Braids have been around since the early African tribes, where they were more than just a hairstyle – they were a big deal in terms of cultural significance. Fast forward to today, and braids have evolved into a fashion statement. There’s a whole spectrum of braid types out there, and they’re a cool way for folks to show off their unique style, creativity, and braiding chops.
You know what’s great about braids? They’re super versatile. You can rock the same braiding technique for a chill day running errands or glam it up for a fancy event. It’s all about how you pull together your look and how savvy you are with the braid style you’re going for.
Types of Braids with names
Now, we shall start with the easiest types of braids. And, eventually we shall move on to the more stylish ones.
Classic 3-Strand Braid
This one is fantastic for beginners and can be done by young kids. Now, to do this you have to divide the desired volume of hair into three parts. Then, till you’ve made it to the end of the hair, flip one part over the other. Finally, you knot it off at bottom, as you do with almost all braids.
Plait Braids
Plait braids work on the same switching concept as a normal three-strand braid. The only variation is that you join more strands to a plait braid. Hence, remembering which strand is on top becomes much more difficult. Usually, it is typical to use four or five strands. But you could theoretically use as many as your hair length and ability to focus allows. Of course, you can start adding plaiting designs to your strands only when you have grasped basic plaiting methods.
Rope Braid
This braid is called a twist since it requires two strands of hairs. Take each of the two parts and twist them in reverse directions (one clockwise, one anticlockwise). After that, you twist them together and knot the ends together. Of course, you will need a high amount of force. However, that will be determined by twisting both the layers separately before tying them together.
Single Braid
If all of your hair is put into a single braid, it looks like this. Those with lengthy, silky hair are more likely to choose this alternative. In fact, the braid normally hangs down the back or over the shoulder. However, pne can use single braids around the head to create a halo or ‘milkmaid’ effect.
Types Of Braids Styles
Multiple Braids
The term “multiple braid style” involves the splitting of your hair into many braids. Further, it includes several small cornrow braids, a head full hair box braids, or a simple triple or quadruple French braid style too are options. Because they cover your entire head of hair, many multiple braid styles need professional help. Also, maybe we can tuck them up and dress them in a variety of ways. But, they also look lovely when left flowing. In fact, it all depends on which braiding technique you choose to use. However, multiple braids can also provide enough hair protection and can be worn for longer duration.
Accent Braids
Small braids are used to enhance or decorate a hairdo. To give stunning detail to a variety of hairstyles, small accent braids can be tied, coiled, curled, or left open.
Crochet Braids
Of course, these aren’t the most opulent braids you’ll ever see. In fact, we should design crochet braids to be entirely invisible. However, they are a central element of hair culture and are note-worthy. Also, crochet braids are little braids used to hold hair extensions and offer them a more natural look. Further, they are tiny, time-consuming, and require the help of an expert to build a good, secure, and fashionable weave.
Lattice Braid
To get a basket-woven lattice effect across your entire head, this method uses many strands of hair going in both horizontal and vertical directions. Because of the various parts and directions, this is a more complex job which may require some support. Since you can’t see behind your head, you cannot make sure whether the strands or little braids you’re using for the lattice are straight and secure. In fact, most people find solo braiding tricky.
Ladder Braid
One can accomplish this braiding technique in a variety of ways. Firstly, you have to weave the hair strands between two braids in certain ladder braids. Or, you need to weave hair strands from one side of a single braid to the other in others. The first forms a prominent ‘hair ladder,’ with the two braids serving as posts. Also, the braided strands serve as rungs.
However, the second ladder braid technique is more commonly employed for hair wrapping. For example, a ladder braid could wrap a ponytail by weaving strands of hair from one side of a small anchor braid. Then, you need to drag it around the gathered ponytail hair, and then put it back into the braid. This creates a sort of loop-ladder effect.
Lace Braid
The basic premise of a lace braid is identical to that of a French braid. However, only instead of pushing the braid tight to the scalp, you need to weave the ends of your hair together. Because it transitionally wraps the ends into one another, this braid is perfect for everyone. But, ideally people who want to grow out front layers or bangs use this frequently.
Fish-tail Braid
Of course, this braiding technique is easy. But, it is also tiring and time-consuming. Start by dividing the desired amount of hair into two pieces. Then, push a very small piece across the center to the opposing section from under one of the two pieces. Further, you tighten your grip and repeat. Of course, it is difficult to keep track of all of the small details, but the ultimate end product is well worth the wait.
