It can be quite frustrating to encounter numerous types of braids without understanding their unique characteristics. Often, photos alone don’t provide enough detail or explanation of the braiding techniques used. To address this issue, we present a comprehensive guide to 24 different types of braids, complete with illustrations and detailed explanations for each style.
RELAXED BOHEMIAN BRAIDS
These braids can be categorized into several types of braiding styles, as they essentially resemble box braids while incorporating elements similar to goddess braids.
GRAPHIC STITCH BRAIDS
What distinguishes this category from other types of cornrow braids is the precise parting and neat lines, which enhance the overall drama of the design.
ACCENT HEADBAND BRAID
As the name suggests, this braid type flows parallel to the hairline, positioned exactly where you would place a headband to enhance your style.
NATURAL-LOOKING KNOTLESS BRAIDS
There are various methods for braiding hair with extensions, and the knotless technique involves incorporating thin strands of hair without tying knots at the base.
GLAMOROUS GODDESS BRAIDS
While there’s no clear consensus on what precisely defines goddess braids—whether it’s their chunkier texture or the loose strands of hair—it’s best to incorporate both elements to achieve the desired look.
AUTHENTIC TRIBAL BRAIDS
All braid types that feature patterns—often created with cornrows and adorned with beads—belong to this culturally rich category.
PARALLEL BOXER BRAIDS
Any style that features two tightly plaited braids on either side of the head can be referred to as such, whether it’s French, Dutch, or cornrow braiding.
SEAMLESS FEED-IN BRAIDS
That’s another term encompassing various types of braided hairstyles created with extensions. Feed-in braids are constructed with extensions added from the base. You essentially “feed” pieces of hair into the main braid, allowing it to increase in size progressively.
EYE-POPPING DRAGON BRAID
To resemble a dragon’s spine, the braid should be positioned along the centerline of the head and feature plenty of bumps to mimic scaled skin.
DIVERSE 6-STRAND BRAID
This type of braid features multiple variations that differ in braiding techniques and final appearances, yet they all share one common element: the hair is divided into six sections.
BOHEMIAN BUTTERFLY BRAIDS
In this style, we use hair extensions to create faux locs with a looped texture that resembles butterfly wings, which is how they get their name. They are also commonly referred to as butterfly locs.
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TWIST BRAIDS
Also known as a rope braid, this style involves dividing your hair into two sections and twisting them together to form a plait.
INTRICATE 5-STRAND BRAID
One of the most popular techniques for creating a 5-strand braid involves crossing an outer section over and under the two inner sections, then repeating the same movements on the opposite side.
NO-FRILLS 3-STRAND BRAID
A three-strand braid is one of the most common braid styles, where the hair is divided into three sections, and the outer strands are alternately crossed over the middle piece. Essentially, it refers to any braid made with three strands!
NORDIC VIKING BRAIDS
This is one of the unique types of braids for women, inspired by styles typically associated with men. It features dimensional braiding in the center, while the sides are often smoothed with shaved hair, cornrows, or flat plaits.
PROVOCATIVE UPSIDE-DOWN BRAID
Begin French or Dutch braiding from the nape of your neck toward the crown, and style the remaining hair into a top knot or ponytail.
EASY BUBBLE BRAID
In fact, this style requires no plaiting at all; you simply need to tie your ponytail with elastics along its length to achieve the desired look.
FEMININE HALF-UP HALF-DOWN BRAIDS
If the top section of your hair is braided while the bottom is left loose, you’re sporting a half-up style, regardless of the braiding technique used.
FANCY CROWN BRAID WITH HAIR JEWELRY
Started from the side or the nape, this braid incorporates various plaiting techniques and wraps around the head to create a crowned effect.
FUN JUMBO BRAIDS
Size also plays a significant role; by dividing your hair into larger sections and incorporating thicker strands of extension hair, you can reduce the time needed for braiding and achieve a fun jumbo look.
TEXTURED FISHTAIL BRAID
Divide your hair into two sections, then take small strands from the outside of each section and cross them over into the same section to create a fishbone braid.
BOLD MOHAWK BRAID
Mohawk braids resemble Viking braids in their placement on the top of the head, but they tend to be less bold and chunky.
DIMENSIONAL 4-STRAND BRAID
This type is a bit more complex, as it requires you to manipulate four sections while flipping the outer strands over and under the inner strands.
