When you regularly work with your long hair, it's easy to get bored with the length and fall into a style rut. But if you're ready to level up your look and try something new, a major chop or color change isn't the only answer.
Of course, you always have those as options, but braids can offer a way to embrace something new without changing anything permanently. For Black women, styles like box braids, cornrows, and Fulani braids offer protective styling and a way to switch things up. Then there are Dutch braids, cascading braided ponytails, and slicked-backed buns that give anyone with lots of length an opportunity to try something new. Keep scrolling for 40 of our favorite braided styles that are perfect for long hair.
Meet the Experts
- Cassandra Olivia is a hairstylist and colorist who specializes in natural hair.
- Dhairius Thomas is a celebrity hairstylist and Dark & Lovely brand ambassador. His clients include Winnie Harlow, Ciara, and Serena Williams.
01of 40
Leg-Length Box Braids
Box braids are a staple that never goes out of style. If you have long locks likeZendaya's, you can skip the addition of Kanekalon hair and, instead, use the knotless braiding technique by adding a small amount of hair and keeping the braids in place longer.
Byrdie Tip
Looking to keep your braids looking fresh for longer? Take hair stylist Cassandra Olivia's advice:
"If you plan to keep your hair in braids, plan to wash them once a week, or every other week. This helps remove oils and impurities that accumulate at the scalp and on the hair," she says. "At night, wrap your braids in a silk bonnet or scarf to protect them from friction. You can skip the bonnet if you sleep on a silk pillowcase—just carefully tie your braids up in a bun at the top of your head with a hair tie. Don't use a rubber band or anything not designed for hair—it will pull at the braids and potentially damage hair."
02of 40
Center-Parted Braids
We love the way this middle part frames Gabrielle Union's face. To keep flyaways and new growth frizz to a minimum when rocking a visible part, keep a mousse—we like The Doux's Mousse Def Texture Foam and Design Essentials' Foaming Wrap Lotion —and a silk scarf handy.
Byrdie Tip
If you're planning on adding hair to your style, celebrity hairstylist Dhairius Thomas has some advice, as long braids with added hair require more maintenance, and the hair is more prone to breakage due to the added weight.
"If you're going to wear long braids, I recommend medium to large size because the hair at the base will create a solid foundation for a long braid to hang." On the other hand, he says that small-sized long braids shouldn't be worn for more than three weeks. "A thin base to start a long braid will only become thinner as the hair grows because of the weight," he explains.
03of 40
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are perfect for protecting long coils. Channel your inner Alicia Keys and add beads or gold accessories for some extra oomph.
04of 40
Dutch Braids
We promise you can rock these Dutch braids without looking like a kid.
05of 40
Slicked High Ponytail
A slicked-back high pony, braided to the very end, is a simple way to show off your unique features and pull a look together in a snap. It also gives off a very Barbie vibe, which is right on trend these days.
06of 40
Twisted Braid
This braid-twist combo on Cara Delevingne is rockstar chic with its barely there pompadour, sleek sides, and swirly length.
07of 40
Braided Bun
A braided bun, like Issa Rae's shown here, gives the hair extra texture and height. To keep your look in place, secure your bun with Scunci's Curved Bobby Pins.
08of 40
Box Braid High Ponytail
Pulling box braids up and away from your face is easy and quick, plus it gives you a completely different look. Don't forget to wrap a couple of braids around the base of your ponytail for some depth.
Byrdie Tip
Want to keep your braids in tip-top shape, control flyaways, and care for your scalp?
Olivia recommends clients who wear protective braid styles or who often style their hair in braids use products with cannabinoids, more commonly referred to as CBD, CBC, and CBG—"chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory benefits that can help to soothe the scalp and boost blood circulation."
She adds that the fatty acids in CBD also help to nourish hair and provide a boost of moisture for the hair and scalp for shinier, more manageable hair. "One of my favorite products for braids is LEAF + FLOWER CBD Phyto-Molecular Oil. I apply some to my fingertips while braiding for shine and control while minimizing flyaways," she says.