Types Of Braids with Images
Braids are a safe hairdo that prevents harm to your hair. Braids might also come in handy on days when you haven’t washed your hair yet need to go somewhere urgently. There’s also a braid for every mood: sloppy, clean, and everything in between. That’s how adaptable braids are.
Of course, the easiest types of braids are the box braids. Now, these are the simplest styles that can make your hair stand out.
Here, we shall list some common variations of box braids:
- Chunky box braids: You can adjust the box braids depending on the volume and puff of your hair. You can try out anything ranging from the thick ones to the small pretty ones.
- Medium box braids: However, you could also like medium hairstyles. Then, you can go for medium box braids easily. These are different from short and long box braids. But, they are a great way to add glam to your look.
- Bob braids on short natural hair: Now, you can easily add hues and tinges to your bob braids to make it more fun. In fact, adding accessories like beads and clips are a great way to style your hair.
- Knotless box braids: Here, you can start with your natural hair. From here, you can continue with braiding your hair. And, finally you can knot at the end using rubber bands. And, you are good to go!
- Triangle box braids: Now, if you are going for box braids, you can focus on the patterns as well. Of course, the most popular pattern is the square one, but we easily take things up a notch. Go with triangular ones!
The best thing about it is that you need not care about the length, volume or colour of your hair at all.
Types Of Braids For Short Hair
If you have recently had a haircut or you prefer short hair, there are a plethora of on-trend hairstyles that take a fraction of the time.
Wild Waves
This haircut is appropriate for both formal and informal occasions. For a choppy bob, the neatly kempt tousled waves are quite stylish. Add a lacy braid to short hair that’s buried in those wild waves to make the style even more beautiful.
Bouffant and a Side Braid
Side braids are an easy way to add a little sass to any appearance because they give a tiny piece of volume. Moreover, the ebay thing is that it doesn’t overpower the rest of your look. In fact, they are also a great addition to formal outfits that need a little edge but are still appropriate for a conservative crowd.
Double Crown Braid
A crown braid draws attention to your face and pulls strands back, much like a headband would. In fact, braided crowns have been quite popular in recent years, thanks in part to music festival trends. However, you can make a second variation in a sloppy fishtail pattern to make yours stand out.
Ombre Halo
Now, that is a unique style to try out.
If you have bob length hair, creating a tiara out of two shorter knots is simple. Now, allow your braids for short hair to be a little sloppy and uneven. Of course, this lovely bohemian half hairstyle looks great with curled waves.
Simple Side Plait
Now, if you are a fan of the boho-chic look, this one’s for you!
This low-maintenance, beautiful braid keeps short locks out of your face. Moreover, it lets you maintain a chic bohemian attitude. In fact, combine with dishevelled strands for a practical and easy everyday look.
Types of Braids For Medium Hair
Of course, we have mentioned quite a few braid styles for people with short hair. Now, we shall pick a few styles for the ones with medium-length hair.
Twisted Crown Braid
Try a simple twist instead of braiding if you’re too lazy to braid. Or, maybe you don’t want the visible waves that occur with second-day hair. For the same sleek aesthetic, a twirl can be used instead of a crown braid in this design.
Pull Through Braid
Of course, this braid is amazing, and making it is fun enough!
Firstly, begin by splitting your hair into two portions and putting it into a high ponytail. Then, pull the rest of the hair through the middle, using the same approach all the way down, and secure those pieces with a rubber band.
Chunky Messy Braided Pony
We all know that braids are nearly the same as messy. In fact,a n effortless braid ponytail will utterly rock your world if you prefer a low-maintenance, cool, and relaxed style. It’ll become your new favourite look. Pull the braid gently apart to give it that rugged look for heightened yet appealing mess.
Hippie Braids
The 1970s were a great decade. Everyone wore flower crowns, braids, and long perfect hair. And, of course, the world-famous music! These hippie knots are a wonderful way to channel your inner flower child in your bathroom mirror if you want to channel that aspect.
Curved Braid Bun
Now, for all the lovely ladies this look is ideal for special occasions! Take a look at that lovely curve! Buns might be boring if they don’t have enough oomph. But, this is the perfect touch to give your appearance the extra swag it needs to carry you through the party.
Types Of Braids For Men
Men can style their braids in whatever way they want. For example, straight cornrows, lengthy box braids pulled up in a man bun, and braided dreadlocks.
