Braids for men are much more than a simple hairstyle. While they definitely serve as a means of self-expression, men braids protect your locks like no other. On top of that, they can suit any hair type and length, from short straight locks to long unruly kinks. No matter whether you are venturing out for the hairstyle for the first time or you are an experienced braid wearer, we have compiled the best male braid ideas to give you a dose of inspo on your fresh mens hairstyle.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Cornrows Hair Design
- Long Half Up Braids for Men
- Pop Smoke Braids
- Viking Braid
- 4 Braids Men
- Zig Zag Braids Men
- Medium Box Braids with Beads
- Two Cornrows with Fade
- Short Hair Braids Men
- Straight Backs Braids
- Twisted Braids
- Spider Cornrows Braids
- French Braid Men
- Man Bun Braids
- Single Braid with Shaved Sides
Cornrows Hair Design
by @braidsvolna
Cornrows are one of the best braids for men and here is why. They work for any hair type and length. So, even if you normally wear pretty short mens haircuts and suddenly want to try on cornrow hair braids for men, you will still be able to do it. Plus, they allow you to create tons of intricate designs on your head. Just make sure to find an experienced braider who knows what they are doing.
Krept and Mr Eazi Stylist, Shannon Curry, shares advice in British GQ on preserving cornrow braids:
“Cornrows are a style that, once you have them in, you don’t have to do much to maintain it. As long as you’re making sure it’s covered with a durag or a headscarf at night and you make sure to moisturise it with oils on your scalp every few days, you should be fine. You do have to be mindful that it can get messy if you do activities that make you sweat a lot, but if not, once you get it done there’s not much you need to do to it.”
Cornrows Braids for Men with Beads
by @lucasbraids
Another great thing about cornrows is that they allow for a myriad of different accents. As such, if you want to give your hairstyle an authentic feel, incorporate beads into the braids. While they are sure to make a strong fashion statement, their symbolism cannot be overlooked too. Beads were an indicator of marital and social status, achievements and plenty of other things.
Long Half Up Braids for Men
by @braidsvolna
A male bun is not the only way to style long braids. To keep them on display while taking away from your face, put your braids into a half up hairstyle, which is basically a top knot. The hair look gives off a very effortless and relaxed vibe, which cannot leave anyone indifferent.
Nastya Volna, an experienced braider with 13 years of expertise, recommends:
“Hairstyle is an art! Hair is gold!⚡️ The future has already arrived, but not for everyone. Brands are about yesterday. Custom handmade - about today. ⠀ Who's ready to show off a truly individual style? Your hairstyle is about you and your taste! Those who wear braids know what I mean. After all, they are greeted by their hairstyle! ❤️⠀ Do not be like everyone else. Be yourself!”
Pop Smoke Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Pop Smoke's iconic braids emerged as a defining element in men's braided hair, marked by their detailed and tightly woven patterns radiating style and confidence. They embody a fusion of precise artistry and personal flair, paving the way for a trend in men's braided hair, renowned for its unique and commanding appeal.
Cornrows with Bun
by @cwbraids_br
Long cornrows are cool and stylish without a doubt. Yet, you can sometimes get tired of them. So that it does not make you want to undo them or chop off your tresses, put the braids into a bun. To make the style easier to maintain, you can get the sides trimmed or faded.
Get insights from experienced hairdressers at cwbraids_br, serving more than 20 yers:
“Straight and wavy hair needs a longer length than curly hair for good definition. Curly, straight and fine wavy hair averages 8 to 10cm. Straight hair with thick strands over 12cm. This guarantees comfort when making braids, reducing frizz at the ends and greater durability. Remembering that the healthy time for using the root braid is up to 15 days as hair growth during this period is half a centimeter.”
Viking Braid
The fusion of a fade with Viking braids encapsulates a modern twist on traditional Norse styles, blending contemporary barbering techniques with the rugged elegance of braiding. This combination achieves a seamless balance, harmonizing the clean lines of a fade with the intricate, warrior-inspired braids, crafting a look that resonates strength and sophistication.
4 Braids Men
by @lovedbyloni
The incorporation of four single braids in men's hairstyles offers a symmetrical and structured aesthetic, elevating the intricacy and versatility of this braiding style. These four individual braids redefine men's looks, bringing a refined balance of detail and flair to their overall appearance.