DAINTY SIDE BRAID
Side braids can take many forms, ranging from simple three-strand plaits to double French braids, with the defining feature being their positioning on one side of the head.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, braids are a versatile and stylish way to express your personality and elevate your look. From classic three-strand braids to intricate feed-in styles, there’s a braid for every occasion and hair type. Experimenting with various techniques, sizes, and decorative elements like beads or colorful extensions can help you find the perfect braid that reflects your unique style. Whether you’re going for a chic everyday look or a bold statement for a special event, the trendiest braids are not only fun to create but also a timeless addition to your hairstyle repertoire. So grab some hair ties, get creative, and embrace the beauty of braiding!
25 ATTRACTIVE NATURAL BRAIDS IN THE FRONT OF NATURAL HAIR
Natural hair is a canvas for endless creativity, and braids are a powerful tool to express that. Framing your face with stunning braids adds instant style and versatility to your look, making them perfect for natural hair styles easy to achieve. Whether you’re searching for a bold statement or a touch of delicate detail, this guide explores 25 captivating braid styles designed specifically to grace the front of your natural hair, empowering you to embrace your unique beauty.
BEST BRAIDS IN THE FRONT OF NATURAL HAIR
SCALP BRAIDS AND CORKSCREW WAVES
Try out the charming combination of half cornrows and half weave for a chic vacation look. Long wavy curls beautifully complement the front cornrows, adding to their allure. This stunning style is a hit on Instagram too. Simply divide your natural hair from ear to ear as with most hairstyles. Secure the front section with clips or ties, then braid the back section only. Finish by tucking the braid ends and applying hair extensions or a wig for added flair.
BOX BRAIDS — WITH A BANG
Box braids are a timeless protective style that can be adorned with bangs for a touch of youthful flair. This combination offers versatility, allowing you to style the bangs to frame your face or sweep them to the side for a touch of mystery.
ZIGZAG STRAIGHT BACK CORNROWS
Zigzag straight back cornrows with a heart on the side offer a unique and eye-catching twist on the classic cornrow style. The zigzag parting adds a touch of playful dimension, while the heart design incorporated near the temple injects a sweet and romantic touch. This combination is perfect for those who want a protective style that’s both stylish and full of personality.
BEAD IT UP
“Bead it Up” hair refers to a vibrant and eye-catching hairstyle that incorporates beads throughout the braids. These beads can be made from various materials like wood, metal, or plastic, and come in a vast array of colors and sizes.
Adding beads to your braids takes your hairstyle to the next level, offering endless possibilities for personalization and expression. Whether you choose to accentuate specific sections or weave them throughout your entire style, the beads add a touch of cultural flair, texture, and a playful element to your natural hair.
CORNROW BRAIDS IN THE FRONT HIGH CURLY PONYTAIL IN THE BACK
Cornrow braids in the front with a high curly ponytail in the back is a stunning and versatile hairstyle. The cornrows offer a protective style for your natural hair, while the high ponytail adds volume and drama. This combination is perfect for those who want a look that’s both stylish and practical. The curly ponytail can be styled with your natural hair or with extensions, allowing you to play with different textures and lengths. This hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, from a casual day out to a special event.
FLIP OVER BRAIDS
Don’t let the intricate design fool you – flip-over braids are the hottest new box braid style, not a geometry test! While the combination of cornrows, box braids, and optional curly pieces creates a mesmerizing pattern, you don’t need a mathematical mind to rock this look. However, be prepared to seek out a skilled braider, as the technique requires expertise to achieve the stunning, eye-catching result.
SCALP BRAIDS WITH HIGH PUFF
This cornrow braid hairstyle is a match made in Afro-heaven for black women, especially those with 4C hair. It celebrates the beauty of textured tresses, allowing you to showcase your cornrows in all their glory. For an extra touch of vibrancy, adorn your braids with beads and accessories, or incorporate colored hair extensions to add even more visual interest. This versatile style is surprisingly easy to achieve with human hair extensions, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a head-turning look that’s both protective and effortlessly chic.
BANTU KNOTS BRAIDS
Bantu knots braids offer a unique twist on the classic Bantu knot style. Instead of simply twisting the hair sections, intricate goddess cornrows are incorporated before forming the knots, resulting in a stunningly textured look. This fusion of braids and knots creates a protective hairstyle that’s both stylish and eye-catching, perfect for those who want to add a touch of personality to their natural hair.
