There is something powerful – almost magical – about switching up your hairstyle. The salon chair is known to transform women into new beings with fired-up ambitions. Your gorgeous hair is an extension of your personality, and we’re fortunate to be able to style it in countless ways.
Braided hairstyles are stunning ways to change up your appearance and play with different personas. Not only are they versatile, but they are protective styles for Black women and men to prevent sun damage. There is no shortage of ways to twist and flip those strands, but sometimes having too many options can be daunting. So that you may choose more easily, we’ve gathered 20 braided hairstyles for you to try at home or bring to your salon.
20 Unique Braid Styles
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.
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.
Bob Braids for Natural Hair
Being a great choice for short hair, bob braids are fun, easy, and comfortable!
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!
Cornrows for Long Hair
Color adds interest to your long plaits while wrapping a scarf that matches your outfit or hair color does wonder for the overall look.
Box Braids with Creative Undercut
How about colorful box braids with a bold undercut for a sweet summer hairstyle?
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.
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.
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.
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 in 2022.
Upside Down Chunky Braids with Buns
Multiply your favorite braid-to-bun and get a cute crown updo. Easy and showy!
Tribal Braids with Gold String
Pay your respect to the African heritage with tribal braids. These are effortless to wear and you can spice things up with some statement beads or a gold string.
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.
Black Micro Braids with Ringlets
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 ringlets to add bounce and spice.
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.
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.
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.
Two Braids and a Braided Halo
Achieve this truly magnificent powerful look by braiding up from the nape to the crown and finishing with a lovely “halo” sitting right at the top of your head.
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.
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.
These looks show just how simple and enjoyable braided hairstyles can be. Try one out and see for yourself!
