Do you want to upgrade your look with a hairstyle that stands out? With braids, you can customize your style with a one-of-a-kind braided updo, colorful box braids, or feed-in braids that give you added length.

There are tons of braided hairstyle options, no matter what hair type you have. Braids are also low maintenance and can protect your hair from breakage. As long as you keep your braids moisturized and don’t leave them in too long, they can keep your hair healthy and free from matting. 

1. Box braids

Box braids are one of the most popular braided looks for Black women. They’re incredibly versatile and look amazing. The box braid style is also pretty low-maintenance and can last for up to six weeks. 

This style gets its name from the small “boxes” formed when the hair is parted. After parting, the hair is braided to the desired length. Typically, synthetic hair is woven in to add volume and thickness to your braids. You can style box braids in many different ways once they’re installed, including ponytails and buns.

2. French braids

French braids are a classic braid you can do yourself once you learn the technique. These braids work well for a day or nighttime look. If you want the freedom to take your braids out, then French braids are a great option. Chat with a stylist if you want to level up your French braids with cornrows or other designs.

3. Knotless braids

If you suffer from frequent breakage or thinning hair from other braid installation styles, then knotless braids might provide you with some relief. This style differs from a typical box braid because it feeds the synthetic hair into the braid rather than anchoring it to your natural hair. 

This technique creates less tension and thus puts less pressure on your natural hair while still protecting it from the elements. The result is a look comparable to box braids but with less potential for damage.

4. Crochet braids

Crochet braiding is also known as latch-hook braiding. The first step in the process is to braid your hair into cornrows to create a base for your extensions. You’ll then attach extensions to the cornrows using a crochet hook to loop through the base. This method gives you lots of room to experiment with since there are many types of crochet braids you can try.

5. Braided space buns 

Space buns are an easy hairstyle that can add some fun to your look in minutes. If you’re unsure what to do with your hair and want to brighten up your day, simply divide your hair in two sections  and create two large buns on top of your head. You can do this with all of your hair or leave half of your hair hanging down. 

6. Long box braids 

Photo source: Ondria Smith, a braids Pro from Hickory, NC

Box braiding is a technique resulting in many braided hairstyles. You can create box braids with natural hair or with extensions to add length. Every size, length, and variation of box braids can change your look. Long box braids are popular because you can throw them in a bun or a ponytail when needed. 

7. Half-up, half-down braids

The half-up, half-down look works with almost any hair texture. Whether you braid your hair into box braids, micro braids, or cornrows, sometimes you may want to keep the top of your hair out of your face and let the rest of your hair flow down. This is when the half-up, half-down style comes in handy. You can create this hairstyle in minutes and feel ready to go.

8. Lemonade braids

Photo source: Sandra’s Braids, a braids Pro from Houston, TX

Lemonade braids became popular after Beyonce’s visual album “Lemonade” came out in 2016. These braids were called side braids since they’re small braids that wrap around the head before falling to one side. An experienced hairstylist can customize your lemonade braids by adding geometric designs.

9. Middle-part braid with twisted ponytail

Photo source: Jazitup, a braids Pro from Mableton, GA

This twisted ponytail is unique and easily customizable with accessories. By braiding the middle of the hair and letting it transition into a long twisted ponytail, your hair will look professional and chic. You can dress this look up or down by adding rings, beads, yarn, or leaving the hair natural.

10. Low double buns

Space buns are a trendy, double-bun style that put the hair on top of the head, but you can also try braiding your hair into double buns at the nape of your neck. These braided buns have a Princess Leia vibe, and they will look Star Wars-chic with any outfit. 

11. Braided high bun

Braiding your hair in a high bun will keep your hair pulled back and protected. You can have a hairstylist braid the hair on your scalp with a combination of smaller and larger braids for an interesting mix of texture. If you don’t have enough length to make your bun large and round, you can use extensions to get the perfect braided bun. 

12. Waterfall braid

The waterfall braid is great if you don’t want to commit to a fully braided head of hair. To create this hairstyle, you’ll French braid the top of your hair while leaving some pieces from the braid flowing down into the rest of your hair. These pieces create a waterfall effect and give your hair a beautiful half-up, half-down look. 

13. Goddess braids

Photo source: Jazitup, a braids Pro from Mableton, GA

Goddess braids look like cornrows, except they are larger and they sit on top of the scalp. Larger braids like these can stand out and allows your hairstylist to create more interesting designs with the hair. Goddess braids are often wrapped from one side of the head to the other, which can add flair to your everyday look. 

