Are you confused about what hairstyle to flaunt next – straight blow-dry, twist-outs, or a new haircut? Try braids! Braids are low-maintenance, easily adaptable, super stylish, and give you enough room to be creative. For Black girls with naturally Afro-textured hair, a braided hairstyle is considered one of the oldest ways to style the hair.
Braids not only shield your hair from sun-related environmental damage but also offer a remarkably stylish and versatile option for a refreshed look without the commitment of a permanent change like a new haircut. The world of braided hairstyles is vast, allowing you to experiment with patterns, trendy accessories, or even incorporate hip hair streaks or colors. While social media platforms like Instagram abound with inspiration for braids, deciding on the perfect one can be overwhelming. From braided crowns and cascading braids to goddess braids and symmetric styles popularized by celebrities and supermodels, we’re here to guide you in selecting the best option for your unique style.
1. Braided Crown with Curls
If you want to try a braided hairstyle but would still love to flaunt your loose natural curls, try this winner of a hairstyle. Braid the hair on the crown with an asymmetrical parting and leave the messy curls to flow at the end of the braids to get the best of both worlds. This is a unique hairstyle and works best for medium-length hair.
2. Cascade of Braids
Embrace an effortless and adaptable approach to showcasing your braids with this style, perfect for those who prefer a tidy look. Begin by cornrow braiding at the front and let the braids cascade down. Achieve a cascading effect by pinning a few braids at the back of your head or allowing them to flow freely. This style’s low-maintenance nature makes it appealing—opt for a pulled-back look, whether in a high ponytail or a regular one, for added convenience.
3. Braided Mohawk
Mohawk braids give you a very cool, casual, and edgy look. First, tie your hair in sleek, tight braids on the side of the head to get that shaved look of a traditional mohawk. Now, you could try two things for the hair on the crown area. First, you can leave them in natural curls to add drama, perfectly complemented by the artistic braids on the sides. The second option is to braid the hair on the crown and then twist or pile them up for that edgy look. This look accentuates your jawline and neck nicely and adds a few inches to your height.
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4. Cornrows Updo
Create a striking hairstyle by braiding the hair close to the scalp, forming raised rows that mimic the appearance of cornrows. Experiment with straight lines or get creative with zig-zag partitions for a unique and striking result. Proceed to braid the hair to the tips and gather the braids at the top of the head, fashioning them into a bun. The braids of the updo, arranged perpendicularly to the cornrows, contribute to the overall captivating look. Secure them in place with bobby pins, and you’re ready to go!
5. Glamorous Parallel Braids
Braid broader sections of your hair in parallel so you have about half a dozen braids on your crown. Start the first braid from the forehead and continue till the hair ends. Gather all the braids at the back into a single braid or twist them into an updo. Accessorize the braids on the crown with beads or stones to get a jazzy look.
6. Braided Bob
A braided bob gives you a chic and sophisticated look. This is a super trendy hairdo to sport during summer. You can get super creative with short braids and style them in many ways. Make your braids jumbo or superfine, braid them till the end or leave some hair out, and put colored hairbands or beads on them – the list is long. They also benefit from causing minimal damage to the hair as they aren’t heavy and don’t pull your hair heavily.
7. Two-Braided Buns
The first image that comes to mind when we hear the word two-braided buns is of Mel B from Spice Girls fame. It was a remarkable trend in the 90s and is back again, just like anything else. It is simple, elegant, and makes a great statement.
8. High Pigtail Braids
This is probably the most effortless hairstyle you can do independently on our list. But that in no way means that it lacks the style quotient. On the contrary, it looks super cute and edgy. This is not a style that is limited to youngsters. All you need is a little bit of style to pull it through. Add some beads at the end of the braids and style them in a high pigtail to get that perfect look. Or, tie them up in a French braid.
9. Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is classic and super easy to follow. This is a very straightforward style to follow. Just braid your hair in varying sizes and pull them into a ponytail. You can go for a high ponytail or a low one. Both look great and have their share of drama. Don’t forget to take care of those baby hair with some gel. This style can have endless variations – zig-zag ponytail, stitch-braid ponytail, super long ponytail, wavy hair ponytail, and many more.
10. Wrap them up in a Headwrap
If comfort ranks high while trying a new hairstyle, wear your braids in a stretchy headband or a headwrap. This will give you a very boho look. You can even wear a scarf. Just roll a silky, colorful scarf up to make a headband. Then, tie it over your hair like you tie a bandana and let your braids do the talking.
11. Cool Accessories
This is not a new hairstyle but a way to take your existing one to a new level. So get some quirky accessories like beads, colorful rubber bands, faux flowers, butterflies, or metallic cuffs, and transform your simple hairdo into a unique one.
12. Goddess Braids
Just like cornrows, this is a classic way to braid your hair. These are thicker braids than cornrows but give a traditional and understated look. In addition, they have a strong fan following as they take less time to install than other braids.
Summary
For Black girls with naturally Afro-textured hair, a braided hairstyle is considered one of the oldest ways to style your hair. Braids are low-maintenance, easily adaptable, super stylish, and give you enough room to be creative. In fact, braids are a perfect solution when you want to change your look but are not ready to try something drastic and permanent like a new haircut. There is no shortage of inspiration with pictures and videos of celebrities flooding Instagram with the latest trendy hairdos. But it can get a little overwhelming. From braided crowns, cascading braids to pigtail braids – these hairstyles should be on your list to try next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can braids damage your hair?
No, they don’t. But you can damage your hair because of improper installation and maintenance of braids. Always choose a well-trained braiding professional and ensure the braids aren’t too tight to avoid hair damage.
Should I still go for braiding if I’m already experiencing hair breakage?
Braiding isn’t recommended for damaged and weak hair as it can worsen the situation. If you’re experiencing hair breakage, work on its solution first. Deep condition and oil your hair to improve its texture, and then only go for braiding.
What type of hair should be used for braiding?
It is recommended that you use good-quality braiding hair. Cheaper variants may look very exciting for their low price but can damage your hair. However, don’t go overboard either. There are enough options in the market that are averagely priced but give excellent results.
