If you’re looking to a take a different route with your hair other than heat-styling it all the time, braided hairstyles are the way to go! Braids have been a favorite for centuries because they are perfect for almost every occasion and can even help protect the strands from damage. Here are the top 10 braiding styles you should give a try today.
1. Box braids
This popular protective box braid is one of the most iconic styles for Afro-textured hair. It is ideal for keeping natural hair healthy and perfect for those that want a protective style that’s easy to maintain. Your hair will be sectioned into little square boxes and worked to get this look.
Although you can use only your hair, most people prefer to use hair extensions to help add thickness. Box braids can be take some time to install but once you work your way through, they can last for as long as 6-8 weeks.
2. Braided ponytail
If you’re looking for a way to style your braid that won’t pull your edges, you should give this style a try. It stands out from the rest for different reasons including its perfectly laid edges and dramatic length. It is versatile, allowing you to wear it in different ways. Don’t forget to add hair
accessories for some extra personality.
3. Feed-in braids
Feed-in braids are a favorite among celebs who often theirs in various styles. One of the reasons this style is great is that it gives the illusion of natural, full braids even though hair extensions are actually fed into each braid while weaving. Even more, this method have less bulk and put minimal tension on your scalp, leaving you with a more natural seamless finish.
4. Goddess braids
They look a lot like cornrows and are equally versatile with the major difference being that they are thicker and bolder. Goddess braids are the perfect style for those transitioning to natural hair while looking chic and trendy. Like other styles on the list, there are many ways to wear them and you can decorate them with accessories too.
5. Braided buns
For a long time, braided buns were considered to be ideal for only older women on the go but they have recently become trendy with many younger women embracing it with flair. You have plenty options when it comes to this style. Even if your hair wasn’t originally styled into a braided bun, you can still the create the look with box braids by wrapping them into one yourself.
6. Fulani braids
Inspired by the Fulani people scattered throughout West Africa, this style involves braiding thin to medium plaits in rows along the sides of the head while leaving a central twist at the crown. The best part about Fulani braids is the never-ending options for how to wear them and you can even combine them with other styles to make a statement.
7. Cornrow braids
Have fun with your protective styles like cornrow braids, which is one of the most popular hairstyles right now. The hair is braided very close to the scalp using the underhand technique to create raised plaits. They are typically done in simple straight lines but you can play around with different designs and own it. Even better, this style can last several weeks with very little maintenance.
8. Natural braided updo
This braided style is great if you are going to a special occasion such as a wedding or a formal event and still want to rock your natural texture. It gives off a clean, polished look with a vintage appeal.
9. Ghana braids
As the name implies, this style originated in Ghana. It is a complex style that applies to different braiding patterns with each beginning with micro braids and gets bolder as more hair is added. You can choose to wear it front to back or start at the crown of your head and go side to side.
10. Micro braids
This is a type of braiding style that is tiny and delicate. Many people wrongly assume that it is the gentlest braiding style because it doesn’t weigh down the scalp but it can cause greater breakage if it is woven too tightly to the scalp. Nonetheless can last for months and create a cute effect with attitude.