What Are The Best Braided Hairstyles for Black Women?
Braids go beyond style, they are a perfect example of how a craft can be exhibited using hair as a spectacular choice of canvas.
In a world where trends are fleeting and everchanging, braids never seem to lose their magic.
They can be dated back as far as 3500 B.C in African culture and were a unique way to identify each tribe. It was also an opportunity to socialize as it took a lot of time to create these intricate and marvelous works of art.
Different patterns of braided hair represented age, marital status, wealth, and a person’s tribe, and some of that can still be translated today in a more modern way. They can tell a story of a person’s personality as a way of self-expression.
These creative protective styles can help to avoid hair breakage and take care of your locks while asleep.
They prevent frizziness and split-ends and while all those benefits are fantastic, they also provide a sense of self-expression and individuality that elevates confidence!
We scoured the top salons to find the best braided hairstyles for black hair, lets have a look!
1. Cornrows to Low Bun
Cornrows are a very popular protective style and can be so versatile. If you are active or sensitive to warm summer days, then opt for a low bun to complete your cornrows. Stylish and carefree!
2. Zigzag Braids
Take your cornrows up a level with a deep zig-zag parting. This creative design of cornrows creates a beautiful flow that almost has a calming feeling. The symmetry is very satisfying.
3. Blonde Box Braids
A great way to change up your look if you are feeling bored, blondes have more fun right! Box braids provide a good amount of rest from heat styling, they are fun and stylish and will leave you feeling like a modern-day Rapunzel.
4. Blue Braided Headband
Feeling blue? Then turn it around with a stunning and fun braided blue headband. This little touch adds something extra to your regular box braids and even better, it is a fun method for practicality, as this gorgeous blue band will keep all those loose braids away from your face.
5. Bobbed Braids
If you prefer short hair, you can opt for some box braids on a shoulder-grazing bob. the shape is very flattering and there is still enough length for pulling them back to open the face or to be left down. Add a bead here and there for some extra bling.
6. Bohemian Mix
This mix of box braids, curls, and crinkled tips is a good choice for bohemian, carefree vibes. Great for a chilled day on the beach or even some sundowners at the beach bar for a more dressed-up look.
7. Box Braided High Bun
We love the casual elegance of this hairstyle. Perfect for shorter profiles, it can provide height and for rounder faces, it can help it appear slimmer.
8. Box Braids with Curls
Mix your braids up with another texture like curls to soften the overall look and add some dimension. The addition of a few spiral curls is ideal if you want to level up your casual braids for a formal event.
9. Braided Bun with Sideburns
Give your box braids a glamourous twist by pulling them up into a gorgeous swirling high bun and add two reversed cornrows just above the ear, leaving them loose. Finish them off with some stylish beads and rock this hairdo on your next date.
10. Braided Fauxhawk
An artistic combination of box braids and cornrows. The sides are braided in cornrows which replicates a short cut and the midsection’s box braids are brought together into one large French braid. The overall aesthetic is a chic and creative fauxhawk.
11. Braided Lavender
Mermaid hair has been a lasting trend in recent times and this hairstyle oozes mermaid vibes. A cool shade of lavender blended into a head of braids that cascades into a crinkly lavender ombre.
12. Braided Tie Back
Use this simple yet effective method to open up your face. Take a few of your braids from your hairline and softly drape them around the back, and secure them with an elastic for a neat and tidy finish.
13. Burgundy Box Braids with Curly Ends
This look is elegant and romantic, especially with the burgundy color choice. Add some softness to the overall look by blending the braids into a soft and polished curl at the ends. The contrast in texture gives these classic box braids a softer and more graceful feel.
14. Burgundy Ghana Goddess
The most beautifully presented goddess braids. If you can find a stylist to create a masterpiece like this one, you have struck gold. A beautiful and simple, yet highly effective way to take goddess braids to a new level.
15. Butterfly Cornrows
Find a braider who can turn your cornrows into a piece of art. The addition of a butterfly on the side of these cornrows is amazing!
16. Cherokee Braid Bun
Beautiful precision and a crisp, neat finish. Enjoy these Cherokee braids with a zig-zag parting and loosely braided sideburn. Ideal for any occasion, this is a flawlessly artistic, versatile protective hairstyle.
