Braids can be a great way to show off one’s personality. Many clients tell me they need a more protective style; the one they want to express themselves with the most usually ends with braids. It’s wild to me how much the technique can alter the feel someone gives off with their braids. There are two people who can ask for the same box braids. One of them can walk out with a lot of confidence and the other can look kind of awkward. This can just depend on factors like the size, the length of the braids, how the person parts them, and how the ends are sealed off. Last summer, I did a client’s waist-length knotless braids. Just to see how it looked, she came back telling me people were talking to her differently. I feel like part of her newfound confidence came from finally having a hairstyle that fit the self-image she had of herself.
I need to note that not every braid style looks good on everyone and that’s perfectly fine. Some styles require specific thickness and texture, and a lot of styles require way more maintenance than many people are willing to do. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as what you are willing to do, because of that, I will tell you the styles, what I like, what I think looks good with a few of these restrictions, and what is only worth it if you are ready to put the time and effort to maintain it.
#1: Medium-Length Knotless Braids Dressed Up with Pearls
My favorite kind of braid is knotless braids. They’re better than box braids because box braids pull on your scalp but knotless braids don’t do that as much. I also like them because they’re nice and lightweight and aren’t going to weigh you down. The little pearls are cute without being too much. If you have really fine hair, tell your braider to keep the added hair really minimal because even knotless braids can pull your hair if the sections are too big. These are braids that you can put in and look nice with little effort.
#2: Long Box Braids Finished with Loose Curls
The end curls are what really complete the look. Without them, it would just be a long box braid install. That’s fine, but going from a defined braid to just flowing, loose soft curls is what gives it the movement. You’ll want to keep some mousse handy for the ends, as they will get a little frizzy, especially if you sleep on it with a regular pillowcase instead of satin. This style looks best with medium to thick hair, and you can wear it however you like! You can pin it up or leave it down and it looks great either way!
#3: Long Box Braids with Soft Waves and Ombre Ends
The waves after the middle point are nice because of the braiding technique and then it softens out nicely towards the end. Bright ombre ends helps keep the hair from feeling heavy with all that length. This style def looks good in photos, but it’s honest time because there’s maintenance involved as the waves will lose their def way before the braids do. If you are someone who doesn’t mind doing a little refresh with a flexi rod set every week or so, then it’s totally worth it.
#4: High Bun with Color-Blended Cornrows
This style will look great when it’s done. The cornrows will direct all the hair into the bun, creating a polished look that’s neat without daily effort. The blended colors in the braids add a nice look so the style doesn’t seem too basic. I will say, though, if your scalp gets sore easily, a style like this that is tight at the base should be done by someone who knows how to control the tension. It is beautiful, but having a sore scalp for three days isn’t worth it. When done properly, this style is extremely protective and flattering.
#5: Mid-Length Twisted Braids with an Angled Part
These are short enough to sit just below the shoulders, so they won’t get caught in everything and can be pulled back easily if you need to! The twist texture looks softer than a standard braid and the angled part adds just enough detail to look a bit more thoughtful. I wouldn’t overthink it, this is a great everyday style that suits most people and once installed, doesn’t require much of you.
#6: Cornrow Updo Framed with Loose Curls
What makes this one special is the combination, with tight cornrows doing the structural work, and those loose curls around the face keeping it from feeling too severe. I’ve done variations of this for weddings and just for regular Tuesdays, and it reads great in both contexts. The baby hair work is subtle but very nicely done, and if that’s something you care about, I would bring reference photos to your braider because the swoop pattern does really change how this frames your face. This one will require some upkeep to stay looking fresh, especially the curled sections, but it’s a genuinely stunning style.
#7: Long Twisted Braids with an Ombre Shift
Ombre long twists can look good in most photos, but they can feel heavy in reality. I recommend going somewhat shorter if you have fine natural hair or if your edges are fragile, or maybe consult with your braider about using less added hair. These styles look amazing for those with medium to thick hair! Compared to standard twists, the color gradation gives them much more dimension. These twists will last you a long time with minimal maintenance, which gives them extra points.
