Tribal Braids: 60 Unique Styles

Tribal braids: A Popular Hair Trend

Tribal braids have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to their rich cultural heritage and versatility in styling. The hairstyle not only reflects the unique beauty of African and indigenous cultures but also offers numerous ways to express individuality. In this article, we will explore 60 tribal braids, each with a detailed description to inspire your next hairstyle choice. By the end, you’ll have an appreciation for the diversity of this incredible hairdo and understand how to maintain your braids to keep them looking fabulous.

What are Tribal Braids?

Tribal braids, also known as African braids, are intricate and versatile hairstyles that have their roots in African and indigenous cultures. They are created by weaving the hair into intricate patterns, often using added hair extensions to provide extra length and thickness. Tribal braids offer a protective styling option for natural hair, helping to promote healthy growth by reducing breakage and tangling.

Top 60 Tribal Braid Styles

1.   Classic Box Braids

These square-shaped braids offer a timeless look, providing an opportunity for individual expression through various sizes, lengths, and colors.

2.   Cornrow Braids

 An iconic tribal braid style, cornrows lie flat against the scalp and can be designed in various patterns to add artistic flair.

3.   Senegalese Twists

 Featuring a two-strand twist technique, Senegalese twists present a sleek, rope-like appearance that works well with both natural hair and extensions.

4.   Ghana Braids

Known for their unique curved pattern, Ghana braids start small at the hairline and gradually increase in size as they move back, creating a striking look.

5.   Fulani Braids

This beautiful tribal braid style incorporates thin, delicate braids with thicker cornrows, often featuring a central braid down the middle of the head and additional braids around the sides.

6.   Goddess Braids

These large, intricate braids are designed to make a statement, often incorporating intricate patterns and embellishments such as beads or shells.

7.   Nubian Twists

 These tight, coiled twists offer a stunning, voluminous look while providing excellent protection for natural hair.

8.   Micro Braids

 These tiny, delicate braids take longer to install but provide a versatile and intricate hairstyle that can be styled in numerous ways.

9.   Bantu Knots

 A traditional African hairstyle, Bantu knots consist of hair twisted into small, tight coils, creating a unique and eye-catching look.

10.                     Marley Twists

 These two-strand twists are made using Marley hair extensions, giving them a natural, textured appearance that mimics the look of dreadlocks.

11.                     Kinky Twists

 Similar to Marley twists; kinky twists use extensions that closely resemble natural hair texture, creating a full, voluminous style.

12.                     Tree Braids

 A hybrid between traditional braids and a weave, tree braids involve braiding the hair halfway down and leaving the rest of the hair loose, offering a natural-looking style with added length.

13.                     Dutch Braids

 Also known as reverse French braids, Dutch braids sit on top of the head, creating a 3D effect perfect for intricate patterns and designs.

14.                     Fishtail Braids

These elegant braids are formed by dividing the hair into two sections and weaving small strands from each side, creating a delicate, intricate appearance.

15.                     Yarn Braids

Yarn braids are an innovative alternative to traditional hair extensions, utilizing yarn instead of synthetic or human hair for added length and thickness. This creative hairstyle offers a wide range of color options and a unique texture, making it a perfect choice for those looking to express their individuality. Yarn braids are also a cost-effective and lightweight option, ensuring both comfort and style for the wearer.

16.                     Synthetic Hair Braids

These braids use synthetic hair extensions, offering a wide range of colors and textures to choose from, making it easy to achieve a bold, eye-catching look.

17.                     Lemonade Braids

Made famous by Beyoncé, Lemonade braids are side-swept cornrows that typically run diagonally from the hairline to the nape of the neck, creating a stunning and chic appearance.

18.                     Zigzag Braids

These braids showcase a zigzag pattern throughout the style, offering a playful and edgy alternative to traditional straight cornrows.

19.                     Butterfly Locs

A combination of braids and faux locs, Butterfly Locs are created by wrapping textured hair around a two-strand twist, resulting in a messy, bohemian style.

20.                     Braided Mohawk

 This daring tribal braid style features braids on the sides of the head, with a central section of hair left unbraided or styled into a faux-hawk.

21.                     Braided Ponytail

A combination of braids and a ponytail, this style can be achieved with cornrows, box braids, or twists, creating a sleek and sophisticated look.

22.                     Braided Bun

This elegant updo showcases braids gathered into a bun, perfect for formal occasions or when you want a chic, put-together appearance.

23.                     Crown Braid

This regal style involves braiding the hair around the head to create a halo-like effect, perfect for a special event or when you want to feel like a queen.

24.                     Crochet Braids

This protective style involves attaching pre-braided or twisted hair extensions to the natural hair using a crochet needle, offering a quick and versatile styling option.

25.                     Jumbo Box Braids

Jumbo Box Braids are a popular and bold hairstyle featuring large, chunky braids. This low-maintenance style provides a striking and fashionable look while protecting your natural hair. Perfect for making a statement, Jumbo Box Braids can be customized with various lengths and colors. Additionally, this versatile style allows for various updos, ponytails, and other creative styling options.

26.                     Double Dutch Braids

 This style features two parallel Dutch braids running down the head, offering a youthful and sporty look.

27.                     Stitch Braids

 These unique braids are created using a feed-in technique, showcasing a visible stitch pattern that adds an intriguing element to the style.

28.                     Tribal Braids with Beads

Adding beads to your tribal braids not only enhances the cultural significance but also adds a playful and vibrant touch to your style.

