Natural Braided Hairstyles: 17 Beautiful Protective Styles
If you’re an avid user of Pinterest who enjoys saving ideas for your next salon visit, it is likely that you have been exposed to natural braided hairstyles on your Pinterest feed more than once. This is because these hairstyles are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also great for the hair. This is particularly true for people with natural hair. As a matter of fact, natural braids are all about celebrating texture, volume, and creativity. Therefore, no matter how coily, curly, or kinky your hair is, there is a braid style that will complement it.
Natural Braided Hairstyles to Try
In the following sections of this article, we will discuss 17 different natural braided hairstyles that you might find useful for your next hairstyle.
1. Classic Box Braids Natural Hairstyles
Box braids are one of the most well-known braided hairstyles for natural braided hair. The hair is sectioned into small squares and braided from the roots to the ends. This braided hairstyle is best suited for people with natural curly or coily hair textures. Additionally, it is best suited for people with medium to long hair. This braided hairstyle is best suited for people who lead a busy lifestyle since it does not require much maintenance. The braided hairstyle can be made even more attractive by adding hair color like honey blonde or burgundy.
2. Knotless Braids Natural Hairstyles
The knotless braids are a new version of the box braids that don’t require a knot to be tied to the scalp. This gives a better look since it is natural. The knotless braids are best for people who want a lightweight protective hairstyle that is elegant. The braids are best for oval or heart-shaped faces. The best hair colors to choose for knotless braids are soft brown or caramel colors to give the hairstyle a modern look.
3. Cornrow Braids Natural Hairstyles
Cornrows are braids that are flat against the head, arranged in rows. This style of braiding is both practical and fashionable, making it suitable for a busy lifestyle or a hot climate. The braids are more suitable for natural hair textures, which can hold braids well, for example, coily or kinky hair. This style can work with any face shape because the braids can be arranged in any style. There can be designs, zig-zag parting, or accessories for a more creative look.
4. Fulani Braids Natural Hairstyles
The Fulani braids get their inspiration from traditional African styles and normally consist of a mixture of cornrows and braids. The braids can be styled in such a way that a middle parting braid goes down the middle of the head and some beads or cuffs. The style can fit oval and round face shapes and can be suitable for medium to long-length natural hair. The gold cuffs and colorful beads can add to the cultural and artistic touch of the braided style.
5. Goddess Braids Natural Hairstyles
Goddess braids are thick, elegant braids that give a sense of bold style and glamour. Goddess braids are normally bigger than cornrows, and they are normally worn in a circular motion on the head. Goddess braids are best worn by people with thick natural hair, as they will give a sense of volume and texture with their size. This style is best worn on a formal occasion, wedding, and other events. Curly braids can be attached at the end for a glamorous look.
Look at more simple braided styles.
6. Lemonade Braids Natural Hairstyles
Lemonade braids are highly popular because of their sleek side-swept style. The braids are mostly done on one side of the head, which makes the style dramatic and fashionable. The style is mostly suitable for oval or heart-shaped face types. Lemonade braids are mostly suitable for medium to long hair textures. To give the style a more dramatic effect, the braids can be colored with shades of golden blonde, copper, or burgundy.
7. Crown Braids Natural Hairstyles
Crown braids are braids that are wrapped around the head to form a halo. This is a regal and elegant hairstyle. This hairstyle can be worn on special occasions such as weddings, parties, etc. Crown braids are best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces. This hairstyle can be worn on medium to long-length hair. This hairstyle accentuates the features of the face while keeping the hair away from the face. Small curls or hairpins can be added to make the hairstyle more elegant.
8. Tribal Braids Natural Hairstyles
The tribal braids are a unique combination of varying braid sizes, types, and hair accessories. This style can have cornrows on the crown of the head, along with braids falling down the hair. This style of braids is ideal for those who enjoy unique hair styles. This style of braids can complement most face types since the pattern can be adjusted. Beads or hair cuffs can be an excellent addition to the braids.
9. Micro Braids Natural Hairstyles
Micro braids are very small braids that give a soft and flexible look to the hair. This is because the braids are very thin, allowing the hair to have more styles such as ponytail, bun, or half-bun. However, the micro braids are best done on strong hair since they require a lot of patience to install. This hairstyle is best suited for people with oval or heart-shaped faces. It is best suited for those who enjoy long-lasting braided hair.
10. Halo Braid Natural Hairstyles
The halo braid is almost identical to the crown braid, except that it tends to be a bit thicker and neater. It wraps around the head, giving a sweet and romantic look. This hairstyle is suitable for those seeking a classy braided style without intricate designs. It is suitable for medium to long natural hair. It goes well with oval or square face shapes. When paired with curls or natural texture, the halo braid is quite stunning.
11. Feed In Braids Natural Hairstyles
The feed-in braids are developed by incorporating hair extensions gradually while braiding. This ensures a smooth transition between the scalp hair and the braids. This prevents bulk knots. The feed-in braids are ideal for those with a natural coily hair texture. This style is good for those who want to have a sleek look. This style allows the hair stylist to get creative with the braids.
12. Braided Bun Natural Hairstyles
A braided bun is an elegant and convenient hairstyle. In a braided bun hairstyle, braids are collected and styled into a bun on top of or at the back of the head. This hairstyle is appropriate for the workplace or for any other occasion when you want to look elegant. A braided bun is best suited for people with medium to long hair. The braided bun hairstyle is also best for people with any face shape. Hair pins or golden cuffs can be used to give the hairstyle an elegant look.
