30 Braids for Men for Every Hair Type: Straight, Curly or Coily

Straight-back cornrows are the most classic braid style for men. The braids sit flat against the scalp in neat parallel lines from the front to the back.

They hold best on coily and kinky hair, which grips well and stays braided for weeks. On straighter hair, they loosen within a few days.

Not every braid suits every hair type, so here’s a quick guide to help you choose before you scroll.

Box braids are loose braids grown out of neat square sections. They can be worn down, tied up or put into a bun, which makes them one of the most versatile braid styles.

Tension is what decides whether braids protect your hair or damage it. Braids pulled too tight can lead to hair loss along the hairline over time.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises limiting braids to six to eight weeks at most, loosening them at the hairline, and changing your style if you notice pain or broken hairs around your forehead.

Stitch braids are cornrows with small horizontal lines along each braid, which make them look extra sharp. Four to eight stitch braids straight back are the most popular choice.

They look crispest in the first week. The lines soften as new hair grows, so plan regular refreshes.

Stitch braids pair especially well with a low fade or taper. The clean sides make the stitched lines stand out.

Pop Smoke braids look just as sharp with a taper, with rows that curve back and out to the sides.

Two braids split your hair down the middle into two braids running front to back. On coily hair they’re done as cornrows, and on straighter hair as Dutch or French braids.

They’re quick, practical for sport and work on most hair types. A clean, straight middle part makes the style look sharper.

Two braids look fullest on medium-length hair. On short hair, they can look thin, so add braiding hair or choose more rows.

Four braids split your hair into four thick sections, each braided from front to back. They look bold and chunky, and they install quickly.

Curved or angled parts between the braids add a design without extra time. Bring a photo of the pattern you like.

Four braids are a great short-term style between longer braided looks. They’re also easy to take out.

Viking braids usually combine one or more braids on top with shaved or very short sides. Often called Nordic or Norse braids, they’re a rugged, dramatic look that suits long hair and a full beard.

The top hair needs to be long enough to braid, ideally shoulder length when pulled back. The shaved sides keep the style clean and show off the braid.

Viking braids on straight hair loosen within a day. Redo them each morning, or use a light texturising spray for better grip.

A braided mohawk keeps braids only down the centre of the head, with shaved or faded sides. It’s a bold, edgy look that works with cornrows on coily hair or one thick braid on straighter hair.

The braids can run in one line from front to back or in a few short rows. A fresh line where the top meets the sides keeps it sharp.

A braided mohawk works well for concerts, festivals and creative workplaces. It may feel too bold for conservative offices.

Dutch braids are braided by crossing sections under each other, so the braid stands out on top of the hair. They look raised and defined, and they’re a great choice for straight and wavy hair.

Two Dutch braids straight back are one of the easiest braids to learn yourself. It takes some practice, but most men get the hang of it within a few tries.

A French braid crosses sections over each other, adding hair as you go, so the braid lies flatter and smoother than a Dutch braid. A single French braid is a neat way to keep long hair tidy.

It works well for sport, work and travel. It’s also a gentle style for long hair since it spreads the tension across the head.

Two French braids also work well on medium-length hair. They lie flatter than Dutch braids, so they’re more low-key.

A fishbone braid splits hair into two sections and crosses small pieces from each side, creating a fine, herringbone-like pattern. It looks detailed and decorative.

Fishbone braids take more time than regular braids, but they’re easy once you learn the pattern. They work best on long, straight or wavy hair.

A fishbone braid can be worn over one shoulder or down the back. Pulling it slightly loose afterwards gives a fuller, relaxed look.

A rope twist braid uses two strands twisted around each other instead of three braided ones. It looks like a rope, and it’s one of the quickest braids to do yourself.

Rope braids also use less length than three-strand braids. On a Men’s Long Hair Hyperboard thread about minimum braid length, one member said his favourite was the two-strand rope braid because it doesn’t use as much length, while another said front layers needed to be at least shoulder length to stay in a braid.

A rope braid is great for active days and sport. Tie it off with a soft elastic so it doesn’t snag your hair.

A braided man bun gathers braids into a bun on the crown or at the back of the head. It’s neat, cool on hot days and keeps hair off your neck.

On coily hair, cornrows can run up into the bun. On straighter hair, a Dutch braid up the back into a bun gives a similar look.

Change the bun’s position now and then, between the crown and the back of the head. That spreads the tension across your scalp.

Braids with a fade combine braids on top with short, faded sides and back. Low fades, tapers and high fades all work, depending on how bold you want the contrast.

The fade grows out faster than the braids. Plan regular trips to the barber to keep the sides crisp.

A low or mid fade suits most face shapes and looks neat for work. A high fade makes the braids stand out more.

Zigzag cornrows follow sharp zigzag lines instead of straight rows. They’re bold and eye-catching, and they stand out from classic cornrows.

The pattern takes more skill, so choose a braider with zigzag styles in their portfolio. A fresh line-up and low fade make the zigzags look sharper.

Zigzag parts also work with stitch braids. The stitched lines and zigzag parts together create a very detailed look.

Freestyle braid designs use curves, swirls, hearts, stars and other shapes instead of straight rows. They turn braids into a personal piece of art.

Complex designs take longer to install, so book extra time. Bring a few photos so your braider knows the look you want.

Heart designs are popular for Valentine’s Day and special events. Swirls and curves suit almost any occasion.

Fulani braids combine cornrows in different directions, often with braids running forward along the sides, and are usually decorated with beads or cowrie shells. They look detailed and meaningful.