09of 40
Baby Hair and Braids
When slicking back or braiding long hair, it can be fun to pull a few face-framing pieces free, likeTessa Thompson does with her baby hairshere. They show off your hair texture and allow the look to feel more lived-in.
10of 40
Cornrows and Braids
This simple look takes us back to the '90s and can be easily recreated at home.
11of 40
Braided Crown
Haven't had the time to wash your hair? We get it. Use it to your advantage and go for a look that makes use of your less-than-clean strands. Your natural oils and grity texture will make stylishly tucking your hair away a breeze.
12of 40
Loose Side Ponytail
A loose braid with a wispy, face-framing tendril is the perfect combination of elegant and effortless—like Shay Mitchell, as seen above. Let Oribe's Superfine Hairspray be your assistant to lock in this look, but keep the messy texture.
13of 40
Boho High Ponytail
High ponytails don't always have to be boring or feel like a gym style. Blake Lively's imperfect braided look on a red carpet proves just that. Pro tip: Wrap some hair around your hair tie to elevate your look instantly.
14of 40
Side-Parted Low Ponytail
This side-parted low braid would have been a winner solo, but the accessories really make it pop.
15of 40
Messy Fishtail Braid
The juxtaposition between Ciara's structured fishtail braid and the loose undone texture around her face keeps things interesting and fresh. If your hair is straight, use a curling wand to add some movement.
16of 40
Braided Crown with Long Fishtail Braid
For a more classic look, take a few notes from this gorgeous look and braid the base of your head and the length.
17of 40
Cornrow Low Bun
Both protective and beautiful, this cornrowed look provides the best of both worlds.
Byrdie Tip
When you're ready to wash your hair, Olivia has some tips:
For wash days, she opts for LEAF + FLOWER CBD Instant Damage Correction Shampoo and the brand's Instant Damage Correction Conditioner. "Both are formulated with a proprietary, plant-based CBD Corrective Complex that works to reduce damage and noticeably strengthen each strand for less breakage and improved manageability," says Olivia.
18of 40
Claw-Clipped Mini Braids
Small box braids can last a while, but if you get tired of leaving them loose, you can twist them up with a claw clip. Grab one, and you can recreate Zoë Kravitz's look in no time.
19of 40
Scarf with Box Braids
Adding a scarf to braids can instantly add interest, plus, depending on the scarf you choose, it can make a fashion statement as well.
20of 40
Cornrowed Finger Waves
We still think about this Beyoncé look often. With the right stylist, these finger-waved cornrows are totally attainable.
21of 40
Long Blonde Braid
Latto has long, gorgeous curls, but she isn't afraid to play with even more length. An XXL braid with the help of some hair extensions looks extra special.
This style is one of Olivia's favorites. "I personally love a sleek pony to the crown of the head, with a long, flowing braid to the end of the hair. It allows you to show off your gorgeous face, while still making your hair interesting with a sleek braid."
Byrdie Tip
To execute a look like this one, Olivia recommends spritzing hair so it's barely damp, then using a comb to pull hair back sleek against your head. Pro tip? Use a hair tie the same color as your hair to create the ponytail.
"Leave a small section of your hair free before dividing up the rest of your hair into three sections for the braid," Olivia explains. "After you braid your ponytail, take the piece of hair that isn't part of the braid and wrap it around the hair tie for the pony so it hides it. Secure the hair with bobby pins so it stays."
22of 40
Sleek Braided Crown
Braids and straight, sleek hair work well together, as seen on Lily Collins. To minimize flyaways, use a touch of pomade or hairspray, which will keep things in place without leaving the hair crunchy.
23of 40
Braided High Pigtails
Yara Shahidi has so much fun with her hair, and it shows. Braids across the forehead might not be for everyone, but they look perfectly at home with her lengthy pigtails.
