The Best Braided Hairstyles to Try Right Now
Instagram / Bryce Scarlett; Lacy Redway
There’s a reason braided hairstyles will forever be a staple in our routines: They’re classic and super versatile, and with enough practice, you can DIY most styles on your own. Braids are also especially convenient during the summertime: Whether you’re battling the latest heatwave or heading to your next vacation, braided hairstyles are unmatched for keeping you cool. Plus, the versatility and low-maintenance upkeep of hairstyles with braids make them a fit for everyone, no matter your hair texture and type.
From goddess braids and box braids to French braids and fishtail braids, cute braided hairstyles are always on trend. “They’re a vibe and a cute hairstyle for summer,” says celebrity hairstylist Kathleen Riley. “Honestly, anyone can pull it off. You just have to find the type of braid that works for you.”
Braided styles are even a good option between cut or color appointments, especially if you haven’t been to the salon in a while. “They’re the perfect style for camouflaging grown-out color and dead ends too,” says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan.
What are the most popular braided hairstyles?
While braided hairstyles aren’t new, certain styles can be trendy—such as short braided hairstyles like bob braids—while others are more classic, like box braids. Goddess braids are also especially popular for textured hair.
“Goddess braids with the hair leave out are absolutely gorgeous,” says hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman. Goddess braids are characterized by the curly strands of hair that are added while braiding, to result in a look that includes both braids and curls that gives off an ethereal and bohemian vibe. “This look also allows you to put your hair in different styles,” she adds.
For celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble, trusty box braid hairstyles and cornrow hairstyles are at the top of her list. “My two favorite braided styles would have to be big box braids and cornrows because of their versatility,” says Kimble. “You can put these styles into buns, ponytails, half-up, half-down styles, you name it. Make sure you have high-quality ponytail holders and bobby pins to
hold your hair in place.” She also recommends keeping your hair protected with a hair oil (such as the Kim Kimble Silk Argan Oil) to extend how long you can keep them in.
Riley notes that certain styles keep your hair “out of your face, nice and pulled back,” which is just what we need during the sweltering summer months or even during an intense workout. One of the beautiful things about braided hairstyles is that they can be incredibly intricate or simple enough for you to DIY, like a simple French braid—a look Riley always loves.
How do I maintain braided hairstyles?
When trying out a braided hairstyle, especially one you plan to have in for a while, it’s good to keep a few things in mind when it comes to maintenance and hair health. Scalp care is nonnegotiable.
“If you’re not treating your scalp, this is not a good thing,” says Gutterman. She recommends a few products to help with scalp care including Flawless by Gabrielle Union Nourishing Scalp Spray, which she describes as “lotion you put on your face” but for your scalp, and All About Curls Brilliant Moisture Hair and Scalp Spray.
Another thing to keep in mind with braided hairstyles is tension. Yes, braided styles can help protect hair, but when braids are done too tightly, they can actually have the opposite effect, causing damage to the hair follicle and scalp. “I know it’s hard to not want to pull the hairline tight so you can get the super-snatched look, but just be really cautious about the hairline because that’s what’s going to break,” says Riley.
Gutterman recommends speaking up as soon as you feel the braids are too tight. “If you notice that it’s causing you pain or you notice that it’s pulling, you’re going to lose that hair,” she says. “Otherwise, four weeks later when you’re taking out your braids, your edges will have been pulled and stretched and that’s how you get hair loss.”
Can braided hairstyles be protective styles too?
Some braided hairstyles can definitely be considered protective hairstyles, especially if they are low-tension to protect your edges. “You’re not going to have any heat damage; you’re not going to have any damage from the environment; you’re not going to have any detangling breakage. So you are absolutely cross-checking off that box,” says Gutterman.
Riley also notes that braided hairstyles like straight-back braids are a great protective style for people who wear wigs. “It’s protecting your hair from heat in the summer so you don’t have to style it all the time,” she says. “It’s just easy, and you can put some oil in your hair, do a hair mask, go to the gym, do a nice yoga class, and keep your hair braided.”
Now that we’ve outlined the benefits and basics, we’ve rounded up some of the best looks you’ll want to try ASAP. Keep scrolling for our favorite braided hairstyles.
