Think braids are just for women? Think again. Men’s braided hairstyles have exploded in popularity, becoming a powerful way to express personality while keeping hair healthy and manageable.
Whether you’re looking to protect your natural texture, make a bold statement, or simply switch up your look, there’s a braid style that’ll work for you.
You’re about to discover 20 different types of braids that can transform your hair game completely.
From classic cornrows to trendy Pop Smoke braids, we’ll break down each style, show you who they work best for, and give you the insider knowledge you need to rock any look with confidence.
Box Braids
Box braids are the heavyweight champion of protective styles, and for good reason. These square-sectioned braids offer incredible versatility and can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks with proper care.
What makes box braids special:
- Scalp protection: The neat sectioning reduces tension on your hairline
- Length options: Go short for a clean look or long for maximum drama
- Styling flexibility: Wear them down, in a bun, or half-up
Pro Tip: Ask your braider to vary the box sizes slightly for a more natural appearance. Perfectly uniform sections can look too rigid on some face shapes.
The installation process typically takes 4-6 hours, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll wake up with styled hair every single day. Basketball players like Russell Westbrook have made box braids a signature look, proving they work just as well on the court as they do on the street.
Cornrows
Cornrows are the foundation of men’s braiding culture—a style that’s been around for thousands of years and continues to evolve.
These tight, scalp-hugging braids follow the natural curve of your head and can be styled in countless patterns.
Why cornrows remain unbeatable:
- Low maintenance: Last 2-4 weeks with minimal daily upkeep
- Versatile patterns: Straight back, curved, or geometric designs
- Perfect for active lifestyles: Stay put during workouts and sports
| Style Variation | Best For | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Straight back | Professional settings | Low |
| Curved/wavy | Creative expression | Medium |
| Geometric patterns | Bold fashion statements | Medium-High |
The key to great cornrows is finding a braider who understands your hair texture and growth patterns. Traditional African braiding techniques emphasize scalp health, which is why proper cornrows should never feel painfully tight.
French Braids
French braids bring European elegance to men’s hairstyling. This technique involves gradually adding hair to the braid as you work down the head, creating a sophisticated look that works surprisingly well on guys.
Perfect situations for French braids:
- Formal events: Weddings, business functions, or date nights
- Medium to long hair: Works best with at least 4-6 inches of length
- Texture variety: Adapts to straight, wavy, or curly hair
The learning curve is steeper than basic three-strand braids, but the payoff is significant. French braids give you that “I didn’t try too hard but look amazing” vibe that’s hard to achieve with other styles.
Did You Know? French braids aren’t actually French—they originated in North Africa and were brought to France through cultural exchange. The technique has been adapted worldwide, with each culture adding its own twist.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids are essentially French braids flipped inside out, creating a raised, dimensional effect that pops off your head. Also called “reverse French braids,” they’re perfect for guys who want something eye-catching but still refined.
Dutch braid advantages:
- 3D effect: Creates visual depth and texture
- Holds better: The inverted technique grips hair more securely
- Works on shorter hair: Effective with as little as 3 inches of length
The technique involves braiding under instead of over, which takes practice but creates a distinctive rope-like appearance. Dutch braids work especially well when combined with fades or undercuts on the sides.
Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are the gateway drug to men’s braiding—simple to learn, quick to install, and incredibly versatile. This technique involves wrapping two sections of hair around each other, creating a spiral effect.
Why two-strand twists are perfect for beginners:
- Easy DIY: Master the technique in one session
- Quick installation: Takes 30-60 minutes depending on hair length
- Gentle on hair: Less tension than traditional braids
You can wear two-strand twists temporarily for texture, or leave them in for weeks as a protective style. They’re particularly effective for men with natural hair textures who want definition without manipulation.
Pro Tip: Apply a light leave-in conditioner before twisting to enhance shine and reduce frizz. The twists will look cleaner and last longer.
Three-Strand Braids
The classic three-strand braid is where most guys start their braiding journey. Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this fundamental technique forms the basis for most other braiding styles.
Three-strand braid variations:
- Single back braid: Clean and professional
- Double side braids: Edgy and modern
- Multiple small braids: Creates texture and movement
The beauty of three-strand braids lies in their adaptability. You can make them tight and sleek for formal occasions or loose and textured for casual days. They work on hair as short as 2 inches or as long as you can grow it.
