Top 50 latest African braids hairstyles you should try now

African braids are timeless, adaptable, and deeply rooted in cultural traditions. From intricate patterns to protective styling, these braids offer endless options. Explore the latest African braid hairstyles to inspire your next look.

What are African braids called? In many parts of the world, African braids are known as cornrows, box braids, twists, or Fulani braids. The best thing about these braids is their versatility. You can rock them to a function, office, or anywhere else.

Latest African braid hairstyles

African braids are great for hair, especially as a protective style. They minimise breakage and damage caused by over-styling, heat, and environmental stress since they reduce daily hair manipulation. Here is a list of the latest and simple African braid hairstyles with pictures.

1. Box braids

What is the best African braid style? Box braids are one of the most popular African braid styles for women. With a neat, square-parted design, they are versatile, protective, and can be worn in various ways.

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2. Cornrows

Cornrows are simple African braid hairstyles for ladies that lie flat against the scalp and can be styled in intricate designs. They're ideal for casual and formal occasions and can be accessorised with beads or cuffs.

3. Knotless braids

Knotless braids are a trendy, tension-free version of box braids that are gentler on the scalp. They appear natural and are incredibly lightweight, making them a go-to option for women seeking comfort and style.

4. Fulani braids

The Fulani tribe popularised the Fulani braids, which combine thin braids with ornamental beads and cowrie shells. This style frequently incorporates cornrows braided straight back with one or two braids hanging free, making it a fashionable and culturally significant choice.

5. Tribal braids

Tribal braids often combine box braids, cornrows, and Fulani braids to create a distinct and intricate design. These braids pay homage to various African cultures and are usually embellished with beads and shells.

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6. Passion twists

Passion twists use curly hair extensions to achieve a soft, textured, and voluminous look. They provide a fun alternative to classic twists and are ideal for achieving a carefree, beachy aesthetic.

7. Lemonade braids

Popularised by Beyoncé, lemonade braids feature bold and elegant side-swept cornrows. This trend, combining simplicity and creativity, dominated African braid hairstyles in 2024.

8. Micro braids

Micro braids are tiny, delicate braids that can be styled in many different ways. They take time to install, but their adaptability and ability to blend flawlessly with your natural hair make them worthwhile.

9. Goddess braids

Goddess braids are a protective hairstyle that keeps hair healthy while giving a classy touch. These thick, dramatic braids are a more oversized version of cornrows, giving a regal and voluminous appearance.

10. Jumbo box braids

For a bold and dramatic appearance, jumbo box braids use large sections of hair to create thick, eye-catching braids. These African braids are trendy and easier to install than classic box braids.

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11. Bob braids

Bob braids are perfect for ladies who prefer a sleek, low-maintenance look. These braids combine the classic bob hairstyle with the durability and elegance of box braids.

12. Crochet braids

Crochet braids entail crocheting hair extensions into cornrowed natural hair, allowing quick and easy installation. This African braid hairstyle has various textures, from curly to wavy, allowing flexibility in styling.

13. Senegalese twists

Senegalese twists, or rope twists, are made by twisting two strands of hair together, creating a sleek and sophisticated appearance. They are lightweight and provide an alternative to more classic braided designs.

14. Bohemian braids

Bohemian braids combine box braids with loose, curly ends, creating a natural, effortless look. This is one of the trendiest African braid hairstyles in 2024 and is ideal for individuals who want to combine structure with free-flowing curls.

15. Fishbone braids

Fishbone braids use thin cornrows that meet in the middle to form an elaborate "fishbone" pattern. They are popular for special occasions because of their elaborate and eye-catching appearance.

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16. Triangle box braids

Triangle box braids feature triangular parts instead of square sections, providing a distinct geometric spin on the traditional box braid. This African braid hairstyle offers a trendy, edgy touch to any look.

17. Spiral braids

Spiral braids are made by using extensions with a spiral pattern at the end of the braid. This youthful and eye-catching style is ideal for ladies who prefer a unique look.

18. Bantu knots with braids

A combination of Bantu knots and braids creates a dynamic and textured appearance. Bantu knots structure the style, whereas braids provide length and flow.

19. Layered braids

Layered braids incorporate braiding the hair at different lengths, resulting in a textured and voluminous style. This design adds depth to your hairdo and accentuates the length and volume of your natural hair.

20. Twist braids

Twist braids, also called two-strand twists, are created by twisting two portions of hair together. They are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, protective design.

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21. Braided bun

A braided bun creates a polished and beautiful look by styling traditional braids into a clean updo. This hairstyle is excellent for formal occasions or days when you want your hair out of your face.

22. Mohawk braids

Mohawk braids are made by braiding the sides of your hair tightly to the scalp while keeping the middle part longer and loose. This bold and edgy hairdo is ideal for women who love a creative and dramatic look.

23. Tree braids

Tree braids create the appearance of loose hair with a braided base. This African braid hairstyle adds volume and length while protecting your natural hair.

24. Braided crown

Braided crowns involve braiding your hair around your head to create a halo effect. This royal style is ideal for formal settings and exudes a goddess-like aesthetic.

25. Snake braids

Snake braids involve weaving cornrows in a zig-zag or snake-like pattern along the scalp. This elaborate design is ideal for anyone seeking a bold, artistic braid look.

