Braids for men combine style, protection, and functionality to help you achieve a cool and fashionable hairstyle. Men’s braids are one of the most popular, elegant, and low-maintenance hairstyles for men. They can be done on both short and long hair, and you can associate braids with conical discoloration, cut or shaved parts, and much more.
Men’s braided hair comes in many unique styles and patterns, including box braids, braided dreadlocks, human shell braids, and French braids. From two, three, and four braids in rows that go straight back to creative braids twisted on top, you have a variety of braid hairstyles to choose from.
Although braided hairstyles were created and worn exclusively by black men and boys, this trend can also work for Latin, Asian and white men.
If you are curious to try braided hair, then it is time to experiment with braids for men. Below, we’ll cover the latest trends in men’s braided styles for you to try on right now!
1. Braids for Men with Short Hair
It won’t be easy to get a men’s braids hairstyle if you have a short hairstyle. However, it’s not impossible. You should opt for a set of thin braids for men that accentuate your existing length. After that, be patient enough to let your hair grow for more braiding options.
20. Short Cut Dreads
Not everyone is interested in getting long dreads, so short locs are always a great alternative. You can get a taper fade undercut and get dreads only on the top part of the head. So, any dreadlocks style will work great if you want to master this look.
2. Cornrow Braids for Men
Cornrows are one of the best and most popular braiding hairstyles for men. This kind of braid is compact and easy to maintain and will give you a fashionable and cool look. This is one of the reasons why cornrows have been, are, and will be fashionable for a long time.
Because cornrows are so versatile and low maintenance, these types of braids have become common with athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, and Kawhi Leonard.
5. Long Box Braids for Men
Men’s box braids are similar to those worn by ASAP Rocky, an artist who is famous for the way he dresses looks, and sings.
What differentiates box braids for men from other haircuts is that they are not attached to the scalp – they are sectioned into squares along the scalp. They are easy to position in a variety of angles and shapes, from traditional men’s box braids, where the braids hang from the back and sides of the head to a ponytail or human bun.
Also, you can add length to your braided hair, without having to wait for it to grow naturally.
11. Long Braids for Men
If you’ve waited for your hair to grow fully long, then why not flaunt it by adding in some braids too? In this photo, you can see a full set of long braids that look amazing on the bearer. You can also get a similar effect by adding extensions through box braids.
8. Two Braids and Cornrows
Among the many styles of braids for men, two braids win by a long shot. They’re easy to get and complement most facial features. Nevertheless, you can make yours more complex by adding cornrows into the design. The longer the hair, the better your two braids will turn out too.
36. Long Dreads Ponytail
If you end up getting significantly long dreadlocks, it may be difficult to have them down all the time. Instead, you can choose a braided hairstyle that allows you to wrap your dreads in a ponytail. Consequently, you won’t be annoyed by dreads on your face all the time.
19. Crown Braids for Men
Feeling like a king? Then show it! The versatility of braids for men shines once again through this hairstyle – braids arranged to look like a crown. Also, two main braids were created on each side and connected in the center at the back of the head while the crown of the head is styled in cornrows.
21. Creative Cornrows Braids for Men
Your cornrows can take any shape, size, or style. We encourage you to take some time to think about a unique design for your cornrows. So, you can incorporate swirls or even geometric shapes to make your cornrows as creative as possible.
46. Bi-Color Cornrow Braids
Similar to the way ombre hair transitions from one color to the other, it can also switch direction. In other words, instead of melting colors vertically, you can use two distinct shades horizontally. The technique looks best with braids that are styled exclusively on top. Celebrity braid styles for men.
54. Cornrows with Two Front Braids
You won’t see cornrows mixed with longer braids that often, and if you do, they’ll most likely be resting at the back of your neck. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go against the grain – consider adding two longer braids in the front and across your forehead.
23. Box Braids for Men with Temp Fade
A box fade, also known as a temp fade haircut, can have a massive impact on your haircut. It helps add definition to the entire hairstyle by contouring your hairline. If you plan on getting top braids for men, you should think about adding a temp fade to your haircut package.
13. Zig Zag Braids for Men
Why get men’s braids like everyone else when you can opt for a unique design? Even though you’ll have to work with a professional to get this sleek outcome, it will be worth it in the end. A zig-zag design, for instance, is just what you need to make your braids the center of attention.
3. Feed-In Braids for Men
If you’re thinking about getting thicker male braids, you should use the feed-in method. To put it shortly, feed-in braids start thin and get wider as you get towards the top of your head. Additionally, this technique helps add shape to your overall hairstyle.
