11 Trendy Braided Hairstyle Ideas For Black Women
Braiding of hair is an art that has survived many centuries, dating back to as far as 3500 B.C.
Some historians believe that cornrows are one of the most common and popular braiding styles and that they originated in the Stone Age.
To early African tribes, braids are more than hairstyles.
It served as a way of identification, conveying age, status, and even tribal affiliation.
Over the years, braiding has transformed into an important expression of style and culture.
Modern-day braiding remains relevant to the Black community, serving a social and economic purpose for hair fashion.
They are one of the most preferred hairstyles by black women, as they range from basic protective styles to complex designs that affirm their identities.
So in this guide, I shared with you 11 trendy braided hairstyle Ideas every black woman will love.
1. Cornrow Braids
They are set near the scalp, followed by elaborate designs that depend on the parting of the hair.
Cornrows also act as a base for various styles like lemonade braids, soft locs, Ghana braids, faux locs, knotless braids, goddess braids, and crochet braids.
Apart from looking good, they protect your hair and are also convenient and fashionable hairstyles for everyday life.
2. Havana Twists
If you like to turn heads with your hairstyles, Havana twist is the hair for you.
Unlike the Nubian twists hairstyles, which are shorter and tighter, this style uses thicker and longer hair to create jaw-dropping twists that could make many heads turn when you pass.
3. Braided Bun
To create this style, simply wrap your already braided hair into a bun at the top of your head or the nape of your neck.
Not only is this style gym-friendly, they are best for warm days.
Braided buns can go with anything you have on, so they are perfect for formal and informal events.
They can also save you lots of time from daily styling.
4. Box Braids
Even though box braids are trending nowadays, history shows that they have been worn since ancient times.
They are styled by dividing your hair into small square-shaped braids and braiding them using extensions.
Box braids are known for lasting longer and low maintenance, making them very popular among African women.
You can wear them in a ponytail, or with beads.
5. Senegalese Twists
Heat and chemical-free hairstyling is possible with Senegalese twists.
They enhance your overall look. Styling this hair involves wrapping your hair extensions around the braided hair into elongated, smooth twists.
Because they are lightweight, Senegalese twists are perfect for everyone, whether it is a special occasion or just a casual day.
6. Knotless Braids
Knotless braids have gained popularity in the past few years because they are very gentle on the clients.
Unlike traditional braids that involve a knot at the root, knotless braids are done by adding the extensions little by little.
This method puts less pressure on the scalp and makes it comfortable to wear the braids for longer periods.
Knotless braids are ideal for people who have fragile hair because they shield the hair against breakages as well as promote healthy hair growth.
7. Bantu Knots
This hairstyle is of African descent.
To create this style, the hair must be parted and twisted into small sections, which are then shaped into coiled knots.
They can be worn alone or detangled to create gorgeous, well-defined curls.
They are significant to people who want to express their culture.
8. Passion Twists
Passion Twists is a new style that fuses aspects of goddess locs and Senegalese twists.
This look is achieved by twisting extensions that are already in two-strand twists for a softer, fuller look.
Passion twists are great for those who want to look effortlessly bohemian without spending too much time on maintenance.
9. Nubian Twists
Nubian twists are a two-strand twist hairstyle similar to Kinky twists and Marley twists.
Compared to Senegalese twists, this style has different shapes and sizes.
Nubian twist curls are light and easy to manage. This makes them perfect for ladies who want low-maintenance styles.
They are usually kept above the shoulders, which makes them look trendy and stylish.
10. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are practical and can be styled in many different ways.
They involve the use of extensions and crochet hooks.
They are also protective hairstyles that involve attaching synthetic or human hair extensions to cornrows in someone’s natural hair.
Many people in Africa also know it as latch hook braids. And they are suitable for people who want a quick and easy hairstyle.
11. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are also known as tribal braids, and they are beautiful, versatile, and protective hairstyles.
They’re created by braiding cornrows and adding braiding hair to achieve your desired thickness and length.
This makes the style very customizable to suit your preferences.
The Importance of Culture in the Craft of Braiding
From the very beginning, braiding has been more than just a hairstyle. It has been a means of communication and identity.
During earlier African cultures, braiding served as a visual language of sorts.
The patterns and lengths, as well as the designs of the braids, could represent one’s religion, social status, marriage, and more.
For instance, simpler styles could depict ordinary life, while intricate braids might denote royalty.
This intricate and exquisite way of communication has been passed on through generations, becoming the styles of braids that we see today.
Braiding has transformed once again, and now it serves as a popular representation of pride and strength.
From box braids to cornrows, black women celebrate their culture while showcasing different styles.
Choosing the Right Braids for Your Hair
You need to pay attention to your hair length and texture, along with the maintenance that you plan to follow while you decide on the pattern you want to braid.
These are some key points you need to consider:
Hair Length: If your hair length is two to three inches, you can easily go for Bantu knots or Nubian twists.
Box braids or Havana twists require at least four to five inches of hair.
Hair Texture: Fine braids are more suitable for scanty hair. While thicker hair is more suited to larger, voluminous styles.
Time Commitment: Braid styles can take a few hours to be done, and the professional installation is also quite pricey.
It is really expensive to take care of proper braids, as some styles can last between four and six weeks.
Conclusion
Every black woman has a picture-perfect braid style that mixes beauty, practicality, and culture.
As much as trends can be easily followed, the ideal braid style depends on the individual’s hair length and texture, as well as their lifestyle.
It is better to seek the opinion of a professional braider before getting a new style so that you can get the most suitable look.
Whether you’re looking for a protective style or something new to match your personality, there’s a braid for every moment, so go get that braid and look stunning.
