A haircut says a fair bit about a man. Especially when the style in question is less orthodox than another buzz cut. You can be fairly comfortable making snap judgments about their music taste, their fashion sense, even the kind of job they do. But that’s less about the hair, more about our innate tribalism: we like to look like people like us.
Braids have always taken that idea further. The style’s been a fixture since prehistory, adopted as a way to convey power and status by cultures stretching from Africa to Scandinavia and China.
Braids for men are experiencing a resurgence in contemporary culture too, in part thanks to long-haired guys who’ve grown sick of the man bun. But with millennia of examples from every corner of the world to draw on, there’s a style to suit anyone, whether your influence is A$AP Rocky or Viking warriors. And while the style around braids has evolved, the technique remains nearly the same as it was 5,000 years ago. The hair is split into three equal pieces, then plaited: left under middle; right under middle; repeat.
If you’re ready to add some oomph to your appearance and turn some heads, check out our list of the 18 best braids for men for some styling techniques and inspiration.
The History Of Braid Hairstyles
Braids are arguably the OG hairstyle. They date back some 30,000 years if the Venus of Willendorf, a stone fertility goddess that was discovered in Austria in 1908, is anything to go by. Braids have played a social role throughout history, used to communicate tribal affiliation and marital status.
A plethora of cultures have put their own stamp on the technique, from Indigenous pigtails to Chinese staircase braids. Though mostly worn by women, braids were also donned by men, particularly warriors, from the Vikings to Ethiopians and Celts. Granted, your local barbershop is more likely influenced by more recent history.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, braids experienced a surge in popularity as black communities began to reject the white beauty standards that demanded hair be long and smooth, in favor of something more traditional. Figures like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder popularised the style, which took on a political resonance that resurged in the 1990s, in the wake of the LA riots, and recently as a reaction to the deaths of young black men at the hands of US law enforcement.
This gives braids a unique cultural weight. It’s a generalization, but tighter forms like cornrows tend to be associated with black hair culture; looser plaits and French brands are a more Caucasian phenomenon. If you’re white and do fancy box braids, then be aware that you risk accusations of cultural appropriation. Picture David Beckham’s hair in 2003 and consider whether that’s the vibe you’re after.
But braids are more than an anthropology lesson. They actually look good, too. For guys with long hair, they immediately add texture and shape that waves of surfer tresses sometimes lack. Whether you go for all-over braids or a couple of plaits, you can also use them to soften or enhance what sits beneath them. “Oval faces are best for braids,” says May, “but other shapes can look good too. It’s a matter of playing around and finding what suits you.”
If you’ve got long enough locks, then braids offer some creative styling options that no other hairstyle can match. Find a skilled enough stylist – and Instagram or our top picks below should be your friend here – and the patterns they can craft in your hair are almost limitless. Braids started out as a style that communicated who you were to the people around you and, in the right hands, they should do the same job today.
Best Braid Styles for Men
1. Cornrow Braids
One of the most mainstream braids for men, cornrows are tight braids plaited close to the head. Singleor double braids give you the option of playing with texture – barbers can style them as intricately as you prefer. Cornrow braids are most popular among black men, and they are often paired with a fade for a modernized take.
2. Single Braids
Single braids for men can include anything from a braided ponytail to a french braid. While this braided men’s hairstyle might appear too juvenile or feminine for some men, this is a great option for style-forward (or street style fanatics?)men who like to keep things simple and easy. If you’ve got a full head of long locks, simply braiding your hair back in one sturdy braid keeps it out of the way and maintains some style.
3. Two Braids
While most men probably want to avoid girly and nostalgic pigtails, men can try pulling back their hair into two French-style braids on either side of the head for a more modern and masculine look. Two braids for men also look great with a distinct undercut, in addition to adding a little flair, the undercut also adds dimension and depth.
4. Three Braids Hairstyles
Typically, hairstyles that feature three braids for men include two braids that run along the side of the head with one braid that runs through the center. These braids look best when they are kept tight and close to the head. Though they appear similar to cornrows, they are a bit thicker and wider. If you want something even more intricate, ask for a low fade or undercut.
5. Four Braids For Men
Four braids for men can be done as cornrows or left to hang freely depending on the length of your hair. Since four braids aren’t enough to pull off Travis Scott’s signature braided style, sticking to the cornrow style where the braids are close to the head looks more intentional and elegant. While you might be able to pull off some layered braids that hang loose, the end result might appear too messy or disheveled.
6. French Braids
French braids start near the hairline and go all the way down to the base of the neck. Though they appear difficult, French braids are rather easy to master. While your hair doesn’t have to be extra long all over, it does need to have decent length on top so that you don’t have to deal with stray hairs or messy braids.
7. Box Braids
If you can’t wait for your hair to grow out, box braids can be achieved by adding in extensions to give extra length. Traditional box braids can cause major tension on the scalp, knotless box braids avoid painful pulling that can lead to traction alopecia. Also, keep in mind that all that added hair can take several hours to braid, be sure to bring something to keep you occupied.
8. Braids For Men With Short Hair
Though braids for men with short hair can be a bit difficult, they are far from impossible. One of the best tactics for men with short hair is the two-strand twist. Start by separating two portions of the hair on the front of your head into different sections.
Next, grab a section of hair on both sides that are on the edge of your part. Simply twist each strand of hair over the other repeatedly, adding new chunks of hair as you go. Keep in mind that while your hair doesn’t need to be down to your shoulders, it still needs a decent amount of length.
9. Braids For Men With Long Hair
Having long hair opens the door to an endless amount of braids for men. From cornrows to French braids, there are no limitations with long hair. If you are naturally frizzy, keep some light hair clay on hand so that you can keep your braids crispy, clean, and free of stray hairs.