17. Colorful Crochet Braids
Another variety that is stylish and fun. Choose a mix of warm tones that complement each other and give the hair some depth. They work well against contrasted textures as well like these braids blended with a small wave. The overall aesthetic is a rich and warm, beautifully disheveled style.
18. Cornrows with Curly Copper Bun
As cute as a pom-pom, but way more chic of course! Try styling your bun with a hue that’s more head-turning to really show off your personality. This hairstyle has an element of funk to it, and is proof that polished and perfect doesn’t always come out on top.
19. Cornrows with Snake Braid
Not quite Medusa, but a more subtle and modern kind. Change up your cornrows by braiding one of them in an S shape down the side of the hair. It creates a pleasing flow of braids into a low braided bun.
20. Creative Feed In Braids
Turn your cornrows into something extra special by alternating patterns. Here we have a mixture of tiny cornrows and goddess braids to add dimension to the shape of the head. They have a sporty vibe to them which makes them ideal for an outdoor enthusiast or someone who leads an active lifestyle.
21. Criss-Cross Braids
Half the braids but double the style. This style of braiding is artistic and has a sporty vibe to it. It is so chic and practical to keep hair out of the face in such a creative way.
22. Crossed over Goddess Braids to Double Puff
If you are more the eccentric type and don’t like to play small, then go big with this gorgeous almost, avant-garde hairdo. Chic and trendy goddess braids that cross over beautifully and funnel out into pleasingly frizzed burgundy puffs.
23. Crotched Butterfly Braids
Butterfly braids are a perfect choice for an elegant look, but can also pass as a chic every day do. By pulling a little bit of hair out each side of the braid, you create a loop that gives it its name. Once your stylist is done with these, you will feel as though you went through a metamorphosis of your own!
24. Diamond Box Braids
These super artistic box braids are extraordinary. The diamond shape on its own is a flattering and artistic alternative to the classic box shape and these have been upgraded with a microbraid border. So much dimension and artistic flair have gone into creating this style.
25. Double Goddess Cornrow Combo
Goddess pigtails at their finest! Enjoy the artistic flair of braids while enjoying long hair as well. A beautiful and fun way to show off your length and texture.
26. Ghana Braid Ponytail
This gorgeous and refined head of Ghana braids is simply stunning and super impressive. By adding a few intricate and perfectly placed braids, you can achieve this head-turning and awe-inspiring ponytail.
27. Ghana Braids with Corkscrew Curls
If you prefer height and bounce, rock these Ghana braids with a tight corkscrew curl feed in. Braid until the crown and leave the hair loose to create a full and bouncy puff. Choose strands that have different tones, the curls really enhance the different hues which create some dimension.
28. Goddess Braids
Make a statement with goddess braids, they will leave you feeling as though you are living up to their name. Essentially thicker than cornrows and more raised from the scalp, they are versatile and can be worn for most occasions.
29. Goddess Braids with Overlapping Braided Accents
These goddess braids will have you feeling like royalty. They are bonded beautifully together by a pair of box braids on either side, that drape across in a regal way, and for an extra bit of love, a braided heart on the temple. A perfect choice for a formal occasion.
30. Jumbo Box Braids
Go big with these jumbo box braids. Easy to achieve and low maintenance. Opt for feed-ins with a brighter hue to add some personality and contrast and really make a statement.
31. Lemonade Braids
Feel as fabulous as Beyonce’ by adorning a head of lemonade braids. With some gorgeous feed ins and edges that are on fleek, this will be a look that you find yourself coming back to.
33. Long Braided Ombre Ponytail
Jazz up a sophisticated long ponytail by creating a gorgeous ombre of dark to light. This is a perfect braided style for any occasion and suits most personalities, which makes this look a trendy and popular choice.
34. Long Braids with Half Updo
The bolder the better! Thick braids, bright hues, and a trendy bun are a trio that will catch attention. This looked can be pulled off on a super casual day that ends as a night out on the town. It’s versatile and simply awesome.
35. Long Micro Braids with Crinkled Ends
Lots of tiny box braids create this cascading mane of locks. The seamless transition into a crinkled tip is flattering and adds some extra flair to these long locks. More popular among the younger generation as the upkeep requires some time and patience.
