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 hairstyle.
Cornrows Hair Design
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.
Cornrows Braids for Men with Beads
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.
Cornrow Waves
To give cornrow braids for men an unusual twist, ask the hair stylist for a wavy pattern. It requires good precision, so make sure they can deliver it. The braiding technique is up to you and your stylist. Yet, if you hesitate, start with the basic pattern, which is braided from the front toward the back.
Undercut with Twist Braids for Men
Those who think that a full head of twisted braids is too much for them can get away by pairing the hairstyle with an undercut. Not only does it make your braided hairstyle much easier to maintain, as it takes off quite a lot of hair from the back and sides, but it also shifts the focus to the braided top.
Box Braids with High Ponytail and Hair Tattoo
If you are a creative person and want to express your artistic side of personality through your hairstyle, you can never go wrong with a hair tattoo. While it can be worked almost into any hairstyle, box braids for men are a failsafe option. So that they do not get in your way, tie the braids into a high pony.
ZigZag Cornrow Braids For Men
Zigzag cornrows are one of the most popular braids for Black men and not for nothing. They are incredibly impactful and bold, so by opting for them, you can rest assured that you will never go unnoticed. The style is pretty versatile though, as there are plenty of ways to create a zigzag pattern.
Medium Box Braids with Beads
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
There is no such thing as too much boldness when it comes to box braids hairstyles for men. For an ultimately contrasty look, get the hair on the sides shaved off. The top then becomes the focal point of the whole look, so make sure you keep it looking neat.
Two Cornrows with Fade
One of the biggest advantages of cornrows is that their number does not really make a big difference. If you do not have much time or patience to spend several hours in the stylist's chair, then a couple of cornrows enhanced with a fade is your way out. This is one of the best ways to wear braids for men with short hair.
Box Braids for Thin Hair
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
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.
Box Braids Ponytail with Red Highlights
Highlights make a world of difference for a braids hairstyle for men. They are an easy way to add a colorful accent to your hair, giving it a more prominent look. Color wise, this can be just anything, from bleached blonde to vivid red. The latter actually turns out so unusual that you will not go unnoticed with it even if you decide to take your locks away from your face into a ponytail.
Double Bun Braids
Guys who try to keep up with fashion do not afraid to mix and match ongoing trends and hair trends are no exception. As such, feel free to pair French braids for men with double buns, which are all the rage now. No worries, this hairstyle will not compromise your masculinity, as this is more a matter of attitude than appearance after all.
Twisted Braids
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
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.
Cornrows Braids for Men
Braids for short hair men can be turned into real masterpieces when featuring an ornate design. Of course, not every hair stylist will be able to perform such a complex hairstyle, as it requires not only hours of practice and special knowledge but also a great deal of talent. But if you find one, make sure not to let them go.
African Braids
When it comes to braids for men, you do not always have to reinvent the wheel. Just go for classic African braids and you are all set. The style is one of the best in terms of protecting your kinks from frizz and damage as well as keeping them in order.
Cornrows with Bun
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.
Patterned Braids with Blonde Highlights
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.
Long Braids with Voluminous Bun
What is the best way to style really long braids so that they do not distract you when you need to feel fully concentrated? Or maybe you are headed to an important event and need your hair to suit the ambiance? Either way, a men bun is a failsafe option for you. Mind though that the longer your braids are, the more voluminous the bun will look.
Four Braids for Men Hairstyle
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Long Half Up Braids for Men
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.
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.
