Are you tired of dealing with brittle, dry hair that lacks length and takes forever to style?
Tree braids are the perfect solution to protect your natural hair while achieving a stunning, voluminous mane in just a few hours.
Not only do tree braids offer a low-maintenance styling option, but they also provide a fantastic base for countless effortless hairstyles suitable for any occasion, from the office to a night out or a special event.
This article will explore 14 must-try tree braid styles that will elevate your look this year.
Whether you prefer sleek and straight, bold and curly, or a mix of both, there’s a tree braid style for everyone. Get ready to embrace the versatility and beauty of tree braids!
Understanding Tree Braids
Tree braids are a hair extension technique that involves braiding small sections of natural hair close to the scalp and seamlessly integrating hair extensions into each braid.
Most of the extension is left loose and flowing, creating a fuller, natural-looking appearance.
Characteristics of Tree Braids
Tree braids have several distinct features that set them apart from other braiding techniques:
- Integration of Extensions: Hair extensions are skillfully blended with natural hair, making it difficult to distinguish where the natural hair ends and the extensions begin.
- Visibility of Braids: The braids are usually small and hidden beneath the extensions, giving the illusion that the extensions are growing directly from the scalp.
- Versatility in Styling: Tree braids offer a wide range of styling options, from sleek and straight to wavy or curly, allowing plenty of flexibility in your look.
Benefits of Opting for Tree Braids
Tree braids provide numerous advantages, making them an attractive choice for many:
- Protection of Natural Hair: Tree braids shield natural hair from environmental stressors and daily wear and tear by covering its roots and ends, promoting healthier hair growth.
- Style Versatility: With tree braids, you can easily switch up your hairstyle without putting additional stress on your natural hair, as the extensions bear the brunt of styling.
- Low Maintenance: Tree braids are durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal upkeep to maintain a fresh, polished appearance.
- Suitable for Various Hair Types: Whether your hair is fine, coarse, or somewhere in between, tree braids can be adapted to suit your unique hair texture, making them a fantastic option for a wide range of people.
Classic Tree Braid Styles
1. Straight Tree Braids
Straight Tree Braids feature sleek, smooth hair extensions braided into the natural hair, creating a polished look from root to tip.
To maintain this style, use a light hair oil or serum to keep the extensions straight and minimize frizz.
Straight tree braids are perfect for professional settings or formal events, as they exude an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
2. Wavy Tree Braids
Wavy Tree Braids incorporate wavy extensions into the braids, resulting in a softer, more voluminous look with added texture.
This versatile style can easily be dressed up or down, transitioning seamlessly from a casual day look to a glamorous evening style.
To maintain the wavy appearance, use a light mousse or sea salt spray and scrunch the hair to refresh the waves without complete restyling.
3. Curly Tree Braids
Curly Tree Braids are created by braiding tightly curled extensions into the natural hair, offering a bold and voluminous look that makes a statement.
This style can be worn down or pulled up into a high ponytail or bun to showcase the curls’ beautiful texture and volume.
To keep curly tree braids looking their best, use a moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner to prevent tangling and maintain curl definition.
Specialized Tree Braid Techniques
4. Micro Tree Braids
Micro Tree Braids is a technique that involves creating very small, tightly woven braids that blend seamlessly with the natural hair, enhancing the overall natural appearance of the hairstyle.
This style, which incorporates intricate patterns and designs, is perfect for those seeking a refined and detailed look.
To style micro tree braids for everyday elegance or special occasions, use a light oil or serum to add shine and keep the braids neat.
Gentle care routines, such as regular moisturizing and covering the hair while sleeping, will help preserve the integrity of the braids.
5. Layered Tree Braids
Layered Tree Braids involve braiding the hair extensions at different lengths to create volume and visual interest, resulting in a more dynamic and dimensional look.
This technique is particularly beneficial for those with thinner hair, as the layering provides the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair.
To enhance the layered appearance, consider using varying shades of hair extensions to create a multi-tonal effect or style the braids with loose waves to emphasize the layers.
Regular trims can help maintain the shape and definition of the layers over time.
6. Front-Braided Tree Braids
Front-braided tree Braids feature prominently styled braids at the front of the head, transitioning into more loose and flowing styles towards the back.
This technique allows for significant customization in braid thickness, style, and placement, making it adaptable to individual preferences and facial features.
For example, thicker braids can frame the face, while thinner braids can create a more delicate appearance.
To maintain the neat appearance of front-braided tree braids, regularly moisturize the scalp and gently cleanse the braids to prevent buildup.
Styling options include half-up and half-down looks or accessorizing with hair pins to add personality to the look.
