Braids are a trademark for black men, and they can surely create real pieces of art using their hair. By styling long braids using Jumbo or natural hair, they turned the look into a trend that men of every background now wear.
Men even found ways to combine short hair with these amazing knits, creating new hairstyles that you can now find in any corner. They use braiding techniques to make impressive protective hairstyles, stunning short cornrows, or braided dreads.
Braids for Men
There are loads of ways to get a modern, fresh look, and among our favorites, you can find the shaved sides hairstyle with a thick braid on top. In recent years, the man braid trend has skyrocketed, so we have handpicked different manly braided hairstyles to try.
1. Box Braids
Box braids are extremely popular not only among women but also among men. If you don’t have long hair, extend your braids with Jumbo hair. For an even more stunning effect, choose two colors for braiding.
2. Straight Cornrows
Cornrows are the ideal choice if you don’t want to struggle with the styling process every morning. Choose to make them thin or thick, and the final effect will be outstanding.
3. Top Cornrows
If you want to recreate these gorgeous hairstyles, choose a faded part on the sides, and knit short cornrow braids for the top hair. Also, for a better framing, you can amazingly style your beard.
4. Raised Braids with Twin Tails
Braid long hair back in two or four raised rows, then add cuffs or hair rings.
5. Braided Bob
If you have medium hair, braids are pretty low-maintenance, and you can create a stunning hairstyle by using them. You can secure the ends with cuffed beads.
6. Twin Braids with Fine Cornrows
Braids are fantastic because you can blend them into any haircut. Create a mid fade for your sides and back and knit the top hair into two Dutch braids. You can keep your beard in a ducktail shape for a modern, sassy look.
7. Fishtail Braid
You can quickly reproduce these Viking looks by styling one or two fishtail braids. For these knits, you need to have medium or long hair.
8. Single Center Braid with Shaved Sides
If you love braids, you can use them on your long or medium hair and also for mohawks. You can make French or Dutch braids and secure them with a strand of hair wrapped at the end.
9. Faux Hawk Braid
A faux mohawk features long hair for the crown area that can be braided in so many ways. If you love a manly Viking look, then go for a French or Dutch Braid.
Plus, if your hair is natural, divide it into even sections and go for long box braids that you can messily tie in a bun.
10. Curved and Diagonal Cornrows
Partings play such an important role in a braided hairstyle because they can set up the direction and the thickness of your braid.
You can do simple straight rows or go for a more intricate look with a taper fade for the sides and lemonade braids.
11. Braids for Asian Guys
If you already have a bowl cut, these hairstyles should be so easy to replicate. Add white hair extensions to gain more thickness and create a highlighted look. Pin the braids in a top pony.
On the other hand, if you fancy a more natural look, keep the braids untied and wear them as they naturally fall.
12. Viking Braids
If you’re going for a Viking man-braided hairstyle, your crown hair should have some length.
However, that shouldn’t be a major problem because, if needed, you can achieve this look by feeding in your braids with hair extensions.
13. Braids with Beads
Decorated braids will definitely add a lot of value to your hairstyle, whether you keep them long falling on your back, or pull them off just for the crown.
You can use hair jewelry for the top, or decorate the tips with translucent beads.
14. Full-Head Braids with Long Tails
When you want those braids to look tight, without any stray hairs, you will first need to prep those strands. Wash them, then apply edge control products that make the hair more manageable while knitting.
Make sure the braids are not too tight, otherwise, they will apply pressure on your scalp.
15. Curved Top Braids with Shaved Sides
If your hair is thin, braids are an amazing hairstyle that will help you forget about this common problem. Go for a high-top trim, with long crown pieces that you can style into cornrows.
Need to spice up the hairstyle? Then start the cornrows a few inches from the hairline, braid to the forehead, then curve the knit and go towards the back.
16. Geometric Cornrows with Border Braids
Braids are ideal for men, and you can create gorgeous designs using your already braided locks or your natural hair. From cornrows, box braids, French, or Dutch braids, your options are limitless, and we guarantee that you will get a stunning hairdo if you choose to use them.
17. French-Braided Half-Updo
If you thought updo hairstyles were just for the ladies, you’d be wrong! We love this men’s braided hairstyle featuring a small French braid on the top half of the hair. Try it on your short straight hair for an unexpected edge!
18. Box Braids with Natural Ends
Instead of box braiding your black hair from roots to ends, secure the braids about an inch from the ends. This Asap Rocky braid hairstyle is ideal for men who have that naturally curly texture.
19. Fine Hair and Beard Braids
For older men who have a thick beard and aren’t afraid to rock a fun, bold look, go with a thin braided hairstyle and matching thin braids in your beard! Use colorful hair ties to secure each braid.