14. Braided faux hawk

Photo source: Jazitup, a braids Pro from Mableton, GA

There are many ways to create a faux hawk, and braids are one of the best ways to keep this updo in place for up to a week or more. Braids will allow you to create the illusion of shaved hair on the sides like a real mohawk. You can use mini cornrows to braid the sides or braid the hair in a unique design. You can also let the top of the hair hang free or braid it.

15. Yarn braids

Another way to make your braided hairstyle stand out is to braid colored yarn in with your hair. Yarn braids can protect your hair just like synthetic braids, and they add a unique texture and color to your look. Yarn braids may also last longer than other braided hairstyles, but you will need to keep them moisturized. 

16. Slicked back and braided low ponytail

Photo source: Jazitup, a braids Pro from Mableton, GA

This braided low ponytail gives you long, thick hair but keeps it tied back at the nape of your neck. With the length of this look, you can throw your braid over your shoulder or leave it hanging behind you depending on the occasion. 

17. Headband and braids

There’s nothing easier than throwing a headband in your hair and suddenly having a cute look that also keeps your braids out of your face. If you already have micro braids or box braids, then a headband can be the perfect accessory. The best part about headbands is that there are hundreds of colors and designs to choose from to change up your look. 

18. Colored and braided pigtails

Photo source: Angie Hairstyles, a braids Pro from Los Angeles, CA

Adding a pop of color to your braided hairstyle may be just what you need to enhance your look. Braided pigtails are a classic style, but adding color to the pigtails will turn your look from classic to contemporary. You don’t need to dye your hair for this look since you can easily braid in colored extensions. 

19. Cornrow

Cornrow braids are one of the most versatile styles out there. These types of braids lie close to the scalp. You begin by dividing your hair into the number of sections you want to use. Cornrows can be thin or thick, so the number of braids you have depends on the desired width. From there, you can easily customize the braids to your taste and creative design ideas. Just keep in mind that thin cornrows will cost more and take more time.

20. Long micro braids

Micro braids have been popular for decades, and these braids begin as tiny plaits in the hair. Although micro braids take a long time to install, they can last for weeks and will give the feeling of long, natural hair because each braid is so thin. With micro braids, you can try various hairstyles like a ponytail, a low bun, or an updo. 

21. Bubble braid

Photo source: Sandra’s Braids, a braids Pro from Houston, TX

The bubble braid hairstyle is popular because of its intricate design and chic look. Similar to the fishtail braid, this style is easier to create than it appears. For this look, simply grab a handful of ponytail holders and wrap them in evenly spaced increments down your high ponytail. Then, loosen your hair slightly between each ponytail holder to create a bubble effect.

22. Classic braided pigtails

You can never go wrong with hairstyles that have lasted through time. Children, teenagers, and adults wear classic braided pigtails all around the world. You can braid pigtails in minutes and walk out the door with a put together look, which is why this style has remained popular. To enhance this look, you can tie your pigtails back into a knot or bun.

23. Braided updo

Braided updos can look beautiful on all hair textures. If you’re planning a special event, you can put your hair in a braided updo to give your hair a chic and polished look. Braided updos also look great for formal events. You can leave the bangs down and curly to make the hairstyle more casual or pull back all the hair for a more formal look.

24. Ghana braids

Ghana braids are a style of cornrow that range in thickness from medium to jumbo. They’re unique in appearance because of the method used to feed in the extension hair. Instead of braiding in hair from underneath, hair is fed over the top of each braid. This makes it look like there are rings around each braid.

This style can be done in different patterns to create a unique look. A fishbone or whirling design looks fantastic with Ghana braids.

25. Large braided bun

If you’ve braided your hair into long box braids or locs, then you may have enough volume to create this large braided bun. Wrapping your braids on top of your head will create a beehive-shaped bun that is regal in appearance. The large bun looks like a crown, so you should wear this hairstyle with pride. 

26. Braided rose updo

If you go to an experienced hair stylist, you can request an intricate braided updo like this one that resembles two roses. This hairstyle is artistic and beautiful. If you have a special event to attend, this look will be unforgettable.

27. Bantu knots and braids

Photo source: Natalia, a braids Pro in Miami, FL

Bantu knots are an African hairstyle that have become popular in today’s fashion world. The classic version of Bantu knots is easy to create at home, but you can upgrade your look by including braids. A stylist can braid the base of each Bantu knot for added style and protection. 

