Braided hairstyles are by far the oldest way to style your hair. Women all over the world use braids to protect their beauty from environmental damage as well as show off their wild imagination.
Get inspiration and find a way to express your creativity through one of these sophisticated yet not so hard to recreate hairstyles!
1. Top Knot for Small Braids. One of the sweetest styles to get that extra height. The look starts with small box braids leading to a chunky, statement-making bun.
2. Medium Box Braids. Braided hairstyles for black women are a great chance to show your creativity! Alternate box braids with delicate curls. You can also play with your parting and try different patterns to diversify your braids hairstyles 2024.
By Tasha Miles
3. Upside Down Chunky Braids with Buns. Multiply your favorite braid-to-bun and get a cute crown updo. Easy and showy!
By tasalahq
4. Afro Updo with Braids. This stunning updo gives a whole new twist to afro hairstyles. Braids for black women can be incorporated into any hairdo of any length and they really bring extra something to your look.
5. Pulled-Back Cornrow Braids. When it comes to African braids, a variety of shapes and patterns is impressive. Look at this stunning lady and save the idea for inspiration!
6. Lengthy Braided Pony. While we love the charm of black braided hairstyles in all possible versions, this combo of regular cornrows and a high braided pony deserves praise for its simplicity and chic.
7. Bob Braids with Beads. Short-haired ladies can wear their braids as proudly and loudly as their long-haired sisters.
By braidme_tt
8. Asymmetrical Braids and Curls. Who said you shouldn’t mix braids and curls in natural hair braid styles? Leave that misconception behind and try this cute hairdo instead! The style will look gorgeous in the shape of an asymmetrical lob.
By Sonia
9. Thick Twisty Braids. Show your luxurious braids to the world with one of the most sought-after braided hairstyles for black girls. Not many braid styles can boast such perfection, so this one is a gem!
By mikasstyles
10. Toffee Brown Braided Hair with Boho Vibes. This girl has dressed up her lavish box braids with a brown shade that flatters her skin tone and added loose pieces throughout the style to maximize its volume and unleash boho vibes.
11. African Braids with a Halo. You won’t find cool braided hairstyles with as many cultural references as you see in this cute afro. From the masterfully highlighted kinky halo through the cornrows and to the golden accent beads, it oozes authenticity.
12. Cherry Red Braided Bob. Matching braid hairstyles with a long bob shape is a stunning idea, as illustrated by this vibrant, beautifully textured hairstyle that retains its clean shape and boasts a sophisticated color.
13. Black Micro Braids with Edges. Here’s another inspo for those who want to turn a usual bob into something special. Not only are those tiny braids smartly highlighted and intricately styled, but they are also curled into neat edges to add bounce and spice.
14. Asymmetrical Bob Braids with Highlights. Here is a fresh take on black hairstyles for women who would like to brighten up their casual hairdo. By infusing your braids with soft shades of gold, you get a chic two-tone look that flatters your skin tone.
15. Cornrow Braids with Twisted Ends. Keep your natural hair protected with this hairstyle! Let your curls stay safe and accumulate strength while looking dashing with these fun braids and thick twists.
By Ashley Henry
16. Crown Braid. Feel regal with this queen-worthy hairstyle that’s ideal for black girls! There are many types of braids, but when a halo-like braid wraps around your head, it’s hard not to feel special.
By Adanna
17. Protective Braids for Women. Help your hair maintain health and glow with professional protective braids hairstyles in 2024.
By Briana
18. Braided Bob with Two Types of Braids. Box braids or Goddess braids? Grab both to recreate this edgy style that has some braids pulled back on one side to shift the length and volume to the other side for an eye-catching mismatch.
By baianabraids
19. Afro-Pony with Braids. Thanks to African-American heritage, today’s black braided hairstyles bring so much creativity to the streets. Update our all-time favorite by mixing thin and thick cornrows, sleeking the sides and puffing up your pony.
