👑 14 Braided Updo For Black Women
Alright, gorgeous! Ready to ditch the hair drama and elevate your braid game? We’re talking about updos that not only protect your precious strands but also make heads turn. Seriously, who needs a crown when your hair is this majestic?
Forget boring. We’re diving into styles that are chic, sassy, and surprisingly easy to achieve (or at least, easy to show your stylist a picture of!). So, grab your hair ties and let’s get into some serious inspo.
1. Classic Crown Braid
Want to feel like royalty without the actual crown jewels? This one’s your ticket to instant regal vibes.
Wrap a chunky braid (or two!) around your head, creating a stunning, regal halo. It’s perfect for showing off your amazing facial features and keeping things super neat and tidy. Think of it as your everyday elegant armor.
Pro Tip: Lightly pull on the braid loops for a softer, fuller look. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy on purpose; it adds character.
This style screams sophisticated chic and works whether you’re heading to brunch or a black-tie event.
2. High Bun with Braided Base
This isn’t just any high bun; we’re adding a twist (literally) to make it extra special.
Start with some sleek cornrows or individual braids leading up to a voluminous high bun. It’s the perfect combo of edgy and elegant, giving you that ‘I woke up like this, but better’ feel. Plus, it keeps your neck cool, which is always a win.
Pro Tip: Use a bit of edge control to lay those baby hairs for a truly polished finish. No flyaways allowed on this queen’s watch.
It’s a fantastic way to add visual interest to a classic updo, making it anything but basic.
3. Braided Faux Hawk
Channel your inner rockstar with this fierce and fabulous look. Who says you can’t be edgy and elegant?
Create several cornrows or individual braids running from front to back, then gather them into a series of buns or loops along the center of your head, mimicking a mohawk shape. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it definitely makes a statement.
Pro Tip: Play with the size and tightness of your braids. Thicker braids give a more dramatic effect, while thinner ones look intricate.
This style is for the brave and the stylish, guaranteeing all eyes are on you.
4. Goddess Braids Updo
Embrace your inner deity with this majestic and flowing style. You deserve to feel like a goddess, truly.
Goddess braids are essentially jumbo cornrows, styled into an updo. Think big, beautiful braids swept up into a dramatic bun, a regal coil, or even a fancy French roll. They’re protective, stunning, and give off serious main character energy.
Pro Tip: Add some decorative hair cuffs or beads to really amplify the goddess vibe. Sparkle never hurt anyone.
This look is perfect for when you want maximum impact with minimal fuss.
5. Cornrowed Top Knot
A classic top knot gets an instant upgrade with some clever cornrow action. It’s effortlessly cool.
Braid your hair in cornrows from the nape of your neck upwards, then gather all those braids into a super chic, high top knot. It’s sleek in the back, playful on top, and keeps everything securely out of your face.
Pro Tip: Make sure your top knot is firm but not too tight to avoid tension. We want fierce, not painful.
This style is a go-to for gym days, chill days, or “I want to look amazing without trying too hard” days.
6. Twisted Rope Braid Updo
If you’re looking for texture and definition, the rope braid is your new best friend. It’s simple, yet sophisticated.
Instead of a traditional three-strand braid, you twist two strands around each other to create a rope-like effect. Then, coil these beautiful twists into a low bun, a side sweep, or a chic chignon. It’s elegant and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
Pro Tip: A little mousse or setting lotion helps keep those twists defined and frizz-free. Nobody wants a frizzy rope.
This updo offers a unique texture that elevates any outfit, making it perfect for both casual and formal events.
7. Micro Braid Sculpted Updo
For those who commit to the micro braid life, this updo shows off all that intricate work. It’s an art form.
Gather your tiny braids and sculpt them into an elaborate updo. Think intricate swirls, gravity-defying coils, or a beautifully woven basket weave pattern. It’s a testament to patience and precision, and the result is always breathtaking.
Pro Tip: Work with your natural partings and braid directions to create a harmonious and comfortable design. Don’t fight the hair, flow with it.