CREATIVE CORNROW BRAIDS
While reminiscent of simplified lemonade braids, this style offers a unique twist. Instead of intricate cornrowing patterns, it features interlaced rows created by sectioning your natural hair from the center outwards. Braiding each section with hair extensions and incorporating gold cuffs during the process creates a stunning yet straightforward look. This style requires no long hair pieces or additional techniques, making it a beautiful and achievable option for those seeking a touch of elegance without the fuss.
CLAW CLIP IT UP
Claw-clipped braided hairstyles are taking TikTok by storm, and it’s easy to see why! This versatile trend combines the beauty of braids with the convenience and style of a trendy accessory. Simply choose your favorite claw clip and use it to secure your box braids into a chic bun or create a stylish half-up, half-down look. The possibilities are endless, and the best part? You can effortlessly match your claw clip to your outfit, making it a perfect way to add a touch of personality and flair.
CORNROW BRAIDS INTO HIGH LOOSE BUN
For those mornings when you want a gorgeous hairstyle without the fuss, look no further than the stunning combination of cornrow braids, a high loose bun, and a touch of beads. This style is perfect for 4C hair, as it allows you to embrace your natural texture while achieving a polished look. The cornrows offer protection, the high bun adds volume and style, and the beads provide a touch of personalization, all without requiring the intricate braiding techniques of other styles. This quick and easy hairstyle is a lifesaver for busy mornings and guarantees a head-turning look.
HALF UP BRAIDS
Feeling stuck in a hairstyle rut? Spice things up with a timeless classic: the half-up, half-down look. This versatile style works wonders with braided hair, allowing you to experiment with different options. Whether you gather half your braids into a chic top knot or opt for a playful, messy bun with loose curls, the half-up, half-down look is guaranteed to refresh your style and turn heads.
JUMBO CORNROWS
While jumbo cornrows might resemble dutch braids, they offer a distinct and eye-catching twist. Unlike dutch braids which result in two prominent braids, jumbo cornrows create multiple, thick braids that frame the face beautifully. These chunky braids not only save you precious styling and maintenance time but also offer a low-maintenance, effortless look that suits various occasions.
SIMPLE FULANI BRAIDS
Simple Fulani braids are a stylish and easy-to-create hairstyle that originates from the Fulani people of West Africa. These braids typically feature a central cornrow or braided line running from the front to the back of the head, with smaller cornrows or braids on either side. They often incorporate decorative elements such as beads, cowrie shells, or colorful thread for added flair. Fulani braids are versatile and can be adapted to suit different hair lengths and textures. This classic yet trendy hairstyle is popular for its cultural significance and eye-catching aesthetic, making it a favorite choice for many people seeking a chic and distinctive look.
ASYMMETRICAL LOB
The asymmetrical lob is a modern and stylish haircut that’s shorter in the back and longer in the front. “Lob” stands for “long bob.” This trendy hairstyle adds an edgy twist to the classic bob haircut, giving it a contemporary and dynamic look. The asymmetrical cut creates a flattering frame for the face, drawing attention to the features while providing a sense of movement and dimension. It’s a versatile style that can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair textures. Whether worn sleek and straight or with textured waves, the asymmetrical lob offers a chic and fashionable option for those looking to switch up their look with a touch of flair.
MESSY BUN
The messy bun reigns supreme as a timeless and universally flattering hairstyle. Its effortless charm lies in its relaxed and textured look, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you have long, flowing locks or shorter, layered hair, a messy bun can be easily achieved and styled to your preference. The beauty of the messy bun lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal effort and styling products, making it a go-to option for busy mornings or lazy days. This hairstyle boasts incredible versatility, allowing you to dress it up or down depending on your needs.
HALF CORNROWS HALF CURLS WITH BEADS
Half cornrows, half curls with beads is a hairstyle that consistently reigns supreme in the world of trendy looks. The captivating combination of intricate cornrow patterns framing the face seamlessly blends into long, flowing natural waves, creating a stunning visual contrast. Adding beads to the braids injects a touch of personality and flair, making the style even more eye-catching. For an extra touch of charm, the curls can be further styled into soft locs, adding a playful and joyful dimension to the overall look. This hairstyle is guaranteed to turn heads and garner appreciation for its unique blend of beauty and versatility.
