Braids on men used to be frowned upon, but welcome to the 21st century! Old doctrines have passed away, and new ones are taking root. Everywhere you turn, there’s a young man with braided hair and sometimes, perfectly accessorised with piercings to match.
With the new norm, it can be overwhelming to choose from a vast number of hairstyles, from Travis Scott braids to cornrows. There are also issues of choosing the style that best suits your face and maintaining your braids.
Here’s your big sister’s guide to the best braids for men and how to pick the one that’s right for you.
Why Choose Braids?
For one, braids are one of the many ways Nigerian youths express their personality and style. They tell a story about heritage, creativity, and individuality.
Whether you’re rocking neat micro braids for work or bold box braids for an event like the Pulse Fiesta, the right style can boost confidence and turn heads and maybe help you bag your crush.
Braids also offer practical benefits: low-maintenance care, protection against breakage, and versatility in styling. Here are 15 braid styles for men that are protective, simple, and trendy.
Best Braids for Men: Simple and Popular Styles to Try
1. Cornrows
Cornrows are classic and timeless and suit almost every face shape and hair type, whether relaxed or natural. They’re perfect for men who want a clean, low-maintenance look while staying stylish.
Read Next: These 7 Hair Relaxers Are Gentle, Effective, and Scalp-Safe.
2. Box Braids
Box braids are a bold, protective, and trendy hairstyle for men, especially those with natural hair. They look great on guys with thick hair and give you a lot of freedom to experiment with length and cool hair accessories like beads or cuffs.
3. Twist Braids
Twists are perfect for active lifestyles like gym workouts or errands while still keeping your hair protected. They are protective and easy to manage.
Read Next: Get Rid of Hair Lice Permanently With These 7 Steps.
4. Senegalese Twists
Twists generally elongate your face, but Senegalese twists take it to the next level because they are sleek and stylish.
They give you a neat, polished look without needing a bunch of daily styling. This makes it a top choice for men with active and busy lifestyles.
Read Next: 8 Male Celebrities Who Quietly Got Hair Transplants and Look Amazing Now.
5. Braided Mohawk
If you want to stand out and make a statement, you can’t go wrong with a braided mohawk. It’s super edgy and modern, with shaved sides that make the cool, detailed braiding in the middle pop. It’s a look that’s guaranteed to get attention.
It’s also one of the best braid hairstyles for men with receding hairlines.
Read Next: 3 ways men can stop a receding hairline.
6. Micro Braids
Micro braids are neat, subtle, and perfect if you’re new to braiding. They can easily work in professional environments and can be styled in many creative ways.
These tiny braids can last longer with good maintenance and save you money and the stress of a redo.
7. Travis Scott Braid
Inspired by the rapper’s signature look, the Travis Scott braid is a high-fashion choice for men who want to stand out. It’s a low-maintenance style that gives natural hair a break. It gives off a cool, edgy vibe and is a popular style among Nigerian men.
8. Single Braids
Single braids fall neatly, frame the face well, and work on almost any hair length as long as you have enough grip for parting.
You can style them in different ways; you can tie them back, leave them to hang, or accessorise them with beads for extra flair.
