Braided Hairstyles You Need to Know

Braids have been used as protective styles for thousands of years. These styles act like a shield against friction, which can cause damage to types 3 and 4 hair (find out how to identify your hair type here) Not to mention, they look fabulous for any occasion! With countless beautiful options available, we’ve compiled a list of classic and trending braids for inspiration!

Prepare Your Hair for Braids

Before the fun part, be sure to care for your curls with a dependable wash and moisture routine! To clarify and prevent residue build up, lather and rinse with the Tea Tree Special Shampoo Next, give your hair a deep condition with the Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment Extend the moisturizing benefits by treating yourself to the Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer Leave-In Conditioner Now that your hair is ready for action, it's time to choose your style!

Most Popular Braids

Box Braids:

Possibly one of the most well-known, box braids are the base to many popular styles and is used to add synthetic hair for length and volume. Individual, typically square, sections of hair are divided to create individual braids of any length. Check out Artistic Director Paula Peralta’s step-by-step video here.

Cornrow Braids:

Rich with history dating back to ancient Africa for those with tight-textured and coily hair, neat lines of raised braids are created close to the scalp using the underhand technique as a protective style or as a base for other hairstyles.

Crochet Braids:

A method using a latch hook tool to install extensions to hair that is previously styled into cornrows.

Feed-In Braids:

Beginning with a cornrow method, supplemental hair is gradually added to the braid to create length and volume. Watch Artistic Director Paula Peralta’s perfect feed-in braid technique here.

Goddess Braids:

Simply put, goddess braids are chunkier cornrows which can be styled in a multitude of ways.

Knotless Braids:

These braids yield similar results to box braids but are installed using a method with less tension, preventing pain at the scalp. The braid is started with a few plaits of natural hair before adding the supplemental hair.

Lemonade Braids:

Named after the popular Beyoncé album “Lemonade”, these versatile braids are a version of cascading cornrows which are swept to one side and typically at least chest length.

Micro Braids:

Thin braids which are so tiny, they can resemble thick strands of hair. This method takes a long time to create, but can be styled like natural hair.

Tribal Braids:

Rooted in Africa as a symbol of status, power, age, and more, tribal braids are trending today as an expression of personal style and a nod to heritage. This term refers to braids which are styled in different patterns, often including beads and other accessories. Popular styles include Fulani Braids, originating from the Fulani people in West Africa and Pop Smoke Braids, named after the late rapper Pop Smoke.

Find a Paul Mitchell School or salon near you to connect with a braid specialist here.