Learning proper three-strand technique also improves your overall braiding skills. The hand positioning and tension control you develop here translate directly to more complex styles.
Fishtail Braids
Fishtail braids create an intricate, scale-like pattern that looks incredibly complex but uses a surprisingly simple technique. This style works particularly well on men with fine or medium-textured hair.
What makes fishtail braids unique:
- Detailed appearance: Creates visual interest without being overwhelming
- Versatile sizing: Works as a single statement braid or multiple smaller ones
- Texture enhancement: Makes thin hair appear fuller and thicker
The technique involves splitting hair into two sections and repeatedly crossing small pieces from one side to the other. It takes longer than traditional braids but creates a distinctive fishbone pattern that’s impossible to ignore.
Pro Tip: Fishtail braids look best when they’re slightly loose and messy rather than perfectly tight. Pull gently at the edges after completing the braid to create volume and texture.
Zigzag Cornrows
Zigzag cornrows add a playful twist to traditional straight-back styles. These geometric patterns create visual movement and work especially well for guys who want to stand out from the crowd.
Design possibilities:
- Lightning bolt patterns: Sharp, angular lines
- Wave designs: Smooth, flowing curves
- Tribal-inspired: Complex geometric shapes
The key to successful zigzag cornrows is planning your pattern before you start braiding. Your braider should sketch out the design or use a rattail comb to mark the parts. This ensures symmetry and prevents you from ending up with uneven patterns.
Pop Smoke Braids
Pop Smoke braids became a cultural phenomenon, combining traditional braiding techniques with modern street style. These chunky, medium-sized braids typically feature a center part and hang freely around the face.
Pop Smoke braid characteristics:
- Medium thickness: Larger than micro braids, smaller than jumbo box braids
- Face-framing: Usually parted down the middle or slightly off-center
- Length variation: Can be worn short or extended with synthetic hair
This style works particularly well for men with round or oval face shapes, as the braids create vertical lines that elongate the face. The maintenance is moderate—expect to redo them every 4-6 weeks.
Did You Know? The late rapper Pop Smoke popularized this style, but similar braiding techniques have been used in Caribbean and African cultures for generations.
Feed-in Braids
Feed-in braids start small at the hairline and gradually increase in size as more hair is added. This technique creates a natural-looking transition and puts less stress on your edges.
Feed-in braid benefits:
- Gentle on hairline: Reduces tension and breakage
- Natural appearance: Mimics how hair naturally grows
- Scalp-friendly: Less pulling and tugging during installation
The technique requires skill and patience, as the braider must gradually incorporate hair while maintaining even tension. When done correctly, feed-in braids look like they’re growing directly from your scalp.
Lemonade Braids (Side Braids)
Lemonade braids sweep dramatically to one side, creating an asymmetrical look that’s both bold and sophisticated. This style works particularly well for men with longer hair who want to make a statement.
Styling options:
- Deep side part: Creates maximum drama and contrast
- Graduated lengths: Shorter in back, longer in front
- Color accents: Highlights or lowlights enhance the swept effect
The name comes from Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album, but the technique adapts beautifully to masculine styling. The key is getting the right angle and ensuring the braids lay smoothly against your head.
Viking Braids
Viking braids channel ancient Norse warrior aesthetics with their rugged, masculine appearance. These styles often incorporate multiple braiding techniques and work best with longer hair.
Viking braid elements:
- Undercut sides: Shaved or faded sides with long top
- Multiple braids: Combination of different braiding techniques
- Textured finish: Deliberately messy and lived-in appearance
| Viking Style | Hair Length Needed | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Simple top knot with braids | 6+ inches | Beginner |
| Multiple small braids | 8+ inches | Intermediate |
| Complex warrior braids | 10+ inches | Advanced |
The appeal of Viking braids lies in their raw, unpolished aesthetic. They’re perfect for guys who want to embrace their inner warrior while keeping their hair manageable.
Mohawk Braids
Mohawk braids combine punk rock attitude with traditional braiding techniques. The hair is typically braided down the center of the head while the sides are faded or completely shaved.
