For men with natural and kinky or curly hair, braids and locs have become mainstream that not only look great but also offer numerous benefits. Choosing Hair braids for Men like cornrows or twists can help protect fragile hair from daily stress and styling damage.
As a professional hairstylist, I’ve seen how these styles can enhance the texture of hair while allowing men to embrace their unique looks. It’s essential to remember that each style requires different levels of care, so finding what works best for you is crucial.
When it comes to styling, I always advise my clients to experiment with different braid styles that suit their personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or seeking inspiration from hairstylists and locticians, there are countless options to consider.
With some expertise and the right hair tips, you can maintain healthy hair while sporting stylish braids or locs. So, take the plunge and try something new, allowing your hair to become an expression of who you are.
Top 10 Hair Braids for Men
1. Single Braids
When considering single braids, it’s essential to start with a healthy base by ensuring your hair is properly moisturized and well-hydrated. Using a leave-in conditioner after deep conditioning helps keep your hair looking its best while preventing frizz.
As someone who has embraced various styles, I’ve found that taking time to part your hair properly can make all the difference in the final look. By focusing on the details and maintaining proper care, single braids can be a stylish and low-maintenance choice for men wanting to express their natural texture.
2. High Top Locs
High-top locs are a modern and stylish choice for men who want to stand out. This neat style, characterized by its height and faded sides, works well in both casual and more formal settings, even on the red carpet.
Inspired by icons like Jon Batiste, high-top locs offer a fresh alternative to traditional locs, making them easy to maintain while still looking fashionable. The unique look can be tailored to suit personal preferences, allowing you to express your individuality effortlessly. Embracing high-top locs can truly elevate your style game.
3. Loc’d Man Bun
The loc’d man bun is a good idea for those looking to keep their hair stylish while managing longer locs. This versatile hairstyle allows you to show off your natural beauty without being afraid to add some embellishments or color for a unique touch.
Whether you wear it casually or for a special occasion, a man bun offers a neat and polished look that works well with various styles. Plus, it’s an excellent way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking fashionable!
4. Patterned Cornrows
Patterned cornrows are one of the best braid styles for men, often inspired by the undeniable influence of NBA player Allen Iverson. In the 90s and 2000s, Iverson popularized these braided styles, making them mainstream and acceptable to wear in various settings, including work, school, and play.
Today, you can find a variety of braided cornrow patterns, featuring swirls and zig-zags that add personality and flair to your look. The influence of these designs continues, proving that stylish braids can be both functional and fashionable, making them a ubiquitous choice for many men.
5. Tapered Man Bun
The tapered man bun is a great choice for guys looking to rock a stylish look while maintaining their hair. This style features a full head of locs on top, while the sides are neatly shaved or faded. It’s perfect for those who want to grow their hair and still keep it manageable.
To achieve this look, remember to keep your coils and twists hydrated using the LOC method—applying a leave-in conditioner, followed by oil and cream. With this approach, your hair will look healthy and stylish, making it your best friend for any occasion.
6. Faded Cornrows
Faded cornrows are a stylish hybrid that combines the best of both worlds, making them a popular choice for men who want a fresh look. This style features cornrows braided closely at the top while the sides are given a fade for a clean finish.
If you want to try this trendy style, it’s important to keep your hair well-moisturized. A quick spritz of leave-in conditioner can help maintain healthy, moisturized braids. You can also pull the longer ends into a ponytail or top knot for a more polished look. With faded cornrows, you can enjoy a versatile style that is both classic and modern.
7. Side cornrows
If you’re ready to embrace a bold new style without fully committing to a drastic change, side cornrows with shaved sides could be perfect for you. This look creates a striking contrast by cornrowing sections while leaving the rest of the head with an undercut or shaved areas.
It’s similar to traditional braiding but gives a fresh edge without losing length on top. This style is great for men who want to experiment without fully committing to something too extreme.
8. Braids Ponytail
Inspired by Jaden Smith, the braided ponytail is one of the easiest and most chic ways for men to wear their loc’d hair. This up-do is not only practical but also adds a stylish edge to your look.
The best part about this style is that the messier it looks, the better. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance yet fashionable style, making it an easy choice for busy days while still looking sharp.
9. Reviving Locs with Braided Plaits
Inspired by Waka Flocka, adding large braided plaits to your locs can give them a new lease on life. This styling choice brings a fresh look to traditional locs, offering a creative twist that combines both structure and volume.
The large braids make a bold statement, breathing new life into your hairstyle while maintaining the essence of the loc’d culture.
10. Half Up Half Down Locs
Inspired by Burna Boy, the half-up, half-down style is a versatile and trendy way to wear locs. This look combines a neat top bun, showcasing your locs’ length while leaving a few loose locs to hang down the back.
Whether you’re rocking a more traditional style or looking for a modern switch-up, this style gives a cool vibe, much like the Afrobeats artist’s signature look.
Transition Your Hair to Natural Look
Transitioning to natural hair is a journey that requires patience and understanding, as Bertin wisely suggests. It’s not a process to expect a miracle overnight. Whether you’re just starting or already wondering where you fall on the curly spectrum, knowing your hair texture is a key factor in caring for your hair.
