African Hair Braiding: 35 Stunning African Braids Styles

African hair braiding has become one of the trending hairstyles all over the globe in recent times. These braids were initially used to show cultural groups, social status, tribe, age, and religious practice by the wearer. Irrespective of the challenges faced by Africans for this hairstyle, it still survived through the middle ages to date.

Currently, many ladies stun in modernized, creative, and stylish African hair braiding styles. There are several styles that the African braids can come in such as the Cherokee, box braids, knotless braids, Bob Marley, and many more. If nothing else, braiding your hair opens up numerous avenues for creativity as there are many ways you can personalize your look. What’s more, most braiding styles are easy to pull off and even easier to maintain.

African Braided Ponytail

The African braided ponytail is a hairstyle that is usually made to converge at the middle of the hair. The following are some African braided ponytail style that any lady can stun in:

1. Whirlpool Ponytail

African Hair Braiding

The whirlpool ponytail takes about 4-6 hours to make. The braids are all made in a whirlpool manner, having a meeting point in a bunch at the back of the hair. It can be made with any color of extension that suits your skin color. The style can be spiced up with hair rings and shiny tiny clips. The hairstyle is suitable for all face shapes. It is often stylish, sassy, and flamboyant, especially when paired with bold earrings, studs, and dangling earrings. This unique hairstyle can be worn for 2-3 weeks. Issa Rae is one celebrity that loves keeping it sleek the African way with this whirlpool ponytail style.

2. Medium-Sized Swoop Ponytail

This medium-sized swoop African hair braiding takes you about 4-5 hours to dazzle in a new look. The braid is made to swoop from the front to the back, ending in a pony with the other part of the hair. Not much can be said for this effortlessly stylish hairstyle except that it is simple and very unique. It can come in other colors of the weave or a mixture of colors. Round, oblong, and heart face shapes are known to look sassy in this style. Makeovers and any type of earrings suit the face of anyone with this hairstyle. The look is perfect for allowing the growth of your hair as it rarely pulls at your edges. Lupita Nyang’o is an African celebrity that keeps it simple and classy with the hairstyle.

3. Jumbo And Tiny Ponytail

This classy hairstyle can be made in an estimated time of 3-5 hours because of its combo. Despite being simple, this is a great, laid-back way to ensure that your hair grows naturally while you look glamorous. This beautiful African hair braiding is made with tiny cornrows in between the jumbo cornrows. The style is best made with the color of hair extension that matches your hair color and can be beautified with hair rings or clips. All face shapes fit into this hairstyle as it has a way of defining face shapes. Makeovers and accessories of your choice can be used to spice your look. Skai Jackson has been effortlessly keeping it sassy with this style.

4. Middle Parted Ponytail

The middle-parted ponytail is a simple yet sophisticated hairstyle that takes an average time of 4-5 hours to make, depending on the length and volume of the hair. The hairstyle is parted in the middle from where the front part of the braids started, going in a curved way to meet at the back. This style best goes with the color of the weave that matches the hair. Other colors can be added at the tip. Hair clips, rings, beads can be used to add more beauty to the hair. Round and oblong face shapes dazzle brightly in this style with makeovers as accessories of their choice. Nicki Minaj is one of the celebrities that stuns in this style.

5. Asymmetric Bohemian

African Hair Braiding

The asymmetrical bohemian ponytail is another way to stylishly hold the hair for any event. Although it is time-consuming to pull off, the style is worth every minute and takes about 5-6 hours to get it done. The look involves stacking up tiny sections of the hair in an asymmetrical pattern to create a pony placed at the center of the head. The tips of the hair are treated with hot water to get the coils perfectly done. The hair goes with any color of the weaved and looks great with hair rings and shiny clips. Round, oblong, and heart-shaped faces are known to stun in this hairstyle with matching makeovers and accessories. Nicki Minaj also keeps it classy in this hairstyle.

