Braiding will always be one of those timeless hair styling techniques, but as the seasons go by, so do new trends that take this classic braid to another dimension. Whether it’s to keep stylish during hot summer days or you just plan on adding a chic twist to a formal outfit, braids come with versatility, functionality, and elegance. This article features the five chic braiding hairstyles to have this season so as to keep your look fresh, modern and pretty Instagrammable.
1. Bohemian Box Braids: The Ultimate Free Spirited Style
Box braids are an absolute staple in the braids family, and for this season, bohemian box braids have taken over the charts. In essence, it is the classic box braid combined with a free spirited and tousled addition of loose curls or wavy extensions. That is the beauty of it: it could be worn long or short, thick or thin, and accessorized with beads, cuffs, or colored threads.
Achieve The Look:
Take clean and detangled hair, then section it into small, square shapes.
Braid it with hair extensions, but keep a few of your strands loose for that wavy or curly-like feel.
Complete it by dipping the braids into a hot water bath so they set the style and add some accessories to give it more of that boho touch.
Why You’ll Love It: The Bohemian box braids perfectly strike a balance between structured and messy. Hence, it is just perfect for beach outings, music festivals, or casual days out. This hairstyle happens to be friendly in terms of maintenance, too, as it involves embracing most of your natural beauty with little effort.
2. Fulani Braids: A Stylish Nod
Fulani braids take their name from the Fulani of West Africa and are an amazing balance between culture and style in a modern way. It is made by braiding braids close to the scalp with cornrows, to which beads, shells, and other decorative components are attached in order to make it a truly striking and all-traditional style.
Achieve The Look:
Partition the hair in the middle and form thin to medium-sized cornrows.
You can add some extensions if you want to add more length or volume.
Add some beads and cowrie shells between braiding hair for extra cultural flair.
Why You’ll Love It: Fulani braids are great for anyone who loves a hairstyle with history and culture. But they’re also super adaptable, and you can let your personality shine through various accessories and different braid placements.
3. Knotless Braids: The No-Tension Trendsetter
Well, knotless braids are gentler in opposition to traditional box braids, hence most popular this season. The style is mostly for its natural look and feel because it starts with your hair, after which the extension is added to it, thereby ridding you of the bulky knot at the base.
Get The Look:
Take a section of hair and begin a small braid with natural hair only.
Gradually add in the extension hair in small pieces at a time, braiding and avoiding any tight knots at the scalp.
Add hair until the desired length and secure the ends.
People love knotless braids because of their light, airy feel and tension-free styling that doesn’t cause any scalp pain or hair breakage. They are ideal for people with sensitive scalps or those starting to get braids because they provide a sleek and comfortable look that lasts several weeks.
4. Feed-In Braids: Seamless And Sophisticated
Feed-in braids are also referred to as invisible braids due to their undetectable appearance and the way they are styled. Instead of making direct braids of your hair with threads, as in box braids, feed-in braids require you to start with a thin braid of your hair and gradually add on the extensions for an undetectable, flat look without those lumps at the scalp due to the synthetic hair.
How To Achieve This Style?
Take a thin strand of your hair and begin to braid it very close to the scalp.
Gradually feed in small pieces of extension hair to create a fuller braid without adding the bulk. Finish by securing the ends with a small elastic or braid it all the way down for a sleek finish.
Why You’ll Love It: Feed-in braids are great for individuals who like their style neat and polished. They can be worn casually or on formal occasions. They are ideal for those needing added length and volume with a natural look.
5. Butterfly Locs: The Playful Twist On Traditional Locs
Butterfly locs are a perfect mashup of bohemian flair and protective styles. This trending style is characterized by locs with loops and curls, adding texture to its playful look, excellent for those who desire something fun yet refined. Butterfly locs are usually achieved with distressed braiding techniques that give it a softer, more lived-in look.
How To Achieve The Look?
Proceed either with the pre-twisted locs or, with your preferred wavy hair extensions, twist them around your hair or braids to create the locs yourself. Using a crochet needle, loop the extensions around and capture it to secure, allowing some curls and loops to poke out for that effect known as a butterfly. Allow the ends to set in hot water, or use a lighter to keep it from coming undone.
Why You’ll Love It: Butterfly locs are your go-to for anyone in love with free-spirited, fun styles. You get the protection of traditional locs and add in a unique, eye-catching twist perfect for any occasion.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Style With These Trendy Braids
Whether you want to adopt a protective style, try something new, or just stay on-trend, these five braiding styles have something for everyone. Take a look at unique ways to show your personality by wearing these hairstyles: from detailed, culturally enriching Fulani braids to modern laid-back locs in butterfly styles. So, get your favorite braiding hair ready, choose a style you want to go with, and let people turn their heads with these gorgeous braided hairstyles.