If you’re looking to change up your wash-and-go style, braids are a great way to do it. You can choose from a variety of braided curly hairstyles, all of which are creative and stylish. You can choose a stylish braided ponytail and leave out some curly hair to add texture. You can also slick down your curls and create a high bun, adding a crown braid at the front to add an elegant touch.
We’ve put together 23 braided styles for curly hair with tips and tricks from Yetty Bams.
Crown Braid bun
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A loose curly bun can be instantly elevated by adding a crown braid (like Yara did). To finish your look, use a pomade that has a strong hold like Kiss Colors and Care Edge Fixer $9.
Cornrow Ponytail
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Add some cornrows to your ponytail for an extra touch of style. The perfectly-parted braids give the classic style a sleek and sophisticated look.
Curly Ends
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Coi Leray is known for her cute braided hairstyles like this. Create a few medium sized braids and curl each end using perm rods to achieve this super bouncy style.
Chunky Cornrows & Curls
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Large cornrows are easy to make and stylish. Tia Mowry’s hairstyle is unique because she left out some curly sections.
Face Framing Braids
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Take a tip from Erin Kellyman and create two small braids on either side of the face. Add a few beads in clear to each braid to complete the face-framing look.
Mini Crown Braids
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This new take on crown braids is a refreshing change from the classic look. Instead of a single large braid, combine several smaller ones to create the illusion of a headband.
Cornrow High ponytail
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This style is not only super cute but also easy to do if you are comfortable braiding hair. Bames suggests braiding your hair up to the middle, and then putting the rest into a high-ponytail. “Then, style your curls as you like.”
Braided Curly bun
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Curly hair is capable of regal updos. To achieve Ryan Michelle Bathe’s look, part your hair in the middle. Then, slick up your hair into a high and voluminous bun. Bames says that to style the bun you can wrap some twists or braids around it. You can also add shine to the edges with a product such as a serum.
Multi-Braid Ponytail
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Zazie Beetz has styled her hair in a cool and sculptural manner. The look is enhanced by creating several braids in your side ponytail. Her natural texture is also evident at the ends, with a few curly pieces undone.
Feed In Braids
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The braided style of Tamera Mowry Housley is both polished and playful. Two braids are woven into each side of her hair, feeding her curls. Bames explains that the secret to this look is to draw attention towards your curls, like Tamera does. “Use a curl pudding, or curl-enhancing styling product to define your hair’s natural pattern.”
Center-Braid Ponytail
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The focus of this look is the middle of the head. The braids are of different sizes and create a striking contrast. The back is adorned with voluminous curls.
Braided Faux Hawk
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Faux hawks are a great alternative for those who do not want to commit to the mohawk. Regina King is a great example of how this style allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation. Her style features intricate braids and defined curls.
Braided Afro
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Accentuate your gorgeous and voluminous afro by adding a crown of medium sized braids. This look shows the versatility of afro styles.
A Fun Feed-In Braid
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The curly bob style is always a popular one, but it is made even more stunning when braids are added. Bames says that this look can be achieved using a half inch curling iron on the whole head, before adding a feed in braid at the front.
Cornrow Trio
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This look is a perfect example of how cornrows and braids work together. This style can be achieved by parting the hair into three sections to create cornrows, and using a curling wand of half an inch to enhance your curls.
Beads & Braids
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This Diana Ross inspired hairstyle is perfection. The glamorous style is enhanced by adding a few braids to one side. We are also obsessed with the black beading.
Braided Messy bun
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We’re all guilty of it: we love hairstyles that keep our hair out of our face. A top knot that is effortless and stylish can be a good choice for people with curly hair. They are low-maintenance, stylish, flexible, and easy to customize. Consider Alicia Keys’s top knot. She made her look her own by adding braids and teasing her hair.
Two-Tone Braids
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Add color to your braids to make them more unique. The actress Naomie Harris chose center-part braids with black and honey blonde braiding hair. This combination is always beautiful. Her lower hair is left in a beautiful, free-flowing wavy style.
Braided Half Up, Half Down
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Issa has always inspired us to try new braid styles. This is one of them. She wore a half up, half down look with a curly ponytail. The Fulani braids on either side of her head add even more interest to this unique, fabulous style.
Braids and Curls
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Mariah’s curls and waves are just as beautiful as her voice. The icon chose tousled curls for this look and finished it with two small feed in braids. Bames suggests finishing the look with a texturizing spray to add volume and texture.
Braided Ponytail with Decorative Braid
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Addition of hair accessories to a smooth, braided Ponytail can take it to the next step. Marsai Mart added gold thread to her braids in this case.
Regal crown braid
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Storm Reid wore her curls in a crown braid for this red carpet-appearance. She chose to go with two small braids instead of a large braid on the front. The bronze charms give the look a royal, elegant touch.