10. Twist Braids
Twist braids are great for men who don’t want to deal with styling or changing their hair daily. Lasting between two to eight weeks, twist braids have a unique shape and can vary in thickness. However, while you may like the thicker style, thinner twist braids last much longer
11. Viking Braids
As showcased by Vikings king Ragnar Lothbrok, this style pulls long hair back into a single, thick warrior braid. If you work in a more professional setting or office, maybe stick to something a bit more refined or classic. However, if you’re going for a true and traditional Viking hairstyle, braid your Viking beard for a matching set that will definitely turn some heads.
12. Stitch Braids
Stitch braids get their name from the stitch-like pattern that they create along the scalp. Very similar to cornrows, the braid starts at the hairline and then goes down toward the nape of the neck. The number of stitch braids is determined by how much hair you have and how thin you want the braids to be.
13. Braids With Fade
Combining cornrows with a fade is one of the most popular hairstyles for black men. The intricacy of braids complements the short and crisp fade, giving you a versatile and stylish appearance. While the braid itself is very complex, the simplicity of the fade tones it down without diminishing the artform that is braiding.
14. Iverson Braids
After rising to popularity over 20 years ago, Iverson braids remain one of the more common braid styles for men. By using various hair parts and patterns, Iverson braids create a stunning visual effect that is perfect for the artsy man who uses hair as a form of self-expression.
15. Zig-Zag Braids
While they look out of this world, zig-zag braids are not nearly as difficult to accomplish as you might think. Rather than parting the hair in a straight line, use the zig-zag pattern to separate each portion of hair. After that, simply braid the hair in the direction of the part. To achieve the distinct shape and style of zig-zag braids, the hair needs to be plaited close to the scalp. It’s also a good idea to use some pomade or wax to prevent any frizz from covering the zig-zag design.
16. Mohawk Braids
Mohawk braids are a statement-making option for men who like to keep things retro and punk. While this isn’t a style that you would be able to sport on a regular day at the office, it is a cool option for men who are free-spirited. Mohawk braids ensure that your hair is up and out of the way while still maintaining a grungy style.
17. Man Bun Braids
If you’re committed to your man bun, then introduce some texture by adding braids that run from your forehead into the topknot. This style works well with one or multiple plaits. You will need long hair to achieve this style.
18. Fishbone Braids For Men
Fishbone braids are some of the most eye-catching braids for men. These braids are plaited closely to the scalp, and though they are similar to cornrows, they are a bit more delicate and have a more intricate design. Though they sound similar, the fishbone braid is not to be confused with the fishtail braid, which is a common style option for men with very long hair.
Creating The Best Braids for Men: Things To Consider
Before you dive headfirst into braids that spell out your postcode, there are some things to bear in mind if you want to keep your look more Lil Uzi Vert than Riff-Raff.
Hair Length
Men who’ve not leaned into the long hair trend can forget their dreams of cornrows. If you’ve got less than three inches of length then braids won’t hold, says Charmaine Haughton, a trichologist and owner of Nefertiti Hair & Beauty in London.
That’s the minimum, though – ideally you’ll have a lot more coverage; the further your hair reaches, the more options you’ve got for creative braiding.
Hair Type
Your hair type will also dictate how your braids hold up. “Braids are possible on all hair types, says May, “but for optimal results and finished looks, wavy or curly hair is best suited.” Anything too fine or slippery can be hard to keep in place, so you may struggle with anything more intricate, or require a Post Office-worth of elastic bands to keep your braids neat.
Hair Thickness
You’d also be wise to avoid braids if your forehead is rapidly winning the battle against your hairline. Because the style exposes your scalp, it can make thinning or receding hair even more apparent.
Plus, you run the risk of making things worse. Tight braids, particularly those left in for months on end, can damage the root and exacerbate breakage and hair loss. When you eventually brush the braids out, you might end up with more in the bristles than on your scalp.
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Braids for Men FAQ:
What are the types of braids for men?
Some of the most popular braids for men include cornrows, layered braids, box braids, Viking braids, and single plait braids. If your hair’s long enough then you can fashion loose braids and plaits at home. For more complicated styles like cornrows, seek professional assistance.
How to style braids for men
If you’re going to try your hand, arm yourself with some stiffening products. The aim is for the hair to stay in position and not fall apart, which is why thicker or wavier hair tends to work best, but you can cheat your way to similar results. “We like to use products that give the hair a bit of texture without being too stiff and sticky,” says May. “Things like a waxy pomade or sea salt spray help add a little grip to your braid.”
Rocked recently by Kendrick and A$AP, cornrows are enjoying a surge in popularity, says Haughton. But the technique for crafting them remains much as it was when they were first fashioned around 5,000 years ago. The hair is split into three equal pieces, then plaited: left under middle; right under middle; repeat.
Pull each strand tight to keep the braid neat and continue from front to back until you run out of hair (try to use the same amount in each braid so it looks uniform). If your hair isn’t that grippy, wrap an elastic band around the end to keep the hair in place. You can then style your braids in anything from a loose ponytail to a topknot, or let them hang free.
For more involved styles, enlist the experts. It’s tricky enough shaving the hair on your neck, let alone trying to fashion intricate box braids back there, by feel alone.
How to maintain braids
Once they’re in, braids don’t need much upkeep. If you want to keep them tidy, try sleeping in a do-rag at night to avoid any unwanted frizz or grime. Be careful when shampooing and make sure that you avoid rubbing too hard as the braids might come undone. When it comes to sealing your braids, use a leave-in conditioner or mix some water and coconut oil in a spray bottle and give them a nice spritz daily.
“It depends on the type of braid,” says May, “but if you have small, tight braids, then make sure you moisturise the hair and your scalp with oil.” Look for products that contain shea butter or mafura oil, which keep your braids and the skin beneath hydrated.
