42 Different Types of Braids And What They Look Like (Pictures) | ThriveNaija (2024)

Did you know there are many types of braids?

The most popular easy-to-suggest hairdo all over the world since the older generation is braiding, this is one particularly common African hairstyle, done in different styles, stylish, and also comes in handy if you do not want to change hairstyles too frequently.

Nigerians particularly love and favor all kinds of braids.

There are also braids without extensions and look more like a twist. Braids are simple and can be worn and styled in different ways, it has a natural appeal to it as well and you can almost forget extensions are added to it.

(Extensions are added for longer braids) Braidings can be worn at any length depending on how comfortable you want them.

Here are some nice braids that might spark some interest.

42 Different Types Of Braids

These are braids that can be done by all types of hair without or without extensions.

1. Creative Feed-in Braids

Creative feed-in braids are the highlight of African braids. It has a fancy attribute to it and there are so many ways it can be styled. This is a really popular braid, and we are looking forward to seeing more of it in 2024.

2. Mermaid Stitch Ponytail

A Mermaid stitch ponytail is a classy hairstyle that can be rocked for any occasion. This hairstyle is an ideal fitting for any hair type, it is a great protective hairstyle and helps prevent front hair breakage.

3. Cowrie Shell Cornrow

If you are on the lookout for a traditional type of braid, here is an ideal option. This is cool for many looks, and you will be surprised at how it can turn out.

4. Heritage Braid With Swirl Pattern

Here is another in-season type of braid. While this is not exactly a popular braid, it is no doubt fascinating and one of the most popular traditional African braids.

5. Bohemian Knotless Braid

Knotless braids have only recently been introduced and eventually, the Bohemian pattern was added as well. It is a classic type of braid every lady must try at some point.

6. Two Layer Braid

Just like knotless braids, two-layer braids are fascinating and have been around for a while.

7. Tribal Braids

Tribal braids have been around for quite a while, it is very versatile and suitable for any face shape as well.

8. Fringe Wool Hairstyle

Here is another braid that is not exactly in trend but happens to be a great traditional wool braid hairstyle and there are so many patterns it can be styled. It is also very simple and you can plait it yourself.

9. Two Layer Braid With Curls

A combo like this has also been recently introduced, and we have to admit that we love it. It is a cool hairstyle and works no matter the season.

10. S Pattern Braid Hairstyle

The S-shaped braids are fast becoming increasingly popular, it is effortlessly stylish and work as a protective hairstyle too.

11. Braided Bob

You will be surprised how popular and cute bob braids can be. You can choose to add an extension or have it plaited with your natural hair.

12. Infinity Braid

The infinity braid starts with a Dutch braid which is why many mistakes them for each other. But Infinity Braid incorporates figure 8 into it, and it is similar to the Celtic knot.

13. Goddess Lemonade Braid

If you are familiar with Goddess braids and lemonade braids then this combination won’t be a surprise. It is a classy braid hairstyle.

14. Twist Locs

Locs count as braids since it involves twisting your natural hair. There are also different types of loc braids, this is the mini one, and it is also the easiest protective hairstyle for your natural hair.

15. Jumbo Box Braid With Curls

When it comes to box braids, you are not limited to one size, you can go for mini, micro, and medium. Here are the jumbo box braids for many of us who can’t sit for too long at the salon.

16. Knotless Braids With Beads

Beads are cool accessories that let you form a certain type of braid effortlessly. It does look great with this short knotless braid.

17. Stitch All Back

Stitch-all-back braids are perfect for a quick dinner or as back to school hairstyle and contrary to many opinions, they are easier to make.

18. Side Parted Boho Braids

We already know how gorgeous Bohemian braids can be, so if you need another pattern, here is one to inspire your next hairstyle.

19. Rope Braids

Rope braids are made with the two-strand twist technique. So, if you find Dutch braid challenging, rope braid can be easier instead.

