For some, micro braids are a protective style staple, while others try them out occasionally. Whatever your preference, these intricate looks offer plenty of styling ideas. Rock your mini plaits freely hanging, try different updos and half-up styles, or use invisible braids as a chance to get full, voluminous curls. Their major advantage is in manageability. Your favorite layered ‘dos, side-swept hairstyles, buns, ponytails, and top knots are just getting more visually interesting and easier to style!
@sc.braids
This gorgeous style sends small box braids in a whole new direction. They gain a playful flair of multiple layers that gravitate towards each other, creating a lovely look of feathers flipped inwards. The final effect is a sophisticated ‘do that will have you touching and flipping your hair all day.
Not everyone wants their braids to be invisible – some women don’t mind them being quite visible. This cute look blends small braids with messy curls and carelessly sweeps them over to one side – pure chic!
@ibraidisew
The wet look is in, and it’s gorgeous when applied to curls. The benefit of braiding a few inches off the roots is that it allows the hair to lie flat on top. If you’re not into the super voluminous look (but you still want curls), ask your braider to start the transition about four inches away from the roots.
@firstladyhairbraiding
This romantic style quickly transitions from braids into curls, so that the overall effect is a cute curly head of hair. If you need a modest yet classy hairstyle that doesn’t distract from your face and personality, this is what you are going to like.
@luscioushairbraiding
Most braided styles are all about long locks, but short styles can easily be just as gorgeous (and twice as sassy). This version of the inward-curled bob features a deep side part and an asymmetrical edge we love.
@sc.braids
There are so many styles that allow you to experiment with hair textures. These plaits are not braided all the way down, but only less than halfway, so that the extensions can flow free in soft waves.
@luscioushairbraiding
Blonde is and always will be a great hair color solution to choose to switch up your look. The notice-me golden hue looks fantastic against the warm-toned skin. Ask your braider to leave the extensions for the last few inches undone if you want to enjoy some variety in textures that looks awesome in updos.
@microbraidsbyrobinandmiya
The all-time best way to style twists is with a side part. It’s an effortless, youthful, and modern downdo. Yes, you can get more creative with your hairstyle, but it’s not necessary! Show off your natural makeup and some blingy earrings for the win.
@the_braid_lounge
Because micro braids are so… well, micro… they have a lot of natural movement. With braids this small, you can easily create loose waves, twists, and different types of braids whenever you want to add visual interest to straight hair. But as you see, it’s gorgeous as it is.
@shanareyn
Umm…yes! This look is on-point. The pretty miniature Senegalese twists are pinned up asymmetrically to get the hair back off the face. Ask your stylist for a balayage effect instead of a few single highlighted strands.
@rrainygrant
These teeny twists are just like hair, only polished, manageable, and of the desired length and color. Styling them is a breeze while your natural hair is not exposed to heat and chemicals. Throw your extra-long twists in a high pony and enjoy them moving gently across your back when you are walking, or throw them over your shoulders for a dramatic effect.
@tupo1
One of the best aspects of thin braids is that they can be worn in a formal or casual setting – the style always looks classy. However, if you want to add even more spice, consider adding in tiny-shiny embellishments for extra bling.
@saythelees
These invisible braids can provide a very natural look of perfect flowing locks. Add in layers, soft curls or beach waves, throw in highlights that set off your skin tone, and be ready to get a ton of compliments!
@afrikstylebraid
Always wanted a perfectly looking lob? This type of style allows the wearer to forgo much of the maintenance required with non-braided hairstyles, including drying, ironing, and curling the ends in.
@braidsbytasha
By adding a splash of gold to your micro braids, you can create an almost translucent-like effect. What’s more, if you concentrate the metallic color toward the bottom of your hair, you achieve a cool ombre or balayage look.
@noismhairculture
Micro braiding can take on many, many forms (one of its best characteristics), with short, cropped cuts being one of them. Playing with color safely is also among the perks!
@braidsbytasha
This cool look will work even for extra-short hair. Using short and long sections within one style is the hottest trend in the modern hair world. Get the long hair of the desired color with tree braids.
@toninatural
One super popular style right now (popularized by the Kardashians and other celebs) is the half-bun look, which adds both height and drama. Mix in blonde and black strands for an even more dynamic effect.
@beingzeejames
Braids at the roots, curls at the ends offer versatility in texture and look eye-catching. Add in soft highlights and think of the appropriate length. It’s so much fun to make your hair dreams come true!
@stellabraiding
When it comes to tiny braids, you can never go wrong with a classic look: long, sleek, and undeniably chic. These long braids look like your typical straightened hair, except for the fact that you won’t spend any unnecessary time styling it with heat tools or combing through it.
