Braids are beautiful, kind, and protective. They help keep your hair strong while shielding it from stress, humidity, and everyday wear. As gentle as they are versatile, different types of plaits and braids can work just as well for the office as they do for the gym or a night out.
Whether your hair is long or short, straight, curly, coily, or wavy, these different braiding techniques offer endless possibilities for every season and occasion.
Before you braid
Regardless of what kinds of hair braids you prefer, a little prep not only makes the braiding process smoother but also helps protect your hair’s health and strength. Here are some simple steps to get your hair ready for braiding:
- Wash your hair first: Clean hair is easier to braid and feels fresher. Use a nourishing
conditioner like Magical Remedy to leave your hair supple and shiny. - Dry thoroughly: Braiding damp hair can lead to breakage and weaken strands over time.
- Brush through gently: Detangle carefully using the Luxury Paddle Brush to create smooth, neat braids and reduce stress on your scalp.
- For wavy or curly hair: If you’d like a sleeker finish, blow dry with the Airshot Pro and straighten with the Wide Iron before braiding.
Types of plaiting for long hair
Long hair is the ideal blank canvas for various types of plaiting and braiding. If you’re lucky enough to have long, healthy strands, you can achieve these different plait styles with ease.
1. French braid
The classic French braid or French plait can be worn neat for a preppy vibe or loosened for a more boho look.
2. Dutch braid
A Dutch braid is like a French braid but with strands crossed under instead, creating a raised, defined look. Get the look yourself with our Dutch plait tutorial.
3. Fishtail braid
While the fishtail braid may look complex, this two-section braid is just as easy to achieve as a classic plait, yet has a more lived-in look.
Tip: Adapt this look for a half-up, half-down braided style by using our Contouring Original Iron to create flowing waves.
4. Waterfall braid
Whether you opt for a single waterfall braid that wraps around your head or two waterfall braids that meet in the middle to form a crown, this style gives off boho vibes.
5. Ponytail braid
The ponytail braid is a twist on the classic ponytail and keeps your hair out of your face in a gentle yet professional style.
6. Rope braid
Of all the types of braid, this is one of the simples as it only uses two strands. Reminiscent of elven princesses and Viking maidens, the rope braid offers a taste of romance and adventure.
7. Bubble braid
Unlike other hair types of braids, the bubble braid doesn’t involve plaiting, making this style super beginner-friendly.
8. Braid extensions
Often referred to as the ‘mermaid braids’ look, braid extensions add a flash of colour and should be installed by a trained professional on clean, dry hair.
Braids for short hair
If you have shorter hair, there are still plenty of different types of plaits and braids that can work for you.
9. Side braid on short hair
This elegant side braid is a quick, easy way to sweep hair off your face
while looking effortlessly stylish. Perfect for work, school runs, or nights
out, it even works with a fringe.
10. Baby braids
Baby braids are two teeny tiny face-framing plaits at the very front of your hair, either side of your parting, leaving you free to style the rest of your hair as usual – wavy, curly or straight.
11. Braided bob
Braids add structure and movement to a bob. For the best results, it’s worth getting your bob braided by a professional. Try box braids, goddess braids or twists for your next braided bob look.
Braids for afro hair
If you’ve got afro hair, you’re spoiled for different styles of hair braiding to try. We recommend visiting a professional stylist who will ensure the braids are installed gently, with minimal tension, so your hair stays healthy, strong and beautifully styled.
12. Box braids
Box braids are a versatile, protective style loved by both women and men. When installed gently by a professional, box braids protect natural hair, reduce daily manipulation, and look effortlessly stylish.
13. Cornrow braids
Cornrows are a timeless protective braiding style that lies flat to the scalp and can be worn on long or short hair and with or without hair extensions.
14. Spring twists
These playful twists are gentle on the scalp, low-manipulation, and help keep natural hair protected and moisturised, making them a popular choice for maintaining the strength and length of type 4 coils.
15. Crochet braids
Crochet braids, also known as latch hook braids, are braided into the roots of your hair but flow freely. The foundation of crochet braids is usually cornrows or box braids that weave your natural hair with extensions.
16. Goddess braids
This stunning braided hairstyle combines cornrows of different sizes, woven together in complex patterns and interspersed with loose curls and waves. Goddess braids are one of the most intricate hair braiding styles you can choose.
17. Fulani braids
As seen on the likes of Rhianna and other red carpet stars, Fulani
braids are usually made up of cornrows in the front and box braids at the back.
Braided Updos
Experimenting with different styles of braids allows you to get creative. If you feel like you’ve exhausted all the regular braid styles, why not try a braided updo for a more elegant and sophisticated look.
18. Milkmaid braids
This cute classic crown style embodies hippie chic with its wispy strands and soft, loose shape. Milkmaid braids add a touch of whimsy to your look and are very easy to style.
