17 Trending Braided Hairstyles for Black Women You Need to Try Next

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for my next new hairdo. That’s what I genuinely love about being Black: we’re shapeshifters. I love hearing people be shocked about how easily I can change looks and styles. There’s something so freeing about being able to try so many different looks and still look cute while doing it. And to be honest with you guys, these days it’s becoming so hard to keep up with all the new black women braided hairstyles and trends. There’s a new fun hairstyle coming out every week, it’s crazy. And it’s fun! That’s not a complaint, I absolutely love it!

This is why I want to share with you these trendy braided hairstyle ideas. Here are some of my favorite black women braided hairstyles right now. Some are brand new and some are old school looks that got a fresh twist, but they’re all cute and so fun to try.

1. Jayda Wayda Braids

The Jayda Wayda braids are one of those new trending hairstyles that takes a lot from older styles and blends them together to create a fun and cute look. It’s like a cute weird mix of Fulani braids, half updo, half braids and half sew in.

2. Fulani Braids with Updo

I’ll always be obsessed with Fulani braids. There’s something so simple yet so chic about classic Fulani braids, but it’s amazing how versatile they can be. You can transform the look into an updo, and you can clearly see a version of the look above and how good an updo can look. It’s like half Fulani braids in the front and then a fun updo in the back.

3. Fulani Twist Bob

In a similar vein, since we’re already talking about how good Fulani cornrows look, these braids are all about being as creative as you possibly can. That is why I absolutely love Fulani braids. Another reason I love the look is how versatile it can be. Instead of just doing straight back braids, you can finish off the cornrows as twist braids, and I absolutely love this bob version with curls.

4. Layered French Curl Braids

French braids will always slay. I already love the braided style so much, but I didn’t know how good the layered look would be. Layered French braids look absolutely amazing, even better than doing them the regular way. I would go so far as to say that this is the best way to do French curl box braids. They look so so good layered with the curls.

5. Layered Braids

There is something interesting about bone straight box braids. It’s such a unique look. We are all so used to boho braids, you know, the big curly braids. This is a new and interesting look. Instead of curly pieces, go for straight pieces and then add layers for a stunning finish.

6. Tyla Braids

Tyla popularized these braids. Tyla braids are a braided bob hairstyle with an outward curl. There is something very old school and feminine about this style, even though it’s a new trending hairstyle.

7. Patewo Braids

Patewo braids are a new style of braids, like a braided updo. Remember the old style of braids we used to do back in the day? We called them fishtail braids. I feel like this is an adaptation of that look, or that look made better: fishtail braids that end in a stunning updo.

8. Sza Braids

This style of braids has been around forever, but I think it has been popularized by SZA. It’s just box braids with beads on the ends. The goal is to get braids that are full and big. There is something very African and beautiful about the look you get when you end your box braids with large, aesthetic beads.

9. Tems Braids

Another hairdo that has been around for the longest time but was popularized by an artist, Tems (who I absolutely love!). This hairstyle is one of those half up, half down looks, but styled in an interesting and unique way.

10. Miracle Knots

If you love boho braids, then you are going to absolutely love miracle knots. They are a more lightweight version of the style and easier on the hair because of the way the braids are done. The curly hair is fed into your natural hair, which makes the braids lighter and, in my opinion, even prettier than regular boho braids.

11. Zoe Kravitz Braids

I absolutely love the Zoe Kravitz braids look. Sometimes I feel like this style of braids is more of an aesthetic than a specific look. It’s like boho braids but with a looser curl and texture, more messy and loose and fun. If you do the braids right, you get a carefree aesthetic.

12. Boho French Curl

We all love the classic French curl braids, but I think there is something to be said about boho French curl braids. Instead of doing classic boho braids with body wave or Burmese bundles, you do your braids with French curl braiding hair. The effect is unique and it’s definitely a fun look.

13. Mermaid Braids

Ever heard of mermaid braids? They are your classic knotless box braids but with water curls added to the ends. If you know the water curl technique, you know it’s an old school technique, but this is a way you can take an older style and make it new and fresh again.

14. Dolly Braids

There’s something so fun and old school about dolly braids. They are basically just simple short box braids with curly ends, but in the style of an 80s hairdo. Absolutely obsessed with this look. It’s adorably cute.

15. Koroba Braids

This is one of those braided hairstyles that reminds me so much of the African aesthetic. If there is going to be a hairstyle that screams African beauty and pride, it’s definitely this one. The way the braids are woven together calls to mind a lot of tribal hairstyles worn by women in Africa.

16. Fulani Braids

Classic Fulani braids. I don’t think it’s possible for these braids to do you dirty. It’s one of those looks that’s simple but chic.

17. Classic French Curl

Another hairdo I believe will always look stunning is the classic French curl braid hairstyle. There is something luscious about freshly braided French curls. I really love this style, it always makes me feel so pretty.