4. Braided Mohawk Hairstyle
What if you’re a rebel without a cause? In this case, we say that you should go for unconventional braids for men. The form can be as creative as you’d like – as long as it represents your personality. Take this daring mohawk, for example, with its shaved sides and cool braid designs.
6. Men’s Braids with Top Knot
If your braids will be focused on the top part of your head, you will most likely end them in a man bun. In case your hair isn’t significantly long, a top knot will do just as well. Also, make sure that you wrap your tips tightly so the top knot won’t unravel.
7. Undercut and Braids for Men
An excellent way to make your braids stand out is to pair them with an undercut. There are countless ways to wear your undercut – from disconnected to faded and more! If you want to emphasize only a certain area, be sure to use an undercut to do so.
9. Double Man Bun Braids for Men
We’ve mentioned and you likely already knew about the man bun by now. But is everyone aware of the many ways you can rock one? When you mix it with braids, for example, you get a cool and original hairstyle that will enhance your masculinity. Two braids work best for a man bun hairstyle.
10. Natural Braids Twists
Not all braids for men have to be in the traditional 3-strand style. On the contrary, some end up looking awesome just with simple twisting. We recommend this easygoing hairstyle for men who want a natural approach to their braids.
12. Two Strand Twists Braids
Another way to rock natural braids for men is through the timeless two-strand twist. The technique comes in pretty close to the Nubian twist and serves as one of the most beloved styles of African braids for men and women.
14. Double Braided Mohawk with Side Braids for Men
If you’re not a fan of mohawks in the traditional sense, you can try out a mohawk silhouette through braids. To get these results, you’ll have to part your hair in the middle and create a main braid on each side. Continue with braids all around for a fresh look.
15. Tied Up Micro Braids for Men
One of the coolest parts of having at least mid-length braids is that you can style them as you please. For example, you can have micro braids that are about 3 or 4 inches long and tie them up into a ponytail. Not only is it practical, but it also looks good.
16. Top Braids for Men and Ponytail
On the other hand, you can create a braid specifically for a ponytail. Here, it helps if you have an undercut and make the braid only on the top part of the head. If your hair is long enough, you can gather the tips into a ponytail after your braid is in place.
17. Intersecting Braids for Men
Want to make sure that you have the most original braids on the block? Then think outside the box when it comes to your design. You can intersect, intertwine or overlap your braids as you please. As it’s to be expected, it will take longer to braid them, but you’ll be so satisfied with the outcome.
18. Dreadlocks Braids Hairstyles
Dreadlocks make for an eye-catching hairstyle that also doubles as a powerful cultural statement. If you’re into the idea, you should know that there are various techniques available – from backcombing to crochet or freeform dreads.
22. Man Braid Bun Black Hairstyle
You can also rock a man bun when you have three braids. Also, the ones shown in this example aren’t tightly braided and can be unraveled with ease. The man bun tops the look off perfectly, and the whole look is completed by the cleanly shaven undercut.
24. Funky Braids for Men
An adventurous guy deserves a hairstyle that does his personality justice! If you’re not afraid to explore out-of-the-box hairstyles, you should go ahead and get a set of funky braids for men. Make them even more intriguing by dyeing them another color!
25. Braided Locs for Men
Locs are also highly-appreciated for the broad range of hairstyles that springs from them. For example, locs can easily be braided into interesting hairstyles such as the one in the picture below. This also shows how you can adopt this technique for an undercut hairstyle.
26. Ombre Braids for Men
If you have relatively long braids, it is even easier to venture into the wonderful world of colors. Not only can you dye your braids in any color you like, but you can also combine specific shades or go for ombre braids. You can also add beads for a Fulani braids effect.
27. Braids from the Top Side
Just as you can choose the way you part your hair, so can you also choose to get your braids in a certain direction. For instance, you can pick a particular point that you want your braids to start from and work your way through the rest of your head from there.
28. Two Small Braids and Undercut
What if you just want to try out some braids for fun? You can choose to braid only a small section of your hair and get some cool results by doing it too. Get inspired by the photo below and create two overlapping braids across a side part and on the edge of an undercut.
29. Braided Braids
What’s better than braided hair? Braided braids, of course! Although it may initially seem redundant, braided braids are a thing, and they look outstanding. Provided your hair is long enough, you can start with a full head of thin braids. Afterward, join your smaller braids to form two or three larger braids. Braidception, right?
30. Colorful Teal Braids
Remember what we said earlier about braids and color? Well, this example should motivate you to get out of your comfort zone and explore bold tones. Even though you don’t have to pick turquoise and black as your palette, it goes to show that rebellious shades look super fly.