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26. Butterfly braids

Butterfly braids are achieved by making large, fluffy braids that fan out like butterfly wings. This African braid design results in a voluminous and whimsical look.

27. Invisible braids

Invisible braids are tiny, virtually undetectable braids that blend with your natural hair. This hairdo is ideal for adding length and volume without the bulk of a larger braid.

28. Asymmetrical braids

Asymmetrical braids entail braiding varying lengths on either side of the head for a trendy, edgy look. This design is striking and ideal for anyone who prefers experimenting with new trends.

29. Curly braids

Curly braids combine the rigidity of braids with the softness of curly hair, creating a dynamic and textured appearance. This African braids design adds volume and movement to their hair.

30. Straight back cornrows

Straight-back cornrows are a classic, low-maintenance style in which the hair is braided straight back from the forehead to the nape of the neck. This style is ideal for everyday wear.

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31. Yarn braids

Yarn braids use colourful yarn instead of traditional hair extensions, making them a fun and unique alternative to regular braids. These African braids are ideal for individuals who want to experiment with colour without dying their hair.

32. Spider braids

Spider braids are made by weaving thin cornrows to form intricate, weblike designs. This style is artistic and perfect for those who love bold, avant-garde hairdos.

33. Braided ponytail

For a sophisticated, elegant look, a braided ponytail involves gathering braids into a sleek, high ponytail. This style is appropriate for both informal and formal settings.

34. Bob twists

Bob twists are shorter, shoulder-length twists that provide a lightweight and fashionable alternative to lengthier twists. This look is stylish and easy to maintain.

35. Braided bangs

Braided bangs involve braiding the front area of the hair into little cornrows or twists. This design gives a whimsical edge to any appearance while perfectly framing the face.

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36. Side-swept cornrows

Side-swept cornrows are a sleek and sophisticated variation of traditional cornrows. This asymmetrical style offers a modern spin to the classic braid.

37. Flat twisted updo

The flat twist is another African braid hairstyle that you can wear to give you a sophisticated look. This creative braid style is highlighted by a hump mount atop your head made up of cornrows plaited upwards and some strands falling backwards or sideways.

38. Two-strand twists

The two-strand twist updo is achieved by twisting hair from the scalp upwards. This hairstyle brings out a sense of confidence.

39. Faux bun

The faux bun comes in different designs. It is identified by a lump atop the head. The faux bun is perfect for a formal look or a casual and freaky look.

40. Havana twist

Havana twist is one of the African hair braiding styles you can wear daily to pull off an innocent, beautiful, sophisticated look. Hair strands are twisted together to create a single strand that is strong, thick, and beautiful.

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41. Ghanaian braids

Ghanaian braids are suitable for both long and short hair. The hairdo consists of 5-7 big braids with smaller ones in the middle, thus protecting both long and short hair.

42. Feed-in braids

Feed-in braids are one of the gorgeous African hair braiding styles you should try. You can finish off the look by accessorising the braids with beads.

43. Trendy patterned braids

The varying braid thicknesses and simple pattern make this hairdo stand out. You can wear these braids regardless of your age and look great. The braids do not strain the hairline and are simple to maintain.

44. Zig-zag braids

The diversity of these zig-zag braids knows no bounds. You can create beautiful, sophisticated hairstyles for special events or wear your braids daily in simple, casual styles.

45. Afro updo with braids

Who said you cannot mix two styles in one? With this updo, you can wear your hair afro and have a nice braided look.

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46. Braids with beads

Braids with beads offer a sophisticated and chic appearance. These African braids have a trendy and girly effect, and the beads lend a bit of glam to the style.

47. Criss-cross braids

Criss-cross braids are excellent for beach getaways or as a fuss-free hairdo that gives your hair a much-needed break. They are simple to do and easy to undo.

48. Two braids

Achieve a signature look by braiding your hair into two braids. Begin by braiding two small lines on either side, then combine them into two enormous braids.

49. Heart-styled braids

Instead of the standard laid-back lines, you might choose to style a portion into a heart shape. You can do it from both sides to achieve an artistic and chic look.

50. Curly twist braids

Curly twists are identical to micro-twists, except that curly hair extensions are used and done in medium size. You can always choose different coloured hair extensions based on your preferences.

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What are the three types of braids?

The primary types of braids are three-strand braids, French braids, and Dutch braids. The most basic and standard braid is a three-strand braid, achieved by crossing three sections of hair alternately in a classic plait.

Are African braids good for hair?

African braids are excellent for hair, particularly as a protective style. They help reduce breakages and damage from excessive styling, heat, and environmental stress by limiting daily hair manipulation.

African braid hairstyles are a perfect way to celebrate cultural heritage and embrace modern trends. Whether you're looking for a protective style or something contemporary and fun, the above styles are tailored to suit every face shape, hair type, and personal preference.

Yen.com.gh recently published an article on unique natural hair cornrow twist ideas. These hairstyles are stylish and protective, making them a popular choice among natural hair enthusiasts.

Classic cornrow twists, cornrow twist mohawk, and zig-zag twists are some of the most stunning natural hair cornrow twists. Discover more unique ideas to inspire your next natural hair look.

Source: YEN.com.gh