20. Triangle Braid

The triangle parting lets you show off your scalp more. It is also very adorable, however, you can also go for the square if you find that to be more fascinating.

21. Snake Braid

Do not let the name deter you, it is a simple gorgeous braid that is similar to the S braids. It is an incredibly thick strand of braids, it is cool for any occasion.

22. Bubble Braids

Bubble braids are a braid type that consists of Dutch/boxer/French braids. This is an exciting braid type that offers up a cool twist on simple ponytails, and they only take a second to make without manipulating your hair. Check out more beautiful ways people are wearing bubble braids.

23. Lemonade Braids

the lemonade braid involves creating even and close cornrows that go from left or right to the other side rather than straight back. This hairstyle was made popular by Beyoncé and it has remained an interesting braid style to this day.

24. Ladder Braid

Side-swept ladder braid is another unique braid type. It is made by combining a waterfall braid and a French braid. It’s a cool hairstyle.

25. Butterfly Braids

Here is an eye-catching braid style that is simple as well. It is a fluffy and oversized braid that is meant to look natural and not too neat to give a more unique look.

26. Jumbo Box Braids

Jumbo box braid is one hairstyle that is perfect for making a statement. They are perfect for showing off hair accessories and take less time to make, due to the fact they are chunky braids.

27. Braided Ponytail

If you are looking for a simple way to keep your ponytail neat and cool, braid it. This is a versatile hairstyle for formal or fancy events.

28. Goddess Braids

Here is another braid that falls under the box braid, but they are thicker versions and quite cool as well.

29. Lattice Braid

This is a French braid in a more twisted cornrow. Instead of making the braids on both sides, it is woven together to form one large chunky braid.

30. Waterfall Braid

A waterfall braid is a french braid. Part of the hair is braided, and the rest is left to cascade down like a waterfall. This is a simple but classy way to style your hair.

31. Halo Braid

The halo braid is the more advanced version of the crown braid, and it sits higher on the head. A halo braid is a great hairstyle for formal events, and you can easily have it styled yourself.

32. Havana Twist

This is a straightforward type of braid as it was to be braided directly in your hair, extensions are added, and it can be used and styled as you desire for a long period depending on how long you can carry braids.

33. Micro/Mini Braid

This is a very tiny version of braids, which can be braided without adding any extensions if your hair is long enough, it is easy to style but if you have a soft scalp, then this is not advisable to be carried for a long period. It usually takes a longer time to make

34. Box Braids

This particular braid is very trendy and very stylish as well. Almost anyone can rock box braids. In the list of types of braids, box braids are one of the most popular.

35. Yarn Braids

This type of braid simply means braids made from yarn, it is beautiful and almost looks like dreadlocks. Very similar but looks just as good if not better.

36. Cornrows

These are very popular braids, they are plaited in tight thin hands and can be loosened to give it an entirely different appeal. Creativity is allowed with cornrows, and it is a very popular type of braid anyone can try.

37. Crochet Braids

This braid is crocheted by using a crochet pin to add the extension to your hair. Crochet braid has become quite popular these days.

38. Fishtail Braids

These braids are styled like a fishtail, very popular, especially on Pinterest, and very stylish as well.

39. Faux Locs

Faux lock braid is braided into your hair, and some extensions look just like it and can be braided into your hair.

40. French Braids

This particular braid gives a sophisticated look to anyone wearing it, both sides of the hair are plaited and can be tucked in as well.

41. Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are a lot like French braids, Dutch braids are stylishly plaited on both sides or can be a full hair all-back braid.

42. Ghana Braids

Ghana braids are usually braided into a ponytail or down to the nape of the neck. Patterns are created by alternating the size of the braids and the shape.

Bottom Line? The fact that there are many different types of braids does not limit your creativity in any way. Your braids do not have to be in full flow at all times, some twists to your hair like the Havana twist also count as braids.

Hope you can now decide which of the braidings you love and could rock better, follow us on Instagram @thrivenaija and you will surely get an update when we compile new braid styles.