JUMBO BRAID
For a simple yet impactful hairstyle, consider gathering your box braids into a single giant plait. Whether you choose a side-swept or a bundled-back look, this style offers two major benefits: Firstly, it instantly elevates your look with a touch of main-character energy. Secondly, it keeps your braids neatly tucked away from your face, making it perfect for days when you want to highlight your features without the distraction of loose strands.
HALF-CORNROWS HALF-BRAIDS UPDO
The half-cornrows half-braids updo is a stylish and creative hairstyle that combines two different braiding techniques. In this hairstyle, the top section of the hair is styled into cornrows, while the bottom section is braided. This unique combination creates a striking contrast and adds visual interest to the hairdo. The cornrows can be arranged in various patterns, such as straight back or zigzag, while the braids at the bottom can be left loose or gathered into an updo. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, and it can be customized with accessories like beads or hair cuffs for added flair. Overall, the half-cornrows half-braids updo offers a trendy and eye-catching look that is sure to turn heads.
SKY HIGH PONYTAIL
The sky-high ponytail is a fun and trendy hairstyle where the hair is pulled up high on the head, creating a sleek and dramatic look. This style involves gathering all the hair together and securing it with an elastic band at the crown of the head, lifting the ponytail upward towards the sky. The key to achieving this hairstyle is to smooth out any bumps or lumps in the hair and use hairspray or gel to keep it sleek and polished. The sky-high ponytail adds height and volume to the hair, making it a bold and statement-making choice for any occasion. Whether worn casually or dressed up for a special event, this hairstyle is sure to make a striking impression.
SCALP CORNROWS WITH HIGH CURLY PONYTAIL
Check out this stylish combination of cornrow braids, a high curly ponytail, and two front side pieces! These adorable cornrow braids leading into a high ponytail are simple to create, even if you’re doing it yourself. You can opt to braid the ponytail itself, giving it a fun protective style, or leave some strands of hair loose on the sides for a playful touch. This look adds a youthful and pretty vibe to your overall appearance, perfect for any occasion!
CURLY PONYTAIL
LOW PONYTAIL FOR STITCH CORNROWS
The low ponytail for stitch cornrows is a stylish and practical hairstyle that combines the sleekness of stitch cornrows with the simplicity of a low ponytail. In this hairstyle, the hair is braided into neat and tight stitch cornrows close to the scalp. Once the cornrows are complete, the remaining hair is gathered and secured into a ponytail positioned low at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle is not only chic and trendy but also functional, keeping the hair out of the face and off the neck. It’s a versatile look that can be worn for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal events. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and can last for several days, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.
SIDE PART BRAIDS
Side part braids are a stylish and easy-to-create hairstyle that adds flair to your look. In this hairstyle, the hair is parted on one side of the head, creating a distinct and asymmetrical appearance. From there, small sections of hair are braided neatly and tightly, either hanging freely or gathered into a ponytail or bun. Side part braids are versatile and can be customized to suit different hair lengths and textures. They are perfect for various occasions, from casual days out to special events, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your overall style. Plus, they are a practical choice for keeping hair out of your face while still looking fashionable.
CORNROWS IN DIFFERENT SIZES
Cornrows in different sizes offer a stylish and versatile way to braid your hair. With this hairstyle, you can mix and match various sizes of cornrows to create a unique and eye-catching look. Some cornrows can be thin and close together, while others can be thicker and spaced farther apart. This variation adds texture and visual interest to your hairdo, allowing you to express your individual style. Whether you prefer a simple and subtle appearance or a more bold and intricate design, cornrows in different sizes can be tailored to suit your preferences. This hairstyle is suitable for various occasions and can be adorned with beads, cuffs, or other accessories for added flair. Overall, cornrows in different sizes are a fun and creative way to showcase your personality through your hair.
CONCLUSION
With a diverse range of 25 stunning braids designed specifically to flatter the front of your natural hair, the possibilities for self-expression are endless. From intricate braids and goddess braids to playful half-up, half-down hairstyles and protective updos, these hairstyles offer the perfect combination of beauty, versatility, and practicality. Feel free to get creative with your hairstyle, as hair masks for curly hair and products are here to help enhance your look. So next time you’re looking for a new hairstyle, remember the transformative power of braids – the perfect accessory to showcase your natural beauty in a whole new light.
