These hairstyles became easy and fun ways to harness one’s individuality as well as tend all hair for practical uses. Recently, there has been quite an increase in the use of braids, as this look increasingly shifts not only to the everyday look but also for the designed ones.
If you need protective hair care or you have an acute need for variation of your hair’s look, braids are the best answer. At the moment, there are several fashionable braided hairstyles ranging from traditional long Box Braids to more sophisticated styles like Fulani braids.
This article seeks to provide insights on some of the most ideal braided hairstyles to adopt now, ensuring that they fit the most appropriate style, hair type, and personality.
The Best Braided Hairstyles You Should Try
Box Braids- A Classic That Will Never Go Out of Style
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Box braids are one of the most typical braids/designs you will encounter when it comes to braided hairstyles because of their protective attributes and easily manageable aspects.
The use of hair extensions might not be necessary as long as the braiding parts of the braids are sufficiently long enough to be used as the hair's foundations. Box braids may be worn long, short, or completely pinned up, making them a very adjustable option for occasions.
The coloration, beadage and decoration of box braids provide plenty of work toward creativity. Public figures such as Beyoncé and Zendaya adopt the style and they add colorful extensions or some intricate patterns to their basic look.
However, apart from being fashionable, the box braids also serve the purpose of protective styling as they help protect a woman’s original hair from everyday damage. Box braids can be done for any occasion and have a style that is never brought back despite the different trends in hairstyling.
French Braids – The Simplicity of Style
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French braids are one of the simplest hairstyles which require little effort and can be done easily when going out casually or to formal functions. The technique is characterized by starting at the top parts of the head and weaving the hair up, later on, intertwining additional sections of hair as you go down to the base of the head. This simple yet sophisticated style in terms of appearance has more people’s interest in the look as it is no fuss and takes minimal time.
A single braid down the back or double braids make French braids easy to do and fun when engaged in sporting activities. The good thing about this style is that it suits all kinds of hair lengths and types. On top of that, French braids present a great base for more elaborative braided hairdos, like a braided crown or an updo.
Cornrows Braids – A Bold and Stylish Statement
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Cornrows are some of the widely known braid patterns that are both patterned and deeply rooted. Cornrow style entails the braiding of hair close to the scalp either in a straight line or a curve, thus creating a more even style.
Among traditional braided hairstyles, cornrows are one of the more recent vintage styles of hair braiding. These braids have links in African history as hairstyles worn to signify various things about one’s lineage.
In the past couple of years, cornrows have turned into a style and celebrities like Alicia Keys and Janelle Monae have flaunted this style beyond just the ordinary. It is fashionable and also functional, it manages and protects the natural hair.
Whether one selects a basic simple pattern of straight cornrows going back and evenly placed or rather complex ones with various turns and twists, there is room for creativity. If you are searching for a hairdo that would help you stand out and be noticed, this style is exactly what you need as well as embodies the pride in one’s culture.
Fulani Braids – A Blend of Tradition and Trend
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Fulani braids typically have a central braid, surrounded by side cornrows with beads or other hair accessories and so are a clear display of how culture can be incorporated into fashion.
This style has become trendy in the past few years thanks to stars such as Zoe Kravitz and Issa Rae, who have incorporated Fulani braids in their style with a twist. One of the unique things about Fulani braids is the fact that they are totally versatile-you can put in beads and cowrie and also put on a lot of color extensions.
Moreover, they are not only beautiful, but Fulani braids are as well a protective style that prevents the natural hair from everyday wear and tear. This fusion of tradition, culture and style makes the Fulani braids the most sought after especially by those who want to go trendy yet respect their cultural heritage.
Dutch Braids – Bold and Defined
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Sometimes referred to as the upside-down or inside-out shooting of French braids, Dutch braids are equally loud-sassier and more polished as they incorporate a three-dimensional outlook.
Unlike the French braid where sections are woven over other sections, with a Dutch braid, strands of hair are braided under and onto the braid making it sit above the rest of the hair rather than getting lost in it making the French braid a flat surface.
Dutch braids are very timeless and perfect for almost any occasion. They sometimes come alone as to where the braid is worn down the back or two when the wearer is sporty and trendy. This look is particularly enjoyed by the ones who often engage in physical activities it keeps the hair neat and out of the face without compromising the style.
Micro Braids – Very Detailed and Long Lasting
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Micro braids hairstyle is very detailed because it concerns the division of the hair into many small pickets and braiding them into a plait. Micro braids should be the best option for you; they are very long-lasting and come in many styles for minimal maintenance.
Ensuring all the braids are completed can take several hours since their small size tends to take longer to braid up, but the end result is worth the time spent in the chair with a nice, sleek, simple, elegant hairstyle to work with.
Micro braids is the perfect choice for individuals who wish to sport a braided hairstyle that can be versatile in styling without the need to redo the braids often times. They also incorporate the protective aspect of hair braiding as they prevent breakage while keeping the natural hair healthy.
Braided Updos – Perfect for Any Occasion
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Going to a wedding or a formal party, or wanting to look special on an ordinary day, the most intricate braided updos will solve this problem. There is an amazing assortment that includes, braided buns, halo braids, and crown braids that help to create clean hairstyles with a very lively twist.
These updos are especially useful it is simple to adjust the hairstyle to suit different hair textures or lengths: asymmetrical buns, half-head-up styles, full-on pleats and buns, and so forth. You may wish to experiment with several structural volumeters, tight to bold for a warm day without extensions from cornrows to micro braids. This style allows you to appreciate the stunning braids while still allowing your hair to be tucked away for safety.
A braided updo is perfect for anyone who seeks a hairstyle that is both elegant and practical and wants a look that never goes out of fashion, no matter the occasion. Whatever the occasion – here’s a braided updo that ranges from casual to formal. This style will be best.
How to Maintain and Care for Braided Hairstyles?
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Just like any other hairstyle, braiding requires proper and consistent moisturizing because braiding can also cause breakage. For this reason, a light oil such as argan oil or jojoba oil is ideal when doing these styles they will help keep the hair and scalp hydrated but not heavy on the braids. Also, a leave-in conditioner spray is preferred for everyday use since it helps retain the softness and shine of the hair.
Regular oiling of the scalp with different oils will encourage circulation and maintain a healthy scalp. Every couple of weeks using a mild sulfate-free shampoo will remove any build up without disturbing your braids.
Lastly, protect your braids by sleeping with your hair wrapped in a silk/satin scarf or a silk pillowcase. This reduces frizz which would affect the neatness of your braids for quite some time.
If you incorporate the above steps, then you will be able to have your braided hairstyle while at the same time taking care of your hair health.