African Cornrow Braids Hairstyles

Cornrows have been around for a long time and have remained fashionable to date. The simplicity and ease of braiding of the straightforward yet incredibly stylish hairstyle are undeniable. Thus, it has become one of the most trending hairstyles. Below are the African cornrow braids you should try out:

6. Jumbo Classic African Cornrows

African Hair Braiding

The jumbo classic cornrow African braids have been given a bit of a wavy finish to add more drama to the look. As usual, the jumbo African braids have been held together at the back of the head and left to run down the shoulders. This simple style takes about 2-3 hours to shine. It can go with any color of the weave that suits the skin color and can be beautified with hair rings, gemstones, stainless steel lock beads, hair jewelry, and many more. This style suits all face shapes with a matching makeover and accessories. Thandie Newton keeps it African with this style.

7. Side Swept African Braids

This African hair braiding is stylish, intricate, trendy, and comfortable for anyone. The hairstyle is also known as lemonade and takes about 3-4 hours to get ready. This classy hairstyle is usually made to sweep from either the left or right side of the hair to the other part. Any color of the weave that fits the skin shade can be used for the style and beautified with hair rings, clips, sister lock jewelry, and many more. It fits all face shapes but sits best on an oval face shape with little or no makeovers, studs, and bold earrings. Rihanna has proven to be the belle of the ball with this style.

8. Criss Cross

This spiced-up variation of the African hair braiding style is mainly for those that find the cornrows a bit too basic for their tastes. Instead of making the chunky African braids being arranged in simple lines, they can opt for this style that crosses over one another before being draped down the shoulders. The timeframe for making this style is about 3-5 hours. The hair is best made with the color of weave that suits the hair color and can be made stunning with hair clips, rings, etc. The hair is suitable for all face shapes with tight makeovers and any accessories. Chante Adams and Rihana know how to wear the crisis cross better.

9. Multi-colored Two-Step

African Hair Braiding

Another unique version of the cornrows hairstyle you can opt for is the multi-colored two-step hairdo. Instead of finishing the braids with one color, your stylist can mix things up a little by adding another color of the weave at the tip of the braids to give it swag. This style tasks about 4-6 to do the trick, depending on the desired length. It can be made with a single color of the weave or a mixture of colors. Hair gems, rings, clips, cowries, multi-color shells, sister locks, and many more can be used to add a more classy look to the hairdo. Heart-shaped, round, oval, and oblong face shapes can go with this hairstyle with makeovers. Gabrielle Union, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys are always known to shine in this style.

10. Goddess Swirl

Making use of braids of different thicknesses is another way to personalize your cornrows. The thick braids mark different sections with smaller, more intricate braids in between them. 3 to 4 hours is needed to complete this African hair braiding. It is best made with the color of the weave that matches the hair color. Hair rings and clips can be used to make it look great. It looks great on all face shapes with light makeovers and accessories of your choice. Issa Rae is one of the celebrities that know how to keep up with this style.

11. Bohemian

The bohemian style is one of the sample African braids that can be worn classy. The time for making the hairstyle is dependent on the length but takes an average of 4-5 hours. The braids on each side form a thick crown, starting from the front and ending in an elaborate braid at the back with curled up ends that adds a dramatic twist to the look. The hair is best with the color of the weave that matches your hair color for durability purposes and is best without any hair accessories. Heart-shaped and round faces are best to rock this style. Nafessa Williams has a way of keeping it pretty with this style.

African Box Braids

The African box braids style is usually made with hair extensions to achieve the desired thickness. The most intriguing part of making the box braids is that they can be styled into any desired pattern of your choice. Below are the African box braids that can keep you going:

12. Side Parted Medium Box Braids

African Hair Braiding

This classic African braided look is simple and exudes a sleek girlish appeal. The thick braids take about 3-4 hours to be completed depending on the length. It features thick braids running down either side of the face down to the back. It can be made with any color of the weave or a mixture of colors to any length of your choice. The style can be beautified with pearls, braiding strings, Viking coils, loc coil, shells, hair hoops, colored acrylic yarn, and many more. It is perfect for all face shapes and shows off facial features and makeup. Eva Marcille proves that box braids are stunning with this style.