20. Long Blonde Twin Braids with Shaved Sides
Are you already rocking a fade undercut? For long-haired men, you can easily get this stunner of a braided hairstyle. Just make two long braids that begin at the hairline and braid through to ends. A bald fade makes this look an edgy winner.
21. Brown-to-Black Braids
If your hair isn’t long enough to make lengthy braids, you can always get braid extensions to make your dream hairstyle a reality. These black extensions look great with light brown hair, but any color can express your style tastes!
22. Thin Cornrows with a Blonde Ponytail
For short-haired guys, it’s easy for you to get an edgy taper fade. The two levels of hair are very flattering for men with any face shape and they’ll perfectly complement a highlighted braid ponytail up top!
23. Fishtail Braid with Crossed Side Sections
Fishtail braids aren’t just for the ladies either! We love a thick luscious braid on a guy with long hair. You can even take two sections of hair from either side of your head to make a crisscross loop in the back!
24. Square Braids + Faded Sides
High top braids are made by shaving the sides and back of the head, then pulling the top of the hair into a ponytail with braids involved. Whether you braid the base of the ponytail or the ponytail’s strands, you’ll look good no matter what.
25. Highlighted Braided Ponytail
If you have a mohawk or a hairstyle with a fade or an undercut, a braided ponytail is easy to create. Platinum highlights add a fun extra touch of style.
26. Thin Curved Cornrows with a High Fade
If you don’t have a lot of hair to work with, tiny braids combined with a fade will still add style. Across the crown, these small braids curve toward the back in parallel rows, with clear scalp lines separating each one.
27. Ladder-Pattern Cornrows with a Blonde Topknot
This is a men’s hairstyle that will work for any age. Straight rows of horizontal braids top the crown of the head but are rounded out and gathered into a bun while a fade is the finishing touch.
28. Looped Cornrows with a Beard
A scruffy beard is a surprisingly attractive pairing for tiny braids. If you have short hair, this is a style you can easily pull off.
29. Fohawk Braid with Glasses
A blonde faux hawk is the focus of this hairstyle. Keep your medium fade trimmed up to make sure this style stays looking hot!
30. Twist Braids
Twist braids are a great protective hairstyle for black men. This style can last several weeks and only requires a bit of styling gel to keep strands smooth.
31. Crown and Side Braids with Loose Lengths
To get warrior braids, make one thin and one thick braid close to the ear on each side of the head. Leave the rest of the hair loose.
32. Thick Cornrows with a High Fade
This hairstyle is absolutely mesmerizing. A new detail pops out every time you look at it.
33. Braided Topknot with a Sideburn Design
These braids for men combine several braided haircuts into one cohesive look. It’s not really an undercut, but the idea is similar.
34. Zigzag Cornrows with Straight Center Braids
Seriously, seek out someone who knows braids before attempting a hairdo like this. You want someone who knows what s/he’s doing because these braids depend on the sharp angles, the zigs and zags.
35. Rolled Braids
A unique braided hairstyle for men. It all starts with a twist out. Those twists are then intricately braided into a woven hairstyle that you simply don’t see every day. Every detail is perfectly done, and that’s impressive.
36. Center-Parted Cornrows with Looped Ends
This men’s cornrow hairstyle just looks cool. It’s a mix of sophisticated and urban. It’s a simple ‘do to achieve. A center part divides the fine cornrows, which run straight back over the head, and the short ends are left in small loops behind the ear.
37. Curved Cornrows with a High Puff
For men who need a new natural braided hairstyle, this one’s ideal. The black men cornrows are thick, not too tight, and follow the curve of the skull, then the ends are gently secured into a top knot puff.
38. Braided Loc Bun
Dreadlocks are their own hairstyle, but they’re still versatile. You can always let them hang long and loose, of course, but a crowning top knot bun is also an option. It’s both suave and a little bit chill.
39. Thin Cornrows with Long Tails
Even if your hair is fine and of a different texture than the ideal type for cornrows, you can still pull off this white guy’s braided ‘do if you like. It typically results in thin but sleek braids.
40. Fishbone Cornrow Bun with a Side Design
Here we’ve got another masterpiece of a men’s braided hairstyle. Do you see how many braids are actually involved? The cornrow man bun is like the cherry on top of the most stylish sundae.
41. Circular Cornrow Patterns
Never let anyone tell you that braiding isn’t an art form. These braids for men are hypnotizing. This man is the most fly man who’s ever been.
42. Loose French Braid with an Undercut
The thatch of hair topping this undercut is just long enough to handle a flawless French braid. It helps to keep it loose, plus doing so provides enough lift to create a debonair pompadour effect in the front.
43. Cornrow Bun with a Shaved Nape Design
There’s nothing new about cornrows that lead into the men’s braided bun. It’s earned mainstream attention because it’s fresh as hell.
44. Curved Braids with a Messy Bun
It has to be said that guys with curly hair typically do better with braided styles. The texture works well with the plaiting. On the subject of this particular look, yes. Yes to all of it.
