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Different Types of Braided Hairstyles
Are you ready to let your creative juices flow? Whether you’re a master braider or just getting started, mastering the art of braiding is key for creating unique and beautiful hairstyles.
With countless styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide which type of braid best suits your needs. That’s why we put together this ultimate guide – so you can take the guesswork out of styling and create a masterpiece every time!
Contents:
- Braided bob
- Braided bun
- Braided pony
- Box braids
- Cornrows
- Crochet braids
- Dutch braids
- Duo Color Braids
- Feed in braids
- French braids
- Fulani braids
- Ghana braids
- Goddess braids
- Individual braids
- Knotless braids
- Lattice braids
- Lace braids
- Ladder braids
- Lemonade braids
- Micro braids
- Mini copper braids
- Rope braids
- Poetic braids
- Snake braids
- Stitch braids
- Spiraled curled ends braids
- Tree braids
- Triangle box braids
- Yarn braids
From French braids to cornrows, find out how each type of braid will bring definition, texture, and style to your tresses.
Braided Bob
A braided bob is a hairstyle that combines a bob haircut with braids. It typically involves braiding the hair at the sides or in the back and leaving the rest of the hair in a short, chin-length or shoulder-length bob.
The braids can be a traditional three-strand braid, a French braid, a Dutch braid, or any other type of braid, depending on the desired look.
Braided bobs can be styled with straight, wavy, or curly hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Braided Bun
A braided bun is a hairstyle that combines elements of braids and buns. It involves braiding the hair and then twisting or coiling the braids into a bun shape and securing it with hairpins or an elastic band.
The braid can be a single strand or multiple strands, and can be a traditional three-strand braid, a French braid, a Dutch braid, or any other type of braid, depending on the desired look.
Braided buns can be worn high or low, to the side, or at the back of the head, and can be styled with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
They are a popular choice for formal events, such as weddings or proms, as well as for more casual occasions.
Braided Pony
Braided ponies are made by cornrowing the hair back to a central point, or up to a central point. Then they are gathered with a hair tie to make a ponytail.
The braid can be a traditional three-strand braid, a French braid, a Dutch braid, or any other type of braid, depending on the desired look.
This is a perfect style if you work in the corporate world or in a formal setting and you need an appropriate hairstyle that resembles straight hair.
Box braids
Box braids are a type of braided hairstyle that involves dividing the hair into small square-shaped sections, or "boxes," before braiding.
These braids are usually very thin and are often braided with extensions to add length, volume, and color to natural hair. The braids are usually braided in a straight pattern and are often styled in a number of different patterns and designs, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
Box braids can take several hours to complete and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments.
Box braids are popular among African American women and are considered a protective hairstyle.
Cornrows
Cornrows braids are a traditional African hairstyle where the hair is braided very close to the scalp, in a straight line, using an underhand, upward motion to produce a continuous, raised row.
The braids are often formed in simple, straight lines, but can also be styled in complex geometric or curved patterns. Cornrows can be braided with natural hair or with extensions and can be adorned with beads or other embellishments.
Crochet braids
Crochet braids are a type of hair extension method where a latch hook or crochet needle is used to pull small sections of braiding hair through small braids or twists that have been created in the natural hair.
The braiding hair is then looped through the natural hair and pulled tight, creating a secure attachment.
This style is often used to add length, volume, and color to natural hair without the need for glue, sew-ins, or braiding. The crochet braids can be styled in many different ways and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed.
Duo Color Braids
Duo Color braids are styles that are on trend for 2023. This can be achieved with box braids that use two different colors, black or dark brown at the top and a fashion color like blue or pink at the bottom.
These aren’t difficult to create, as two-toned hair is available for purchase. When you braid it into the hair, it automatically creates the “Gemini” look that’s going to be one of the hottest looks this year.
Feed in braids
Feed-in braids, also known as Ghana braids, are a type of braiding style that creates a flat and natural-looking braid. They involve adding extensions to the hair by feeding them in as the braid progresses, rather than attaching them at the scalp.
This technique creates a look that’s thin at the base and thicker as the braid continues. It makes the extension braids look more natural to construct them this way.
Fulani braids
Fulani braids are a traditional hairstyle that originated from the Fulani people of West Africa. They are also known as "Fulani cornrows" or "Fulani braids with beads."
This hairstyle features braids that are braided close to the scalp and adorned with beads or cowrie shells. The braids are usually styled in a geometric pattern, often with braids that are braided at a diagonal angle or with a central part.
The style is versatile and can be worn in various styles, from a simple and sleek look to a more elaborate and decorative style.
The Fulani braids are usually done with extensions, but can also be done with natural hair. They can also be styled with different types of braids such as single braids, double braids, or even triple braids
Goddess braids
Goddess braids are a type of braided hairstyle that typically feature thick, cornrow-like braids that are styled in a crown-like pattern around the head. They are often braided tightly and closely to the scalp and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs.