20. Braids and Curls. Wear your mane loud and proud with this chic style for short curly hair. Look put-together by braiding one section of your hair and let the rest of it bounce freely.
By Ayesha
21. Jumbo Parted Box Braids. This plaited hairstyle comes with many disconnections to put a twist on the traditional box braids for women who dare to be different. However, note those sweet baby hairs that soften the sharp feel of the parting.
22. Two Braids and a Braided Halo. Achieve this truly magnificent powerful look by braiding up from the nape to the crown and finish with a lovely “halo” sitting right at the top of your head.
23. Chocolate Brown Braided Bob. Short braided hairstyles are no less trendy and sexy than Rapunzel’s hair, which is proven by this asymmetrical rounded bob with a playful and bouncy feel.
24. Goldilocks’ Braids for Women of Color. Speaking of fairy-tale characters, these knotless braids merge black hair into golden blonde extensions beautifully, giving you a good portion of customization inspo and a chance to turn into a modern version of Goldilocks.
25. Black and White Braids. Mix tight and loose, black and white in your braids for a cool look. For something different, experiment with colorful extensions.
26. Comb-Over Braids and Spirals. Don’t miss the chance to play with textures when embracing braids in hairstyles for natural-haired girls. You can let corkscrew curls bounce on the ends or even throughout the head if you opt to wear the style swept to one side.
By Kristine
27. Bombshell Top Knot with Romantic Flair. This braided updo is full of drama, but we want to channel your attention to the fancy details, such as the springy wisps flowing down from the knot, heart-shaped parting on the temples, and neat baby hairs framing the face.
28. Multidirectional Cornrowed Style. African hair braiding comes in many designs and patterns, which lets you adopt an off-beat, asymmetric style like this.
By tillyhairgh
29. Crown Bun. Some funky black and blonde dookie braids are a good braided idea if you prefer individual braids. With thick braids holding the “crown” you will wear this updo for days!
By _lavidarosa_
30. Box Braids with Curly Accents. Despite being the most popular braids style among girls of African origin, box braids provide plenty of opportunities to elevate your style, for example, with a few flirty loose curls.
31. Braids with Heart-Shaped Design. Not only for Valentine’s Day – this cute design will attract everyone’s attention.
32. Big Braids. Tame your unruly curly hair with these chunky long braids. They are easy to put together and will help protect your hair from breakage. Definitely one of the best braid styles to try.
33. Intricate Geometric Braided Hairstyle. Stand out with angled partings, cute hair pieces, and a braided top knot! This look is perfectly sculpted and spiced with accessories.
34. Cornrows for Long Hair. Color adds interest to your long plaits while wrapping a scarf that matches your outfit or hair color does wonders for the overall look.
35. Low Braided Bun Updo. Protect your natural black hair with a few tight braids easy to wrap into a bun. A bright or subtle color accent won’t hurt.
36. Trendy Braid Designs. Braids give you endless possibilities for creativity. Swirl, twist, wrap. Enjoy it!
37. Box Braids with Creative Undercut. How about colorful box braids with a bold undercut for a sweet summer hairstyle?
By braids4style
38. Center-Parted Knotless Braids. These waist-length light brown braids have a nice pop of color chiming well with the girl’s base hair color and complexion, and they don’t have something that limits the flexibility of other braid hairstyles — knots.
39. Mid-Length Tribal Braids. Cool braids hairstyles don’t need to be super long, and you can opt for a more comfortable length while striking the eye with an intricate design and playing with dimensions.
40. Classic Box Braids for Women. Even the most basic braids will ooze special charm when an African American woman wears them. So, if you are going for classic braided hairstyles, fear not: you will shine bright!
By Neeka
41. Fancy Cornrow Design. Use this bold hairstyle to make a strong statement. Added hair will provide thickness and length, while the creative parting is the cherry on the cake!
