In 2024, men are embracing braided hairstyles more than ever before.
However, with so many options available, finding the perfect braided look that suits your style and personality can be challenging.
That’s where this blog post comes in – we’ve compiled a list of 21 trendy braided hairstyles for men that will turn heads and keep you looking fresh all year round.
Whether you’re looking for a classic cornrow style, a modern twist on box braids, or something unique, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to discover your next favorite braided hairstyle and learn how to achieve the look with our step-by-step guides.
Let’s get started.
Trendy Braided Hairstyles for Men in 2024
1. Triangle Box Braids
Triangle box braids are popular for men seeking a protective style with a unique twist.
This look is achieved by sectioning the hair into triangular shapes, creating a more dynamic and eye-catching appearance than traditional square sections.
The versatility of this style allows for various parting patterns and finishing touches, such as beads or accessories, to personalize the look further.
Whether you have short or long hair, triangle box braids offer a fresh take on a classic style that will make a statement.
2. Straight Hair Box Plaits
Straight hair box plaits are a timeless style that has been a favorite among men for decades.
To achieve this look, the hair is divided into consecutive lines of squares, resulting in a neat and uniform appearance.
This classic style is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional approach to braided hairstyles.
Straight hair box plaits are versatile and can be worn in various lengths, making them suitable for men with different hair types and textures.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance style or a stylish protective look, straight hair box plaits are a reliable choice.
3. Cornrow with a Bun
The cornrow with a bun hairstyle is a practical and stylish option for men who want to keep their hair off their face and neck while maintaining a trendy appearance.
This look combines the protective benefits of cornrows with the convenience of a bun, making it ideal for warmer weather or active lifestyles.
Cornrows suit various hair types, textures, and lengths, and when paired with a bun, they create a relaxed yet polished aesthetic.
This hairstyle is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance look that still makes a fashion statement.
4. Simple Braided Hairstyles for Black Men
Simple braided hairstyles for black men, such as the cornrow fade, offer a clean-cut, versatile, and easy-to-maintain look.
The cornrow fade combines the classic cornrow style with a sleek fade haircut, resulting in a modern and stylish appearance.
This hairstyle works well for boys and men, as it is adaptable to various hair lengths and textures.
The clean lines of the cornrows and the sharp contrast of the fade create a polished and sophisticated look suitable for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events.
5. Short Box Braids
(an image of this hairstyle on a man)
Short-box braids are an excellent option for men who prefer to keep their hair short but still want to experience the style and benefits of braids.
This low-maintenance look is perfect for those with short hair who want to protect their strands from breakage while promoting healthy hair growth.
Short box braids are also a great choice for men with thin or fine hair, as they create the illusion of fuller, thicker locks without causing tension on the scalp.
With their subtle yet stylish appearance, short box braids are a versatile option for men seeking a modern and manageable braided hairstyle.
6. Loose Side Braids
Loose side braids are a stylish and relaxed option for men who want to draw attention to their facial features.
This face-framing effect is achieved by braiding the hair loosely on the sides, creating a casual and effortless appearance.
Loose side braids work particularly well for men with longer hair, as the added length provides more versatility in styling.
Leaving the braids loose for informal occasions creates a laid-back and approachable look, while the deliberate messiness and unstructured approach give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
7. Long Zig-Zag Cornrow Braids
Long zig-zag cornrow braids offer a modern and edgy twist to the classic cornrow style.
This trendy look, often seen on style icons and celebrities, is achieved by braiding the hair in a zig-zag pattern, creating a visually striking and dynamic appearance.
Long zig-zag cornrows can be worn in various lengths, from short to long, and can be styled in different ways, such as a low bun or ponytail.
Experimenting with different parting patterns allows for even more creativity and personalization, making this style popular among fashion-forward men.
8. Neat and Tiny Cornrows
Neat and tiny cornrows are a refined and sophisticated option for men who want a polished and well-groomed appearance.
This style involves weaving the hair into small, tight cornrows that create a sleek and uniform look.
While achieving neat and tiny cornrows may take more time and effort than larger ones, the result is a strikingly detailed and impressive hairstyle.
This look is perfect for men who want to showcase their attention to detail and commitment to a well-maintained appearance.
9. Twisted Hair Braids
Twisted hair braids are simple and casual, perfect for men who want a neat and effortless look.
This hairstyle is achieved by twisting two locks of hair around each other, creating a twisted or rope-like appearance.
Twisted hair braids are a great option for men with various hair lengths and textures, as they can be adapted to suit individual preferences.