#8: Curly Braids in a Warm Red Tone
I appreciate how much this red is speaking for itself, and I respect that. The warm copper-red color compliments deeper skin tones without looking too harsh or too unnatural. The curled ends of the hair also help break up the uniformity. However, red shades in braided hair are notorious for oxidizing and shifting in color over time, so I want to be completely honest. The color that you see when it’s just been installed won’t be the same by the three week mark. If you are going to be bothered by color changes, this look is probably not for you. If you appreciate when colors shift naturally and enjoy watching hair grow, this look will be enjoyable.
#9: Long Braids with Curled Ends and Color Depth
Because they come in different colors, they are more visually appealing than single-tone installations. The curled ends create movement, and with such a great length, this is a style you’ll definitely feel in your hair when you walk. I always advise clients who are getting this long to consider how their neck will feel after the first couple of days because the weight is real, and it does add up. This is a great option if you are used to longer protective styles and your hair can bear the weight. However, if you haven’t had such long hair before, you may want to start with a length that is a few inches shorter to see how your scalp reacts.
#10: Copper Twisted Braids with a Deep Side Part
The lovely copper color and twisted texture create a beautiful combination. Compared to a braid, the twist reflects light in a different way. The deep side part is modern and makes a nice sweep over the forehead. The choice of color is bold, yet relaxed, which works perfectly here. The styling is effortless, making it look like no one is trying too hard. If you’re thinking of a color like this, make sure to bring a sample or a picture to the braider so everyone is clear on the shade, as copper can mean many different things.
#11 Curly Half-Up Style with Braided Detail
We know someone spent time on the style, but it looks like it was thrown together at the last minute. The braid on top keeps things neat and tidy while the curls underneath bounce freely. The combination of control on top and softness on the bottom is what gives this style its charm. It is well balanced and keeps long hair off the face while also showcasing all of the curls and waves. The only downside is that it does take some upkeep. You will definitely want a curl refresher each time you plan on wearin this style to avoid looking messy.
#12 Cornrow Braids with a Shaved Side Detail
Its nice to see someone who has the confidence to pull this off. The cornrows are clean and professional with the shaved sides giving a fresh edgy look. Perfect for people who want to stand out. You’ll definitely not be able to blend in with this look. It can be easy underestimating the commitment to shave sides and keep the contrast clean. But for the people who visit barbers and stylists often, this will work perfect.
#13 Bantu Knots Paired with Cornrow Sections
It’s a great design! The bantu knots are a good size and the in between cornrow sections form a pattern that is simultaneously geometric and soft. This style does take longer to install than most people anticipate, so be sure to set aside a good chunk of your day and do not rush your braider. The knots do need to be secured though and not in a way that your scalp is screaming for relief by the evening. When done properly, this is one of the most stunning protective styles and is just as good for a Saturday errand run as it is for a more dressed up event.
#14 Medium-Length Box Braids with a Natural Finish
A standard box braid is the most suitable style, as we can see. The shoulder-length braids apply the most manageable weight and makes it easier to tie the braids up or leave them down depending on what your day is looking like. You don’t have to be extra, and I mean that with the utmost respect. Not every install needs to be a statement. This is a great choice if you want to opt for a more complex braid style. It is a good, dependable, and nice look without being too distracting.
#15 High Braided Bun with Crown Detail
The braids are nice, and the bun is nice and tall, so it looks classy and finished without anything extra. This looks best on people with enough hair so the bun isn’t hollow at the top, and your braider should be honest about the need for added hair to fill it out. I like this for events where you want to look nice, but not over the top. Just be sure to change it to some more casual styles if you’re going to wear it a lot, as the front pulling can get annoying.
#16 Feed-In Braids Ending in Soft Curls
Based on my opinion, I believe that all braiders should learn to do feed-in braids, as they are very flat to the scalp. The roots blend very well in a seamless fashion. The braids have a nice shiny appearance, as well as soft curled ends, which prevents them from looking over-structured. The installation time is longer than it would be for basic box braids, as this is detail work that must be done, however the end result is very clean and it is worth it if that is the look you are trying to achieve.