Many guys choose braids and a fade, with a low, mid, or deep fizzle or cut along the sides and back, with hair focused on top. Alternatively, go for braids all over with faded sides. Another frequent braid addition is a shape up.
Now, there is something you need to take care of.
Please remember that almost all braids must be removed after no more than 6-8 weeks. Tight hairstyles like braids and weaves can induce traction alopecia, which is slow hair loss due to the pull of tight hairstyles.
Cornrows
Cornrows are often known as canerows in the Caribbean. In fact, they are an African hair braiding technique. Here, the hair is braided in a continuous, elevated row near the scalp. Cornrows can be braided into complicated designs ranging from zig-zags to starbursts. But, they are most commonly made in plain, straight lines, as their name suggests.
Box braids
The single plaits are arranged in little squared-off pieces in box braids. Box braids come in a variety of widths and lengths. For additional length and fullness, some males and females use synthetic or natural hair.
Here, the plaits are not linked to the scalp like cornrows. So, box braids can be kept freely or made into knots or ponytails.
Zig-Zag braids
Contrary to straight lines, zigzag braids have a zigzag pattern. The zigzag can be seen in the braids. In box braids, the zigzag can be replicated in surrounding braids, or it can be straightened out. The intricate fishbone design is a prominent zigzag braid.
What are the four types of braids?
There are not just four different types of braids. In fact, there are a variety of braids and corresponding hairstyles. We have listed a few for you to take note:
- Classic 3-Strand Braid
- French/Dutch Braids
- Fishtail Braid
- Plait Braids
So, you can try any style of your choice from this list.
What types of braids are cultural appropriations?
Some people believe that particular types of cornrows are only worn by black people. So, using this braiding method by anybody else is cultural appropriation. Braids aren’t a problem in general, and numerous civilizations adopt regular plaiting. Hence, that can’t be assigned to one group.
Moreover, a braid can’t appropriate a culture.
Firstly, braids have no agency; they merely sit in your hair. Secondly, cultural appropriation is not a real thing. In fact, there is unity in diversity. And, anyone can embrace any style of their choice. Of course, there isn’t any wrong in doing that.
In fact, hair braids were most likely initially worn in Europe 30 thousand years ago.
What are the different types of crochet braids?
Crochet braids are a great way to add some glam to your next look! They come in a variety of pre-styled alternatives. In fact , they are well-suited for varying volumes and textures . So, you can get the braided look you want.
We will list a few forms as well:
- Crochet Goddess braids
- Curly crochet braids
- Twisted crochet braids
- Individual crochet braids
- Micro crochet braids
- Crochet mohawk braids
- Senegalese twist crochet braids
- Crochet knotless braids
- long/short crochet braids
- Faux locs crochet braids
- Jumbo crochet box braids
- Marley crochet braids
- Passion twist braids.
Of course, there are several others that you can try out. Each style is unique and a must-try.
Types Of Braids FAQs
What braids are best for different types of hair?
There are ample braiding styles that you can try out easily. Ranging from messy ones to pretty ones, they are a must-try for all.
However, the most common ones are:
- Box Braids.
- French Braid.
- Braided Ponytail.
- Dutch Braid.
- Crochet Braids.
- Lemonade Braids.
- Fishtail Braid.
- Feed-in Braids.
What are 2 braids called?
The term pigtail has a wide range of meanings in the context of hairstyles. In fact, the word can refer to a single braid. But, we use them more commonly to refer to two braids on both sides of the head (“pigtails”).
What do people call normal braids?
People generally call a normal braid a simple braid.
A simple braid is a basic, conventional braid that we learn as a child. It’s a conventional three-strand braid. Here, you separate your hair into three sections. Finally, you braid them together neatly.
What are rope braids?
We use two twisted hair strands to construct a rope braid ( which is actually fake).. Because it is so basic, it has become one of the most popular hairstyles. Just separate your hair into multiple sections and twist them together. And, voila! Doing it is that simple.
How long do braids last?
Although braids can last anywhere from two to eight weeks, you should expect to cleanse them every two to three weeks. Actually, it merely depends on the type and the way of tying the plaits.
Who wore the first braids?
According to stories, braiding started among the tribal people of Africa. In fact, it started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia. Also, different styles of braiding separated the different tribes in Africa from one another.
What are feed braids?
A stylist feeds synthetic hair into your natural hair beyond the start of your hairline to produce feed-in braids, also known as knotless braids. This gives the illusion of naturally thick braiding.