful beads for a look that’s anything but ordinary. This style is a celebration of whimsy and creativity, demonstrating how protective hairstyles can also be expressive and fun. It’s a perfect blend of personality and protection.
These detailed jumbo plaits combined with some contrasting small cornrow not only safeguard your natural hair but also accentuate its beauty, reflecting your unique taste and personality. It’s a style that marries functionality with stunning visual appeal.
Let’s celebrate the versatility and elegance of braiding, offering a style that’s both protective and strikingly beautiful. The asymmetry of curvy plaits and partings introduces a dynamic and modern twist to traditional braiding, while the attention to baby hairs adds a polished finish. This style showcases the artistry possible with natural hair, emphasizing the creative potential of braids to express individuality and grace.
This inverted braiding style is a masterpiece of texture and pattern, weaving together swirls, loops, and a variety of braids with the delicate artistry of curled baby hairs. This style is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a celebration of braiding as a form of art, showcasing the incredible diversity and creativity that can be achieved with plaits and cornrows.
A fusion of braiding techniques such cornrows and natural two-strand twist, this empire-inspired look allows for personalization in the braids’ thickness, length, and style, encouraging wearers to tailor the hairstyle to their unique preferences. It’s a striking statement of individuality and strength, blending traditional braiding with edgy intricate design.
This braided look starts as cornrows and combines them to form large coily textured large twists. Twist can be styled by tucking in method. It honors the deep cultural roots and significance of braiding in Black communities but also showcases the incredible skill and creativity involved in their creation. The geometric patterns and thickly woven braids, achievable with both natural hair and extensions, reflect a profound respect for tradition while inviting innovation. This style stands as a beautiful expression of heritage, artistry, and personal identity, celebrating the enduring legacy and versatility of cornrows.
This signature look celebrates the diversity and creativity of Black women’s hair, inviting personalization through color, size, design, and unique accessories. It’s a tribute to the beauty of length and texture, showcasing the endless possibilities for self-expression through braids. The small to medium size and length is a good balance of weight and section’s size in respect to this braided protective hairstyle.
Braided updos are elegant, sophisticated and so much fun, with the playful essence of creativity, making it a versatile choice for women seeking a style that truly represents them. Starting with intricate design cornrows that ascend into a voluminous braided bun, it blends traditional techniques with contemporary fashion.
The chic braided bob redefines simplicity with its sleek and polished aesthetic, proving that elegance can be effortless. This hairstyle is the epitome of ‘ready-to-go’ chic, ensuring that you look meticulously put-together with minimal effort. This short hair braid style is universally flattering and encapsulates modern sophistication in a timeless cut.
A delightful reversal of traditional braiding, starting from the nape and culminating in vibrant curls atop the head. This style is particularly enchanting for those with shorter hair or anyone desiring volume and texture in their look. Accented with highlights, the curls add a playful and feminine touch, embodying a blend of classic technique and joyful expression.
Cornrow on cornrow crown braids put a creative spin on the regal crown braid, offering durability and style in one intricate package. Designed to last for weeks, this maintenance-free style makes the initial time investment pay off. Add some hair accessories to make this combination braided hairstyle trendier.
Extra large cornrow on cornrow braids fuse the timeless elegance of double plaits with the modern twist of color and side cornrow accents. This style, inspired by the iconic beauty of Pocahontas, offers a blend of tradition and contemporary flair, inviting wearers to embrace their heritage and personal style with confidence. Also, it’s a great hairstyle for Afro Caribbean women who lead an active life.
Stand out with this waist-length but lightweight twist style, offering an impressive hairstyle that captivates at first glance. Whether you opt for twists or crochet braids, the voluminous style exudes sophistication and style. Embellishing this beautiful mane with golden beads adds a playful touch to its stunning mass, highlighting the intricate details and your flair for the dramatic.
Today’s twist braid styles often use flat twists with freely hanging ends you can style in curls or braids for a more sophisticated look. These flat twists are done on shorter hair with extensions, yet the style is very natural-looking. Love it!
A simple yet profoundly chic way to adorn your hair. This versatile braid can be positioned close to the crown or along the hairline, allowing customization to complement your face shape and features beautifully. The curly swirls add some softness to this braided hairstyle.
Reimagined traditional Mohawk styles with a braided twist, incorporating curvy cornrows and dynamic burst rows for a look that’s anything but ordinary. This style is for those who dare to stand out, offering a bold and jazzy statement that proves afro hairstyles can be as unique and vibrant as the individual.
This braided hairstyle suggests elegance in simplicity, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more. Using hair pieces that closely match the texture and hue of your natural hair, these braids offer a seamless and authentic look.