36. Multicolored Yarn Braids
For the eccentrics and colorful personalities, create a rainbow of stunning bright yarn braids. Not only will your spirits be lifted with this fun hairdo, you will be creating smiles everywhere you go!
37. Pop Smoke Ponytail
Add some swagger with some pop smoke braids and soften the look by finishing them off with a long braided ponytail. This will bring a feminine element to this dapper hairstyle.
38. Pop Smoke braids with a Twist
Turn your pop smoke braids a few extra degrees to the left or right and create this cool new way to rock them. A great way to bring softness around the face and length to the back.
39. Rapunzel Box Braids
I am sure you have dreamed of Rapunzel hair at some stage of your life right? Fulfill that fantasy with a set of extra-long, tiny box braids, finished with a curl that almost grazes your thigh. Although high maintenance, the joy they bring will be worth it.
40. Senegalese Twist Braids
Change things up a little by turning your braids into twists instead. Senegalese twists are one of the most popular protective hairstyles, and can last up to 16 weeks! You simply cant go wrong with this one.
41. Short Box Braid Bob
If short and easy is your vibe, then opt for shorter braids, creating a bob that sits just below the chin. Enjoy this hairstyle with some embellishments on the tips of the braids to spruce it up.
42. Side Sweep Cornrows
Add some sweeping bang effects by directing the front portion of braids from just above the crown towards the front of the face to sweep across the forehead. All the braids meet and gather at the back of the head into a gorgeous ponytail.
43. Small Feed In Braids with Heart
Cute and intricate, show some love with a braided heart! The overall aesthetic is romantic and soft with neat micro braids adorned with heart against the scalp. Great for any age, but very popular among the pre-teens.
44. Symmetrical Cornrow Pattern
This protective hairstyle showcases talent and creativity beautifully. The hair is braided into cornrows in a flawless geometric pattern that is symmetrical on either side of the head. If you can find a talented braider to pull this off, then this braided hairstyle is a must.
45. Tree Braids
If you enjoy the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair and the aesthetics of braids, then this is a fantastic option for you! Opt for tight curls with warm tones for extra sass.
46. Triangle Box Braid Variety
Have fun with this variety of textures and color, by adding some curls to drape amongst the braids and accentuating the braids with some bright blue and purple feed-ins. Swop out the old box section for some triangles and enjoy this geometric, fantasy hairstyle.
47. Tribal Cornrows
This style has a cute and tribal feel to it. The shoulder length makes it lighter and accents the beads that finish off the braids.
48. Trinibraider Bun
Three times the goddess with this stunning hairstyle! A whole new take on half up half down, especially with a splash of blue to level it up further. This is a fantastic style for a formal occasion and will leave you with a feeling of regal confidence.
49. Twin Goddess Cornrow Braids
Prevent your twin braids from being boring with this thin path of microbraids. The two flawless goddess braids make a statement and are leveled up with an extra cornrow on each side and brought together in a low bun for an elegant finish.
So There You Have it! The Best Black Braided Hairstyles
Braids offer black girls a whole lot of versatility and space for self-expression. Not only are they super beneficial for protecting your locks, they also provide a means to change up your style regularly while having fun finding new braid styles to showcase your personality at special events.
Here are a few final tips to consider before choosing your next set of gorgeous braids.
- Protective hairstyles can help hair grow fast as there is no need to detangle and brush, which can cause breakage and hair loss.
- They can last between 2 -8 weeks depending on how you wear them and take care of them.
- Look after your scalp and keep it moisturized. The scalp is more exposed on braided hair which makes it more prone to dryness and irritation.
- Your braids should be cleansed every 2 -3 weeks to avoid product build-up. They should be squeezed dry with a towel very gently and thoroughly to avoid the chances of mildew!
- If you are able to, opt for human hair as the syntactic hair slips.
- If your hair is pulled back to tightly it can break at the root which can result in damage to the hair follicle, as well as splitting and weakening of the hair strand. Opting for loose braiding can give the hairline a rest.
- Your braids should not hurt, if they do they are too tight so please don’t be shy and tell your braider!
- Avoid friction while you sleep by using a satin scarf to wrap your braids up. A satin pillowcase is also a good option, even better if you do both!
Now that you have all the inspiration you need, get out there and parade those braids!
