Taking over the reins of the man bun, braids for men have become a rising star in men’s fashion. Today, it’s a great way to experiment with your look while having a modern but extraordinary hairstyle for all occasions.
In fact, a man braid has gone through a long way through the times of Vikings, samurais, and hip hopers to finally become a trend for everyone. From taper fades with custom braid designs to ideas to pair with beards, we’ve highlighted the most iconic ways to wear the new hair thing that you can’t pass by.
Long Box Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Here come the overwhelming box braids men with natural hair will never stop rocking. Their distinct feature is the boxy structure created by square hair sections that turn to braid. As for the visual side, every idea has an unrepeatable appearance.
Short Knotless Box Braids
by @ledanieljames
Daniel Lemus reimagines the classic box braids into a shorter, knotless style that exudes modernity and ease. The neat rows and defined edges make this a clean, hassle-free option.
Styling Tip: Ideal for men who prefer a protective style with a contemporary edge, these braids are suitable for all hair types and particularly flattering for round and oval face shapes.
Medium Box Braids for Men
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Yes, long braids take whole lotta time to achieve, as growing out a long mane is not that simple. But, the variety of styles that you can wear to show your bright self are totally worth it, as well as striking looks of such styles.
Triangle Box Braids
by @lucasbraids
Besides experimenting with braids placement and sectioning, you can customize your own man braid hairstyle with creative shaved designs, colorful extensions, and clean fades. Well, this guy certainly takes his hair as a canvas for experiments, taking the good old box braids to a whole new level.
Short Twisted Locks
by @cool_cutz
These short twisted locks blend the boldness of color with the subtlety of intricate patterns. The contrast between the natural hair color and the dyed tips adds a playful twist to the style.
Tied Up Dreads
by @shawn_barbz
If you want to have ultimate control under your braids but don’t want them to be too heavy, micro braids will do the trick. It’s also a good option for thin and short hair, as you can create some visual fullness with little tight braids. Shave the sides and style man bun braids - trends always make good teams.
Stitch Braids Style
by @lovedbyloni
The classic idea of stitch braids usually involves straight parallels sections, but it doesn’t mean you can’t give it a little curve! We love the way these creative braids turn into a bun, giving a smart and sophisticated look.
Zig Zag Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Men with thicker hair, be they natural-haired guys or lads with Jewfro, have more styling freedom when it comes to creating unique braids design for men. Since their texture sits firmly when it’s braided, it allows experimenting with the size, shape, density, and pattern of the braids. This awesome zig-zag design, for example, is only the beginning of what you can rock with your natural mane.
Criss Cross Braids Hairstyles
by @lucasbraids
You never know what can inspire you for your next braid-appointment, and that’s the best thing about it. It can be anything from geometric abstract design to creative symbols of nature - it’s all about your imagination.
Designed Long Cornrows
by @game_of_braids
How do you like this DNA-inspired long design? Seems like we’ve just spotted Kendrick Lamar’s biggest fan. Jokes aside, such an impressive braided structure deserves respect, as it took a lot of time to grow and braid! Needless, it’s worth the effort.
Viking Twist Braid And Bold Sides
by @thegypsyviking
Viking braids are the most prominent options in the list of braids for men with long hair. Coupled with shaved sides and a mighty beard, a simple long plait can turn a modern guy into a valiant warrior. Still, the style can nicely adapt to formal business looks, especially if paired with the right outfit.
Triple Viking Braids
by @thegypsyviking
With the eternal variety of types of braids for men, you can always play around with different techniques and thus get an out-and-outer look. Apart from a classic one-plait Viking style, you can go for a more complicated and textured variation when you want to diversify your Viking hair routine.
Long Double Braids
by @matthewmane
Old but new. Even though there’s nothing complicated about styling 2 braids for men, the visual impact brought by the result looks like a brand new hairstyle. The best thing is, you will keep your mane safe and comfy while rocking the so much familiar yet so uncommon style at once. Feel the native vibes, huh?
