Braided Updo Hairstyles That Turn Heads

Braided updo hairstyles have become so trendy and fashionable and we’ve seen these hairstyles on models, rocking them on the fashion week runways. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia. In African tribes, braids were used as a way of identifying different people from different tribes.

Braiding to Africans is a way of connecting to our roots and appreciating the beauty of our diverse cultures. Women have worn braids for years, running from complex patterns to simple plaits. Braided hairstyles are perfect for almost every occasion not to mention that it’s the best protective hairstyle and helps you to grow your hair longer.  

5 interesting facts about the Himba people - Africa Geographic
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What are the latest braiding hairstyles?

  1. Box braids

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Box braids are everywhere now, it is one of the most protective braided hairstyles. You don’t need to have a specific face type to wear box braids, it looks great on any face type. Box braids last for about three weeks and it’s a very affordable hairstyle. These are the most common type of braids.

2. Braided ponytail

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This beautiful hairstyle draws your eyes up, making your face seem longer. It’s not advisable for people with a long face because it will end up giving your face an extra long unusual look. However, it can be an advantage to a person with a round face who wants to achieve a longer-looking face. 

3. Crochet braids

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Crotchet braids are so in season and they have a variety of different crochet patterns to choose from. Crochet braids consume less time to be done compared to box braids and the process is also less painful. 

4. Lemonade braids

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This hairstyle was made famous by Beyoncรฉ, who wore it on the cover of her album Lemonade. The style consists of neat, even, and close cornrows that run from left to right. Lemonade braids don’t have a particular face type and it lasts for weeks.

5.Goddess braids

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Goddess braids always stand out in a crowd regardless of whatever pattern you choose. Goddess braids are a thicker version of cornrow braids and you can decorate them with different accessories like beads, rings and wires to give your box braids the attention they deserve. These braids take way less time to make and are very protective but classy.

6. Knotless braids

Knotless braids | Braids for short hair, Box braids styling, Black girl braided hairstyles
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Knotless braids, also known as feed-in braids, is the best hairstyle to protect your hair out of all he braided hairstyles. In normal braids, the stylist will normally secure your natural hair with a knot but in these knotless braids the stylist starts by braiding your hair, then feeds in the hair extensions for a seamless look.

7. Tribal braids

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This braided updo hairstyle has it’s roots in Africa. The hairstyle is all about combining different techniques and braid sizes to create unique pattern and shapes. There are no limits when it comes to tribal braids, you can become as creative as you want it will still be gorgeous. Yemi Alade sure knows how to rock her tribal braids.

8. Cornrow braids

Pin on bob box braids
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Cornrows are relatively adaptive, they can be thick or thin and combined with other  braid updo hairstyles like box braids. Cornrows are a protective hairstyle and will last you weeks with low maintenance.  

9. Fulani braids

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Fulani braids are a signature look for the Fula people of  West Africa. The style involves plaiting along the sides of the head while leaving a central twist at the crown. This central braid needs to be traditionally decorated with beads and rings but hair cuffs are optional. You can place the braids strategically to suit your face shape. The Fulani braids is also a protective hairstyle and you could also rock it for weeks with low maintenance.

10.Yarn braids

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Yarn braids are made from a type of extension that is made of acrylic, a non-wool extension which is great for am afro-textured hair. They can be as thick or as thin as you want. Feel free to opt for anything from mini to jumbo, depending on your hair strength. Yarn braids make a bold statement as they come in a variety of colors to choose from.

11. Butterfly braid

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Its an oversized and slightly fluffy up do braided hairstyle. It always requires a hair extension and sometimes you might need to sew the braid in place. The hairstyle is meant to look natural and not too done. You can add hair cuffs or jewelry to keep the butterfly the focus of the look.

12. Jumbo box braids