16 Stunning Feed-in Braid Styles for Backward Hair

Are you tired of the same old hairstyles and looking for a fresh, protective look?

Feed-in braids might be just what you need! These stunning braids not only shield your natural hair but also offer a trendy and versatile style.

Imagine the endless possibilities of rocking feed-in braids, from sleek and simple to intricate designs that will turn heads.

In this article, we’ll showcase 16 beautiful feed-in braid styles perfect for pulling your hair back while keeping your locks healthy and stylish.

Get ready to find your next go-to hairstyle. Let’s explore the world of feed-in braids together!

1. Classic Straight Back Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Rat-tail comb for clean partings, Hair extensions for added length and volume, Light hair gel or pomade to keep flyaways in check
Definition	Feed-in braids are a protective styling technique that involves gradually feeding in small sections of hair as you braid, creating a seamless blend between your natural hair and the extensions.
Benefits	This method allows you to braid extensions without putting excessive tension on your natural hair. It promotes healthy growth by giving your strands a break from heat styling and manipulation.
Styling Method	When creating straight-back cornrows, keeping the braids close to the scalp and maintaining consistent tension throughout is essential. This will ensure a neat and polished final look. Try braiding at a slight angle or incorporating zigzag partings for a more modern take on the classic style to add a bit of flair.
Face Shapes	Straight-back cornrows are flattering on most face shapes, but they particularly suit those with oval, round, or heart-shaped faces. The sleek, pulled-back look helps to elongate the face and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

Maintenance Tips

Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizz and maintain the neat appearance of the braids.
To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, regularly moisturize your scalp and edges with a light oil or leave-in conditioner.
With proper care, your feed-in cornrows can last up to 4-6 weeks, giving you a stylish, low-maintenance look that protects your natural hair.

2. Beaded Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Beads in various colors and sizes, Beading tool or crochet hook, Hair gel or pomade
Definition	Beaded cornrows add a fun and playful element to the classic braided style. By incorporating colorful beads into your feed-in braids, you can express your personality and creativity while still enjoying the style’s protective benefits.
Benefits	Braids like cornrows protect hair from moisture loss and breakage.
Styling Method	After creating your desired cornrow pattern, use a beading tool or crochet hook to thread the beads onto each braid’s ends carefully. Vary the colors and sizes of the beads to create a unique and eye-catching look.
Face Shapes	Beaded cornrows can suit various face shapes, as the focus is on the braids and the beads rather than the overall silhouette of the style. However, remember that larger beads may feel heavier on the braids.

Maintenance Tips

Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid damaging the beads or loosening the braids.
If a bead falls off, reattach it using the beading tool or crochet hook.
Moisturize your scalp and edges regularly to maintain healthy hair.

3. Thick and Chunky Braids

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions (thicker than usual), Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
Definition	Thick and chunky feed-in braids create a bold and dramatic look
Benefits	These braids last longer, as they are less likely to unravel or frizz over time.
Styling Method	When creating thick and chunky braids, use larger sections of hair and extensions to achieve the desired fullness. Be careful not to braid too tightly, as this can cause tension on the scalp.
Face Shapes	Thick and chunky braids can flatter various face shapes, but they particularly suit those with longer or more angular faces, as the fullness of the braids can help balance out the features.

Maintenance Tips

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle the braids when needed gently.
Moisturize your scalp and edges regularly, as thicker braids can feel heavier on the hair.
Wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf at night to maintain their neat appearance.

