Looking for a protective braided hairstyle that’s low maintenance and on trend? You’re in the right place.
We’ve rounded up 80 of the top protective braided hairstyles/trends from the classics to the new ones and here’s everything you need to know.
Braids date back to as early as 3500 BC. Over the years we have experienced a shift in braiding styles, techniques, and even colors.
2023 saw a further advancement in both tweaks to old styles and techniques as well as an emergence of new ones.
In this article we’ll give you a detailed overview on pricing, the type of hair you’ll need and link out to full length articles on the same hairstyles by us for detailed coverage.
We will also be answering questions like;
- How long do braids last?
- Do braids make your hair grow faster?
- Do braids damage your hair?
- What kind of hair do you use for box braids?
- What are knotless braids?
- Are knotless braids better?
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How long do braids last?
Depending on the hairstyle, braids can last for 3 to at most 5 weeks.
Do braids make your hair grow faster?
Braids don’t necessarily make your hair grow faster, but they are a great protective style. Protective styles allow your hair to remain undisturbed since they require little to no maintenance
Do braids damage your hair?
Unless your stylist braids too tightly around your edges, braids do not damage your hair.
What are knotless braids?
Knotless braids are the light weight and tension less version of box braids achieved using a method where the braid is fed into your natural hair to achieve a flatter look.
Are knotless braids better?
Their light weight nature and lack of a knot which is easier on the scalp) make them a go to for many.
To get more information about a specific hairstyle or buy a product we’ve mentioned , click on the linked article highlighted in yellow.
What kind of hair do you use for box braids?
Many hair stylist prefer using Xpression braiding hair or Queen B prestretched hair.
While Xpression hair is said to be heavy, it is visibly more brighter than Queen B prestretched hair.
Box Braids
Box braids are an easy to do style and come in different colors, lengths & sizes including long, short, medium and chunky.
There are traditional box braids (they have a knot) and knotless box braids.
>>Check out 100 cute box braids hairstyles you should try in 2024 here<<
How much does it cost to get box braids professionally done?
Depending on your stylist’s skill level, length of the braids and the size, the price ranges from $100 to $200.
Large/Small Box Braids ( Long Length)
These type of box braids can take up to 4 hours and would cost you $150 to $200.
Type of braiding hair needed can be 60 inch 12 packs of Queen B pre-scratched hair or Xpression hair.
Triangle Part Box Braids
As the name suggests, the hair is parted into triangle parts before braiding the hair.
Depending on the length and size, this style can run you up to $120 to $140 and would take 3 to 4 hours.
Xpression braiding hair or Queen B prescratched hair can be used.
Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids are known for their exaggerated size.
Costs vary depending on length but a good estimate falls under $90 to $100.
This style can be achieved using Xpression hair and would take up to 3 hours.
Goddess Box Braids
Goddess box braids aka Bohemian knotless box braids are box braids which have curly hair added along the length of the braids or at the bottom.
They can take up to 6 hours depending on the size and length.
The cost also varies but it can go up to $400. Both Xpression braiding hair and Queen B prescratched hair can be used.
Go for deep wave hair if you want synthetic curls or Italian curls if you want human hair curls.
Knotless Box Braids
Preferred by many due to their tension less and light weight nature, knotless box braids are perfect for anyone who wants to get braids but is afraid of causing damage to their hair.
For this hairstyle, xpression hair, kanekalon hair or queen b hair can be used.
The cost can go up to $200 depending on the length and size.
Bob box braids
Bob box braids are simply shoulder length bob braided hairstyles.
Either kanekalon or QueenB or Xpression braiding hair can be used. Bob box braids will cost you $100 to $150 depending on the size & complexity.
Cornrows
Cornrows are an easy to do style that often takes a short time depending on the style.
2023 saw a popular trend of ‘feed in stitch in braids’ which is a popular braiding technique where more hair is added as you braid the hair to make it bigger.
In 2024, the bohemian look where curly extensions are used at the bottom part of the braid will continue to be popular.
Feed in/ Stitch in Braids
Feed in/stitch braids come in different lengths and sizes.
You can choose the number of feed in braids you would like. This also factors into the cost and duration.
Premium X-pression braid hair is used. A rough cost estimate starts from $70 to $100.
Lemonade Braids
Why are they called Lemonade braids?
They were dubbed lemonade braids after Beyonce rocked them in her lemonade album.