31. Fishtail Braid
Looking to add a Bohemian touch to your braids? While dreadlocks are most likely the most popular choice, you can go for a temporary design like the fishtail braid too. Get one or more of them for a genuinely memorable and impressive hairstyle. You can also do this with a short-side, long-top hairstyle.
Accessories are a fine way of customizing your braids to make them truly yours. Metallic beads, for example, are readily available and can be shaped to fit over almost any braid. You can add just two, like in this example, or place more of them down your braids.
33. Fishbone Braids
As far as braids for men are concerned, the fishbone method is widely embraced. Indeed, it does require longer hair to pull off, but the outcome is major eye candy. For fishbone braids, we recommend getting one on each side of your head for some pleasant symmetry.
34. Braids with Bangs
According to the way you get your braids done and how long your hair is, you can incorporate faux bangs into the style. For this, you will need to get a good amount of your braids done along with your temple so they can fall into place over your forehead.
35. Back Crown Braid
Crown braids don’t always necessarily have to be in the front part. You can focus on the back part of your head for an original take on the style. Moreover, you can get two traditional braids and just pin them one over the other for a temporary hairstyle.
37. Wavy Pattern Braids
We’ve covered braids that take specific forms, but what about the space in between them? You can have a classic hairstyle, such as traditional cornrows, but spice up the hairstyle by playing with the parted areas and get perfect braid styles for men. For example, create wavy lines to enhance the look.
38. Braids for Men with Two Buns
In a world where most guys opt for one man bun, dare to be the one that gets two! If your braids are symmetrical with an even amount all around, separate them into two parts on each side of your head. When you reach the end, tie them into two buns.
39. Reverse Braid
Not all braids have to be left in for long periods. Especially if you have a fine hair type, you can play around with a braiding style for a special occasion. To nail the reverse braid, tip your head upside down, start braiding from your nape up, and end it all in a knot.
40. Snoop Dogg Braids for Men
We also want to mention a handful of celebrities that have rocked braids for men flawlessly. Naturally, we’ll start with one hip-hop veteran that’s permanently associated with the idea of braids – Snoop Dogg and his iconic braids with beads. One of the best braid styles for men!
41. ASAP Rocky Braids
Another rapper who is almost just as famous for his looks as the Doggfather is ASAP Rocky. The most well-known ASAP Mob member can almost always be seen with medium-length braids styled either to the left and down and/or tied at the back of his neck.
42. Braids for Men with Straight Hair
If you don’t have afro-textured hair but want to get a similar result for your braids, opt for numerous tightly braided ones. Make sure that you’ve allowed your hair to grow at least shoulder-length and that it’s not cut in layers – this would make the braids uneven and harder to obtain.
43. Undercut Design and Braids Hairstyle
Once you decided to get an undercut hairstyle for men to go with your braids, also take into account the many undercut design options that are opening up to you. Through a shaved design, you can personalize your hairstyle to accurately reflect your tastes or interests.
44. Braids with Intricate Designs
Now here’s a black braided hairstyle that will satisfy even the most selective of men. With such an intricate design, these braids aren’t like anything you’ve ever seen before! Work with your stylist to find unique braids that mirror your personality and creativity levels.
45. Lil Yachty Braids
He may not be a veteran, but he’s one of the most well-known new school rappers on the scene – we’re talking about Lil Yachty and his unmistakable cherry red braids with clear beads.
47. Dutch Braids for Men
Do you have thick hair or want to make fine hair appear richer? Then consider going for the Dutch braiding technique! Just so you know, this style is similar or even the same as Ghana braiding when used in the African hair community.
48. Soft Braids Hairstyles
If your hair is straight and silky, you’ll, unfortunately, be having a pretty hard time keeping your braids in place. However, you can play around with some soft or loose braids for a special event or a neat session of photos. End them in a man bun for an extra touch of cool.
49. Bun with Twisted Dreads
The hairstyle shown in the image below has it all – dreadlocks, twisted braids, color transition, and a man bun. What more could you want? Also, like with all the more complicated braids for men, you should rely on the assistance of a specialist to get these jaw-dropping results. This one is one of the most difficult braid styles for men.
50. Wiz Khalifa Dreads
We’ll continue on a cheerful note with a set of electric dreadlocks. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is known for rocking all types of dreads but, in 2017, he decided to bring them to life with a color that’s impossible to miss and which attracts the eye.
51. French Braid w/ Highlights for Men with Straight Hair
Ombre French braids may not be your thing, but perhaps braids with highlights are. The additional color will look amazing when woven into a braid, whether you choose a single top braid or multiple ones. The look can also be adapted for a formal occasion and it can also be worn by men with straight hair!