Where Fulani Braids Come From

Fulani braids take their name from the Fulani, a nomadic ethnic group in West Africa. The style is traditionally decorated with beads, cowrie shells and other ornaments, and braiding has long been a way to express identity and heritage.

Fulani braids for men often pair a centre cornrow with braids that hang down at the sides.

Keep the decorations light, since heavy beads pull on the braids. A few cowries or gold cuffs are enough.

Twist braids use two strands twisted together instead of three braided ones. They look softer and rope-like, and they install faster than braids.

They work in square parts like box braids, or as short twists all over the head. Senegalese-style twists use extension hair for extra length.

Twists are easier and quicker to take out than braids. That makes them a good short-term style.

Barrel braids, or barrel twists, combine several locs into thick braids running from front to back. They look bold and neat, and they keep locs tidy for work and events.

Your locs need to be long and established enough to braid together. Shoulder length is usually enough.

Barrel braids can last a few weeks. Take them down gently to avoid stressing the roots of your locs.

Braids with beads add colour and personality. Gold, silver, wooden and coloured beads all look great, and you can add them to just a few braids.

Small, smooth beads look stylish without adding much weight. They’re also less likely to snag on clothes.

Where Beads Start to Pull:

Heavy beads on every braid add weight that tugs on your roots all day. Stick to small, lightweight beads on a few braids, especially around the front.

Secure beads with small elastics so they don’t slide off. They’re easy to remove if you get tired of them.

Short hair can still be braided, especially into small cornrows on coily hair. Around 2 inches is usually enough, and a braider can add a little braiding hair for grip.

Short braids are light and comfortable. They grow out quickly visually, so plan to refresh them more often.

Ask your braider to keep short braids comfortable. Tension at the hairline matters even more on short hair.

Long braids look dramatic and versatile, whether they’re single braids on coily hair or one long braid on straighter hair. They can be tied up, worn down or put into a bun.

Choosing Between One Braid and Many

On straight or wavy hair, one or two long braids are practical and quick. On coily hair, many single braids or box braids spread the weight and last for weeks.

Long braids are heavier, so tie them up loosely for sport and sleep. That reduces pulling and tangling.

Curly hair holds braids better than straight hair but not as long as coily hair. Cornrows, two braids, Dutch braids and box braids all work, depending on how long you want them to last.

Moisture matters more for curly hair. Dry curls frizz quickly inside braids, so use a leave-in conditioner before braiding.

Expect curly braids to last a few days to a couple of weeks. Sleep in a satin durag or bonnet to make them last longer.

Straight hair is smooth and slippery, so braids loosen faster than on curly or coily hair. Dutch, French, Viking, rope and fishbone braids are the easiest styles to wear.

Small braids can work too, with a bit of length. On a long-running Men’s Long Hair Hyperboard thread, one member with straight hair about seven inches long said that was “just long enough that the braids hang nicely.”

A texturising spray or a little dry shampoo gives straight hair more grip. It helps braids stay in place longer.

Side braids sweep diagonally across the head to one side instead of straight back. The angled rows look dynamic and unusual.

They pair well with a fade on the shorter side. On straighter hair, a single Dutch braid along one side gives a similar look.

Medium-thin rows look best for side braids. Thick rows can look bulky when they all gather on one side.

Criss-cross braids cross over each other in an X pattern, usually on the crown or the back of the head. The overlapping lines create a detailed, geometric look.

They take skill and time, so choose an experienced braider. Bring photos of the exact pattern you want.

Criss-cross braids pair well with a low fade. The clean sides let the crossing pattern stand out.

Beard braids turn a long beard into a single braid or two small braids at the chin. They’re a rugged, Viking-inspired look that keeps a long beard tidy.

A single braid down the centre is the most common style. A small bead or beard ring finishes it.

Skip It If Your Beard Is Shorter Than About 3 Inches

Short beards don’t have enough length to braid, and the braid will slip out quickly. Grow it longer first, or use a beard balm to tame it instead.

Comb out your beard and apply a little beard oil before braiding. That makes the braid smoother and easier to do.

A mullet with braids keeps the classic short-front, long-back shape and adds braids on top or in the back. It’s a fashion-forward mix of retro and modern styles.

The braids usually run from the top down into the longer hair at the back. Faded sides keep the shape clean.

Regular trims keep the mullet’s shape sharp. The braids can be refreshed separately as needed.

Neat, thin straight-back cornrows, a low braided ponytail or a single tidy braid all look polished with a suit. Clean parts and fresh edges make braids look smart for work, weddings and prom.

Book your braids a few days before a big event, not the day before. That gives any tenderness time to settle and lets you fix anything you don’t like.

Keep the style neat and simple for formal events. Save bold designs and beads for parties and festivals.

For teens, simple braids like cornrows, two braids or Dutch braids are neat, practical styles for school and sport. They keep hair tidy and out of the face.

Medium-sized braids are gentler on a teen’s hairline than very thin ones. Comfortable tension matters most.

A satin durag, bonnet or pillowcase keeps braids neat overnight. Wash and condition your hair between styles.

Simple braids, like straight-back cornrows or two braids, are neat, practical styles for younger boys. They keep hair tidy for school and play.

Keep the braids loose and comfortable, since a young scalp is sensitive. Tight braids can hurt and damage the hairline.

Choose a patient braider who works well with children. Short breaks during the appointment help boys stay comfortable.