The blonde afro merges simplicity with iconic style, creating a look that’s both refreshing and timeless. The afro puff, a symbol of natural beauty and strength for Black and Brown people, becomes even more delightful with the addition of playful crossed over flat twists. This hairstyle can be achieved using your natural hair or using a clip in afro puff.
You can’t help but love this design and texture, featuring flat twisted braids that weave together in an exquisite pattern, topped with curls that introduce playful volume and bounce. This protective hairstyle blends diverse elements, offering an innovative updo that’s as bold as it is elegant. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to merge traditional braiding with a touch of modern whimsy. The twisted ends can be left loose or styled tucked in for a more concise hairstyle.
If you have a long bob or some layered hairstyle, you can still have the illusion of a textured hairstyle with short back and sides. This style cleverly utilizes the longest part of the cut for a large central braid, enhanced by the addition of hair for fuller grip and volume. Inverted braids are also called Didi in parts of Africa. The sleek side bangs adds a contemporary edge, perfectly balancing professionalism with playful flair — a modern take on ‘business in the front, party in the back’.
Single twist braids combined with side cornrows strike the perfect balance between effortless charm and polished elegance, offering a versatile look that’s combines sporty chic and casual grace. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a look that’s as adaptable and dynamic as their lifestyle, as it’s easy to put hair out of the face when needed.
This braided hairstyle suitable for women with curly or coily hair shows simple creativity with practicality in a style that’s gaining new waves of popularity. It features two sets of neat closely braided cornrows, finishing in a low braided chignon. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any event or refreshing your everyday style.
Healthy black hair is a fashion-forward choice for the hairstyle that stands out at formal events, blending various braid sizes and techniques into an intricate and captivating design. This updo not only showcases your flair for style but also your commitment to hair care, use a silk scarf or pillowcase to ensure your look remains pristine for days but also protect the hair nightly.
The beauty of this hairstyle lies in elegant spirals that ascend into an updo of unparalleled sophistication. Perfect for once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings or a great hairstyle for natural hair at prom. This updo is not just a hairstyle but a crowning glory, designed to make those special moments even more memorable.
TGone are the days when simple plaits would turn heads. Today, it’s all about innovation and flair—mixing criss-cross patterns, playing with braid thickness, exploring new angles, and experimenting with unique parts. This creative fusion not only elevates your braided look but transforms it into a captivating work of art that demands a second glance. It’s time to step into a realm where your braids do more than just impress; they make a statement.
This simple hairstyle is for those with long natural hair or for those seeking added length and volume with extensions. Ideal for evenings out when you wish for a stunning look, that can be maintained with minimum manipulation. This hairstyle wraps your crown in a loose jumbo cornrow braid that speaks of sophistication and grace. a fabulous new look that celebrates natural hair textures.
This hairstyle introduces smaller and larger curved braids and creative wrapping around the ponytail base, ensuring the look remains vibrant and engaging over time. It’s a playful twist on a beloved classic, perfect for adding a dash of fun to your hairstyle repertoire. Keep it exciting!
These small half braids offer a versatile and stylish choice that seamlessly blends the structured beauty of braids with the soft allure of waves. Whether worn loose for a casual, everyday look or styled into an elegant updo, this hairstyle transcends trends. Be mindful of tight braids styles and always having them pulled back.
One of the fastest and most pulled together protective styles is a braided bun. Suitable for a variety of hair textures and lengths, this style effortlessly accommodates additional hair to sculpt a voluminous bun that resembles a regal crown. It’s an embodiment of elegance and protection, offering a stunning option that keeps your hair secure and stylish.
Crochet braids provide a flexible and creative styling solution without the permanence of a weave. This versatile method allows for endless styling possibilities, from flowing locks to chic ponytails, all while offering the freedom to experiment with color through highlights and colored kanekalon hair, allowing you to personalize your look with vibrant splashes of color without the need for harmful chemicals or bleach.
This single plait black hairstyle takes inspiration from modern icons like Keri Hilson, who adopt box braids with a contemporary twist. Keep the hairline safe by leaving out the weakest hair and sleek tendrils to frame the face with subtlety and grace. You can style half up, keeping away from the face.
Braids allow you to utilize your hair’s full potential and experiment with different looks tailored to your personal style. We hope these diverse braided hairstyles for Black women have been a good source of inspiration!
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In the world of Afro and curly hair care, braiding stands as both a protective measure and a vibrant expression of our heritage. It's an art form that safeguards our natural curls, all the while displaying the rich textures that are an expression of our identity.”