13. Half Up Braided Style Natural Hairstyles
A half-up braided hairstyle is a hairstyle that incorporates braids at the top, as well as loose natural hair. This style allows for the hair to be kept away from the face, while still showcasing the natural curls or coils. This style is good for medium to long natural hair, as well as for round and oval face types. The braids and loose hair create a nice contrast, making for a visually interesting style. The use of highlights can add to the interest of the hairstyle.
14. Braided Ponytail Natural Hairstyles
The braided ponytail is a trendy hairstyle where braids are collected into a ponytail that is high or low. This hairstyle is best for people with an active lifestyle since it can keep their hair both secure and stylish all day long. The braided ponytail is best for people with various face shapes and is especially best for people with thick hair. A small braid can be wrapped around the ponytail to make the hairstyle look neater.
15. Two Strand Twist Braids Natural Hairstyles
Two-strand twists can be considered a more relaxed style compared to braids. Instead of using three strands, the hair is twisted using only two strands. This style gives a natural look, which can work well for curly or coily hair. Two-strand twists are good for any face type, making them a good option for individuals looking for a light protective style. Moisturizing cream or natural oils can be used to maintain the style.
16. Jumbo Braids Natural Hairstyles
Jumbo braids are a style of braids that are quite large and bold, resulting in a dramatic look for the braids. Since the braids are quite thick, they are easy to install, as they are not as time-consuming as other braids. This style is best for thick natural hair, and individuals who prefer a low-maintenance style will love jumbo braids. This style will also accentuate one’s features quite well. Adding different colors will make these braids look quite stylish.
17. Braided Updo Natural Hairstyles
A braided updo involves braids that are styled into a beautiful updo look. This style is perfect for a wedding, formal events, or for a job environment. The braided updos are perfect for most face types, and they are best worn with medium or long natural hair. This style keeps your hair secured while still looking beautiful and intricate. Hairstylists may add a few twists, braids, or accessories to give a customized look to their braided updos.
How to Choose the Right Natural Braided Hairstyle
The type of braided hairstyle that you should wear depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and style preferences. People with thicker hair types prefer braided hairstyles that are larger, such as goddess braids or jumbo braids. On the other hand, people who prefer light braided hairstyles may prefer knotless braids or two-strand twists. Your lifestyle is also a determinant of the type of braided hairstyle that you should wear. People who are busy may prefer braided hairstyles that are protective, such as box braids or braided ponytails. On the other hand, people who prefer braided hairstyles for formal occasions may prefer braided hairstyles that are elegant, such as crown braids or braided updos.
Best Hair Types and Face Shapes for Natural Braids
Natural braided hairstyles look best on curly, coily, or kinky hair types, as these types of hair are best braided. However, braids can be made for different types of hair with the help of styling. Face shape is another factor that determines how a braided style will look on a person. For example, a lemonade braid looks good on people with a round face, while a crown braid style looks best on people with oval or heart-shaped faces. This determines how well a braided style will look on a person, depending on their natural facial features.
Styling and Maintenance Tips
Braided hairstyles require proper maintenance to ensure the braids as well as the hair remain healthy. This can be achieved by regularly applying oil to the scalp to maintain its health. This can be done by applying a small amount of oil such as jojoba or coconut oil to the scalp. Sleeping on a satin scarf or bonnet will help maintain the braids as well as the hair. Braids should not be pulled too tight to form ponytails or buns, as this may cause hair loss.
How to Ask Your Hairstylist for This Look
When you visit a salon, it is advisable to carry your reference photos, which will help you communicate better. This is because you can show your stylist the type of braid size, style, and length you would like them to create. You can also talk about your hair color, type of extension you would like, among other details. In addition, you can talk about your lifestyle and how long you would like your braids to last, which will enable your stylist to recommend the best type of braids for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are natural braided hairstyles good for protecting hair?
Yes, braided hairstyles are commonly referred to as protective styles because they minimize hair manipulation while also protecting the hair from heat styling. The hair is kept neatly braided, hence minimizing the ends’ exposure to environmental damage. This way, the hair is kept moisturized and can grow nicely. The scalp is also an important part to take care of to ensure both braided hair and natural hair are well kept.
2. How long do natural braids usually last?
For the braided hairstyle, the lifespan of a braided hairstyle depends on the type of braid, with most braids lasting for between two to eight weeks. However, micro braids last longer than jumbo braids. Braids can last longer if the scalp is well taken care of, with a satin scarf used at night for better results.
3. Can braids help with hair growth?
Braids do not promote faster hair growth, but they can maintain the length of the hair by protecting the hair from breakage. The hair is not exposed because it is braided, so the hair is more likely to grow because it is not damaged. Braids can promote a good hair care system if they are installed correctly.
4. Do braids work for all hair lengths?
It is worth noting that braids look best on medium and long hair, although many braids can be achieved on shorter hair with the addition of some hair extensions. Short natural hairstyles can still look great in braids like cornrows, feed-in braids, or even two-strand twists. This means a braider can design a braided style depending on the length of the natural hair.
5. How should I care for my scalp while wearing braids?
Taking care of the scalp is also important when braiding hair. Using light oils or scalp treatments can be used to prevent dryness and itching. Washing the scalp with diluted shampoo can also be done to remove products without disturbing braided hair. Taking care of the scalp is important to ensure the hair beneath the braids remains healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, natural braided hairstyles are a beautiful and practical way to protect your hair while expressing your personal style. With a wide range of options available, you can choose styles that suit your hair texture, lifestyle, and occasion. These protective hairstyles not only enhance your look but also help maintain healthy hair with proper care. By following simple maintenance tips and choosing the right braid type, you can enjoy long-lasting and stylish results. Don’t hesitate to explore different natural braid styles to find the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