This is a great and lightweight style that’s perfect for any season.
This style causes no strain on your edges. An hour or two is enough to get this style and the costs starts from $100 to $130. Premium Xpression braiding hair is used.
Faux Locs/Goddess Locs
Faux locs are a great and timeless hairstyle that only look better with time. Faux locs can run you up to $150 depending on the size.
Small Goddess Locs
Goddess locs have curly ends done either synthetic or human hair curls.
Small goddess locs take anywhere from 6 hours 40 minutes and can run you up to $175.
6 hours @ $140.00
Genie Ponytail Braids
A quick and fun style that’s perfect for any season. Premium X-pression hair is used and the cost varies from $100 to $150 and can go higher depending on the length.
Tribal Braids | Fulani Braids
Tribal braids are braids associated with different African ethnic groups.
The most popular tribal braids are the fulani braids.
Tribal braids are often accessorized using beads or hair cords to give them an extra pop.
They come in different styles including ponytails and ones with a half parting and intricate styles.
Xpression premium hair is used and the cost can go up to $150 depending on the unique style and pattern.
An average of 3 hours is required to braid this style.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists alias rope twists are an easy and beautiful style.
This hairstyle comes in many variations and sizes ranging from plain twists to half feed in cornrows and half twists.
Depending on the size, length and desired variation, Senegalese twists could cost you anywhere from $100 to $280.
6 to 8 packs of xpression braiding hair are used.
Passion Twists
Passion twists are the sister child of Sensegalese twists.
They’re braided using the Freetress water wave hair and vary in rates depending on the length.
Standard Passion twists cost $150.
Pop smoke braids
Pop smoke braids are side by side cornrow braids named after the later rapper Pop Smoke.
Pop smoke braids will cost you $100 to $150 depending on the size and complexity.
>>Read more about Pop Smoke braid and check out 60 Pop smoke braids hairstyles in this article<<
Distressed locs
Distressed locs aka bohemian locs aka love locs aka messy faux locs are a variant of faux locs that are braided using different mixtures of hair to give it a distressed look. And no, these are not the same as Butterfly locs.
Alicia keys Braids
Inspired and named after singer/songwriter Alicia Keys, these freestyle curved stitch feed in cornrows have been trending on TikTok and Instagram.
Depending on the length and size Alicia Keys braids can go up as high as $200.
French Curl Braids
French curl braids are box braids that have loose wavy curly ends.
You’ll need French curl braiding hair and this style can set you back up to $300 for a waist length look.
Flip Over Fulani Braids
Flip over Fulani braids are freestyle braids that are a combination of cornrows and knotless braids at the front that can be flipped over on either side.
Flip over Fulani braids are done using pre stretched braiding hair and your choice of human hair if you’re going for a boho look.
These braids can rip you up to $300 for extra long boho flip over Fulani braids.
Invisible Locs
Invisible locs are two strand twists done using Cuban or Marley hair using a method that makes them look like two strand dreadlocks.
Invisible locs can run you up to $150 for a bob length.
Soft Locs
Soft locs are a faux locs variant that are soft in touch and appearance.
Soft locs are done using pre made locs and spring twist wrapping hair.
Soft locs can run you up to $300 for a waist length look or under $100 if you DIY them.
Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs are a variant of faux locs that are created by loosely wrapping water wave hair crocheted into a braid to give it a distressed look.
Butterfly locs can run you up to $250 for a waist length look.
Coi Leray Braids
Named after rapper/songwriter Coi Leray, Coi Leray braids are short knotless box braids that have curly ends.
You’ll need pre stretched braiding hair and curling rods.
Coi Leray braids can run you up to $100 for a bob look.
Boho Knotless Braids with Human Hair Curls
Boho knotless braids that have curly hair added in different parts along the length of the braid to give them a boho look.
Boho knotless braids with human hair curls are better than ones with synthetic curls because they don’t tangle easily.
Boho braids with human hair curls can run you up to $400 for a waist length look.
Peekaboo Braids
Peekaboo braids are a braided hairstyle that is characterized by a peek of your chosen color that contrasts the dominant color.
Disclaimer
Each of the different unique styles you’ve seen will vary in price and duration depending on who you pick as your stylist and their skill level.
Licensed braiders tend to charge more money. Consult your stylist and counter-check all the necessary details and requirements before booking an appointment.
Visit our Pinterest page for up to 1000 different trending braided hairstyles for black women.