4. Side Swept Cornrows

	Category	Details
	Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
	Definition	Side-swept cornrows provide a chic, asymmetrical update to traditional cornrows. They offer versatility for various occasions and can be stylish and modern.
	Benefits	Promotes healthy growth by giving your strands a break from heat styling and manipulation.
	Styling Method	Start braiding on one side of the head and angle the cornrows toward the opposite side. Secure ends with elastic bands or by tucking them under opposite braids.
	Face Shapes	This style is especially flattering for round or square face shapes, as it helps elongate the face and adds visual interest.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
If the braids look messy or uneven, gently tug on them to redistribute the hair and restore their shape.
Protect your braids at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

5. Heart-Shaped Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Colored extensions (optional), Edge control product
Definition	Heart-shaped cornrows blend the protective features of feed-in braids with a romantic, creative design. This style protects the hair while showcasing individual flair.
Benefits	Protects the hair from breakage while keeping the scalp moisturized.
Styling Method	Start with a heart-shaped parting at the front. Braid within this part in a circular pattern, then continue with straight-back cornrows. For added romance, use colored extensions in the heart section.
Face Shapes	Suitable for various face shapes, focusing on the creative braided design rather than the style’s silhouette.

Maintenance Tips

Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid disturbing the heart-shaped design.
Moisturize your scalp and edges regularly to keep your hair healthy.
Wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf at night to keep the heart-shaped section neat.

6. Fishtail Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
Definition	Fishtail cornrows merge the intricate appearance of fishtail braids with the protective quality of feed-in braids, adding a distinctive twist to the traditional cornrow style.
Benefits	Protects hair from breakage and loss of moisture
Styling Method	Start with a standard cornrow and divide the hair into two sections. Alternate adding small pieces from each section to form the fishtail pattern.
Face Shapes	This style is adaptable to various face shapes, emphasizing the complex braid pattern over the style’s silhouette.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid disturbing the fishtail pattern.
Protect your braids at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

7. Cornrows with a High Bun

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Hair elastic or scrunchie
Definition and Benefits	Cornrows with a high bun merge the protective qualities of feed-in braids with the polished look of a high bun. They are ideal for formal settings or keeping hair away from the face.
Styling Method	Start with straight-back cornrows, gather them at the crown, and secure them with an elastic or scrunchie. Wrap the braid ends around the ponytail base to form a high bun.
Face Shapes	It is best suited for oval or elongated face shapes, as the high bun adds balance and proportion to the facial features.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Remove the hair elastic if the bun looks messy or loose and re-secure the braids.
Protect your braids and bun at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

8. Multi-Colored Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions in various colors, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
Definition	Multi-colored cornrows showcase creativity and personal style, utilizing colorful extensions to create a vibrant, protective style.
Benefits	Protects the hair from breakage.
Styling Method	Alternate between different colored extensions while braiding. You can follow a specific color pattern or mix the colors randomly for a unique effect.
Face Shapes	This style is versatile and suitable for various face shapes, with the vibrant colors drawing focus rather than the hairstyle’s shape.

Maintenance Tips

Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the vibrancy of the extensions.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid tangling the different colors together.
Protect your braids at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

9. Half Cornrow, Half Loose Style

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Hair elastic or scrunchie
Definition and Benefits	This style combines the protective nature of feed-in braids at the front with the versatility of loose hair at the back. It offers a stylish balance, suitable for various occasions.
Styling Method	Cornrow the front section of hair up to the crown and secure it with elastics. Leave the back section loose, or style as desired (e.g., curls, waves, ponytail).
Face Shapes	Suitable for various face shapes, this style balances facial features by combining braided and loose hair elements.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when brushing or styling the loose section of your hair to avoid disturbing the cornrows.
Protect your braids and loose hair at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

10. Cornrows with Slicked-Down Baby Hair

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Toothbrush or edge brush
Definition	Cornrows with slicked-down baby hair offer a sleek finish to the classic cornrow style, highlighting neat, styled baby hair for a polished look.
Benefits	Protects the hair from breakage.
Styling Method	Braid the cornrows and then use an edge control product with a toothbrush or edge brush to style baby hairs into swoops, swirls, or designs, enhancing the overall look.
Face Shapes	This style is versatile and suitable for various face shapes. It focuses on creating a polished finish with styled baby hair.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
If the baby hairs start to look frizzy or out of place, reapply a small amount of edge control product and smooth them back into place.
Protect your braids and edges at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