@nappstar_nyc
Shorter layered micro braid styles can look utterly fabulous, too. The texture of the braids adds extra movement and flow. In this instance, the braids are slightly chunkier, and the nape is undercut.
@stellabraiding
Having asymmetrical braids is a surefire way to create a memorable look. But when half of your head forms an intricate, mesmerizing design with those braids, it’s even more chic! This style is bold and eye-catching; so don’t take the plunge unless you’re willing to rock the look 24/7.
@steph_odia
Don’t be afraid to play with color when it comes to your braids. Having one color overlapping another can add an element of depth and drama. A deep side part also works well with this braided style.
@scbraid_university
This version of the twists is slightly thicker than typical. This helps to mimic your natural texture even more. A splash of gold (or any other accent color) will help to bring out your eyes or complement your skin.
@victoriehairpage
Don’t shy away from playing with color in your braided looks. Here, the pattern resembles signature zebra stripes. And the best part? When you walk or perform any movement, your hair will swish and sway, creating a mesmerizingly beautiful effect with the colors.
@scbraid_university
Curly braids with Freetress hair may give you the look you are after – long textured waves that can be worn loose and carefree or pulled up into a pony.
@braidsbydari
For those who like to blend looks and have manageable hair, braids with undone ends are an appealing choice. We love how the braided and unbraided hair is blended unevenly for a natural effect.
@machine_hands
With tiny braids, you can wear your locks both down and up. But when worn up, any color duality you have becomes much more pronounced and edgy. This black and orange bun is fun and a little out of this world!
@braidsbyrobinandmiya
Braids are inherently fashionable, but when you add in a sleek, shaved design to boot, your appearance becomes incredibly edgy. Mix small braids with undercuts, because why not?
@machine_hands
When it comes to sew-in hairstyles, crochet micro braids can instantly give you the hair of your dreams. Make it funky or natural-looking and feminine. It’s about what you are feeling at this point in your life and what you feel comfortable with.
@madametima
When checking out pictures of popular braid styles, make sure to figure out what you love about each look specifically. Is it the color? The type of braid? Or the post-braid styling? With this hairstyle, it might just be everything! The fine texture in combination with the African red color and twisted pompadour is amazing.
@jane_braid
Small kinky twists are a cute alternative to skinny braids. You may not twist all the way down to the ends and seal them. The half-twists, half-curls are as beautiful in the free-flowing shoulder-length style as they would be in a short curly pony.
@the_braid_lounge
Getting braids with extensions is a great opportunity to try new colors, causing no damage to your natural hair. You’re going for attached strands, so you might as well get some dope colors added in! This cool-toned brown to blonde is super pretty and gives off an edgy vibe. A cute half-up top knot is the perfect finishing touch.
@noismbraids
The small Senegalese twists look so cute with highlights. A caramel or gold-colored highlight with a soft brown base color is one of the most flattering combinations. These twists styled into a full, loose ponytail look very impressive. It’s a simple style that always looks great!
@nina_african_braids
If you want to try different colors for your extensions (but don’t want anything too bright or crazy), choose two shades from the same color family, such as chocolate and pinkish brown, for instance. These hues look stunning together and really illuminate the skin.
@pureestrogen
This braided hairstyle resorts to the shape of a simple long ponytail, but the final look is anything but plain. It’s the best of both worlds – the hair is kept out of the face, but then there is also some length to create a more feminine style. Bringing in a warm-toned brown shade makes this hairstyle extra special.
@narahairbraiding
Invisible crochet braids like these almost completely hide the area of installation to show off nothing but perfect curls. Red hair with blonde highlights is the best way to introduce a fiery personality.
@afrikstylebraid
With natural, medium-length hair, you can easily create small braids or twists, no extensions necessary. Just pull your hair back into two high ponytails, then create as many tiny braids as you wish and wrap them up into two cute buns. This 90s-inspired look is a fun style to try.
@inikscott
These invisible tree braids are perfection! The mix of black and blonde hair offers a modern balayage look. The attachment area is just an inch near the roots, so the hairstyle looks quite natural, and it stays beautifully parted even when a light breeze blows.
@tonibavidcenter
These Senegalese twists have been attached to the cornrows down the center of the head for a cool, Mohawk updo look. You may braid the twists into a fishtail or a simple braid when you want to modify the look slightly.
@just_roshunda
The micro braid acts like a single strand of hair, making it versatile enough to be styled in many ways. Whether you prefer wavy twists or stick-straight mini braids, there is a flattering texture, length, and color combination to suit your personal style.