Braids are any hairstyle that is created by braiding three or more sections of hair. Interestingly, the term "braids" is also used in today's world to describe the entire category of braided hairstyles, which is why it is often used to describe two-strand twists and braided hair in general.
Braids come in different colours, lengths, sizes, and textures, so you just have to find the perfect style that suits you. But braids are not only a popular, modern style, they also have functional purposes. For example, braids can act as protection for your hair and give it a break from styling, a great thing when you have too much to do to deal with your hair or if it has been damaged in some way.
A complete review to the 8 best types of braids
There are many kinds of braids, like Bubble braids, Fulani braids or Goddess braids. No matter what your favorite is, let's look at some of the popular types of braids in modern culture:
1. Box braids
Box braids usually come to mind when braids are mentioned. Box braids involve dividing the hair into smaller sections of hair, often shaped like a square/box (hence the name), then adding braiding hair within a square to your own hair in 3 strands that are woven to the end.
This can be done in a range of different sizes, but if you want the most modern look, go for chunky braids or something smaller than medium size. These are probably the longest lasting braids on the whole list, so if you're looking for value for money, this is a good choice.
But what makes them so attractive is also their biggest drawback: box braids take some time to detangle. They are not as casual as Rope Twists and are therefore more common in the workplace.
2. Rope twists/Senegalese twists
When it comes to braids, this is the other typical style. For this, a section of hair is folded in half and each side is twisted around itself to pull it tight until each side is almost twisted around itself. Then the two strands are twisted around each other.
This is understandably difficult to visualize, but anyone watching a tutorial will understand exactly what is meant. Rope twists give a neat yet casual look, similar to the look of ropes on sailboats, and are perfect if you're looking for a style that's easy to undo.
To do this, open the end of the twist until you can grab both ends of the braiding hair and twist it in the opposite direction to the shape. This allows you to quickly untangle it to the end and the braiding hair can be easily separated from the hair.
3. Knotless braids or pop smoke braids
However, when we talk about trendy braids, this is one of the best hairstyles you can get. Knotless braids aren't particularly new but are making a comeback thanks to Gen-Z and TikTok, among many other trends from the 90s hip-hop era.
Knotless braids look similar to box braids, the main difference is the way braiding hair is added to your own hair. Whereas with box braids this is done directly at the root of your own hair and braided to the end, with knotless braids the stylist starts by braiding your own hair without extensions before adding small pieces of braiding hair to the desired volume of the braids.
Because of the technique involved in adding the braiding hair, knotless braids always look voluminous and are a great alternative if your hair is prone to breakage, you want to avoid the inconvenience of box braids, have a weak hairline, or live in a hot place.
4. French curl braids/twists
The main difference with French curl braids for men or twists is that the end of the braid is very loose. This gives the hairstyle a relaxed, romantic yet dapper look.
If you want to try something really fun this season, this should definitely be on your list. The big downside to this, however, is that the style often doesn't last very long. The ends, which initially look nice and fine, become a bit ragged as they become matted over time.
Admittedly, this happens with all braids after a long time, but French curls are particularly unforgiving due to their silky texture. Pro tip: Braids with a silky texture always last shorter than those with a wavy, twisted texture.
5. Spring twists
Spring twists have been all the hype over the last 2 years and if you've seen them, you'll understand why. Spring twists are one of the most relaxed braid hairstyles.
We'd say they're even more fantastic/romantic than French curl braids/twists. These braids get their name from the fact that when you pull them and let them go, the twists spring back up.
As you can therefore imagine, they can move beautifully when walking, running etc., which contributes to the charming, playful look. Spring twists require a particular type of hair with very tight, defined curls (what is now often referred to as "spring twist hair") and it needs to be twisted in a specific direction, usually to the right. Spring twists should only look slightly wild, but a clear braiding pattern should be recognizable.
6. Passion twists
Closely related to Spring Twists, Passion Twists are an even more relaxed style. These also look wonderful but in a less elaborate way. There are no clear braiding patterns with passion twists, but there are lots of little swirls along the entire length of the braids. This may not sound particularly attractive from the description, but once you see a picture of it, you'll realize how pretty they can be.
Passion Twists are achieved by silky extensions with a loose wave shape. This makes it different to the defined look associated with spring twists. Similar to French curls and spring twists, however, they don't last as long as the original box braids or rope twists. And the first part that tends to look a little rough is the ends, followed by the roots once the hairstyle grows out, especially if you don't have a silky hair texture.
7. Boho braids
Boho twists look very similar to passion twists but achieve this in a different way. Boho twists are simply normal box braids or rope twists with small, curly extensions hanging from the braids. So when you look at them, you see some of the braids and then some curly hair that continues organically throughout the hair. That's why it's such a beautiful but somewhat "unfinished" look.
So for these braids, you need 2 types of hair, normal braiding hair for the basic twists or braids and also extensions with a wavy or curly texture. And as you've probably already guessed, unfortunately, they don't last long.
The loose, curly pieces start to tangle and mat, making the hairstyle look less cute. The advantage, however, is that you can always cut off the curly hair and keep the basic twists or braids longer. This is great as it makes it easy to change the style as needed.
8. Marley/kinky twists or tribal braids
As the name suggests, Marley Braids look "frizzy" and similar to the hair texture that people of African descent often have naturally. If you have frizzy hair, these braids will look very natural on you.
Some people might even think that they were created without extensions, just with your hair. Marley twists are achieved by using extensions with a puffy, frizzy texture. These types of braiding hair are often called "Marley", "Jamaican Twist", "Afro Kinky", "Fluffy Kinky" and many more.
Conclusion
If you also wish you had braids, just look for "hair braiding near me." You will certainly have a number of options available to you here, as the range is constantly growing. As you can see from our article, there are many different types of braids. Before you decide on an option, we recommend that you take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages.
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