Paying close attention to how your hair reacts to different products is crucial. Don’t overthink your hair type, but understanding porosity and doing some research will help lay a solid foundation for embracing protective styling like cornrows, which have a deep history in Black culture, originally coming from the Yoruba word kolese, meaning “creature with no legs.”
Best Practices for Keeping Braids and Locs Neat and Healthy
To keep your braids and locs healthy and neat, locticians like JamilliaLocs and Tiffiany Lawrence suggest following a few simple practices. They emphasize the importance of using natural solutions for proper care, such as keeping your hair moisturized with the right pH water and natural oils like jojoba, coconut, and tea tree.
It’s essential to hydrate your scalp—like you’d drink water on a hot day—to maintain your braids and locs. Following their advice ensures your hair receives the love and care it needs to stay fresh.
Choose the Best Braided Style
When picking the best braids style, it’s important to start by understanding your hair texture and length. If you’re looking for a protective style that’s easy to manage, consider something that doesn’t require much fuss.
For example, cornrows are a great option if you’re always on the go and don’t want to think too hard about upkeep. If you’re looking for something more permanent, locs may be a good choice. Just remember, different styles require different levels of care, so choose one that fits your day-to-day routine.
Be Realistic About Maintenance Levels
When it comes to maintaining braids, locs, and twists, it’s crucial for Black men to choose the right styles that are both achievable and easy to manage. This means understanding your hair and dedicating time to care for it properly. Regular washing and conditioning should be a priority to keep your hair healthy.
Use gentle, residue-free shampoo to avoid buildup, which is essential for maintaining your looks. As JamilliaLocs and Lawrence emphasize, a timely wash routine is beneficial. Additionally, regular touch-ups can keep your style looking sharp and refreshed, depending on how quickly your hair grows. what is braids history?
For a low-maintenance option, Bertin suggests cornrows as one of the easiest styles that can help protect your hair at night. Remember that if you find it difficult to maintain your look at home, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. The goal is to ensure your hair remains fluffy, fresh, shiny, and obedient, and with a little care, you can achieve a beautiful style that lasts for months.
Wrap Your Style at Night
To maintain your hair braids and keep them looking fresh, it’s important to wrap your style at night. Using a durag, satin, or silk scarf can help to reduce friction while you sleep and keep your hair moisturized. This is especially crucial for Black hair, which can easily lose moisture.
Instead of a normal cotton pillowcase, opt for a silk one, as it helps to stop moisture loss and keeps your hair looking healthy and supple. JamilliaLocs and Lawrence emphasize the importance of these nighttime routines in their advice. You can also spritz your hair with leave-in conditioner before bed to ensure it stays moisturized.
With these simple steps, you’ll notice a much-needed difference in your hair’s health when you wake up, keeping it smooth and avoiding breakage in your edges. So, make this a regular part of your haircare routine, and you’ll be amazed at how great your braids can look throughout the day.
Develop a Haircare Routine
Developing a good haircare routine is key to keeping your braids looking their best. Violet Mae, a salon owner, emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all process, so it’s important to customize your routine based on your specific needs.
For example, if you sweat a lot from the gym or have an oily scalp, you might need to wash your hair more often, possibly every two to three weeks. For styles like cornrows and locs, re-braiding or re-twisting might be necessary every four to six weeks to keep your hair looking neat. JamilliaLocs suggests that maintaining healthy roots is crucial for a tidy look.
Additionally, be careful with three-in-one products, as they can be overly stripping and might not suit everyone. Instead, use separate shampoo and conditioner, each formulated for your hair type. Finding the right cleansers and conditioners can take time, but remember that your natural hair journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The wait is definitely worth it!
Gallary of Hair Braids for Men:
FAQs
When choosing what braids look best on men, it really depends on your hair type, length, and personal preferences. Some of the best and most popular styles include cornrows, box braids, twists, and locs. For those looking to add some flair, zig-zag patterns can also do wonders. Each braid style offers a great variety of looks, so guys can easily find something that fits their unique vibe while also being a protective style for their hair. The key is to experiment and see which style makes you feel the most confident!
When asking, are braids good for men’s hair, the answer is yes, especially when braiding is done correctly. Braids can be very beneficial for hair health because they protect hair and reduce breakage. Additionally, they promote hair growth by keeping hair secure and minimizing damage. Choosing to braid can be both a practical and stylish decision for men, allowing for a unique look while maintaining their hair’s integrity. It’s best to consult a professional with experience to ensure the right techniques are used, which can assure that your hair stays healthy and looks great.
When it comes to are braids trending, the answer is definitely yes! Braids have become increasingly popular as they offer stylish and protective styles for men. They are not just about looking good; they also help to maintain the health of your hair. With endless styling options, you can choose anything from simple straight-back cornrows to more elaborate designs like knotless or curly styles. This versatility allows men to express their personal style while ensuring their hair is protected from daily wear and tear.
Cornrows are a classic braided style where the hair is tightly woven from the forehead to the nape of the neck in straight lines. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for keeping the hair neat, whether you’re relaxing at home, watching a movie, or even hitting the gym. The rows can be small or large, depending on personal preference, making them a timeless and functional choice for men.