29.                     Waterfall Braids

This romantic hairstyle involves braiding the hair in a cascading pattern, allowing strands to flow through the braid like a waterfall.

30.                     Braided Updo

A braided updo can take many forms, from a simple bun to intricate, woven patterns that showcase your creativity and flair for style.

31.                     Side-Swept Braids

This elegant style features braids swept to one side of the head, creating a soft, feminine appearance.

32.                     Half-Up, Half-Down Braids

 This versatile style combines the best of both worlds, with braids on the top half of the head and loose hair on the bottom half.

33.                     Tribal Braids with Shaved Sides

This edgy look pairs tribal braids with shaved or closely cropped sides, offering a bold, statement-making appearance.

34.                     Layered Braids

 Layered braids are a creative and eye-catching hairstyle that features multiple layers of braids, adding depth and dimension to your look. This versatile style can be achieved with various braid types such as box braids or cornrows. Layered braids work well on various hair lengths and textures, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and stunning appearance. Experiment with different layering patterns and braid sizes to achieve a personalized layered braid style that suits your personality and aesthetic.

35.                     Bob-Length Braids

These shorter braids are perfect for those who want a manageable and low-maintenance hairstyle that still showcases the beauty of tribal braids.

36.                     Long Tribal Braids

 These braids extend well past the shoulders, offering a striking and dramatic look that makes a statement.

37.                     Braided Headband

This style features a single braid that wraps around the head like a headband, offering a simple yet elegant look.

38.                     Tassel Braids

 These unique braids end with a tassel-like finish, adding a playful and whimsical touch to your hairstyle.

39.                     Criss-Cross Braids

This eye-catching pattern involves braids crossing over each other to create a visually stunning effect.

40.                     Space Buns with Braids

This fun and youthful style combines tribal braids with space buns, offering a playful and quirky look.

41.                     Tribal Braids with Curls

 Mixing braids with loose curls provides a romantic and soft appearance, perfect for special occasions or every day wear.

42.                     Braided Pigtails

This cute and playful style features two braided pigtails, offering a fun and casual look.

43.                     Ladder Braids

These unique braids showcase a ladder-like pattern, providing a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.

44.                     Mermaid Braids

This enchanting style involves braiding the hair in a cascading pattern, evoking the image of a mermaid’s flowing locks.

45.                     Braided Crown with Loose Hair

 This regal style features a braided crown with the rest of the hair left loose and flowing, creating a romantic and ethereal look.

46.                     Ombre Tribal Braids

 Incorporating ombre color into your tribal braids offers a trendy and visually striking appearance.

47.                     Braids with Undercut

This edgy style combines tribal braids with an undercut, offering a bold and daring look.

48.                     Inverted Fishtail Braids

This variation of the classic fishtail braid involves weaving the hair in the opposite direction, creating an intricate and unique pattern.

49.                     Braids with Hair Rings

Adding hair rings to your tribal braids provides an extra touch of glamor and sophistication to your hairstyle.

50.                     Wavy Tribal Braids

 These braids incorporate a wavy pattern, offering a soft and romantic appearance.

51.                     Braids with Side Part

This classic look features tribal braids with a deep side part, providing a sleek and polished appearance.

52.                     Braids with Middle Part

This symmetrical and balanced look features tribal braids with a middle part, offering a timeless and elegant style.

53.                     Braids with Colorful Extensions

 Adding colorful extensions to your tribal braids allows you to express your individuality and creativity through your hairstyle.

54.                     Tribal Braids with a Bow

 Incorporating a bow into your tribal braids adds a touch of feminine charm and playfulness to your style.

55.                     Mohawk Braids with Curls

 This daring look combines a braided Mohawk with loose curls, offering a bold and striking appearance.

56.                     Braids with a High Ponytail

This sleek and sporty style features tribal braids gathered into a high ponytail, perfect for active lifestyles.

57.                     Braids with Loose Ends

This style showcases tribal braids with the ends left loose, providing a casual and effortless look.

58.                     Inverted Tribal Braids

 This unique style features tribal braids woven in the opposite direction, creating a visually striking and distinctive pattern.

59.                     Tribal Braids with a Side Bun

 This elegant and chic style involves sweeping the braids to one side and securing them in a bun, perfect for special occasions or a polished everyday look.

60.                     Braids with a Low Ponytail

 This sophisticated style features tribal braids gathered into a low ponytail, offering a versatile and polished appearance.

Tips for Maintaining Tribal Braids

• Keep your scalp clean and moisturized to promote healthy hair growth.
• Avoid pulling or tugging on your braids, as this can cause breakage and damage.
• Sleep with a silk or satin scarf to prevent friction and preserve your hairstyle.
• Regularly moisturize your hair and scalp with lightweight oils or creams to maintain hydration and prevent breakage.
• Gently detangle your braids with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid causing unnecessary stress on your hair.
• If your braids become frizzy or loose, consider re-braiding or twisting the affected areas to maintain a neat appearance.
• Avoid excessive heat styling, as this can weaken and damage your braids and natural hair.
• Consult a professional hairstylist for proper installation and maintenance advice tailored to your specific hair type and needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tribal braids offer a unique and versatile way to express your creativity and individuality while protecting your natural hair. With a wide range of styles and techniques to choose from, you can find the perfect tribal braid look to suit your personality and lifestyle. Remember to maintain your braids with proper care and maintenance to ensure they remain looking fabulous and promoting healthy hair growth.