13. Triangle Patterned

The triangle patterned box braids are stylishly bold and allow for a lot of customization. Making the hair is time-consuming and will take about 5-6 hours to be completed. The bases of the braids are being styled into neat triangular patterns which gives a revitalized finish. Any color of the weave can be used to achieve this look. To add more sauce to the hair, you can use pearls, cowries, clips, acrylic yarn, pieces of hair jewelry, and many more. It gives a perfect fitting to all face shapes. Kelly Rowland knows how to rock this style better with her perfect packing.

14. Million Braids

A million braids are one of the box braids that doesn’t have an end to its trend. The hairstyle is made up of tiny strands of braids that run from the scalp down to any length. This African hair braiding is time-consuming and takes about 8-10 hours to be completed, depending on the length and volume of your hair. You can go with any skin-matching color of the weave to achieve this look. The hair is best rocked with hair bands, clips, and rings or without any accessories. It is suitable for all face shapes with matching makeovers and accessories. Rihana and Beyonce rock this hair better all flapped down.

15. Square Patterned

African Hair Braiding

One can make their hair interesting by making use of these square-patterned box braids which are stylishly and bold. The hair takes a lot of time to get the desired look which is about 5-6 hours. The base is being styled into neat square patterns which gives an interesting finish. Any color of the weave can be used to achieve this look. To add more sauce to the hair, you can use pearls, cowries, clips, acrylic yarn, pieces of hair jewelry, and many more. It is suitable for all face shapes with makeovers and studs. Janet Jackson dazzles in this style.

16. African Bob Braids

Bob is a simple hairstyle that can serve class for any occasion if rocked with the best accessories. The hair is made up of big strands of braids that run from the hair down to the shoulder or jaw length. This African hair braiding is for people that are always on the go and can be completed within 2-3 hours. Achieving this style is possible with any skin-matching color of the weave. The hair is best rocked with cowries, hair charms, clips, beads, rings, or any other accessories. It is suitable for oblong, round, oval, triangular, and heart face shapes with matching makeovers and accessories. Jada Pinket looks fabulous in this syle.

17. Feathers

African Hair Braiding

This stylish hairstyle got its name from the tips of the hair. It takes about 4-5 hours to be completed, depending on the lenght. The hair is made to run from the root of the hair in a single strand to the desired length, ending in a feathery manner that is razored to get a sharp finish. This style is better made with any darker color of the weave and looks more fascinating with hair clips or rings. It looks stunning on all face shapes with the right makeovers. Beyonce has a way of keeping it classy with the long version of the hairstyle.

African Twist Braids

The African twist braids are intricate African hair braiding that makes every lady look sassy. This hairstyle is always done with each hair twisting across the other. It can be done to any length and with any color of the weave and styled to any pattern. Below are the African twist braids that make heads turn at any event:

18. Medium-Sized Twist

This medium-sized braid is one of the elegant and classy twist styles any lady can try on. The thick braids take a time frame of about 3-4 hours to be completed, depending on the length. It features thick strands of hair running down either side of the face and down to the back. It can be made with any color of the weave or a mixture of colors that suit the skin color to any length of your choice. It can be beautified with pearls, braiding strings, hair coils, hair hoops, colored acrylic yarn, and many more. It suits all face shapes and is better rocked with the right accessories and matching makeover. Gabriel Union proves that wearing twists braids is classy.

19. Bohemian Passion Twist

The Bohemian passion twist is one of the African twists that is sophisticated. This hairstyle takes about 8-9 hours to be completed because of its style. This twist is made from losing an already made twist that had undergone hot water treatment. It can be made with any suiting color of the weave and spiced up with shells, pearls, cowries, clips, and other pieces of hair jewelry. It is stylish and suits all faces and is better rocked with light or no makeovers. Skai Jackson has effortlessly kept it sleek with this style.

20. Jumbo Bob Twist

The jumbo bob twist is a simple hairstyle that can look classy for any occasion with the best accessories. The hair is made up of big strands of twists that run from the hair down to the shoulder or jaw length. This African hair braiding can be completed within 2-3 hours. The hairstyle can come in any skin-matching color of the weave. The hair looks fabulous with cowries, hair charms, clips, beads, rings, shells, cowries, or any other accessories. It is best for oblong, round, oval, triangular, and heart face shapes with matching makeovers and accessories. Da Brat looks extremely sassy in this style.

