A man’s haircut can reveal a lot about him. Particularly when the style is less orthodox that another buzz cut. You can make snap judgements about someone’s music taste, fashion sense or even their job. But that’s less about the hair, more about our innate tribalism: we like to look like people like us.
Braids are a way to take this idea even further. The style’s been a fixture since prehistory, adopted as a way to convey power and status by cultures stretching from Africa to Scandinavia and China.
Braids for men are experiencing a resurgence in contemporary culture too, in part thanks to long-haired guys who’ve grown sick of the man bun. But with millennia of examples from every corner of the world to draw on, there’s a style to suit anyone, whether your influence is A$AP Rocky or Viking warriors. And you can also learn more about the history of dance by visiting our website.While the braiding style has evolved over the years, the basic technique is the same. The hair is then divided into three pieces and plaited as follows: left underneath middle, right beneath middle.
If you’re ready to add some oomph to your appearance and turn some heads, check out our list of the 18 best braids for men for some styling techniques and inspiration.
Braids – A Brief History
The braids may be the original hairstyle. If the Venus of Willendorf (a fertility goddess made from stone that was found in Austria in 1908) is to be believed, they date back 30,000 years. Braids were used throughout history to express tribal affiliation and marriage status.
The technique has been adapted by a variety of cultures, from Indigenous pigtails and Chinese staircase braids. Although braids are mostly worn by females, men have also worn them, including warriors like the Vikings, Ethiopians, and Celts. Your local barbershop may be more influenced by recent history.
Braids became popular in the late 60s and early 70s when black communities started to reject white beauty standards, which required hair to be long and smooth. Instead, they embraced something more conventional. Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder were among the figures who popularized this style. The style gained a political resonance in the 1990s in the aftermath of the LA Riots, as well as in recent years in reaction to the deaths by US police of young black males.
This lends braids an unique cultural weight. It’s a generalization, but tighter forms like cornrows tend to be associated with black hair culture; looser plaits and French brands are a more Caucasian phenomenon. If you’re white and do fancy box braids, then be aware that you risk accusations of cultural appropriation. Picture David Beckham’s hair in 2003 and consider whether that’s the vibe you’re after.
Braids offer more than just an anthropology lesson. And they look great. These braids instantly add shape and texture to long haired men, which waves of surfer tresses often lack. Whether you use all-over plaits or just a few, they can be used to soften and enhance the hair beneath. “Oval faces are best for braids,” says May, “but other shapes can look good too. It’s a matter of playing around and finding what suits you.”
If you’ve got long enough locks, then braids offer some creative styling options that no other hairstyle can match. Find a skilled enough stylist – and Instagram or our top picks below should be your friend here – and the patterns they can craft in your hair are almost limitless. Braids were originally a way to communicate who you are to those around you. In the right hands they can still do that today.
Best Braids Styles for Men
1. Cornrow Braids
Cornrows are tight braids that are plaited near the head. Singleor double braids give you the option of playing with texture – barbers can style them as intricately as you prefer. Cornrow braids come in many different styles. Most popular amongst black men and are often paired up with a fade to give a more modern look.
2. Single Braids
A single braid for men could be anything from a braided French braid to a ponytail. While this braided men’s hairstyle might appear too juvenile or feminine for some men, this is a great option for style-forward (or street style fanatics?Men who prefer to keep it simple will love this braided hairstyle. If you’ve got a full head of long locks, simply braiding your hair back in one sturdy braid keeps it out of the way and maintains some style.
3. Two Braids
Men can pull their hair back into two French braids either side of the face for a modern, masculine look. The two braids look fantastic with an undercut. It adds a touch of flair and dimension to the hairstyle.
4. Three Braids hairstyles
Hairstyles with three braids are usually for men that include two braids running along the side of their head and one braid running through the middle. These braids are best kept tight and close to your head. Although they look similar to cornrows they are thicker and wider. Ask for an undercut or low fade if you want to get even more complex.
5. Four Braids For Males
If you have long hair, you can do four braids as cornrows. Since four braids aren’t enough to pull off Travis Scott’s signature braided style, sticking to the cornrow style where the braids are close to the head looks more intentional and elegant. You might be able pull off some layered, loose braids but the final result may look too messy.
6. French Braids
French braids are asymmetrical and start at the hairline. They continue down to the neck. French braids may look difficult but are easy to learn. While your hair doesn’t have to be extra long all over, it does need to have decent length on top so that you don’t have to deal with stray hairs or messy braids.
7. Box Braids
If you can’t wait for your hair to grow out, box braids can be achieved by adding in extensions to give extra length. Knotless braids prevent painful pulling on the scalp that can lead traction alopecia. Remember that it can take hours to braid all of the hair, so bring some entertainment.
8. Braids for Men with Short Hair
Although braids are a little difficult for men who have short hair, they’re not impossible. The two-strand twist is one of the best techniques for men who have short hair. Separate two sections of hair from the front of the head.
Then, grab the section of hair from both sides at the edge of your part. You can add new hairs by twisting each strand repeatedly. Keep in mind that while your hair doesn’t need to be down to your shoulders, it still needs a decent amount of length.
9. Braids for Men with Long Hair
Long hair allows men to create an infinite number of braids. Long hair allows for a variety of braids. If your hair is naturally frizzy, you should keep a light hair clay in the house to keep your braids clean, crisp and free of stray strands.