28. Braided pompadour bun

This braided pompadour bun gives off a retro vibe because men and women wore their hair to the front of their head like this in the 1950s. If you have long braids in your hair, you can achieve this look by creating a large bun on the top of your head, pulling the bun toward your forehead, and clipping it there. This hairstyle is top heavy but can be fun for a special occasion.

29. Halo braid

A halo braid is a braided hairstyle that works well for all ages. You may need help learning this braided technique, but it’s essentially a Dutch braid that wraps around the entire head. The beneficial thing about this hairstyle is that you can leave it in for days but take it out quickly when desired. It will protect your ends from damage and give the hair a put together look. 

30. Chunky cornrows with undercut

An undercut is a unique hairstyle that involves shaving the underside of the hair while keeping the top of the hair at its natural length. Braiding the top of the hair can make your undercut look fierce because you can feed in extensions and add both length and color. 

31. Fulani braids

Photo source: Felicia Jenkins, a braids Pro from Baytown, TX

Fulani braids involve braiding the hair down the middle and to each side. To achieve this African hairstyle, you’ll also want two braids near your temples to come forward toward your face. You can customize your Fulani braids by adding beads or other accessories, but these braids look beautiful even in their simplest form. 

32. Fishtail braided updo

The options for braided updos are endless, but it’s always good to have a few visuals for inspiration if you’re going to a hairstylist. This braided updo included a low messy bun and a fishtail braid combo. You may need to tease your hair and add hairspray to get this look just right. 

33. Braided low bun 

Photo source: Sandra’s Braids, a braids Pro from Houston, TX

If you like your hair braided tight and out of your face, then this braided low bun is a great option. Not only does this braided hairstyle keep your face clear, but it’ll give you a professional look that should last for a week or more. Your stylist will use large goddess braids to pull back the hair on the scalp before gathering all the hair in a low bun near the neck.

34. Half-up top lnot

When you have long box braids or twists, there are many ways to style your hair and change up your look. The half-up top knot is a trendy look that keeps most of your braids flowing freely, while pulling your bangs away from your face.

35. Accessorized braids

Photo source: OliviaJ, a braids Pro from Clinton, MD

Mixing accessories like rings and yarn in with your braids can switch up your look and add texture to the hair. You can also add a pop of color to your look with bleached strands of hair or colored beads. Braiding the scalp of your hair and letting the rest of your braids fall into a ponytail will allow you to accessorize without your hair getting in the way of your daily activities.

36. Pulled back braids

Photo source: Latishia Green, a braids Pro from Homewood, IL

One of the simplest braided hairstyles you can do is to pull back your braids into a low bun or ponytail at the back of your hair. It’s an easy style to try for long hair and braids. If you have box braids, cornrows, or micro braids, you can pull back your hair in seconds and walk out the door. 

37. Micro braids with looped ponytail

If you’re considering getting micro braids, then you’ll have the option to stop the braids halfway down the hair. When the ends of your hair are straight, you can easily put your hair up in a ponytail or bun. While you can also put your hair up with full micro braids, straighter ends may make it easier to pull off some hairstyles. This is a great braided look for curly hair since you can show off your natural curls in your ponytail.

38. Chunky two-toned box braids

Box braids come in many lengths and sizes, and these large box braids include two-toned strands. The size and color of these braids make them fun and spunky. If you’re in the mood to try something new with your hair, these braids may be a good option. 

39. Feed-in braids

Photo source: Mu’minah, a braids Pro from Philadelphia, PA

We can categorize many braided hairstyles on this list as feed-in braids. With feed-in braids, your hairstyles will feed synthetic hair in with your natural hair to give the illusion of longer hair. Feed-in braids can give you more braided hairstyle options that involve added length, volume, and color.

40. Braids and headscarf

Similar to a headband, you can use a headscarf to pull back your braids and create your own custom look. There are many patterns of headscarves that can bring out your personal style. You can wrap a headscarf around your hair like a headband or you can wrap up your braids and knot the headscarf at the top of your head. 

41. Intricate braided design

Photo source: Sandra’s Braids, a braids Pro from Houston, TX

When you aren’t sure what braided hairstyle you want, heading to an experienced hair stylist is the best way to get a custom design. Hair stylists can give you a one-of-a-kind look that will have people turning heads to see your hair. This intricately braided design may take longer than a typical appointment, but the result is a work of art!

Anyone can incorporate braids into their look as a one-time style or use braids as a permanent hair staple. If you want to book an appointment with a braid artist, you can reach out to our community of stylists.