21. Side Parted Twists

This side-parted twist is a classy hairstyle that leaves any lady dazzling. The time for making these thick strands of twists is dependent on the length and takes about 3-4 hours to be completed. The hair is parted by the side and the braids are made to flow from the scalp down to the back and both sides of the face. It can be made with any color of the weave or a mixture of colors and beautified with pearls, braiding strings, coils, cowries,  shells, hair hoops, colored acrylic yarn, and many more. It suits all face shapes and is best rocked with a light makeover. Brandy and Tasha Smith have inspired many with this style.

22. Million Twist Braids

A million twist braids is a sophisticated hairstyle that is made up of many strands of braids. The timeframe for making this hairstyle is dependent on the length and volume of the hair, it takes about 8-10 hours to be completed. Any skin-matching color of the weave can be used to achieve this hairstyle. The hair can be made to look more beautiful with hair bands, clips, and rings or without any accessories. It is suitable for all face shapes with matching makeovers and accessories. Gabrielle Union and Rihanna always step out classy in these twists.

23. Centre Parted Burgundy Twist

The center-parted burgundy twist is simple and beautiful. The hairstyle will take about 3-4 hours to be completed. The twists are made to flow from the center of the hair down to both sides of the face. Any color of the weave can be used to achieve this look. The hair can be accessorized with pearls, shells, cowries, clips, pieces of hair jewelry, and many more. It gives a perfect fitting to round, oblong, oval, triangular, heart, and diamond face shapes. Ciara and Beyonce stun elegantly in the longer version of this syle.

African Knotless Braids

The African knotless braid is a unique hairstyle that is made with any color of the weave that is fixed at the base of the hair without knotting. More fascinating about the hair is that it is usually patterned before the weave is fixed. This hairstyle prevents hair loss and can last longer if treated with hair oil. It is much healthier for the scalp and reduces loss of hair. Below are the sleek knotless braids you can rock:

24. Block Patterned Braid

African Hair Braiding

The block patterned braids look fabulous, unique, and beautiful. The timeframe to get this finished depends on the length of the hair and will take about 3-5 hours to be completed. The braids are fed into the hair scalp with the base held together with edge control or wax to lock in excess hairs. The hair is best made with the color of the weave that suits the hair and skin shade to obtain an even look. It can look more fabulous with hair strings, pearls, shells, cowries, clips, pieces of hair jewelry, and many more. It gives a perfect fitting to all face shapes. Alicia Keys has shown to be a beauty in this style.

25. Triangular Side Parted Braid

This is another unique way to make the knotless braids look catchy. The hair can be made within 3-5 hours. The base of the hair is divided in a triangular manner with side parting with the braids fed into the scalp. Excess hairs are held together with edge control or wax. A unique look can be obtained with the color of the weave that suits the hair and skin color. Hair strings, pearls, shells, cowries, clips, pieces of hair jewelry, and many more can be used to accessorize the hair. All face shapes look glamorous in this style. Kendal Dorsey has proven to stun elegantly in this syle.

26. Bohemian Knotless Braids

African Hair Braiding

The bohemian knotless braid is a sophisticated hairstyle that drops jaws. It is made up of curly strands of braids that run from the hair down to any length. Getting this astonishing look is time-consuming, depending on the length and volume and takes about 7-8 hours to be completed. The hair and skin-matching color of the weave can be used to make this hairstyle. The hair can be made to look more beautiful with hair bands, springs, clips, and rings or without accessories. It fits all face shapes with matching makeovers and accessories. Gabrielle Union and Rihanna have pulled off this style with ease.

27. Stylish African Jumbo Braids

African Hair Braiding

These beautiful heart-shaped jumbo braids are elegant and classy and takes about 3-5 hours to be completed depending on the length. It features jumbo braids running down either side of the face and down the back. It can be made with any color of the weave or a mixture of colors that suits the skin color to any length of your choice. The style can be accessorized with pearls, braiding strings, hair coils, hair hoops, colored acrylic yarn, and many more or left without accessories. It suits all face shapes and is better rocked with the right accessories and matching makeover. Tessa Thompson maintains it in a sassy way with this style.

