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The endless creativity and versatility of a hairstyle
When trying to switch things up with your hair, you can always rely on braids to help you do that. With different braid patterns, colors, sizes, lengths, and hair textures: there are many variations of braid hairstyles to try.Â
With this list, you will become more familiar with various black braid hairstyles. So, use this list for inspiration to help you find your next hairstyle or learn a little about these styles.
Table of Contents
Cornrows
Cornrows are one of the oldest hairstyles but the most recreated today. Cornrows can be so simple as a few braids going straight back to hairstylists braiding words and shapes with hair.Â
What makes cornrows great is that they are one of the most versatile hairstyles out of this group of black braid hairstyles – this style has five different varieties you can try.Â
Ebony Line has excellent braiding hair for recreating these hairstyles.
Below are variations of cornrows:
1. Half Cornrows Half Curly/Straight
The half-cornrow half-curly/straight hairstyle is a beautiful style that incorporates cornrows in the front and beautiful curls or straight hair in the back. The cornrows in the front of the head can be of various sizes, and you can change the pattern to mix it up.
You do not always have to add braiding when creating this hairstyle because it works well on naturally curly or straight hair. If you want to add hair extensions in the back, I recommend these extensions for the back of your head.
2. Braided bun/Ponytail
Another braid hairstyle that uses cornrows but in a way that changes a basic bun or ponytail to something more fun. This time the cornrows go up into a bun or a ponytail.Â
The braids can be big or small. You can even mix these two sizes to give the cornrows some dimension. The direction of the braids does not always have to meet at the center of your head.Â
The cornrows can also create a low bun/ponytail. A braided bun or ponytail is a great and easy hairstyle to try.
3. Fulani/Tribal Braids
This beautiful braid hairstyle comes with hair accessories, cornrows, and box braids. This hairstyle is similar to the half-cornrow half-curly/straight hairstyle, but the difference is that it is a half-cornrow and half-box braid style.
What also makes this hairstyle special is the design of the cornrows in the front. Typically you will see one braid going straight down the middle of the head, and the rest of the cornrows will have a slight curve to the sides.
To create this beautiful hairstyle, you will need some braiding hair and beautiful hair accessories.
4. Layered Feed-in Braids
Layered feed-in braids are so pretty and look very neat when done correctly. A common misconception about these braids is that they are often called Fulani/tribal braids. When in fact, they are not because these braids do not have box braids in the back. Â
It takes 4 or 3 rows of cornrows to make this hairstyle. which makes it so unique.
5. Stitched Braids
These types of cornrows’ main focus is neatness. Each cornrow is plaited to create clean horizontal lines underneath the braid to resemble the look of stitches.Â
Achieving this kind of precision and neatness may take longer than regular cornrows, but the result is worth it.
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Box Braids
Box Braids are the go-to hairstyle for most black women. They feel airier, but if you have a lot of braids, they will feel heavy. What I love about box braids is that you can style them however you want.Â
You can wear them down, wear a low or high ponytail, create a low or high bun, create bangs, and more.
The length you decided to make your box braids can also be a new hairstyle. You can have long flowy box braids or a cute box braid bob.Â
Whatever you decide, this hairstyle is a great way to protect your hair. As long as this hairstyle is not done too tight, especially in the front.Â
To complete this hairstyle, you should get pre-stretched braiding hair to save time from having to stretch the hair yourself.
Below are variations of box braids:
1. Goddess/Bohemian Box Braids
These box braids are called goddess/bohemian box braids because of the curly pieces of hair left out of the braid.Â
For the curly pieces, you can use a pack of deep-wave human hair or opt for the cheaper alternative, water-wave synthetic hair. Either works well for this hairstyle, but synthetic hair can become fuzzy and get tangled easily. So, use some good mousse to keep those pretty curls.
2. Passion Braids/Butterfly Braids
This hairstyle is very similar to butterfly locs. In which the box braids are destroyed on purpose to create a stylish messy look.
Twists
Twists are one of my favorite hairstyles because of how easy it is. If you are not good at braiding, then this is the hairstyle for you.Â
As someone with natural hair, I typically opt for this hairstyle the most. I think this hairstyle is the most protective out of the rest of the hairstyles on this list. It usually does not cause too much strain on the roots and the scalp, and they are very lightweight.Â
To note, another term for this hairstyle is Senegalese twists.
Below are variations of twists:
1. Passion Twist
Passion twists are a beautiful hairstyle that puts a curly twist on twists. This hairstyle is just as simple as the previous one, but the difference is the kind of braiding hair you have to use.
The type of braiding hair you will need is passion twist hair, just like the name of this hairstyle. You want this hair to be soft, curly, and easy to pull apart.Â
Braiding hair such as Freetress water wave hair or packs of hair that say passion twist is what you should look for. Overall this hairstyle is cute, and it looks good short and long.
2. Goddess/Bohemian Twist
This braid hairstyle includes regular/passion twists with random curly pieces. Similar to the goddess/bohemian box braids.Â
Faux Locs
Here is an opportunity to try locs without the commitment to locking your hair. These locs can take a while, but the result is worth it.Â
With this hairstyle, you will need two different types of braiding hair. One will be the Freetress deep wave hair, and the other will be Cuban twist hair, or you can use the Marley hair,Â
You will also need a crochet hook to add the braiding hair. Creating faux locs is not difficult, but prepping will be your friend.
Below are variations of faux locs:
1. Goddess/Bohemian Faux Locs
By now, you should see the theme for goddess/bohemian hairstyles – all you do is add curly pieces. With curly hair, the hairstyle looks even more beautiful.Â
You can decide how you want to add the curly braiding hair. You can have only curly ends, random curly pieces, or both. Either way, your goddess/bohemian locs will look amazing.
2. Butterfly/Distressed Faux locs
There is a reason why they are called butterfly/distressed locs because each of the locs has loops of hair coming out of the locs, which resemble butterfly wings. You can also say these locs are purposely messy to give off a more natural distressed look.
3. Soft Locs
Soft locs are more flexible and realistic looking compared to regular faux locs. When doing this kind of locs, the hair is not wrapped around as tightly and close together.Â
This method allows the hair to provide more give, especially when trying to style the hair.
4. Individual Locs
These locs are created by two small sections of hair. Those sections are twisted together and then wrapped around themselves. Those two small sections are what give this hairstyle its name.Â
All of these hairstyles are amazing. Even though they do take a while to do, they are worth the wait.Â
There is one thing to be mindful of when choosing to do any of these styles above. The braids, twists, or locs should not be too tight because that can cause breakage or hair loss.
Out of all of these black braid hairstyles, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments, and we can see who agrees with whom.
