Modern Take on Braids
There are, quite literally, hundreds of braid hairstyles, but as we do not have room for them here, we have chosen a few of the most popular African Braid Hairstyles as examples of what can be done.
Cornrows - Cornrows are probably the most common type of braiding, even for those with short hair. They do not require a particular length of hair, and you do not need extensions to make them look good. These small, even braids are created close to the scalp and can be arranged in the common front-to-back straight lines (hence the name 'cornrows') or they can be used to create zigzags or even circular pattern.
Micro Braids - Micro braids (also known as pixie braids or invisible braids) are made when the hair is braided into incredibly thin plaits. These can be long or short, depending on preference. When the hair is long (or extensions are used) the braids can then be used to create up dos or put into ponytails.
Up Do - The Braided up do takes tight (usually long) braids and pinned up into complex patterns. The downside of a braided up do is that long hair or extensions are needed to create this style effectively.
Cornrows - Cornrows are probably the most common type of braiding, even for those with short hair. They do not require a particular length of hair, and you do not need extensions to make them look good. These small, even braids are created close to the scalp and can be arranged in the common front-to-back straight lines (hence the name 'cornrows') or they can be used to create zigzags or even circular pattern.
Micro Braids - Micro braids (also known as pixie braids or invisible braids) are made when the hair is braided into incredibly thin plaits. These can be long or short, depending on preference. When the hair is long (or extensions are used) the braids can then be used to create up dos or put into ponytails.
Up Do - The Braided up do takes tight (usually long) braids and pinned up into complex patterns. The downside of a braided up do is that long hair or extensions are needed to create this style effectively.