They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time. The name "Goddess braids" is thought to come from the fact that the braids are often styled in an elegant and regal manner, similar to the braided hairstyles worn by goddesses in ancient mythology.
They are a popular hairstyle among women with natural hair and are often worn as a protective style.
Knotless braids
Knotless braids are a type of braids that are similar to traditional braids, but they are done without the use of knots. Instead of starting the braid with a knot, the braider takes a small section of hair and feeds it through a loop to start the braid.
This technique is used to create a more natural-looking braid and to avoid the knots that are typically used to start traditional braids.
Knotless braids are often more comfortable than traditional braids, because they are less bulky and don’t put as much tension on the scalp.
They can also be styled in a variety of ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed.
Lattice braids
Lattice braids are a type of braided hairstyle that features a unique braiding technique where the braids are braided in a crisscross pattern, creating a lattice or diamond shape.
This technique is often used to create intricate and detailed braids that are similar to traditional braids but with a more complex design. Lattice braids can be done with natural hair or with extensions, and can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
They can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments and are often worn by women of African descent. This style is also known as a “lattice weave” or “diamond braids”.
These braids are often time-consuming and require a lot of patience and skill to be done right, but the end result is a beautiful and unique hairstyle.
Lace braids
Lace braids are a type of braiding technique that involves braiding the hair under a small section of lace, which is often cut from a wig or hairpiece. The braids are then sewn or tied to the lace, creating a secure attachment.
This style is often used to add length and volume to natural hair without the need for glue or sew-ins. Lace braids are versatile and can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed. Lace braids are also known as “invisible braids” because the lace material is usually the same color as the scalp, which makes the braids look like they are growing out of the scalp.
This technique is often used to create the illusion of braids, twists or cornrows without the need to braid the natural hair.
Ladder braids
Ladder braids are a type of braiding technique that involves creating a ladder-like pattern with the hair. This technique is done by taking small sections of hair and braiding them together in a diagonal or zigzag pattern, creating a unique and interesting design.
These braids are often braided closely to the scalp and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs. They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time.
The ladder braids can be styled in many different ways such as in a ponytail, bun, or even as a standalone hairstyle. They are also known as “zigzag braids” or “diagonal braids”, and can be braided with different types of braids, from single braids, double braids, or even triple braids.
These braids can be achieved with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments.
Lemonade braids
Lemonade braids are a type of braids hairstyle that is characterized by a specific braiding pattern that is similar to the popular "box braids" hairstyle but with a more defined, diagonal pattern.
The braids are often styled to one side, with the braids on one side of the head falling over the opposite shoulder. This style is inspired by the iconic look of Beyoncé during her "Lemonade" era, from the album of the same name.
Lemonade braids are often braided with extensions and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed. They can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
These braids can be achieved with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments.
Micro braids
Micro braids are a type of braided hairstyle that involves braiding very small sections of hair very close to the scalp. The braids are usually very thin and are often braided with extensions to add length, volume, and color to natural hair.
Micro braids are a protective hairstyle that can take several hours to complete, but when finished the result is a low-maintenance, natural-looking hairstyle that can last for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed.
They can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments.
Micro braids are also known as “micros”, “micro braids” or “micro twists” and are often favored by African American women.
Rope braids
Rope braids, also known as "twisted braids" or "cord braids," are a type of braided hairstyle that is characterized by a unique braiding technique that involves twisting the hair together to create a rope-like texture.
The braids are often styled in a spiral or helix pattern, creating a 3D texture that is different from traditional braids. Rope braids can be done with natural hair or with extensions, and can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
They can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments. The technique of rope braiding is similar to the traditional braiding technique but with a twist, the braids are braided tightly and in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
This technique creates a more voluminous and textured look. They can be worn for several weeks and can be braided with different types of braids such as single braids, double braids, or even triple braids.
Poetic braids
Poetic braids are a type of braids hairstyle that is characterized by a specific braiding pattern that is similar to the popular "box braids" hairstyle but with a more defined, diagonal pattern.
The braids are often styled to one side, with the braids on one side of the head falling over the opposite shoulder. This style is inspired by the iconic look of the R&B singer Janet Jackson.
Poetic braids are often braided with extensions and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed. They can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
These braids can be achieved with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments.
Poetic braids are sometimes called "Poetic justice braids" or "Janet Jackson braids" as well.
Mini copper braids
Mini copper braids are a type of braids hairstyle that is characterized by small braids that are braided with copper-colored hair. These braids are usually very thin, and are often braided with extensions to add length, volume, and color to natural hair.
They are often braided close to the scalp, and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs. They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time.
Mini copper braids can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments.
They are also known as “mini copper twists” or “copper mini braids” and are often favored by African American women.
Braids With Spiraled/Curled Ends
Braids with spiraled or curled ends are a type of braiding style where the ends of the braids are twisted or curled into spirals or coils, using either hot water, perm rods, or curling iron.