19. Braid bun
A cute up-do that looks as flawless at a wedding as it does on a casual Sunday, the braid bun is a style that delivers plenty of wow factor, with very little effort.
20.Afro updo with braids
Looking for a stylish updo for your afro or 4c hair? The delicately woven braids of this look contrast with the bouncy curls on top, giving a gorgeous effect that you can achieve either by yourself or with the help of a professional stylist.
21. Braided half up-do
When you just can’t choose, go for a half-up, half-down braided look. While it may take a little time to perfect, the results are worth the effort.
Braids for men
There are plenty of different braid styles that create a more masculine look. Give these popular men’s hair braiding styles a go.
22. Braided man bun
This braided man bun adds some flair and style to the classic man bun, plus it looks great with shaved sides. It’s also ideal for keeping longer hair out of the way for sports.
23.Men’s cornrows
Go as simple or as intricate as you like with this super adaptable, versatile braiding style. Opt for larger, spaced-out cornrows, or try tiny ones woven into detailed patterns. We recommend getting your cornrows installed professionally.
24. Men’s box braids
Try a shorter version of this classic look for a more masculine take on box braids. Don’t forget to get your box braids removed after six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and avoid breakage that can lead to having to cut your hair short.
25. Men’s double Dutch braids
This look works on chin-length hair or longer and can be paired with shaved sides for an edgier result. Either wear them straight down the back of your head or braid around the sides of your head and let them hang down the back.
Hair braiding toolkit
The best braids can only be achieved with the right hairstyling tools. These are our essentials.
With nylon bristles that detangle hair gently, The Luxury Paddle Brush reduces breakage and prepares strands for smooth braiding.
Our most advanced hair dryer comes with three magnetic attachments and three heat settings for kind, precision drying – perfect for gently prepping curly or wavy hair before braiding.
Straighten wavy or curly hair with the Wide Iron before braiding to create a sleek base that makes braiding easier and more precise. Perfect for smoothing longer, thicker hair types with care.
Try the Contouring Wide Iron on second-day hair after sleeping in a French or Dutch plait. Its curved plates gently reshape and smooth waves to keep the curvy texture while taming frizz – without undoing your braid’s beautiful waves.
Hair braiding styles: FAQs
How can I braid my own hair?
Start with clean, detangled hair. It helps to brush it through and add a little leave-in conditioner like Magical Remedy to reduce frizz and give extra grip. Part your hair into three even sections. Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left piece over the new middle. Keep repeating this pattern until you reach the end, then secure with a hair elastic. With a little practice, it’s easy to braid you own hair.
Can you braid hair extensions?
Yes. Extensions can be braided just like natural hair, as long as they’re securely fitted. Be gentle when braiding hair extensions and avoid pulling too tightly, as too much tension can damage both your natural hair and the extensions. Work in even sections, keep the braid smooth, and use a light touch to protect the health of your hair.
Can braids help your hair grow?
Braids won’t speed up growth, but they can protect your hair from daily damage and reduce breakage. This helps your hair stay strong, healthy, and able to grow without as much stress.
Do braids cause hair breakage?
When done correctly and maintained well, braids can actually protect hair and promote growth by minimising manipulation and friction. It’s possible for braids to cause damage to hair strands if they aren’t installed properly, braided tight, or left in too long. If you plan to wear your hair in braids often,
build a strong relationship with a professional hair braiding stylist. They will get to know your hair over time and can offer helpful tips to care for your hair both in and out of braids.
How long do braids last?
Afro braids that have been done by a professional usually last two to eight weeks. To protect your hair and scalp, it’s best not to keep them in for too long, as this can cause tension, dryness, or breakage.
You can also wear a simple Dutch or French braid overnight for heat-free waves in the morning. The next day, style your hair half-up, half-down or in a wavy ponytail, and refresh any sections with the Contouring Wide Iron for a polished look.
Should you wash braids?
Yes, long-term afro braids should be washed often. Washing your braids
keeps your scalp clean and your hair healthy. Use a gentle cleanser every week
or two, focusing on the scalp, and let your braids dry fully to avoid
irritation or build-up.
For other braid types, like French or Dutch plaits, undo your braids
gently before washing your hair, keeping to your regular hair wash schedule.
How do you wash braids?
To wash braids:
Step 1: Dilute shampoo with water.
Step 2: Apply to the scalp.
Step 3: Gently massage.
Step 4: Rinse with water, avoiding excessive manipulation.
Step 5: Follow with a light conditioner, focusing on the lengths.
Step 6: Pat dry with a towel, avoiding rubbing to prevent frizz.
Step 7: Apply a leave-in conditioning treatment like Cloud Nine Magical Remedy sparingly to your scalp and the lengths of
your braids.
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