Hairstyles with braids are always in fashion. From the fabulous Ghana braids to the ever-cool twist braids, there is always something going on in the fashion world when it comes to styling braids!
If you are new to braids, it all can be a bit overwhelming, with so many different braid styles to choose from, but have no fear! We are here to give you a beginner’s guide to styling braids with tips and advice for ways to make your braids unique, trendy, and super cool!
Different Styles of Braids
There are so many awesome ways to style your braids, so firstly let’s look at the different types of braids that are out there.
A lot of these braids are really important to people of African heritage. This is because of the history of the braids, and what they mean both culturally, spiritually, and politically. Braiding stems from African tribal customs, with each type of tribe having its own specific braid style.
Let’s discover what these different styles of braids are!
Box Braids
Box braids are a classic hairstyle that will always be trendy. These braids have been around for centuries and originate from African tribes. Because of this, think carefully about getting these braids if this is not your culture.
Box braids are plaits that are divided into sections that have four corners. They are a low maintenance type of hairstyle and really easy to look after. Not only that, they always look stylish and can last up to six weeks without having to be redone!
Perfect if you like to roll out of bed and into class or work without having a long morning routine. You will still look fantastic!
Tree Braids
Tree braids are a partially braided hairstyle that uses extensions to add volume to your hair. This type of braid is super glamorous and perfect for thick dark hair!
Tree braids can be done with cornrows or loose braids. The hair is braided a few inches then falls loose. It is great to make your hair look fuller and protect the hair at your roots. This style is a real out-there look, and fabulous for those looking for a fresh style.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are slowly becoming a big trend in regards to styling braids. They are small braids that look sleek and stylish. A really sophisticated look that would suit anybody!
These braids are great as they are long-lasting and easy to maintain. There are also so many different ways to wear these braids, you will never get bored!
Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic way of styling braids and probably will never go out of fashion. These are thin, tight braids that are plaited along the scalp.
This type of braid has significant cultural meaning to many African Americans and the term ‘cornrows’ can be dated back to the nineteenth century. Because of this, wearing these braids is important for a lot of men and women.
These braids look beautiful and are easy to maintain. They are great for protecting your hair, especially in the cold winter months!
Ghana Braids
Ghana Braids are thick braids that touch the scalp. They are beautiful and bold, and look striking on anyone! The braids start small, but gradually get thicker as the braid is done.
Ghana braids have been around for centuries in Africa, with depictions of this hairstyle being found in hieroglyphics and sculptures that can be dated back to 500 BC. Different ways of styling Ghana braids reflected different things about the wearer, from age to religion.
Twist Braids
Twist braids are a stylish and timeless way of braiding hair. Suitable for both long and short hair, twist braids are an elegant and trendy way to tame your wild and fabulous curls!
It is a great way to protect your hair, but looks incredible at the same time. You can do them at home, and they can last up to ten weeks!
The latest Braid Styling Trends
1. Updo Cornrow with Twist Braid Style
Having natural curly black hair is often difficult to style. Instead of using styling products that might damage your hair, this braid is the perfect style to achieve a simple yet attractive hairstyle.
2. Mohawk Fishbone Braid Style
The pride of African women is their hair. In this styling braid, you can enhance the volume of your crowning glory, whether you have long or short hair, it will be a perfect hairstyle for you.
3. Spiral Updo Styling Braid
This protective hairstyle is perfect in transitioning your natural hair by creating a simple braid in spiral, from the bottom, going around your head up to the top.
4. High Top Micro Braid Style
Micro braids are long invisible locks. By securing it into a high ponytail, you can turn your micro braids into a cool and dazzling hairstyle.
5. Layered Tree Braids Style
Tree braids are versatile protective hairstyle. Styling it in layered will create a natural look and adds more volume and texture to your gorgeous tresses.
6. Double Dutch Braid Style with Highlights
This styling braid is the easiest way to have your hair fixed within a short time frame. Adding blonde highlights is perfect to take your braided hairstyle to the next level.
7. Lemonade Styling Braid
Lemonade cornrow braids are styled to one side. They were made famous after our icon queen Beyoncé. You can put clips or crossed rubber bands on each strand to add more touch on your styling braid.
8. High Bun Wedding Braid Style
Braided and knotted high in a bun is one of the perfect styling braid for wedding. Simple yet very attractive to your groom.
9. Ghana Weaving Styling Braid
There are many styling braids that look awesome and easy. This Ghana weaving hairstyle is also known as banana cornrows. They are either created using natural hair or extensions that touch the scalp.
10. Goddess Rope Twist Braid Style
Rope twist braids are classic style that looks complicated than it really is. This styling braid is actually created by twisting two strand braid in one direction until it tightens into a rope. You add more touch by securing it each rope with a clip.
11. Loose Dutch Braid Style
Dutch braid looks better when they are loose. It is much perfect in double braid pigtails.
12. Mixed Braided Bob Style
A combination of micro and tree braids in one, plus a bob haircut is a perfect trend. It might look messy but the style can fit any rock outfit and the best styling braid for party people.
How to Style your Braids
Braids are a timeless hairstyle and different ways of styling braids are always in fashion. There are so many recent amazing trends for braids, and now is the time to develop your look and discover an exciting new style!
If you have just got your braids in, or have had braids for a while and are looking for a new way of styling them, we are here to give you some inspiration! There are so many cool ways to style braids, and read on to discover some fresh looks for you!
