18 Hottest Braided Ponytail Hairstyles for Black Women

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A braided ponytail is a sizzling switch-up to your everyday look! On any occasion and with any OOTD, a casual yet creative braid running down your back will get you noticed without a doubt!

Play with braiding styles, lengths, thicknesses, patterns, and cute accessories to create a glamorous look. It takes a lot of artistry and patience to put together an exquisite braided hairstyle, but the results are worth it for its low-maintenance needs!

Pull your hair back for a day in the gym, a stroll at the mall, or a much-awaited summer vacation to get those strands off your face. This sassy updo on protective styles is a fancy, elevated look to stand out from everyone else’s.

Now is the time to see through these recent photos of braided ponytails and sport this extravagant hairstyle!

Photos
Perfect Protective Braid
Instagram @blisshaircare

#1: Perfect Protective Braid

With topnotch ponytails like this, you can be versatile in personalizing your hair. Use combinations of thick and thin pieces and some yarns to create black braided ponytail hairstyles with a charming result.

#2: Sleek but Loosely Braided Ponytail

This might be the best ponytail style we’ve ever seen! The sleek but loosely braided ponytail is unique and eye-catching. It adds big volume to your updo and makes you stand out at events. If you want this style, show this photo to your stylist during a consult. This will help you both know what you need to get this look.

Kinky Twist Ponytail
Instagram @crownmeb_

#3: Kinky Twist Ponytail

Pile your braids into this first-rate high updo for a quick, elegant style! Ponytail braid styles are totally a chic way to get everyone’s attention!

Crochet Braid
Instagram @irenesbraids

#4: Crochet Braiding

This box braids ponytail is so pleasing to the eye with its cute spiral twists that fall straight and amazing from a ponytail. It starts with really thin, evenly spaced cornrows and ends at the top of the head to transform into those stunning jumbo pieces. Braiding can also become an art form with various ways to create beautiful creations.

#5: Fishbone Braided Ponytail for Black Hair

Similar to the other ponytail braids, you can get fishbone braids by sticking close to the scalp while doing a fishtail.

#6: Box Braids

Get your plaits even more manageable when you gather them into a lovely top ponytail with box braids! These braided ponytail styles can show off your pretty face neatly and brightly.

#7: Lemonade Braids

Go tribal with this cool and delicate design of cornrows before pulling it all up into a sleek accessorized stitch braids ponytail! A braided ponytail for black hair can be infused with braiding techniques like this and others for a unique look.

Braided Ponytail Weave
Instagram @taylordddd._

#8: Braided Ponytail Weave

Simplicity at its finest! These beautiful natural braids with a red ombre will wow anyone who sees it. Braid ponytail hairstyles for black hair can look stylish without effort.

Goddess Braid
Instagram @queenveehair

#9: Goddess Braid

We have here a stunningly beautiful accessorized protective style for a ponytail. Those golden metal cuffs, strings, and vibrant highlights for ponytail braids for black hair all create a stylish look perfect for royalty.

Jumbo Braid
Instagram @rudysstyles

#10: Jumbo Braid

Have your relaxed hair pulled into one gigantic tail for an effortless yet sleeker look. The ’90s-inspired braid ponytail styles like this are a dazzling option for prom or your everyday style.

Cornrow Braids
Instagram @im_theantidote

#11: Cornrow Braids

Vibrant color is a cooler way to update your feed-ins than simple braids in a ponytail. Use hair accessories for a trendier style, and you can also have one piece fall in front of your ear for a unique touch.

Cute Pony for Little Girls
Instagram @aintya_mama

#12: Cute Ponytails for Little Girls

These unicorn lemonade braids are a creative way to protect your little girl’s natural hair from the harsh sun. Have her feel like a mermaid when you blend those pieces with purple and pink strands! For some reason, cute girls and braided ponytail hairstyles go hand in hand.

#13: High Ponytail Braids

A Beyonce-inspired top ponytail hairdo like this starts with evenly made thin cornrows that spiral a bit from the start for a more feminine effect.

Feed-In Braids
Instagram @minyatas_touch

#14: Feed-In Braids

This edgy ponytail has a combination of really huge and thin cornrows for a neat contrast. The smaller pieces accentuate the intricate design of such a high braided ponytail.

#15: Low Ponytail Braid

A low ponytail braid is the ultimate protective style. Braids are often used in protective styling, but keeping the ponytail low will also help your hairline. Combining the two will keep weight off more fragile hairs while guarding your lengths.

#16: Ghana Braids

The Ghana braid ponytail is a sleek and neat protective braid style that can show off a sassy to classy personality. The greatest thing about this style is that it is pulled away from the face to show off your natural beauty.

Use a satin or silk scarf at bedtime to maintain a longer-lasting style and prevent the hair from frizz or dryness. Moisturize the scalp with natural oil at least twice to thrice weekly. This style is for any personality type and can be worn during a workout or business meeting. This is also a get-up-and-go hairstyle.

#17: Small Micro Braids

This braided ponytail is sleek and bold, and because it’s a style inspired by rap queen Nicki Minaj, that bold energy naturally comes with the look. The precision parting at the top is such a complex design yet simple. The precision is the design, and that’s the best part about it.

Be prepared to draw attention but of positive reactions and looks of awe! It’s a style that could be more easily replicated, and few can execute it well. The upkeep is quite simple, and the hair type for African American women should be healthy with healthy hair edges. I expect this look to go well with a woman with an edge in her personality who enjoys nightlife and selfies. It’s an attention-getter!

Mermaid Braid
Instagram @indigo_dazzle

#18: Mermaid Braid

This ponytail butterfly braid is very conservative but stylish. I love it because it’s the perfect style to unleash your feminine side while keeping it basic and the heads turning.

This braid, however, is short-lasting. For about 7-10 days, you can wear this style for naturally straight hair and approximately 3-7 days for kinky/curly “unruly” hair. I advise blowing straight, curly hair before attempting the style. The butterfly braid is great for any occasion. This versatile style lets you go from a daytime event to dinner and right back to the office! Perfect for everyone!