In This Article

Braids are a protective style that dates back over 5000 years in African culture.

In many cases, giving hair a break can promote hair health and growth.

But apart from being practical for textured tresses, braids are also super stylish.

braids

Unsplash | Design by Michela Buttignol.

These ‘dos span all lengths and sizes so you’re bound to find something that suitsyou.

Meet the Experts

Ahead, see 18 braided styles perfect for natural and relaxed hair.

Style with face-framing braids, as seen here, to create a fun riff on'90s tendrils.

Woman with ponytail jumbo braids and gold jewelry

@jetsetterjackie

Consider adding gold accents to up the glam factor.

It’s a simple switch-up that’sgreat for summertimesince it keeps hair off of your neck.

A collarbone-grazing length is also super stunning, as is some graphicgreen liner.

Woman with beaded blonde box braids and green graphic eyeliner

@jazzmynejay

Cornrows

@eboneedavis

Straight-backcornrowsare a classic for both long and short styles alike.

And while they will protect your hair, they’ll also require that you take care of your scalp.

Super Long

@saweetie

Butt-length braids are always a photo-worthy protective style.

Ebonee Davis wears a straight back cornrows hairstyle and minimalist gold jewelry

@eboneedavis

Saweetie’s addition of clear beads and a trendy center parting brings this braided style into a new era.

As for thosebaby hairs?

They’re on point.

Saweetie wears an ultra-long box braids hairstyle with clear beaded ends

@saweetie

Just double-check the braided style doesnt have too muchtensionto prevent irritating the scalp, Jenkins advises.

Nelms agrees: “Be mindful of the amount of tension being applied during the styling process.

Any styles that feel uncomfortable during styling need to be adjusted immediately.”

Woman with beaded Fulani braids and big sunglasses

@tiffanymbattle

Shoulder-Length Fulani

@tiffanymbattle

Fulani braidsare one of the most popular braided styles.

They typically involve a mix of cornrows and box braids that can be accessorized with beads.

Clear, wooden, bright, or sparklythe possibilities are endless.

Woman with long yellow box braids with beads

@africancreature/@jah.cherise

It’s a win-win.

A three-to-five-minute maskone of her favorites being Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Maskis a must.

A-Line Bob

@pearlthestylist_

Trying bold colors or a new cut can feel daunting.

Woman with jumbo feed-in braids and big earrings

@iamkrissylewis

Vivid blue color takes thisA-line cutto the next level.

Her unique play on plaits can keep your hair protected for up to a week.

Meanwhile, blonde highlights add further interest and dimension.

Woman with blue braided bob length hairstyle

*@pearlthestylist_*

Play with braid sizes and lengths if you want to experiment.

you could also style into an updo like abraided bun, as seen here.

Halo

If you know how to cornrow, then try this halo braid out for size.

Tracee Ellis Ross wears shoulder-length box braids with triangle parting

@traceeellisross

Not only is it stylish, but it’shumidity-proof, too.

Chat with your stylist before you schedule your appointment.

If you see frizz crop up, a foam mousse andsilk scarfwill be your protective style best friends.

Woman with bob-length box braids

@joynavon

Deep conditioning hair so that it regains strength is also important.

Justine Skye poses with long cornrows and silver heels

@justineskye

Woman with braided space buns

*@lee.estelle_*

Storm Reid wears braided box braids, red lipstick, and a white ruffled blouse

@stormreid