Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
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The popularity of braided styles gave us a diversity of new stylish types of braids for black women worthy of your attention. From classic box braids and twists to more creative snake braids and Bantu Knots, there are many hot looks to try. With these mesmerizing examples of the 30 most popular braided styles, you are guaranteed to find your way to the perfect protective hairstyle!
Each type of braids has unique features, allowing you to express yourself and complement your appearance and personal style. Cornrows remain the most common hairstyles suitable for Afro-textured hair; however, micro braids are considered a longer-lasting and healthier option for thinner hair types. There are also different twists, extremely popular and relatively easy to maintain.
You can try and wear any of them with confidence. But first, share your favorite look with your stylist to adjust it to your face shape and make it work for you at best!
While there are so many types of braids, let us start by showing you how stunning their combination may be. For example, you can braid the ponytail and incorporate classic scalp braids. Or divide your box braids into three and create a three-strand braid or even put them up into a halo braid. A stunning way to step up a protective hairstyle for natural hair!
@primup
Versatile yet extremely attractive, box braids will give you an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality through the fascinating hairstyle. For example, you can freshen up your braided style with vibrant red hair extensions that add spicy vibes to your appearance, making you look sassy and intriguing.
@trancasraphaela
If you’re up for something special and eye-catching, Goddess braids are sure to capture your attention and not only yours! Curly strands, peeking out among micro braids, boost overall hair volume. Bright blonde hair color makes this braided style contrasting and thus more interesting.
@style_cupid
As this type of braids implies braiding small sections of hair, the result looks like free-flowing thicker strands rather than braids. Starting at the roots, micro braids may go all the way down to the ends or end in the midst, leaving half of your head curly.
@lexydidit__
This style can give you an idea of how the dreads will look on you, allowing you to try on something new without commitment. Lasting for up to six weeks, faux locs will protect your natural hair from heat and breakage and showcase your creativity. Middle and side parting are both welcomed.
@steph_theextras
It’s impossible not to fall in love with these mesmerizing crochet braids! Long and extremely voluminous, they draw maximum attention to your appearance and make everyone adore your hair, secretly and openly.
@studio__power
Have you ever considered adding warm caramel tones to your black hair? Here’s how you can make it without dyeing your whole mane. Ask for kinky twists with square sections and brown extensions and showcase your new plaited look in all beauty.
@that_perfect_hair_studio
Apart from looking exceptionally stylish, a braided high ponytail can prevent you from weighing down your natural hair and damaging it accordingly. Thus, you can enjoy your gorgeous thick braids without worrying about your hair condition after loosening it in about 6 weeks.
@raizafro_
This hairstyle resembles a Bohemian halo braid look. Only this interpretation includes cornrows that come together on the top of your head. Decorated with golden hair cuffs, the hairstyle looks truly divine.
@therochelleeffect
Long Jumbo braids that fall straight down from the head are best suited for those with thicker hair types. They are pretty fast to create and last for up to eight weeks. By pairing them with curly ends, you can add charming girly vibes to your appearance.
@narahairbraiding
Glossy twisted braids are best to create with smooth braiding hair types, as they allow you to achieve these sleek Senegalese twists. This hairstyle can beautifully balance your face shape, as you may part it any way.
@layedbyangel
For a healthy protective hairstyle that helps you minimize hair manipulation, we recommend picking the box braids that won’t weigh down your hair. Book an appointment with the braider to discuss what size of braids is best for you, and embrace this gorgeous braided style with confidence!
@beautycrownstudios
Longer and bigger braids may cause tension on fine hair, so we reckon this knotless braid bob is a more suitable alternative for such hair types. Looking hot and trendy, knotless or feed-in braids provide less stress to the strands while installing and wearing.
@braids_heaven
Amp up your exceptional taste with these small box braids created in triangle-shaped parts. For a daring statement, add bright hair extensions to make your hair shine in all rainbow colors.
@fabuloushairpalace_
Curly twists will bring your Afro hair a soft, natural-looking appearance while providing you with a low-maintenance routine. You may style them into a lovely updo or a half-down hairstyle to personalize the look according to your self-perception.
@_hairbynada
Classic stitch braids imply separating your hair into five or six equal sections and braiding them close to the scalp. But let it not stop you from your own experiments, as you can try different braid sizes and patterns to create your significant braided look.
@voiceofhair
To create an iconic Lemonade braid look, cornrow your natural curls from one side and continue with tiny, long braids resting on the side. Leave some thin, curly strands to mix them with the curls for added movement and dimension.
@braidplugldn
If your hair allows you to create thicker braids, this can be a good option for you to consider. Bigger braids give sassy vibes to your appearance and make your overall look daring and statemental.
@nikolas.trancas
Your kinky hair is a great base for a sassy braided bob. With these cute micro braids, you can enjoy a hassle-free bob without a high-maintenance routine and intricate hair styling process.
@unlockedbeauty.byg
The coarser texture of Marley Twists, resembling locs in some way, makes them one of the most natural-looking types of braids for black hair. The size of the twists is ideal for styling the hair in space buns or a half-bun hairstyle, as done here.
@karis_hairdo
This intricate at first glance look is the epitome of femininity and grace, making it widely popular among African-American women. The combination of scalp-hugging cornrows and straight-back braids looks alluring and creative, especially when paired with cuffs or beads.
@afroblackb
Tree braids can add movement to your natural strands while protecting them from any damage for as long as they last. Generally, they are created with extensions attached to the micro cornrows and hanging freely like tree branches. The overall result is a cute and playful braided style.
@queenmercyhair
Stitch braids are made for self-expression! With a diversity of designs you can choose from, you may try new looks every month indefinitely. They are best paired with braided buns and ponytails, which make the overall hairstyle more low-maintenance.
@pearlthestylist_
Here is another hairstyle that helps you to stand out and make all eyes on you and your braids. Adjust your braided Mohawk to your personality by mixing braids of different sizes or colors, or leave it sassy and classy like this. The choice is all yours!
@torrybraids
We reckon this braided hairstyle will appeal to those craving long, thick braids. The beauty of Havana twist braids is in their versatility, as you can easily go from edgy side-swept twisted hair to a more comfortable ponytail or high bun.
@lk_luxury_braiding_hair
Cornrows give you the freedom to create any patterns, expressing your creativity in all beauty. If you’re aiming for something striking and unique, try snake-shaped braids. Collect them into a high pony and incorporate loose curls that will look like the extensions of your cute little snakes.
@braidsambassador
Nubian twists are an ideal choice for women with short natural hair. Super lightweight, cute, and easy to style, they can last up to two months, making it a dream hairstyle for busy ladies.
@mayassalonkenya
To rock this modern Koroba braids hairstyle, Ruth used extensions, which she carefully wrapped with thread, creating a stunning “crown of cornrows.” You can give this style a fancier look with golden beads or cuffs that also match your beautiful warm skin tone.
@hairglambyruth_
The 90s-inspired Bantu Knots are big this year, offering chic and playful vibes to spice up your everyday looks. Refine this traditional style with a few braids framing your face from each side for a bold and captivating appearance.
@patytrancas.ro
Another amazing comeback from the 90s, Poetic Justice box braids, will chain everyone’s attention to you and your stunning hairstyle. Braided from the roots to the very ends, your hair will look hot and alluring, resembling the iconic Janet Jackson’s look from Poetic Justice.
@dhairologist
All the styles look stunning, and if you’re stressing out picking the one – don’t be, as you can always try something else later. With such variety of braided hirstyles, you can easily change your hairstyle once a couple of weeks or months without damaging your tresses.
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