There’s nothing like a well-braided hairstyle to keep your look polished, chic, and put-together. Whether you choose a simple three-strand braid or one of the many other options we’ve rounded up below, these looks will add a stylish twist to your everyday style.
Get ready to rock everything from cornrows with beads to Ghana braids, the textured style Rihanna loves or the chunkier version Queen Bey wears. Here are ten of the best braid styles to try now.
Three-Strand Braid
The simple three-strand braid is one of the first hairstyles most people learn to do. It’s also a versatile style that can be easily customized for any season or occasion. Try tucking a silk hibiscus flower into your braid in the summer or a leather hair clip in the fall. The three-strand braid is easy to create with just a few bobby pins.
To make a three-strand braid, divide your hair into three equal sections. Begin by braiding the left and right sections. Once you’ve finished with the left and right sections, take the middle strand (or the second-to-last) strand and move it to the front of your head. Pull the strands apart slightly and pancake them for a fuller look. Secure with a hair tie and enjoy your braided masterpiece!
If you want to switch things up, try a four-strand braid. It’s a protective style that can be worn at any length, but it’s best suited to medium or long hair. The more strands you add to the four-strand braid, the thinner it will become. For a thicker, more voluminous style, use a hairspray or dry shampoo to give the strands some extra hold and texture before you start braiding.
Another option is a five-strand braid, which is a more intricate version of the traditional three-strand braid. It looks a bit more like a fishtail than the other braids in this list, but it’s still a beautiful, dramatic style to wear for any occasion. The best part about this braid is that it’s easy to do – as long as you have well-combed, dry hair and have a good grip on your bobby pins.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also try a Senegalese twist braid. This braid is the epitome of elegance and can be worn at any length or color. It takes a little more practice to master, but once you do it, you’ll be rocking this protective style in no time. This braid is especially great for a formal event, such as a wedding or prom. It’s a great way to show off your personality and celebrate your culture at the same time!
French Braid
One of the classics, French braids are a timeless look that never goes out of style. They are beautiful on their own or can be worn with other styles such as a half up French braid and can even look lovely with your bangs pulled into the plait for a gentler, more feminine appearance.
There are many variants of the French Braid, but they all share the same basic principles. Start by separating your hair into three equal sections, and then begin to work them into each other, adding new strands as needed. The more strands you add to the braid, the thicker it will become. It may take some time to get the hang of the technique, but once you do, it will be a go-to for many occasions.
It’s important to remember that the size of the braid you start with has nothing to do with how big it will end up being. The only way to get better at this is simply through practice and the more you do it, the easier it will become. It’s also helpful to have a few tools at your disposal to help you along the way, like bobby pins and hair ties to keep the braid secure, as well as styling products to give it a natural-looking finish.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of the basic French Braid, it can be fun to experiment with some more intricate variations. For example, try combining two French braids to create an elegant looking twist that looks gorgeous with any occasion, from a formal event to just hanging out with your sweetheart.
Similarly, you can also add a middle part to your French Braid to create a romantic and delicate appearance that’s perfect for a wedding or special date. The look is also flattering for almost all face shapes and will complement your features beautifully by creating balance and softening the face.
Another trick to making your French Braids look even more beautiful is to make sure the small sections of hair you’re adding in are consistent and a similar size as the existing strands. This will help the braid look neater and tighter, while avoiding the bulging effect that can occur when the new strands are too large in comparison to the old ones.
Braid Buns for Men
A pair of alluring man braids tied in a bun can be an instant attention grabber for men. This hairdo is ideal for white men and gives them a distinctive look that can easily make them stand out in the crowd. In addition, this sexy braided style looks great on any hair length and texture.
One of the best things about this braided hairstyle is that it’s easy to style for any occasion, from casual day outings to formal parties. You can add more twists to the look or even vary the braid design for a unique look. For example, you can create a French braid with an upside-down bun or add more details like a braid-out for an extra-sexy look.
This braided style for men is a perfect choice for those who want to show off their braiding skills. It is easy to create and requires minimal maintenance. It’s a good idea to use hair oil while braiding your hair to help it stay healthy and smooth. Moreover, this hairstyle can be worn by men with different types of haircuts, including fades and undercuts.
If you have long black hair and want to wear it in a trendy way, try this braided man bun. The alternating thicknesses of the cornrows set this style apart from other man bun styles. You can even intertwine a few of the cornrows for a more detailed look before gathering them in your bun.
Another eye-catching style for men is the twin braid bun. This hairdo is an excellent option for men with thinning hair and would give them a fuller appearance. You can also choose to add a beard for more style and macho appeal.
Whether it’s due to the popularity of TV shows like Vikings or simply the desire for a change, a revolution is taking place in men’s hairstyles. Styles that were traditionally women’s are being reclaimed by fashionable gents, and they are being incorporated into creative braid designs for a fresh new look. This trend is likely to continue into the future as men continue to seek stylish and unique ways to style their long tresses.
Side Braid
A classic and versatile side braid is a staple for any fashion-forward girl’s repertoire. It looks chic at a music festival or beach party but is also perfect for a wedding or formal event. The style’s beauty is in its simplicity; it only involves twisting the front pieces of hair (or your bangs, if you have them) to the side and then braiding them. Adding this touch gives the look an elegant, Red Carpet-ready finish and is sure to steal all the compliments.
Getting a great side braid takes practice, but with a little effort you can master this low maintenance look. It’s also the ideal summer braid to wear while enjoying an outdoor activity, such as a bike ride or a picnic in the park. Just pair it with a weather-appropriate sundress and Wayfarer sunglasses for a complete look that exudes composed beauty and elegance.
When it comes to working up a side braid, the most important thing is to start with clean and dry hair. This helps ensure that your braid will hold up throughout the day and doesn’t become tangled or weighed down by moisture. A few spritzes of hair spray can help keep your locks in place and give the style an extra boost of hold.
If you have a particularly slippery head of hair that’s difficult to work with, it may be helpful to use some kind of texturizing spray or dry shampoo before beginning. This will help the strands grip each other better and prevent the hair from falling out while you’re working on it.
Another key to a great side braid is to be consistent with how wide your new sections are. If you’re constantly grabbing new sections that are too big, your braid will end up looking messy and uneven.
Lastly, when you get to the end of your side braid and you’re about to tie it off, be sure to tuck the remaining strands under the middle strand. This will keep the braid from coming out and give it a polished and clean finished look.