45. Half-Up Braided Bun with White Accents
With long braids, you can go wild with your styling. Pile them on top of your head, plait them into a thicker braid, or wear them in a thick ponytail.
46. Suave Braided Ponytail
If you’re going for smooth and polished, try this braided ponytail for men. Bonus points if you can wear a suit and work it like this.
47. Single Side Braid with a Sleek Side Part
This is a take on the braids for men seen in Braveheart, but really, it’s a stylish example of how men can pull off Boho braid hairstyles. It’s an accent, a detail.
48. Long Side Braids with Rings
Long hair offers us numerous possibilities, and we just have to dare to experiment and try out different looks. One way to show just how proud you are of your long hair is to get on the braids for men bandwagon.
You don’t have to do all hair in braids, and you can just create a few on the sides and accessorize them for an outstanding look.
49. Mohawk Braid with a Small Bun
If you’re searching for unusual braid hairstyles for men, you may want to try out this look. Shave hair on the sides and leave the hair on top intact. Ideally, it should be long enough to allow you to create a braid. Mohawk braid is a great option for edgy and adventurous men.
50. Diamond and Triangle Cornrows
Patterns are versatile, and that’s exactly what we love about them. Everything you can imagine can be turned into an awesome pattern using tiny, slim braids. Men whose hair is naturally thick and coarse can benefit from this hairstyle the most.
51. Long Chunky Braids
Men with braided hair are creative, confident, and edgy, but it’s easy to transform these styles into something elegant as well. Yet another amazing style is to create multiple braids in your long hair. The best thing about these guy braids is that they work great with both casual and more formal outfits.
52. Half-Up Braids with a Tapered Undercut
Cool men know how to keep things casual but also easy on the eyes.
Section your long hair to create braids on top and pick them up in the bun. Between the bun and the loose lengths, the tapered undercut exposes a smooth panel above the ear. Let the remainder of your hair fall down your shoulders, but you can also create a braid or two there as well.
53. Silver Braided Bun with Face-Framing Plaits
Men’s buns have gone mainstream, and that’s beyond awesome. Buns are practical, easy to make, and let’s be honest, they look great.
Here’s a nice twist on the regular bun: braids. Make multiple thin braids and pick them up in a nice bun. This is probably one of the easiest braid hairstyles for men, and you should give it a try.
54. Top Braids with a Short Ponytail
Create a few short braids and merge them together in a tiny ponytail. For a cool vibe, you may want to shave your sides or opt for tapering and low fade.
55. Gray French-Braided Mohawk
If you’re in your 60s and your hair is thick and dense as always, you can sport so many hairstyles that help you keep a joyful spirit.
Opt for a long beard with a mustache and go for a mohawk that you will French braid and tie in the back with a hair elastic.
How to Ask for Man Braids?
So, you have chosen braids for men. Now what? First, go to a good salon. As you sit down with your barber or stylist, you may want to have a few pictures for reference. It all depends on what you want. Cornrows are entirely different from an accent braid, after all.
You also need to talk to your stylist about what’s possible. If you’re growing out a buzz cut, it’s impossible to braid anything for a while. Hair that’s very fine can’t handle certain braids and styles, so you also need to make sure that the texture of your hair is compatible with the style you want.
How to Take Care of Man Braids
The texture and overall personality of your hair will also affect how you maintain it. Make sure you moisturize your hair with a product like coconut oil when you’re maintaining cornrows. Keep your ends trimmed to avoid dead ends, especially if you have layers in your hair.
Try a few deep conditioning treatments once or twice a month. Alter the position of your braids from time to time, as well. If you braid your hair in the same spots each time, it causes breakage. For that matter, protecting your hair is a good idea anyway, whether that involves using a sleep scarf or sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase.
Can Men with Short Hair Get A Braided Hairstyle?
Looking to try different braids for men but have short hair? In order to pull off a men’s braid hairstyle, your hair has to reach a certain length, of course. However, short hair can handle small, thin braids.
If you have an undercut and you’re sporting a fairly long thatch of hair, you can easily create a French man braid. Of course, if your hair’s only a few inches long, it’s much more difficult to create even tiny braids, and depending on the texture of your hair, you might have to wait until it grows a bit longer.
It also helps if your hair is more or less all one length. It’s possible to braid layered hair, but the braids tend to look choppy unless the layers are long, as well.
Now, if your hair falls below your ears or the nape of your neck, if it sweeps over your forehead or touches your shoulders, then you can wear practically any plaited hairstyle you like, from braided buns to long, flowing braids. Guys who have long locks and want to wear braids ought to look at a few YouTube tutorials so they can learn the various techniques themselves.
Don’t be afraid to rock out with guy braids. Which braided hairstyle have you always wanted to try?