#17 Color-Blocked Box Braids in Vivid Tones
I think color blocking looks great for pictures and is really fun. I want to be real about the bright braiding hair colors. They fade. Sometimes unevenly and what might have looked great at the install can look muddy after a few weeks if you do not take care of it. If this is for a specific event or a season where you know you’re going to take them out soon then that’s fine. The medium length braids make them really easy to wear and the placement of colors is good. Just don’t think these will wear the same as a more natural colored braid would.
#18 Double High Buns with Long Twisted Curls
I enjoy how playful this is. The top has structure from double buns, movement from the long twisted curls, and good color depth without being too crazy in the color gradient. This feels younger and even more whimsical than most of the looks here. To maintain definition, the curls will need to be refreshed. The buns also need to be secured, but not too tight. If you want a style with a lot of personality and don’t mind some daily maintenance, then this is a good one.
#19 Medium Box Braids with a Clean Part and Gold Accent
I appreciate how the line part is clean and the gold accessory placement is just right. It adds to the style without taking attention from the braids and I appreciate the balance here. The length is practical and the even sized braids look neat from all angles The style is very versatile and can be worn for work and for leisure, which I am sure most of my clients want even if they’re not that specific.
#20 Twisted Braids with Curled Ends and Purple Highlights
These braids have some highlights woven in that are a bit different than usual. The color placement in braids aims to be a little more unexpected. The twisted-to-curled transition provides some nice movement and with an overall density light enough to not feel heavy, I think the style works best with the color doing the talking and everything else, your accessories, your makeup, kept simple. There will be some time needed for the install and the curled ends will require some maintenance, but apart from those touch-ups the overall maintenance is minimal.
#21 Twisted Buns Accented with Neat Cornrows
The rounded design of the twisted buns and the straight design of the cornrows go together with this clean architecture style. I think it looks good on most face shapes because the volume created by the buns and the slimness created by the cornrows works really well together. The soft highlights add dimension which helps the pictures so they don’t look flat. If you like updos and want something more interesting than one bun, this is a good option because it is protective and low maintenance.
#22 Long Twisted Braids with Ombre Highlights
The length of the braids and their thickness look great, and the way the ombre highlights are painted is soft enough so that the highlights catch the light and reflect nicely, rather than coming across harshly with a solid line. The twisted texture is softer than braids that are done straight and overall adds a more gentle touch. For someone wanting length and a bit more visual interest, while keeping maintenance on the low side, this is a great, versatile protective style. Your biggest investment will be the installation time, so find a good braider and get comfy.
#23 Double Buns with Tightly Braided Sections
This style is fun, easy, and keeps all the hair off your neck which is a huge plus for summer. The braids are neat and the double bun is placed nice and high giving a great look from every angle. I would recommend this style to all my girls with medium – high density natural hair who want something secure enough for a busy day without the risk of losing braids. Installation is faster than most braided styles as the length is held in the buns, so this style is perfect for those who don’t want to spend 6+ hours in the chair.
#24 Twisted Braids Styled Simply with a Statement Necklace
The braids look good, but the styling is not as good as it could be. The accessories complete the look. The statement necklace elevates a cool braid install. This shows that a braid style does not have to be super fancy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is leave the braids plain and let the rest of the outfit do the talking. The braids are medium length, protective, and low maintenace, so you can change the vibe with jewelry or a scarf instead of having to redo your hair each time.
#25: Triple Bun Cornrows with a Shaved Heart Design
I’ll be honest here, shaved heart detail will likely either delight you or make you a bit nervous and both are fair reactions. The cornrowing on the way to those three buns is spectacular and the artistry in the entire composition of the hairstyle is amazing. A true design braider is absolutely necessary for this because the spacing of the buns, the spacing of the cornrows, and the placement of the shaved design all have to come together perfectly. This is a serious commitment hairstyle for sure. The shaved section will grow out pretty quick and will require significant upkeep to maintain that high contrast graphic design look. For a high level of maintenance, this is definitely one of the most unique options available for those looking to incorporate art and hair design.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.