52. Red Beads on Braids
You already know that beads are awesome accessories that make braids stand out. Regardless of whether they’re metallic or plastic, beads will spice up any hairstyle in no time. To add even more flavor to the mix, experiment with beads in different colors – like the red ones below.
53. Hipster Braids for Men
If you have long hair and a well-groomed mustache and/ or beard, why not add some braids to the mix as well? So, the contrasting styles will help enhance your overall look and will make your appearance unforgettable and as hipster as you want it to be.
55. Viking Style Braids for Men
While you can use your culture as an influence for your hairstyle, you can also let yourself get inspired and go for historical hairstyles, such as Viking braids. Although we can’t attest that the braids here are an actual representation of a Viking looks, they’re well in that direction.
56. Orange Intricate Braids
These braids look so great they’re almost literally on fire. So, get yourself a crown like this one – fit for a king! Notice the maze-like pattern in the middle of the hairstyle that adds an extra touch of something.
57. Middle Braid & Side Braids
This hairstyle might sort of bringing to mind the image of a giant spider sitting on your head – but in a good way. We particularly love the metal beads placed at different heights on each braid. So, this style seems a bit easier to maintain as well, and you can also tie up the braids too!
FAQ
1. How long does my hair have to be to get braids for guys?
Although you can’t get braids if you have a military haircut, anywhere from 2-3 inches of hair will suffice for the shortest of braids – and if you find a skilled stylist.
Ideally, your hair should be 4-5 inches long before you consider braiding it. If your hair is shoulder-length or even longer, then you have a ton of possibilities to show off your creative side with your braids.
2. How do you make a braid?
The way to make a braid for men (and women alike) varies and depends on the style and styling technique you will opt for. There are several types of braids for men (see below for details) but the two most common styles – especially for short hair – are cornrows and two-strand twists.
You can use tutorials to learn how to make them and once you’ve mastered them, move on and experiment with more complicated and complex braids.
3. How many types of braids for men are there?
You can do your research and search in various ways, and you will still not find an exact number of types of braids for men. So we’ve gathered the most common and frequent ones, all down below:
- Micro braids
- Cornrows
- 2-strand braids
- Twists
- Ghana braids – sometimes also called Dutch braids due to the similar technique
- French braids
- You will also find Senegalese twists, Fulani braids, etc. that bring incorporate specific elements from their culture into the braids
4. How long do braids for men last?
This will, again., depend on the types of braids you’re getting. As pointed out at #48, you can go for simpler types of braids, such as 2-strands or French braids that will last for an event or a few days. Or, you can braid cornrows or dreadlocks – these will take longer to make, but will also last weeks or months instead of hours or days.
5. How to wash your hair with braids?
You won’t have any problem washing your braids if you get temporary ones – simply untie them. However, things get trickier with cornrows or dreadlocks.
You are advised to use special shampoos and conditioners if you want to keep them for longer periods. Also, you can either apply them by hand (by patting them down) or with a spray bottle. For complete instructions on how to wash your hair with braids, check out this tutorial or even YouTube videos.
6. How to maintain braids for men?
Maintaining your braids goes beyond just washing them every other week. In between washes, you should also keep your scalp moisturized – do so with some help from high-quality hair products.
Also – and do not frown at this – it helps to wrap up your braids while sleeping. This will keep them from gathering lint or getting tangled – use silk or satin. Also, remember to redo your braids, don’t keep them overly long, and minimize the updos and pullings to make them last longer.
7. Do braids make your hair grow faster?
There’s a common myth floating around that braiding your hair also makes it grow faster. This is probably based on the idea that your hair is braided, it is also protected from exterior damaging elements and that braiding also stimulates root activity.
However, too strong braids can also damage the hair roots, so take that into account. And there are no studies to show a connection or causal relation between hair growth and braiding. So it might be safe to say that it is just a myth?
+ Video Summary of the Braids We’ve Shown You!
Conclusion
When considering braids for men, it’s important to choose a style that suits your hair type, face shape, and personal style. Maintenance and care are also crucial to keep your braids looking sharp and healthy. Regularly moisturize your scalp, wash your braids gently, and protect them at night with a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase. With the right style and maintenance, braids can be a fashionable and expressive choice for men of all backgrounds and lifestyles.
All in all, braids for men are a fun, nice-looking, and practical way to style medium or long hair. You can get inspired by your favorite rappers or represent your cultural values with your braids, your reasons for getting them are your own. Men’s braid is a part of the family of black men’s hairstyles.
Additionally, don’t forget that not all mens braids hairstyles are kept in for a longer amount of time. So, which braids are you going to get?