Zig Zag Braids Men
by @lovedbyloni
Zig zag braids for men, a creative take on traditional cornrows men, infuse a dynamic and visually captivating pattern into men's hairstyles, showcasing an innovative twist on classic braiding techniques. These zigzag cornrows redefine men's looks, adding an element of flair and individuality while maintaining the structured charm of traditional braids.
What's your take on men rocking braids as a hairstyle??
Anonymous quiz
- Are you team Braids are the bomb!
- Eh, braids or no braids, it's all just hair today.
- Nah, leave the braids for Rapunzel?
Vote to see results
What's your take on men rocking braids as a hairstyle??
Medium Box Braids with Beads
by @lovedbyloni
If you do not want to be overly innovative with the braids styles for men, go for low key medium box braids, which basically offer you the middle ground between plain and elaborate braid styles. To accentuate them, embellish the look with beads, which come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and materials.
Box Braids with Shaved Sides
Box braids with shaved sides redefine black men braids hairstyles, blending boldness with intricate detailing for a distinct and edgy look. This style harmonizes the sleekness of shaved sides with the versatility and visual impact of box braids men, crafting a modern and stylish statement.
Two Cornrows with Fade
by @dynasty_barbers
The combination of two cornrows with a fade infuses a contemporary edge into men's braided hairstyles, seamlessly blending precision barbering with the classic allure of braiding. This style marries the clean, tapered lines of a men braids with fade with the sleek simplicity of two cornrows, creating a refined and stylish look that's both modern and timeless.
Box Braids for Thin Hair
by @braidsvolna
If your hair is pretty thin, some types of braids for men may not work for you. Thick or medium braids can only make matters worse. So that it will not happen, consider styling your strands into very thin braids. As a rule of thumb, the more braids you have, the fuller your hairstyle looks.
Two-Toned Cornrows Braids for Men
by @lucasbraids
While cornrows do not need extra emphasis, as they already look striking, you can still take them to another level by going for a two toned hairstyle. Ensure the color looks striking against your natural hair, opting for complementary shades, and weave the strands into the cornrows to make the pattern stand out.
Short Hair Braids Men
by @horatiuthebarber
Hairstyles for shorter hair among white mens braids fuse sophistication and creativity, proving that even shorter lengths can host intricate and stylish braids. These braids redefine the possibilities, showcasing how short hair can be a canvas for diverse and impactful braided looks in the realm of white men's hairstyles.
Straight Backs Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Straight backs braids for men offer a sleek and classic style, accentuating clean lines and a timeless look in men's braided hairstyles. This braiding technique brings a structured and refined appeal, showcasing versatility and elegance within the realm of mens braids.
Twisted Braids
by @ledanieljames
Out of all the different types of braids for men, twists are probably the easiest one. Yet, this does not make it any less appealing or fashionable. It just takes less time to achieve, as twisting hair does not require much braiding skill. In addition, you can style your twists in a number of different ways, from a ponytail to a man bun.
Spider Cornrows Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Spider cornrows will definitely take you to the spotlight with their unusual look. Every braider has their own approach to the style with one thing in common – the result is a real head turner. So, if you decide to go for it, you can expect to have all eyes on you wherever you go.
Twist Braids Men
by @f4fade
Twist braids for guys exude a casual yet stylish charm, combining ease of maintenance with a textured and relaxed look in braided hairstyles. These braids redefine versatility, offering a laid-back and effortlessly cool vibe within the spectrum of braids for men.
French Braid Men
by @matthewmane
French braids for men with long hair introduce a timeless elegance, blending sophistication with the practicality of managing longer locks in braided styles. These men French braids exemplify a harmonious balance, showcasing a refined aesthetic while catering to the needs of longer-haired individuals exploring braided hairstyles.
Patterned Braids with Blonde Highlights
by @shawn_barbz
The number of patterns for male braids is close to infinity, which makes them incredibly versatile. To make a strong fashion statement with your hairstyle, take a lattice pattern into consideration. It can also hardly be called a beginner friendly braided hair look. Yet, the effort fully pays off with thousands of admiring looks you are bound to collect.
