There is a misconception that braided black hair lacks versatility; however, it is anything but boring! Aside from looking amazing, the braided bun has many benefits.
Braided updos are also known as protective styles because they keep much of the hair tucked away and reduce daily handling.
The Benefits of Protective Styles for Black Hair
- Once the style is set, it is usually easy to manage from day to day.
- Sleeping in a silk or satin scarf can help reduce frizz and keep your braids neat for longer.
- If you are working toward longer hair goals, a protective updo can support length retention by limiting repeated styling.
- There are endless braid options to choose from, including cornrows, micro braids, feed-ins, blocky braids, Senegalese twists, and twist braids, so the finished look can still feel unique.
Don’t be put off by the complexity of some of them; they often look more complicated than they really are!
Braided Bun Hairstyles for Black Women
From sculpted crowns to playful top knots, these braided bun styles show just how varied and fashion-forward protective styling can be.
So, if you are in the mood for a change and fancy dabbling with a braided updo, then have a look at our 13 top braided bun ideas for black hair.
1. Crown Braid Updo with Sweeping Halo
This is a very royal updo, so be the Queen that you are and stun with this swooping braid that hugs the outside of the head. It will require a professional touch to get it done, but it is a sturdy style that will be maintenance-free for a long time!
Perfect for polished and professional women who need a more conventional style but still like to turn heads.
2. Double Braided Space Buns
Cute braided side buns are a great option for black women who like quirky and unique styles. This look is really set off by the haphazard parting, which draws the eye. You can mix up your hair accessories with this one, adding color and fun with varying clips. Be aware that this may not be hugely comfortable to sleep on, but your daytime look will be worth it!
3. Jumbo Braided Top Knot
Big is always beautiful, and this bun certainly hits the spot! The chunky braids give volume to the big top bun, and the eye is drawn away by the swooping bangs section that parts behind the ear. This is a stunningly elaborate look that is very easy to achieve.
4. Radial Cornrows with a Braided Crown
If you are an angelic soul, then this is the halo braid for you. Created by framing the head with precise scalp braiding and a thick crown braid, this is certainly a statement style.
5. Feed-In Braided Top Knot with Gold Cuffs
Don’t think that having the same bun style for an extended period of time means that you don’t have the chance to change it up. By adding accessories such as hair wraps, bandanas, clips, and slides, you can alter the look as dramatically as you want, with the beauty of it still being temporary.
6. Forward-Falling Braided Bun
This is a style for any strong and powerful black woman who wants to make a statement! From the shaved undercut to the sculpted hairline, it’s all topped off with a fierce and fabulous top bun that is styled to droop forward over the forehead.
7. Braided Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a simple but eye-catching black bun hairstyle with braids that can be as versatile as you are. Whether you choose to have 3 knots or 30 knots, every head of Bantu buns will look different. This is a fun one to accessorize too.
8. Braided Faux Hawk Updo
By not shaving the sides of the hair into a traditional mohawk, and instead braiding the hair up to the center of the head, it creates a more elegant and classy faux hawk. Great for showing off any fierce personality while still maintaining some decorum!
9. Angled Cornrows into a Voluminous Braided Bun
By braiding the hair very close to the scalp and adding a loose top bun, it provides a nice contrast. Plaiting the hair at an angle instead of straight back adds drama and definition, and is a great way of adding shape to a more rounded face.
10. Braided Half-Up Top Knot
Although not an entire bun updo, having length at the back really sets off the size and volume of the top bun nestled on the crown of the head. By mixing in smaller braids with chunkier ones, it adds varying volume and definition.
11. Purple Braided Top Knot
This braided hair bun really speaks for itself! The slim braids, neatly sectioned scalp, and expressive, flattering regal purple color are the perfect way to show off individual personality through style and clever color choices.
12. Two-Tone Braided Mohawk with Shaved Sides
This braided bun mohawk is not for everyone, but black women who can pull it off will reap the benefits of being so unique. The shaved sides are a big and brave investment but are softened by the more feminine and elaborate braiding bundled into a top mohawk bun. The highlighted color choices also help add drama.
13. Chunky Braided Bow Updo with Swooping Bangs
This is such a beautiful and unique look for black women that is easier to achieve with chunkier braids. This look takes inspiration from bow hairstyles, and the statement bun is softened by the use of swooping front bangs and adorable girly wisps of hair around the temples.