How to Style Twist Braids
This classy hairstyle is perfect for those of us who are looking for hair protection with a touch of glamor. But how can we style them?
These braids look great in both short and long hair and can be worn in so many different ways. These braids are super versatile and can be styled in ways that ooze sophistication.
Styling Long Twist Braids
Twist braids also look fantastic in long hair. Having your long hair in twist braids means that you can wear them up or down and look great either way! A half up half down look is also very trendy at the minute, so experiment with your twists and see what works for you!
You can style your twists in buns, too, which always look super cute! Using bobby pins or bands, you can secure half or all your braids up in either one or two buns.
Accessorizing Twist Braids
The versatility of twist braids means that they are really easy to accessorize. Adding color, beads, and jewelry to twist braids makes for a super unique look!
Accessorizing your braided hairstyle means that you are showing off your personality to everyone who sees you, and you can be your fabulous self wherever you go! If you follow a more grungier style, adding dark purples or reds in your hairstyle with braids will reflect this, and look great! If you are a more glamorous person, adding jewels to your twist braids look fantastic.
How you accessorize your twist braids is up to you and your personality, so go ahead and experiment!
How to Style Ghana Braids
As we have learned, styling braids can be a great way to show our personality and keep our look new. So, how about styling Ghana braids?
Ghana Braid Updos
If you are a busy person and don’t have time for hours of hairstyling every morning, a Ghana braid updo is the perfect hairstyle with braids for you!
A ponytail with thick Ghana braids is an elegant and classic look and suitable for so many people! It protects the hair well and is super low maintenance, without sacrificing any of the style that comes with Ghana braids.
Having your Ghana braids in a high bun, or even a double bun can look breath-taking, and really will show off your features. A great way to keep your hair stylish, but not take the attention off your beautiful face too much!
Dip-dyed Ghana Braids
If you are going to get your hair braided and want to change up your look, perhaps consider dip-dyed Ghana braids using extensions.
Having the ends of your braids in a different color will look super on-trend and keep your look new. There are so many colors to choose from depending on your taste, and styling your Ghana braids like this will definitely make you stand out from the crowd!
How to Style Box Braids
There are so many cool ways to style box braids and adding accessories to them is a great way to personalize your hair. Beads, bands, and jewelry all add intrigue and are so easy to put in!
Styling Thick Box Braids
Box braids look fantastic, but when you have had them in for a while you might start wanting to change them up a bit! Fortunately, there are so many ways to do this.
Experiment with tying the braids in different ways, such as most of the braids up and some down, maybe two at the front. You can also twist them all up together in a bun on top of your head for a sophisticated look suitable for any occasion!
Syling Thin Box Braids / Micro Braids
Thin box braids and micro braids are really easy to style and incredibly versatile. Plaiting or twisting the braids together and tying them up looks awesome and can be done quickly. A half up half down style looks really trendy for thin box braids or micro braids, so definitely experiment and find out what kind of thing suits you!
Styling Cornrows
Styling braids in different ways can be really fun and there are so many options out there. This is true for cornrows, too!
Half Cornrows
If you like your cornrows, but want to change it up a bit, consider a half cornrow look. This is a fresh trend that is becoming more and more popular.
Having one side of your hair braided can be a really flattering look and make you stand out from the crowd. It also means that the rest of your hair can be styled in its own way!
Beaded Cornrows
Adding beads to your cornrows is a great way to jazz them up if you are feeling a bit bored of them. Adding little beads to the end of each cornrow can look really cool, and you can change the colors whenever you want!
Styling Tree Braids
When it comes to styling braids, tree braids can be altered and styled easily and quickly.
Styling Wavy Tree Braids
Because the tree braids are only in a few inches of your hair, there are so many different looks you can try out with tree braids!
Leaving the rest of your hair wavy can look amazing, with the tree braids giving volume to your hair. Adding extensions means that there is more hair to work with, and big wavy hair is a work of art! Perfect if you enjoy turning heads!
Styling Straight Tree Braids
Straightening the rest of your hair can look really sleek with tree braids. This is a simple look, but really effective and suits anyone. Straightening hair also means that your hair will look longer, so perfect if you are not wanting to put in extensions but are wanting to add to your length!
How To Style Short Braids
When it comes to styling braids, there are so many options for short braids. Adding accessories is always fun and it means that you can truly show your personality. Colors, ribbons, beads, and bands are all suitable to be put in your braids, so get crafty and experiment! Hair rings are very in trend right now and can be put in short braids to add a new level of cool.
Adding extensions to your hair when you are styling braids is a great way of getting a new look but not having to wait for your hair to grow. Adding thicker braids into your hair, too, is a great way of creating a bold look for short braids.
How to Style Long Braids
If you have long braids and are looking for new ways to style them, you are in luck! There are so many fantastic ways of styling braids that are perfect for all types of hair length, even hair that is super long!
Twisting and plaiting your braids in different ways can give you a new look every single day. Twisting your braids and tying them up in a bun can be a great daytime look and means you can let your braids down on an evening for a more casual appearance.
Half up half down hairstyles are great for styling long braids. Tying some of the braids back or in a wrap can look stylish and fresh and can frame your features well.
Share Your Favorite Style of Braids
There is no end when it comes to styling braids, and so many unique looks and trends to try out! You don’t have to be an expert hairdresser to try these different styles for braids, they are all easy and simple to put in!
What is fabulous about braids is that they reflect your personality and you can show off your style in whichever way you want. So what is your favorite style of braids?
