When you think of hairstyles for men braids may not be the first thing that comes to mind but they absolutely should! Braids are not just for women they are ideal for men as well and with so many different designs and looks to choose from, it is honestly surprising that guys don't give them the attention they deserve. With the right braid styles, you can transform your look while maintaining a stylish, crisp, and masculine vibe that is sure to make you stand out.
In this article, we've put together an awesome selection of dapper braid styles that are perfect for guys looking to try something cool and interesting with their hair. Read ahead to find your next look.
How To Prep The Hair For Braids
Cleanse
It is very important to make your braids on clean hair if you want great results and minimal frizz. To cleanse your scalp and remove any buildup of grime and dirt, start by washing your hair with our Hydration Shampoo.
Condition
After cleansing, you will need to follow up with a conditioner that will help replenish your hair with moisture. Our Moisture Rich Conditioner is a great formula that will help hydrate and smoothen your hair. However, since getting braids requires a lot of manipulation, it is better to give them a more intense boost of nourishment with our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask. This will ensure your mane is not only hydrated but also soft and more manageable.
Detangle
If your hair is not properly detangled, it can affect the smoothness of your braids and also make the entire braiding session uncomfortable. This is why it is extremely important to take your time to climb through the hair from the ends to the roots. Be sure to do this while your hair is drenched in conditioner as it makes it easier for your comb to glide through and release any knots and tangles.
Hydrate
Since most of your hair will be tucked away once you get your braids, making sure your hair is properly moisturised is key for maintaining the health of your strands. After rinsing off the conditioner from your hair, apply a generous amount of Sofn’free's Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner to moisturise the hair. Then seal in the moisture with our Hair & Scalp Oil to ensure the hair remains hydrated for as long as possible and reduce the possibility of breakage or dryness
1. Criss Cross Stitch Braids
Criss-cross stitch braids are a super cool hairstyle for guys who want to wear cornrows with a little more finesse. Hair oil is key to getting the perfect shine of this look so be sure to apply some of our Hair & Scalp Oil before braiding.
2. Fishbone Braids
Fishbone Braids are a great way to put your creativity and fashionable personality on display. You can take them up a notch by including a taper cut on the sides.
3. Pop Smoke Braids
Although popularised by the late rapper Pop Smoke, these braids have now become such an iconic look among men and it is not hard to see why. With crisp and neat parts and cornrows that frame the nice just right, this hairstyle is a great way to look handsome with minimal effort.
4. Fulani Braids With Fade Cut
Who says men can't pull off Fulani braids with class and sophistication? This fade-cut variation certainly proves otherwise. It just exudes confidence and charm and if you want something that can be easily put into a bun, this is one look you have to try.
5. Heart Braids Braids
Make your braids a conversation starter by rocking them in this unique heart-shaped design. It is a super cool look that is sure to keep you looking handsome and stylish.
6. Triangle Braids
If you want something simple yet fashionable and unique, you can never go wrong with triangle plaits. This hairstyle is so easy to make, you can even do it yourself if you're feeling creative. Just make sure to moisturise your hair with our Manuka Honey Leave-in before braiding.
7. Snake Cornrows
Make your hair stand out with snak cornrows for a statement look that is sure to exude confidence and style. A healthy and hydrated scalp is key for maintaining this look so be sure to apply some of our Strengthening Oil every week.
8. Braids With Twists
If you like the look of cornrows and twists but can't decide which one to get, just try a combination of both. This dapper hairstyle is perfect for those with medium-length or long hair. To keep the twists sleek and shiny, you'll need to apply a little bit of our Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater Curl Elongating Gel.
9. Ponytail Braids
Want to rock a man bun with some finesse and elegance? Opt for ponytail braids. You can incorporate a mid-fade cut to add more flair to the overall look.
10. Braided Baldie
The braided baldie is a trendy and suave look that has been making waves with both men and women. It is a very unique and cool look that is perfect for guys who are not afraid to try something different. The lack of hanging ends also makes this ideal for summer. To keep it neat, be sure to smooth down flyaways with our Curling Mousse.
Dos And Don'ts Of Maintaining Healthy Hair With Braids
Dos
- Hydrate Your Hair: Even after your braids are installed, it is very important to make sure they remain hydrated. Neglecting your hair completely while you have braids can result in breakage and split ends. So be sure to use our Everyday Curl Refresh Spray 1-2 times a week to infuse moisture into your hair.
- Protect Your Braids Before Bed: If you want your braids to last long and look neat, it is very crucial to protect them from friction while you sleep. You can cover them with satin durag or a silk scarf.
- Nourish Your Scalp: To maintain a healthy scalp environment and prevent itching or dryness, you will need to oil your scalp with a nourishing oil like our Strengthening Oil which helps to strengthen the hair follicles. Be sure to apply the oil at least once a week and massage it in for easier absorption.
Don'ts
- Leaving Them For Too Long: Your braids should be left in for a maximum of 6-8 weeks. Leaving them for way too long deprives your hair of ample room to get the necessary nourishment and it can result in a lot of breakage. Depending on the nature of your hair and scalp, you may even need to take them down as early as after 3-4 weeks.
- Making Them Too Tight: Braids often require a lot of manipulation of the hair and when they are made too rightly, they can put excess tension on your hair and scalp. Over time, this can weaken your hair, especially the delicate strands around your temple and cause them to essentially break off. To maintain the health of your hair, avoid getting braids that are way too tight.
- Not Being Gentle During The Takedown Process: It is very common for most people to rush through taking down their braids as the process can be a little time-consuming. However, after being braided up for several weeks, your hair will likely be in a very fragile state. This means it can easily break off when handled improperly. To prevent this, be extremely gentle when taking down your braids. You can spray a little bit of our Everyday Curl Refresh spray before taking down each section to hydrate and soften the hair and make it easier to release any knots.
Braids are an awesome way to elevate your style while keeping your natural hair protected. They are also perfect for guys who are open who trying different things with their look, so if you fall into that category, don’t hesitate to try out some of the cool hairstyles we covered in this article..