11. Two-Strand Twist Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
Definition and Benefits	Two-strand twist cornrows integrate the ease of two-strand twists with the protective advantages of feed-in braids, offering a distinctive texture and an alternative to traditional braids.
Styling Method	Start by parting the hair into sections for cornrows. Twist each section into two strands, incorporating hair extensions as you go, until all hair is twisted to the ends.
Face Shapes	This style is suitable for various face shapes and emphasizes the unique twist texture over the hairstyle’s overall shape.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid unraveling the twists.
Protect your twists at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

12. Braids with Golden Accents

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Gold hair accessories (cuffs, rings, string), Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product
Definition and Benefits	Elevates the classic feed-in braids with a glamorous touch using gold accents to decorate the braids, enhancing the overall appearance.
Styling Method	After braiding, attach gold accessories to individual braids or arrange them in a design, ensuring they are secure.
Face Shapes	Suitable for various face shapes, focusing on the added glamour of accessories rather than the hair’s shape.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid dislodging the accessories.
Remove the accessories before bed to prevent damage to the braids or discomfort while sleeping.

13. Braids with Undercuts

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control products, Clippers, or razor
Definition and Benefits	Merges edgy undercuts with traditional feed-in braids for a bold look, adding visual contrast and interest.
Styling Method	Create an undercut using clippers or a razor before braiding the rest of the hair into neat cornrows.
Face Shapes	It is especially flattering on oval or rectangular faces, as the undercut may balance or enhance facial symmetry.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid disturbing the undercut design.
Regularly trim the undercut to maintain the desired shape and length.

14. Milkmaid Braid Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Bobby pins
Definition and Benefits	Combines the elegance of milkmaid braids with the protective style of cornrows, creating a crown-like effect.
Styling Method	Braid cornrows, then wrap them around the head, securing them with bobby pins and tucking the ends for a seamless crown.
Face Shapes	It is ideal for round or heart-shaped faces, elongating and balancing features with the crown effect.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
If the milkmaid braid looks messy or loose, remove the bobby pins and re-wrap the braids.
Protect your braids at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

15. Ponytail Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Hair elastic or scrunchie
Definition and Benefits	Integrates the simplicity and protection of cornrows with the dynamic style of a ponytail, adjustable for balance.
Styling Method	Braid hair into cornrows, then gather it into a ponytail at the back, securing it with elastic. Style the ponytail as desired.
Face Shapes	Adaptable to various face shapes, with adjustments in ponytail height and position for facial balance.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Remove the hair elastic and re-secure the braids if the ponytail looks messy or loose.
Protect your braids and ponytail at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

16. Scalp Designs in Cornrows

Category	Details
Materials	Hair extensions, Hair gel or pomade, Edge control product, Rat-tail comb or parting tool
Definition and Benefits	Adds artistic and personalized elements to feed-in braids through intricate scalp designs, enhancing creativity.
Styling Method	Use a rat-tail comb or parting tool to create precise scalp designs before braiding the cornrows along these lines.
Face Shapes	Suitable for various face shapes, emphasizing artistic design over hairstyle silhouette.

Maintenance Tips

Use a light oil or moisturizer on your scalp and edges to keep them hydrated.
Be gentle when washing your hair to avoid disturbing the scalp design.
Protect your braids at night with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet.

Conclusion

Feed-in braids offer a stunning and versatile way to protect your hair while rocking a stylish backward look.

From classic straightbacks to intricate scalp designs, there’s a feed-in braid style for every taste and occasion.

By incorporating accessories, colors, and unique patterns, you can elevate your braided look and express your style.

Remember, the key to maintaining healthy, beautiful braids is to moisturize your scalp and protect your hair at night.

With proper care, your feed-in braids can last for weeks, giving you a low-maintenance yet fashionable hairstyle.

So, whether you’re a fan of sleek, simple, or bold, intricate designs, consider trying one of these stunning feed-in braid styles for your next protective hairstyle.

Your hair will thank you, and you’ll turn heads wherever you go!