28. Jungle Braids

This spiced-up version of the African hair braiding is mainly for those that find the simple braids a bit boring. The timeframe for making this style is about 5-7 hours. The jungles are drawn out from the already fixed braids with the tips wrapped in hair spirals and dipped in hot water to obtain the curls. The hair is best made with the color of weave that suits the hair color and can look stunning with hair clips, rings, cowries, shells, and many more. The hair is suitable for all face shapes with light makeovers and accessories. Ciara knows how to wear the jungle braids better.

29. Fish Tail

African Hair Braiding

This astonishing hairstyle is classy, beautiful, and elegant. Considering the length and design of the hair, it takes about 6-8 hours to look fabulous. The hair is made up of tiny braids that are given fishtail tips. The hair and skin color should be considered in making choices for the color of the weave to be used. It can be made more stunning with hair clips, rings, etc, or left without hair accessories. The hair is suitable for all face shapes with light makeovers and any accessories. Beyonce is known for showing off the blonde version of this style.

Updo African Braids

An elegant updo African braids give a classy, beautiful, and formal look. Irrespective of its intricate appearance, the hairstyle is incredibly easy to pull off. The full portion of hair has been stylishly held up using a series of intricate braids and pinned sections of smoothly textured glossy hair to result in an irresistibly sophisticated formal look. These updo African braids can keep you dazzling:

30. Jumbo Updo

This African hair braiding is simple, trendy, and comfortable for anyone. The hairstyle takes about 3-4 hours to get ready. This simple hairstyle is usually made with a combo of tiny and jumbo cornrows which start from the front and back, meeting in a bun at the center of the head. Any color of the weave that fits the skin shade can be used for the style and beautified with hair rings, clips, and many more. It fits all face shapes but sits best on an oval face shape with little or no makeovers, studs, and bold earrings.

31. Pineapple Updo

African Hair Braiding

This interesting hairstyle can be made by anyone who wants to have a unique new look. The hairstyle is usually for those that are on the go and takes about 2-3 hours to be completed. This intricate hairstyle is mostly made to go up and styled in a pineapple-like bun. The best color of the weave to be used should be the same shade as your hair color and can be beautified with hair rings, clips, and many more. It fits all face shapes with makeovers, bold, and dangling earrings. Lupita Nyong’o knows how to rep her African roots with this style.

32. Ghana Swirls Updo

This Ghana swirls updo is one of the simple hairstyles that anyone can wear. This hairdo takes about 4-5 hours to look cool. The hairstyle is best in a long or medium length with any skin-soothing color of the weave. It can be spiced with rings and clips. It goes well with all face shapes and can be worn with makeovers, big, bold, and dangling earrings.

33. Patterned Updo

African Hair Braiding

The hair can be made to look more unique and beautiful with this triangular-patterned updo which is stylish and sassy. With the stylish pattern of the hair, it will take about 5-6 hours to be completed. The base is divided into triangular patterns which gives an interesting look. The best color of the weave to use should be the same color as the color of the hair. To add more sauce to the hair, you can use hair clips and rings. It is suitable for all face shapes with makeovers and studs. Alicia Keys rocks this style better.

34. Half Updo

The half updo is an all-purpose hairstyle that can be styled into an updo and can be worn flowing down one shoulder or any other style of your choice. This hairstyle takes an average of 4-6 hours to be completed, depending on the length and volume of the hair. The hair is divided into three sections with one moving up to form a bun and others resting on the body. It is best made with darker colors of the weave that matches the skin and hair color. It is best on round faces. Hair clips and rings can be used to make them look great. Issa Rae wears this style perfectly.

35. Artistic Updo

African Hair Braiding

The artistic updo is a must-try African hair braiding that needs the services of a good stylist. The style takes a lot of time to get the desired look which is about 5-6 hours. The base is divided into artistic contours which the braids follow up to a bun. To add more sauce to the hair, you can use hair jewelry and many more. It is suitable for all face shapes with makeovers and studs. Alicia Keys dazzles in this style with her natural hair.

Alexander Brown
Alexander Brown
Alexander Brown is an avid reader and aspiring writer who loves exploring the world of entertainment and lifestyle through her writing.

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