Thin Twisted Braids For Short Hair
by @barbersofbt45
Another easy but staggering hairstyle inspired by Native American culture. A twisted braidstyle is enough to add some difference to common men’s hairstyles.
Long French Braids
by @matthewmane
Classic in its purest. If you’re one of those guys who prefer effortlessness and simplicity to commitment and smartness, then a long French braids is what you should add to your favorites.
Mohawk With Dutch Braid
by @shrunknheads
There’s no a hairstyle braids for men can spoil. On the contrary, they can give tons of definition and individuality to any style. Remember the overwhelming Mohawk? Here’s a totally different take at the common image of the punky cut. Bright color, faded sides, and an exclamation point made by braid - that’s how one of a kind hairstyles look like.
Faux Hawk + Side Cornrow
by @barbersofbt45
Cornrows on fine wavy hair? Possible! You can’t braid your whole mane as the texture won’t even hold the shape of braids. But, it doesn’t mean you can’t add a hint of a braided trend to your swanky hairstyle. Getting a cornrow along the hairline will be a classy finish for a faux hawk, no doubt.
Distinctive Pattern Cornrows
by @shawn_barbz
Cornrows are known as tight vertical braids for black men. Yep, this hairstyle plays a prominent role in African culture. Yet, today every guy whose hair is thick and long enough can go for the style. What makes the idea so amazing is that it instantly gives a man a very distinctive and hip look. Needless to say, it’s a protective hairstyle: it’s super comfortable.
Braids With Hair Rings
by @braidedroots
First, you get a disconnected undercut with super clean, shaved sides. Then, you braid that crazy top. In the end, you turn the top into a knot. The icing on the cake? Finish the style with some hair rings which have become extremely popular with those sporting braids hairstyles for men.
Undercut + Purple Cornrows
by @game_of_braids
Your barber wasn’t joking when he told you how far you could go if you got yourself an undercut. In fact, it’s a canvas for your style experiments: once you get bored with the long-top-short-sides look, you can transform it into something bigger. Let the top grow, get rid of those sides, and go bright with your cornrows. Besides, don’t forget to show the result to natural-haired kings claiming braids for white men can’t look good.
6 Natural Stitch Braids
by @lovedbyloni
The six natural stitch braids present a clean and rhythmic pattern, offering a neat aesthetic with each braid uniformly spaced. This style demonstrates a meticulous craft, suitable for medium to long hair lengths.
Dutch Braids For Men
by @shawn_barbz
Shawn Barbz brings a fresh perspective to men's hairstyles with these Dutch braids, artfully contrasted against a faded backdrop. The singular braid across the crown provides a striking element to the minimalist buzzed sides. It's a trendy and edgy look, perfect for those who want a mix of sharpness and style.
Fade Cut & Braids For Men
by @shawn_barbz
Black braided hairstyles, whether they’re cornrows, feed-in or box braids for men, look their best when paired with a cleanly graduated fade. The choice depends on the look you’d like to achieve: a sharp finish, for example, requires a high fade.
Pop Smoke Braids Men
by @lovedbyloni
The Pop Smoke braids for men pay homage to the late artist, featuring rows of neat, tight braids that create a striking pattern. This style is both a tribute and a fashion statement, perfectly blending culture with contemporary trends.
Spider Web Braids
by @braidedroots
The spider web braids present an intricate pattern resembling a spider's web, meticulously braided to create a captivating visual effect. This detailed style showcases the artistry possible with braids for men.
Styling Tip: Keep the scalp nourished with light oils to promote hair health while rocking this style.
Braids for Men With Beads
by @lovedbyloni
These braids for men are elevated with the addition of beads, adding a rhythmic flair to the hairstyle. The beads not only serve as a decorative element but also add weight to the braids, creating a distinctive movement.