Mohawk braid variations:
- Single center braid: Clean and simple
- Multiple parallel braids: Creates texture and width
- Zigzag mohawk: Adds geometric interest
This style works best on men with thick, coarse hair that can support the weight of the braids. The contrast between the braided top and faded sides creates a striking silhouette that’s impossible to ignore.
Stitch Braids
Stitch braids create clean, geometric lines that look like they were drawn with a ruler. The “stitch” refers to the precise horizontal lines that separate each braid row.
Stitch braid advantages:
- Crisp appearance: Extremely clean and professional
- Precise patterns: Perfect for geometric designs
- Scalp visibility: The stitched parts create interesting contrast
The technique requires exceptional skill and patience. Each horizontal line must be perfectly straight and evenly spaced. The result is a braided style that looks almost architectural in its precision.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are exactly what they sound like—extremely small braids that create incredible detail and texture. These tiny braids can take 8-12 hours to install but offer unmatched versatility.
Micro braid considerations:
- Time investment: Longest installation time of any braid style
- Styling options: Can be worn in countless ways
- Hair protection: Excellent for maintaining hair health
Pro Tip: Micro braids require extremely skilled braiders. Don’t attempt to cut corners on price—poor installation can cause serious hair damage.
The small size means you can style micro braids like loose hair, creating updos, ponytails, or letting them flow freely. They’re perfect for men who want maximum styling flexibility.
Taper Fade with Braids
Combining a taper fade with braids creates a modern, clean look that works in both professional and casual settings. The fade provides contrast while the braids add texture and personality.
Fade and braid combinations:
- High fade with box braids: Contemporary and sharp
- Low fade with cornrows: Subtle and professional
- Skin fade with twists: Bold and edgy
The key is balancing the fade height with the braid style. More conservative environments call for lower fades, while creative fields allow for higher, more dramatic cuts.
Man Bun Braids
Man bun braids elevate the classic man bun by incorporating braided elements. This style works particularly well for men with longer hair who want to keep it out of their face while adding visual interest.
Man bun braid techniques:
- Braided leading edge: French or Dutch braid into the bun
- Textured bun: Incorporate small braids throughout
- Undercut accent: Combine with faded sides
The braided elements prevent the man bun from looking too simple while adding texture and grip to keep everything in place. It’s perfect for active guys who need their hair secured but want to look stylish.
Crown Braid
Crown braids create a regal, sophisticated appearance by wrapping braided hair around the head like a crown. This style works best with longer hair and creates an elegant, timeless look.
Crown braid benefits:
- Formal appropriate: Perfect for special occasions
- Face-flattering: Highlights facial features
- Versatile base: Can be combined with other styles
The technique involves braiding around the perimeter of the head, either as a single continuous braid or multiple braids that connect. It requires skill to maintain even tension and create a smooth, circular shape.
Ghana Braids
Ghana braids, also known as Cherokee braids, feature thick, raised braids that create bold geometric patterns. These braids are typically larger than cornrows and create more dramatic visual impact.
Ghana braid characteristics:
- Thick appearance: More substantial than traditional cornrows
- Geometric patterns: Often feature curved or angular designs
- Cultural significance: Rich history in West African braiding traditions
The installation process is more intensive than regular cornrows, but the results are striking. Ghana braids work particularly well for men with thick, coarse hair that can support the weight and tension.
Spider Braids
Spider braids create an intricate web-like pattern across the scalp, with multiple braids intersecting and connecting at various points. This complex style requires exceptional skill but creates an unforgettable look.
Spider braid elements:
- Interconnected design: Braids cross and merge throughout
- Scalp patterns: Creates negative space designs
- Artistic expression: Each installation is unique
The name comes from the web-like appearance created by the intersecting braids. This style is perfect for men who want to make a serious artistic statement with their hair.
Final Thoughts
Your hair is one of your most powerful style tools, and braids offer endless possibilities for expression and protection. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of cornrows, the artistic flair of spider braids, or the timeless appeal of three-strand braids, there’s a style that matches your personality and lifestyle.
Remember, great braids start with healthy hair and skilled hands. Invest in quality products, find a braider who understands your vision, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your perfect braid style is waiting to be discovered.
Ready to transform your look? Start with a style that matches your experience level and hair type, then gradually work your way up to more complex techniques. Your hair—and your confidence—will thank you for it.