10. Twist Braids
Twist braids are great for men who don’t want to deal with styling or changing their hair daily. Twist braids are unique and last from two to eight week. Although you might prefer the thicker style of twist braids, they last much longer if they are thinner.
11. Viking Braids
This is what you can see Vikings This style is inspired by Ragnar Lothbrok. It pulls back long hair into a thick, single braid. You may want to stick with something more classic or refined if you are in an office or professional setting. However, if you’re going for a true and traditional Viking hairstyle, braid your Viking beard for a matching set that will definitely turn some heads.
12. Stitch Braids
Stitch braids are named after the stitch-like pattern they create on the scalp. The braid is similar to cornrows in that it starts at the hairline, then moves down towards the nape. How many stitch braids you choose depends on how thick you want your braids and how much hair you’ve got.
13. Braids with Fade
The combination of cornrows and a fade has become one of the most common hairstyles among black men. The short and sharp fade and the intricate braids create a versatile, stylish look. The braid is complex but the simple fade brings it down to a more manageable level without compromising the art of braiding.
14. Iverson Braids
Iverson braids are still popular among men today, even though they gained popularity more than 20 years ago. Iverson braids are a great way to create a striking visual effect.
15. Zig-Zag Braids
Zig-zag braids may seem impossible to achieve, but they are actually not as difficult as you would think. Use the zigzag pattern instead of parting hair in straight lines. Next, braid your hair in the same direction as the part. The hair must be braided close to the scalp to achieve the distinctive shape and style. It’s also a good idea to use some pomade or wax to prevent any frizz from covering the zig-zag design.
16. Mohawk Braids
Mohawk braids can be a great option for men that like to stay retro and punk. While this isn’t a style that you would be able to sport on a regular day at the office, it is a cool option for men who are free-spirited. Mohawk braids will keep your hair out of your face and away from the eyes while still maintaining an urban style.
17. Man Bun Braids
If you’re committed to your man bun, then introduce some texture by adding braids that run from your forehead into the topknot. This style is great for one or more plaits. This style requires long hair.
18. Fishbone Braids Men
Fishbone braids can be very eye-catching for men. These braids have an intricate and delicate design and are plaited close to the head. They are similar to cornrows but are more delicate. Although they look similar, the fishbone is not the same as the fishtail, a style that is popular among men with long hair.
Considerations When Making The Best Braids: For Men
There are a few things you need to consider before you go all out with braids that spell your postcode. You want your look to be more Lil Uzi Vert and less Riff Raff.
Hair Length
Men who’ve not leaned into the long hair trend can forget their dreams of cornrows. If you’ve got less than three inches of length then braids won’t hold, says Charmaine Haughton, a trichologist and owner of Nefertiti Hair & Beauty in London.
That’s the minimum, though – ideally you’ll have a lot more coverage; the further your hair reaches, the more options you’ve got for creative braiding.
Hair Type
How well your braids will hold up depends on the type of hair that you have. “Braids are possible on all hair types, says May, “but for optimal results and finished looks, wavy or curly hair is best suited.” Anything too fine or slippery can be hard to keep in place, so you may struggle with anything more intricate, or require a Post Office-worth of elastic bands to keep your braids neat.
Hair Thickness
You’d also be wise to avoid braids if your forehead is rapidly winning the battle against your hairline. This style can make hair thinning and receding more obvious because it exposes your scalp.
Plus, you risk making the situation worse. Tight, long-lasting braids can damage the hair root, causing breakage, and even more hair loss. You may find that when you brush out the braids, more hair is in the bristles rather than on the scalp.
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Braids For Men FAQ
What are the different types of braids that men can wear?
The most popular braids among men are cornrows. They also include layered braids. If your hair’s long enough then you can fashion loose braids and plaits at home. If you want to create more complicated styles, such as cornrows or pigtails, then seek professional help.
Men’s braids: How to style them
If you’re going to try your hand, arm yourself with some stiffening products. Hair that is thicker and wavier tends to be more effective in keeping hair in place. “We like to use products that give the hair a bit of texture without being too stiff and sticky,” says May. “Things like a waxy pomade or sea salt spray help add a little grip to your braid.”
Haughton says that cornrows have seen a recent surge in popularity after being embraced by Kendrick & A$AP. However, the method of creating them has remained unchanged since they were first created around 5,000-years ago. The hair is divided into three equal sections, and then plaited as follows: left under the middle; right underneath the middle; repeat.
If you have a lot of hair, use the same amount for each braid. If your hair isn’t that grippy, wrap an elastic band around the end to keep the hair in place. You can style your braids into anything from a loose bun to a topknot or just let them hang.
If you want more complicated styles, consult the professionals. It’s tricky enough shaving the hair on your neck, let alone trying to fashion intricate box braids back there, by feel alone.
How to maintain braids
Once they’re in, braids don’t need much upkeep. Try sleeping with a dorag to prevent frizz and grime. Avoid rubbing the braids too hard when you shampoo. Use a leave in conditioner to seal your braids or a mixture of water and coconut oils. Spray them daily.
“It depends on the type of braid,” says May, “but if you have small, tight braids, then make sure you moisturise the hair and your scalp with oil.” Look for products that contain shea butter or mafura oil, which keep your braids and the skin beneath hydrated.