Double Man Bun Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Neatness and comfort are what men with natural hair will always seek, and braiding a top is a fantastic way to achieve those hair goals. To keep up with a minimalist look, there’s no need to braid all your hair into lots of little braids. A couple of framing side cornrows instead will do just great.
Feed-In Braids
by @braidedroots
Have you heard about feed-in hair braids for men? They are graduated braids that get wider as they move to the back of the head. Such a structure gives a well-shaped and well-balanced appearance to the whole look, so you won’t go wrong choosing this technique.
Side French Braid Into Knot
by @i.li.yan
The top knot re-thought. Instead of letting the good old knot take a backseat, you can brighten it up with a side French braid. The technique won’t take long to master and will provide a plethora of cool ways to customize simple hairdos.
Twisted Bun
by @ledanieljames
Finally, the good old man bun from a new perspective. Buzzed sides give a sense of neatness to the whole look while the creatively braided top reveals the full versatility of the latest hairstyle for men.
Braided Man Bun
by @braidedroots
This braided man bun features an array of tightly woven braids that converge into a single, statement bun atop the crown. The precision of the braid patterns showcases an impressive level of detail and craftsmanship.
Men Locks to Ponytails
by @ledanieljames
The transition from locks to a ponytail creates a versatile and dynamic look, blending the free-form nature of locks with the tidiness of a ponytail. It's a style that offers both freedom and control, ideal for men who appreciate a balance in their hairstyle.
Styling Tip: To keep the locks healthy and the ponytail sleek, regularly apply a light oil to the locks and use a non-damaging hair tie for the ponytail.
Long Top Short Sides with Braids Into Ponytail
by @thegypsyviking
This hairstyle showcases a striking contrast with shaved sides and a long, braided top that falls into a casual ponytail. The blend of shaved precision and braided texture speaks to a rebellious yet controlled aesthetic.
Tiny Box Braids Into Ponytail
by @braidsvolna
Capturing the essence of modern styling, these tiny box braids are neatly tied into a high ponytail, offering both texture and practicality. The style reflects a careful balance between intricate braiding and the ease of a ponytail.
Designed Pattern for 7 Stitch Braids
by @lovedbyloni
This hairstyle showcases a meticulously crafted pattern of seven stitch braids, each flowing seamlessly into the next. The braids are not just a style statement but also a testament to the wearer's unique personality and the stylist's attention to detail.
Dutch Braid for Long Top and Twisted Knot
by @thegypsyviking
This hairstyle marries the ruggedness of shaved sides with the finesse of a Dutch braid, culminating in a twisted knot. The contrast in textures and lengths makes this style a modern staple.
Styling Tip: The key to a standout braid-knot combo is balance—keep the sides neat and the braid tight.
Afro Top Knot Style + Fade Design
by @cool_cutz
Are you into contrasts? Well, you don’t need to get your mane colored to achieve an edgy contrastive look. As a matter of fact, you can get it with the help of a trimmer. Keep the sides as clean as possible, braid the top and twist it into a knot, and let your beard do the talking.
Two-Strand Twist For Men
by @cool_cutz
Braids and two-strand twist men to sport these days go hand in hand with the ever-popular dreads. There are no limits to pairing them, so they give life to countless looks that literally stand out in the crowd of men’s hairstyles. From hip colorful twisted dreads styled into a high bun and sharp twists covered with braided elements to braided Mohawk for men, there’s no way you will ever look basic with such styles.
Dragon Braid For True Men
by @thegypsyviking
The Dragon Braid makes a powerful statement with its singular, prominent plait that runs down the center of the head, flanked by closely shaved sides. This style exudes confidence and is a modern nod to the warrior braids of old.
Afro Dreads With Star Patterned Undercut
by @ledanieljames
This bold look combines the natural volume of afro-textured dreads with a cleanly shaved undercut, etched with a star pattern for added flair. It's a style that's both edgy and expressive.