24of 40
Braided Locs
Chloe continuously reminds us that locs are both beautiful and versatile. If you have locs, try adding some extensions to create braided hairstyles.
25of 40
Double Loc Braids
These loc'd pigtails are a reminder that our favorite grade school hairstyle isn't off-limits in adulthood.
26of 40
Extra Long Side Ponytail
Chriselle Lim's extra long ponytail is the epitome of "that girl" vibes. To tame the flyaways and make sure the look stays super sleek, use the Kristin Ess Anytime Anywhere Recovery Balm with Coconut Oil and Castor Oil.
27of 40
Long Blonde Cornrows
If you want to change your hair color but don't want to go through the potential hair damage from dyeing it, opt for blonde cornrows, like Colombian rapper Farina.
Byrdie Tip
If you don't want to worry about damaging your hair, take Thomas's advice:
"If you have long braids with your natural hair, it should be low maintenance. I recommend oiling your scalp twice a week to avoid itching and dry scalp. Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil is my go-to."
28of 40
Micro Braids
Micro braids are incredibly chic, as evidenced by Susan Kelechi Watson's side-parted look. Switching up which side you part your hair on is an easy way to refresh your style.
29of 40
Messy Side Braid
If you want to give off "I woke up like this" vibes but in an ethereal way, go for a messy side braid. Make sure to leave out some face-framing strands to complete the look.
30of 40
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are trending, and we're obsessed with their versatility especially as seen here on Tia Mowry, whose strands give off a boho chic style.
31of 40
Half-Up, Half-Down
You can also style your long goddess braids into a fun, half-up, half-down style like actress Lexi Underwood.
Byrdie Tip
But before you snatch your braids up, Thomas explains that "the biggest mistake when wearing long braids is that most ladies want to style their hair in an updo right away & this is a no-no, he warns.
The reason: "When hair is freshly braided, it's usually too sensitive to withstand multiple styles." He says that it's best to wrap edges in a silk scarf while sleeping and to wait at least one week "before manipulating the braids."
32of 40
Side-Parted Cornrows
Instead of going for classic straight-back cornrows, try instead a side parted look like actress Alicia Hannah-Kim. The best part is even if your hair isn't long, you can always add in extensions.
33of 40
Bangs and Braided Pigtails
Xochitl Gomez's blunt bangs and long braids are the perfect nod to her Mexican heritage. We especially love the gold accessories at the end of the braids that take the look up a notch.
34of 40
Braided Bows
Every day presents a new way to style braided hair. Take a look at Chloë Sevigny's coquette spin at the 2024 Met Gala. She wore a braided bun and elevated it with a braided bow to match on the side.
35of 40
Braided Double Buns
Willow Smith is constantly reinventing the braided wheel. During Paris Fashion Week, the pop star wore her box braids in two symmetrical space buns.
36of 40
Intricate Cornrows
If you want to spruce up the regular cornrow look, channel your inner Tia Mowry and consider an intricate pattern. Complete the look by styling your edges.
37of 40
Pigtails and Ribbons
Emma Chamberlain's double pigtail moment at the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2024 show will always be iconic. Not just for theoffice sirenvibes she exuded that day but also for the black-and-red ribbons she intertwined in her hair. The balletcore-coquette agenda strikes again.
38of 40
Sculptural Braided Updo
A basic high bun isn't the only way to style box braids. Danai Gurira is the perfect example of elevating the updo to literally new heights, as seen with her sculptural updo at the 2024 Tony Awards. She left out a few face-framing braids on the side to complete the look.
39of 40
Braid to the Back
Sometimes, just one braid is all it takes to turn a simple hairstyle into a memorable one. Taylor Swift's 2024 Grammys look was fully side-swept and wavy, with one singular braid in the back to emphasize her side part.
40of 40
Ombré Braids
One of the easiest yet most underrated ways to spruce up box braids is with a touch of colored braiding hair. Singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock embraced the two-toned look in 2023, mixing her dark hair with copper-brown extensions.