Man Bun Braids
The incorporation of single braids in a man bun infuses an intricate and stylish element, merging the classic appeal of braids with the practicality of a bun for men. This style reinvents the man bun, adding a touch of detail and texture through the integration of single braids men, creating a distinct and charismatic look.
Four Braids for Men Hairstyle
Credit photo: Shutterstock
A four braids hairstyle gives you multiple advantages. On the one hand, it is an awesome protective hairstyle that guarantees your hair is free from frizziness, breakage and damage. On the other hand, it makes you look stylish and fashionable. Finally, it is pretty easy and relatively fast to do. Enough reasons to get the look, right?
Single Braid with Shaved Sides
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Single braids for men are a sure bet if you prefer to style your hair on your own. It does not require additional help and can be achieved in a matter of minutes. Also, you can give the look more contrast by shaving the sides bald. This is provided you are ready for regular upkeep, as the hair needs to be shaved daily or every other day.
Braids with Beads Tied in a Bun
by @lucasbraids
If you are a fashion forward guy who wants to show it off, then you definitely should make a braided bun with beads your signature hair look. You may have spotted a similar hairstyle on basketball stars and famous artists. And we cannot agree more that it makes you always look camera ready.
Two Side Braids for Men
by @lovedbyloni
When you think that two braids cannot surprise you, here comes this striking hairstyle. The braids are done in an unusual way, outlining your crown. They are defined with a sharp middle part and enhanced with a skin fade. As a finishing touch, complete the look with a line up along your forehead and temple area.
Cornrows Bun with Red Accent
by @lovedbyloni
Wondering how to make your cornrow bun pop? Add red accents to it. This can be either red highlights or red cornrow threads incorporated into the braids. The latter is a failproof option for those who are not ready to commit to hair coloring yet, as you can simply take them out when undoing the hairstyle. Plus, they do not need touch ups or any specific maintenance.
Long Blond Box Braids
Credit photo: Shutterstock
If you like to stand out in the crowd, blonde braids for men with long hair are your surefire option. To get the look, you do not necessarily have to bleach your hair. Blonde hair extensions will do the job for you. Besides, they come in really handy if your natural hair is not long enough and you do not have time or patience to grow it.
Colorful Men Braids Hairstyles
by @elevatehair
Men braid styles offer a vibrant canvas for expressive, colorful braided hairstyles, blending intricate designs with bold hues to create striking and unique looks. These colorful men's braids redefine conventional styles, infusing personality and a fresh, vibrant energy into the realm of hair fashion.
Zig zag Parts for the Snake Braids
by @lovedbyloni
Incorporating zig zag parts into snake braids elevates men's braided hairstyles with an edgy and dynamic flair, adding a unique pattern that accentuates the intricate weaving. The intertwining of zig zag parts in snake braids for men showcases a fusion of creativity and precision, offering a distinctive and visually captivating style statement.
Braided Mohawk with Design
by @los_cut_it
Mens braids hairstyles take a bold turn with the Braided Mohawk featuring intricate designs, marrying the rebellious spirit of the Mohawk with the artistry of braiding for a striking and innovative look. This fusion of edgy styling and intricate braiding crafts a standout statement, amplifying the appeal of men's hairstyles with a daring and artistic twist.
Now that you have our informative guide, you have no more excuses why not to wear braids for men. Thanks to a great number of options available, you are sure to find a look that resonates with you most. And once you got tired of it, you always have countless alternatives.
FAQ: Braids for Men
What are male braids called?
Braids for men, the popularity of which is increasing day after day, can also be called plaits. What makes the hairstyle so popular is its ease of maintenance, versatility and awesome look.
Do braids damage hair?
Braids may cause breakage or other damage to your hair when they are too tight or you do not take care of them properly. In other cases, they instead protect your locks from damage and frizziness.
How long do braids last for guys?
Men braids may last for a couple of weeks provided you maintain them well and give up washing your hair during this period. Yet, you may notice that the braids have lifted up because your hair has grown out. This usually happens a week after the style was done.
Can you shower with braids?
It is not recommended to get your braids wet, as they can become a residence for fungus. So, make sure to protect your hair from water if you are taking the shower, swimming in the pool or walking in the rain.
- Braids for men: How to master protective styling. British GQ
Was this article helpful?