Amazing Up Styled Dreads With Fade Undercut
by @ledanieljames
This edgy hairstyle elevates dreads into an up styled look, paired with a sleek fade undercut. The dreads are artfully styled to stand out, giving a sense of motion and creativity.
Afro Dreads With Shaved Halloween Spiderweb Pattern
by @ledanieljames
This bold hairstyle features Afro dreads gathered to one side, allowing the intricate spiderweb shaved pattern on the other side to captivate. It's a perfect seasonal statement that combines the natural texture of dreads with festive creativity.
Braided Beard Trend
Credit photo: Shutterstock
This unique look takes grooming to a new level with a meticulously braided beard, complementing the sharp lines of a high fade haircut. It's a modern twist on facial hair, perfect for the fashion-forward gentleman.
How to Do Braids For Men
While you can try lots of different braids, there are two common techniques of braiding men with short and medium hair can rock. More and more modern guys are showing up with cornrows and Dutch braids, where one is more popular with natural-haired gents and the other works well for men with medium-thick textures.
Anyway, the more popular men braiding styles get, the more questions they raise in those who want to pull them off. And this is where we’d like to bring you closer to the process of styling, answering the most popular questions along the way.
by @braidedroots
Preparation:
- Start with clean, smooth, and brushed hair. Braids require a perfectly smooth and manageable texture, so make sure to wash and condition your hair before braiding. Conditioning will also help you get rid of knots, which are the worst enemies of male braids.
- Create a perfect middle part. The right parting is fundamental, so run your comb across the hair so that it divides it into two perfect halves with a clean visible line.
- Section off the hair. After you do the middle part, you need to create additional parallel parts. You should create as many parts as your hair allows you to, trying to make them equal, as this hair is what you will turn into braids.
Braiding:
- Moisturize the sections. So that your sections for braids don’t mix up, apply some oil-based moisturizing product that will keep those parts in place.
- Clip the parts. Now that you’ve moisturized the sections, clip them all with a clip. After a couple of minutes, remove the clip - you will see your parts get more visible. Then, pin each one to separate them from one another.
- Braid your hair. Once you choose a braiding style that works for your length, you are free to braid those pinned sections. If your hair is less than 1 inch, choose for a regular plait - there are no better braids for short hair. To braid, simply split each section into two. Then, cross the left strand under the middle, and the right strand under the middle. Finally, secure the style with a hair tie.
How To Take Care Of Men’s Braids?
by @andyfadepro
The first reason why men with natural hair go for braids is that they’re a protective style in the first place. However, getting this style is one thing, and maintaining it so that your hair is healthy and hip is another. And here’s what you should do to keep your braids at their best.
- Invest in a satin pillowcase to protect your hair from frizz and dryness at night.
- Use leave-in conditioners at least twice a week to keep your scalp moist and hair hydrated.
- Spritz your hair with water every morning and hydrate it with oil-based products.
- Get rid of build-up and grease regularly by using dry shampoo or washing your hair with a warm dampened towel.
- Don’t wear your braids for over 8 weeks to protect your natural hair growth.
FAQ: Braids For Men
How long do mens braids last?
If properly cared for and maintained, mens braids can last and appear good for two weeks up to a month. Because your hair grows and the braids sit close to head, the regrown hair might look messy and untidy, so you’ll have to refresh this hairstyle pretty regularly.
How do guys keep their braids moisturized?
Apricot oil is a popular choice for sealing in moisture. It can be used to moisturize entire braid strands or the ends only. Fixed oils are excellent for the scalp care and maintaining moisture. Just opt for a leave-in conditioner with natural ingredients if you require a non-greasy moisturizer.
Braids have always had a special meaning in the hairstyling history. And today their significance has reached its highest. Now, men can express their personalities and look different by wearing braids, and experimenting with their looks and styles. The ideas you’ve seen today are becoming even more popular each day, so starting by copying one of them would be a win.
REFERENCES:- Grooming news and features. GQ-magazine
- How to Braid Short Hair for Men. Wikihow
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