The simplicity of this style makes it easy to maintain and style while offering a trendy look.
10. Two Cornrow Braids
Two cornrow braids are a minimalist and stylish option for men with longer hair.
This look features two long braids running from the forehead to the back of the head, creating a clean and streamlined appearance.
Two cornrow braids are especially striking when paired with a faded haircut or shaved sides, as the contrast between the braids and the shorter hair adds visual interest and depth.
To elevate this style further, consider growing a full beard or letting your long hair flow freely at the back, either loose or tied up in a bun.
11. Cornrow Waves
Cornrow waves are a modern and stylish option for men looking to add a unique twist to the traditional cornrow style.
This look is achieved by twisting the cornrows as braided, creating a wavy appearance that adds visual interest and texture to the hair.
Cornrow waves look great and serve as a protective style that reduces breakage and promotes natural hair growth.
This style is perfect for men who want to stand out from the crowd and showcase their creativity and individuality through their hairstyle.
12. Box Braids with Beads
Box braids with beads are a unique and culturally significant style that allows men to express their heritage and personal style.
This look is achieved by adding beads to traditional box braids, creating a visually striking and meaningful appearance.
Mixing different braid sizes and incorporating various beading patterns can create a tribal-inspired look that pays homage to one’s cultural roots.
Box braids with beads are fashionable and serve as a conversation starter, allowing men to share their cultural backgrounds and personal stories with others.
13. Simple Box Braids for Men
Simple box braids are a versatile and stylish option for men who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable hairstyle.
This classic look can suit various hair lengths and thicknesses, with braids ranging from thin to thick and short to long.
Simple box braids can be worn loose, allowing them to hang freely or styled into various updos, such as buns, ponytails, or top knots.
This style is perfect for men who want a protective hairstyle that is easy to maintain while offering a trendy look.
14. Male Bun Braids
Male bun braids are a stylish and practical option for men who want to keep their braids tidy and out of their face.
This look combines the protective and stylish benefits of braids with the convenience and elegance of a bun.
Braids are gathered and secured into a bun at the back or top of the head to achieve this style, creating a clean and polished appearance.
Male bun braids are perfect for men who lead an active lifestyle or want a sleek and sophisticated look for formal occasions.
15. Big Cornrow Braids
Big cornrow braids are a bold and striking option for men who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.
This look features larger, thicker cornrows, creating a visually impressive and eye-catching appearance.
Big cornrow braids are stylish and practical, as they require less time and effort to install compared to smaller, more intricate cornrows.
This style is perfect for men with thick or coarse hair, as the larger braids can help manage and tame unruly locks while offering a fashionable and on-trend look.
16. Samurai Bun with Cornrow Braids
The Samurai bun with cornrow braids is a unique and edgy hairstyle that combines traditional cornrows with a modern twist.
This look features a small, high topknot or bun, reminiscent of the hairstyle worn by Japanese samurai warriors.
The cornrow braids add a touch of urban flair to the style, creating a visually striking contrast between the sleek braids and the textured bun.
This hairstyle is often paired with a fade or undercut to enhance its modern, edgy vibe.
The Samurai bun with cornrow braids is perfect for men who want to express their individuality and make a bold fashion statement.
17. Cornrow with a Drop Fade
The cornrow with a drop fade is a stylish and contemporary hairstyle that combines the classic look of cornrows with the modern appeal of a drop fade haircut.
The drop fade gradually tapers down the sides and back of the head, following the natural curve of the skull, creating a smooth and seamless transition between the cornrows and the shorter hair.
This style requires precise braiding and a skillfully executed fade to achieve a sharp, polished appearance.
The cornrow with a drop fade is perfect for men who want a clean-cut, sophisticated look that showcases their attention to detail and grooming.
18. Side Cornrow
Side cornrows offer a fresh and innovative take on the traditional cornrow style, where braids are directed to the side instead of straight back.
This look creates an asymmetrical and visually interesting appearance that adds depth and dimension to the hair.
Side cornrows are particularly flattering for men with large foreheads, receding hairlines, or wide faces, as the side-swept braids help to balance facial features and draw attention away from areas of concern.
This style is perfect for men who want to experiment with a new braiding pattern and add a unique touch to their overall look.
19. Crown Braids with Ponytail
Crown braids with a ponytail are a stylish and versatile hairstyle that has gained popularity among men with long hair.
This look involves braiding the hair into a circular pattern around the head, resembling a crown, and securing the remaining hair into a ponytail at the back.