Tree Braids with Color and Highlights
7. Burgundy Toned Tree Braids
Burgundy Toned Tree Braids incorporate rich, warm hues ranging from subtle to bold, complementing darker hair beautifully.
This versatile color choice works well for casual and formal settings, enhancing the wearer’s features and skin tone.
To preserve the richness of the burgundy color, use color-depositing products and avoid excessive sun exposure, which can cause the color to fade.
Regular deep conditioning treatments will also help maintain the health and vibrancy of the colored extensions.
8. Blonde Tree Braids
Blonde Tree Braids use shades of blonde, from golden to platinum, to create a standout look that dramatically lightens the wearer’s appearance.
This distinctive style can illuminate the face and add a youthful, energetic vibe to any look.
When caring for blonde tree braids, it’s essential to use toning treatments to avoid brassiness and keep the color looking cool and fresh.
Deep conditioning is also crucial to maintaining the health and vitality of the blonde extensions, as lighter colors are more prone to dryness and damage.
Innovative Styling Options
9. Half Up, Half Down Style
The Half-up, Half-down Style is a versatile look that combines the ease of wearing hair up with the elegance of letting it flow down, making it exceptionally well-suited for tree braids.
This style showcases both the intricacy of the braids and the natural beauty of the loose extensions.
Consider adding twists, braids, or decorative accessories like pins or small flowers to elevate the half-up portion.
The Half-up, Half-down Style effortlessly transitions from casual daytime looks to more formal evening events, making it a go-to choice for many occasions.
10. Updo Tree Braids for Formal Events
Updo Tree Braids offers a polished and refined option for formal occasions, focusing on styles like buns, chignons, or crowned braids.
Gather the braids into a low ponytail to create an elegant updo, then twist or braid the hair before wrapping it into a bun or chignon.
Incorporate elements like side sweeps or decorate the updo with pins or flowers for added sophistication.
Updo Tree Braids are practical for special events. They keep the hair neatly away from the face and secure throughout long hours, ensuring a flawless appearance all night long.
11. Bob and Lob Tree Braids
Bob and Lob Tree Braids are shorter, chic, modern styles. Bobs typically end around the jawline, while lobs (long bobs) fall around shoulder length.
These styles can be customized with different braid sizes, colors, and textures to suit personal tastes and facial features.
Maintaining Bob and Lob Tree Braids is often easier than longer styles, as they require less daily styling.
To keep these shorter braids looking fresh, regularly moisturize the scalp and extensions, and protect the hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet.
12. Side-swept Tree Braids
Side-swept tree Braids are a glamorous and dynamic hairstyle where braids and loose extensions are elegantly swept to one side, accentuating the face and neck for a dramatic, flowing appearance.
To achieve a flawless side-swept look, consider your face shape when choosing which side to sweep the hair, and use lightweight holding products to maintain the sweep throughout the day.
Elevate the style with sparkling hair clips or delicate flowers for added elegance.
Side-swept tree Braids are perfect for weddings, proms, or other formal events where a chic and polished look is desired.
13. Free-flowing waves with Highlights
Free-Flowing Waves with Highlights offers a relaxed yet stylish option that combines the natural movement of wavy tree braids with the added dimension of color highlights, enhancing the hair’s texture and volume.
To maintain the waves and highlights, use products that enhance wave patterns, such as salt sprays for texture and color-protecting conditioners to prevent fading.
This versatile style is suitable for everyday wear, from office environments to social gatherings, providing comfort and effortless style.
14. Waterfall Waves Style
The Waterfall Waves Style features soft, cascading waves flowing like a waterfall, creating a romantic and ethereal aesthetic ideal for date nights or casual weddings.
To create waterfall waves, use a curling iron or rollers to achieve gentle curls that taper off smoothly, and apply a light styling product for a glossy finish without weighing down the hair.
Maintain the integrity of the waves by using lightweight mousses or sprays to revive the curls as needed, and avoid heavy oils that can flatten the style.
Regular moisturizing and gentle brushing will help keep the waves looking soft and beautiful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tree braids offer a versatile and protective styling option that caters to various hair types, lengths, and textures.
From classic styles like straight, wavy, and curly to more specialized techniques such as micro, layered, and front-braided tree braids, there is a perfect look for everyone.
Incorporating color and highlights can add dimension and vibrancy to your tree braids. At the same time, innovative styling options like half-up, half-down, updos, and bob or lob cuts provide endless possibilities for customization.
Whether looking for a seasonal, trendy style or a timeless, elegant look, tree braids have you covered.
Embrace the beauty and convenience of tree braids and experiment with these 15 must-try styles to find your perfect match.
Don’t forget to share your favorite tree braid looks in the comments below!