This style is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down, always looking absolutely stunning.
8. Sleek Braided Chignon
Elegance personified. The chignon is timeless, and adding braids makes it even more divine.
Either braid sections of your hair and then form them into a low, sleek bun at the nape of your neck, or create a single large braid that you then coil into a chignon. It’s polished, sophisticated, and perfect for when you need to look seriously put-together.
Pro Tip: A fine-tooth comb and a good holding spray are your best friends for achieving that super sleek, no-flyaway finish. Shine on, queen.
This updo is a classic for a reason; it’s effortlessly chic and universally flattering.
9. Bohemian Braided Halo
Dreamy, romantic, and utterly gorgeous, this halo style gives off major free-spirited vibes. Hello, festival season!
Similar to the crown braid, but often softer, looser, and sometimes incorporates smaller braids woven into larger ones. It frames your face beautifully and looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Add a few wispy tendrils for extra charm.
Pro Tip: Don’t aim for perfection here. The beauty is in the relaxed, slightly undone aesthetic. Embrace the natural flow.
It’s the perfect updo for a relaxed summer day or when you want to look effortlessly enchanting.
10. Fishtail Braid Updo
The fishtail braid is a beautiful, intricate-looking braid that’s surprisingly simple to master. It’s all about the details.
Create one or more fishtail braids and then pin them up into an elegant updo. You can make a large, loose fishtail bun, or several smaller ones pinned artfully. The texture is unique and seriously eye-catching.
Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect with the fishtail. Once you get it, you’ll be braiding everything with this technique. YouTube is your friend.
This updo adds a touch of intricate beauty without being overly fussy, making it a stylish choice.
11. Puffy Braided Updo
Volume, volume, volume! If you love a dramatic silhouette, this one’s for you. Go big or go home, right?
This style often involves braiding extensions into your natural hair, then sweeping and pinning those voluminous braids into a large, puffy updo. It creates incredible height and drama, giving off a regal and powerful aura.
Pro Tip: Use lightweight extensions to avoid too much tension on your scalp. We want fabulous, not fatigued.
It’s a show-stopping look that commands attention and celebrates the beauty of big hair.
12. Bantu Knot Out Braided Style
Combine the protective power of braids with the amazing texture of a bantu knot out. It’s a two-for-one deal.
Braid sections of your hair, then twist those braids into bantu knots. Once dry, unravel them for incredible, bouncy curls, which you can then sweep up and pin into a stunning, textured updo. It’s a celebration of natural curl patterns and intricate braiding.
Pro Tip: Ensure your hair is completely dry before unraveling the knots for the best, most defined curl pattern. Patience is a virtue.
This updo offers incredible texture and volume, showcasing your beautiful curls in a unique way.
13. Braided Pompadour
A classic pompadour gets a braided twist, adding texture and a modern edge to a vintage-inspired look. It’s cool, it’s retro, it’s now.
Braid the sides of your hair or create cornrows leading up to a voluminous, sculpted braid or coiled section at the front, forming that iconic pompadour shape. It’s dramatic, chic, and totally unique.
Pro Tip: Use bobby pins that match your hair color to discreetly secure the pompadour. We want magic, not visible hardware.
This style is perfect for making a bold fashion statement and showcasing your killer profile.
14. Braided Space Buns
Fun, playful, and undeniably cute, space buns are back, and they brought their braided friends. Get ready for cuteness overload.
Braid two sections of your hair, then coil them into two high buns on either side of your head. You can braid from the front or from the nape upwards for a more intricate look. It’s youthful, energetic, and perfect for literally any casual occasion.
Pro Tip: Leave a few face-framing pieces out to soften the look, or add some glitter for an extra dose of fun. Go wild!
This updo is perfect for expressing your playful side and rocking a look that’s both stylish and super comfortable.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 14 ways to slay your braided updo game. Whether you’re feeling regal, edgy, or just plain cute, there’s a style here with your name on it. Remember, your hair is your crown, so wear it with confidence and a whole lot of flair. Go on, get creative, and absolutely rock those braids!