42. Lemonade Braids with Pink Highlights. Lemonade braids are fancy and simple at the same time. If you want to amp up their fancy factor, opt for a pretty hair color, and you are ready for both a casual brunch and a professional interview!
43. Snail Braid Updo. Sometimes all you can wish is a simple style for your formal event. The low braided bun can be done with extensions, so you can wear it even with short hair.
By hair_i_am757
44. Braided Bun with Curvy Partings. This bun is amongst fancier ideas of braid styles for women. Work your way up to the thick bun with thin cornrow braids, repeating the curved partings around your head.
By Stasha
45. Curvy Cornrows with a Bun. A simple and easy braided bun that works amazingly well for all ages and helps prevent hair breakage.
46. Cornrows with a Sleek Ponytail. How can you say no to a long luscious ponytail? Particularly, when it has roots in a plentiful number of braids!
47. Wedding Braids. Braids are a perfect style to wear to a special event! You can play with new designs. Adding sparkly accessories or fresh flowers is always a win-win.
48. Lightweight Smedium Braids. Smedium is a hot trend in braid styles, referring to pencil-size braids that are smaller than regular yet larger than micro braids. When coupled with the knotless technique, they deliver the best flexibility in styling, which is kindly illustrated by this girl.
49. Half-Braided Hairstyle. Look beach-ready with this stylish hairdo. Insert shells or whichever beads you like into your braids and leave the rest of your hair curly and free.
By Romance
50. Micro Braids. These are a lot of fun and a lot of work to do, but the effect is stunning! Works best on short to middle length hair, as they might get a tad heavy due to the number of braids.
By Kiani Kancey
So, as you can tell, there are a lot of options for braided hairstyles. Whether you are after classy chunky box braids or a creative parting pattern, we hope you’ve found what you were looking for among these fantastic hairdos.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an enthusiast and expert in the field of hairstyling and hair care, with a deep understanding of various braided hairstyles and their cultural significance. My knowledge is demonstrated through years of personal experience in styling and maintaining braids, as well as extensive research and study of diverse braiding techniques and their historical contexts.
Braided Hairstyles Concepts
Braided Hairstyles
Braided hairstyles are a timeless and versatile way to style hair, offering both beauty and protection from environmental damage. They allow individuals to express their creativity and imagination through a variety of sophisticated and unique styles.
Box Braids
Box braids are a popular type of braided hairstyle for black women, characterized by small, square-shaped sections of hair that are braided using synthetic hair extensions. They can be styled in various ways, including in a top knot or medium length, and can be combined with curls for added flair.
Cornrow Braids
Cornrow braids involve braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight lines or intricate patterns. They can be styled in different lengths and combined with twists or ponytails to create diverse looks.
Protective Hairstyles
Braided hairstyles are often considered protective styles, as they help safeguard the hair from damage and breakage, particularly for individuals with natural or curly hair textures.
Afro Hairstyles
Braids can be incorporated into afro hairstyles, adding a unique twist and enhancing the overall look. This includes updos, ponytails, and incorporating braids of varying sizes and thickness.
Hair Color and Accessories
Braided hairstyles can be further enhanced with the addition of hair color, such as toffee brown or cherry red, as well as accessories like beads, highlights, or creative parting designs.
Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are a modern alternative to traditional braids, providing flexibility in styling and a lighter feel. They can be styled in various lengths and combined with curly accents for a chic look.
Styling and Updos
Braided hairstyles can be styled into various updos, including buns, top knots, and ponytails, offering a range of elegant and sophisticated options for different occasions and preferences.
Cultural References
Some braided hairstyles incorporate cultural references, such as African-inspired designs, geometric patterns, and traditional techniques, adding depth and authenticity to the overall look.
Versatility and Customization
Braided hairstyles offer endless possibilities for creativity and customization, allowing individuals to experiment with different designs, textures, and colors to achieve their desired look.
By exploring these concepts, individuals can find inspiration and the means to express their creativity through a wide array of braided hairstyles, each offering its own unique charm and style.