Sometimes the bottom half of the hair is a fashion color, which can put your braids right on trend. To re-curl them into spirals after braiding, you can use perm rods and a little water.
They should go right back into shape after the curls dry.
Snake Braids
Snake braids, also known as fishbone braids or herringbone braids, are a type of braiding style that creates a unique and textured look. They involve weaving small sections of hair together to create a braid that resembles the pattern of a snake's skin or a fishbone.
These can be created as an updo, or with the braided ends hanging down. They frequently use small cornrows mixed with larger ones for an even more intricate design.
Stitch braids
Stitch braids are a type of braided hairstyle that involves creating a unique braiding pattern that resembles a sewing or stitching technique.
This technique is done by taking small sections of hair and braiding them together in a specific pattern, creating a unique and interesting design. These braids are often braided closely to the scalp and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs. They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time.
Stitch braids can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments.
They are also known as “stitching braids” or “stitching twists” and are often favored by African American women.
Tree braids
Tree braids are a type of braids hairstyle that is characterized by braiding small sections of hair with extensions and securing them on the scalp with a knot or crochet hook.
These braids are often braided in a spiral pattern, creating a 3D texture that is different from traditional braids. They can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments. The braids are often braided closely to the scalp, and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs.
They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time.
Tree braids are also known as “Invisible braids”, “Crochet braids” or “micro braids” and are often favored by African American women as a protective hairstyle.
Yarn braids
Yarn braids are a type of braided hairstyle that involves braiding yarn or other types of synthetic fiber into the hair. This technique is similar to traditional braiding, but the yarn is used in place of hair extensions.
Yarn braids can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be dyed or decorated with beads or other embellishments.
They are often braided closely to the scalp and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs. They are often braided with yarn and can be worn for weeks at a time.
Yarn braids are also known as "yarn twists" or "fiber braids" and are often favored by those who want to experiment with different colors and textures without using hair extensions.
The yarn materials can be soft, woolen or cotton and can be braided in a way to create different looks.
Dutch braids
Dutch braids, also known as "reverse French braids" or "inside-out French braids," are a type of braided hairstyle that is characterized by a specific braiding technique.
The technique involves braiding the hair under the sections of hair, rather than over it, as in a traditional French braid. This creates a raised, 3D braid that sits on top of the head.
The braid looks like it is "popping out" rather than "sitting in" the hair. Dutch braids can be done with natural hair or with extensions and can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
They can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments. They are often braided closely to the scalp and can be styled in a number of different patterns and designs.
They are often braided with extensions and can be worn for weeks at a time.
French braids
A French braid is a type of braided hairstyle that involves braiding the hair by taking small sections of hair and adding more hair to each section as it is braided. The braid is formed by weaving the sections of hair over and under each other while keeping the braid close to the scalp.
The braid is usually started at the crown or the top of the head and is braided down to the nape of the neck or the end of the hair. French braids are often used to keep hair out of the face and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
They can be styled in many different ways, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles. They can be made with natural or synthetic hair and can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments.
French braids are often considered a classic hairstyle and are popular among all ages.
Ghana braids
Ghana braids, also known as "banana braids" or "cornrows", are a type of braided hairstyle that is characterized by small braids that are braided close to the scalp using a specific braiding technique.
These braids are usually very thin and are often braided with extensions to add length, volume, and color to natural hair. The braids are usually braided in a straight pattern and are often styled in a number of different patterns and designs, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
Ghana braids are often braided with extensions and can be worn for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed. They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells, or other embellishments.
They are often favored by African American women and are considered a protective hairstyle.
Individual braids
Individual braids, also known as "solo braids" or "micro braids", are a type of braided hairstyle that involves braiding small sections of hair very close to the scalp.
The braids are usually very thin and are often braided with extensions to add length, volume, and color to natural hair. They are often braided in straight or small braids and can be styled in many different patterns and designs, from simple and sleek to more elaborate and decorative styles.
Individual braids are a protective hairstyle that can take several hours to complete, but when finished the result is a low-maintenance, natural-looking hairstyle that can last for several weeks before needing to be re-tightened or removed.
They can be made with synthetic or human hair and can be adorned with beads, shells or other embellishments.
They are often favored by African American women and are considered a protective hairstyle.
Triangle Box Braids
Triangle box braids are a type of braiding style where the hair is sectioned into triangular parts instead of boxes.
Triangle parts make box braids look unique and draw the eyes to beautiful designs. Sometimes they are all one size, and at other times multiple sizes for a truly lovely design.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many different types of braids to choose from. No matter what your style is, there is definitely a braid out there for you. Experiment with different techniques and find the one that works best for you. With a little practice, you'll be able to master any type of braid.
If you’re still having trouble creating the perfect braid, we recommend visiting a professional hair stylist. They’ll be able to help you choose the right braid for your hair type and desired look.