Combining the intricate braiding and the sleek ponytail creates a regal and sophisticated appearance that can be worn confidently by both men and women.
The crown braids with ponytail style are perfect for those who want to showcase their long locks while keeping their hair neat.
20. Cornrows with Twists
Cornrows with Twists is a stylish and modern hairstyle that combines the classic look of cornrows with the texture and visual interest of twists.
This look is achieved by braiding the hair into cornrows at the base and then twisting the ends of the braids to create a two-tone effect.
Combining cornrows and twists adds depth and dimension to the hair, creating a dynamic and eye-catching appearance.
This style suits men with various hair lengths and textures and can be adapted to suit individual preferences and styles.
Cornrows with twists are perfect for men who want to express their creativity and personal style through their hair.
21. Box Braids with Dreadlocks
Box braids with dreadlocks is a unique and bold hairstyle that combines two popular protective styles into one eye-catching look.
This style is achieved by sectioning the hair and creating individual box braids, combined with the textured, rope-like appearance of dreadlocks.
The result is a visually striking hairstyle that offers the benefits of both box braids and dreadlocks, such as low maintenance and versatility in styling.
Box braids with dreadlocks are perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair and embrace a more edgy, unconventional look.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Braided Hairstyles
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Recommended Products |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Once every 1-2 weeks | Sulfate-free shampoo, Gentle clarifying shampoo |
| Conditioning | After every wash | Moisturizing conditioner, Leave-in conditioner |
| Moisturizing | Daily or as needed | Leave-in conditioner, Natural oils (e.g., coconut, jojoba oil) |
| Scalp Care | 2-3 times per week | Scalp moisturizer, Tea tree oil (for itchiness) |
| Refreshing Edges | As needed | Edge control products, Light pomade |
| Night Protection | Every night | Silk or satin bonnet, Silk pillowcase |
| Re-tightening | Every 4-6 weeks | Consult a professional stylist |
| Trimming Ends | As needed (for added hair) | Hair scissors (for trimming any frayed ends of added hair) |
Maintaining the health and appearance of your braided hairstyle is crucial for ensuring its longevity and keeping your hair looking its best.
Regular Washing and Conditioning
- Wash braids gently with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep braids soft and healthy-looking
Leave-In Treatments
- Incorporate leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams to nourish and hydrate hair.
- Please pay special attention to the ends, as they are the most fragile part of your hair.
Nighttime Maintenance
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wear a durag or silk bonnet to minimize friction
- These materials prevent braids from becoming frizzy or loosening overnight
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize regular washing, conditioning, and leave-in treatments
- Protect your braids during sleep with a silk pillowcase or durag
- Consistent maintenance ensures healthy, vibrant, and stylish braids for weeks
By following these essential maintenance and care tips, you can keep your braided hairstyle looking its best and promote the overall health of your hair.
The Evolution of Men’s Braided Hairstyles
Men’s braided hairstyles have significantly transformed, blending traditional and contemporary elements to cater to a diverse audience.
From Traditional to Modern
- Braids historically represented cultural identity and spiritual beliefs
- Traditional styles have merged with modern trends, appealing to men from all walks of life
Challenging Gender Stereotypes
- Braids were primarily associated with women’s hairstyles in the past
- Today, the perception has shifted towards a more gender-neutral view
Factors Influencing Change
- The rise of social media
- Growing acceptance of gender-fluid fashion
- Increasing the visibility of male celebrities and influencers with braided hairstyles
Self-Expression and Creativity
- Men’s braided hairstyles have become a form of self-expression
- A wide range of options is available, from classic cornrows to intricate designs
Breaking Barriers
- Men can confidently wear braids in various settings, challenging societal norms.
- Braids contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society
The evolution of men’s braided hairstyles has expanded the range of options available and celebrates the rich cultural heritage that these hairstyles represent.
Conclusion
In 2024, braided hairstyles for men have solidified their place as a versatile, stylish, and culturally significant form of self-expression.
From classic cornrows to intricate designs, the wide range of braided styles offers something for every man, regardless of hair type or personal taste.
By embracing braids, men showcase their creativity and confidence, protect their hair, and celebrate their cultural heritage.
As you explore the world of men’s braided hairstyles, remember that the perfect look is the one that resonates with you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match styles, and make them your own.
With proper care and maintenance, your braids will remain a stunning and powerful expression of your individuality.
So, which of these 21 trendy braided hairstyles will you try first?
