27 Big Braids Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next ‘Do

Zendaya turned heads with these knotless braids at the CFDA Awards—and we’re still talking about them. According to Sands, your stylist will create this look by parting your hair into large sections before applying a strong hold gel and braiding your natural hair. Next, they’ll begin feeding in hair extensions to make a thicker braid. “[People of all] hair types and densities can wear this hairstyle. However, [you need] at least three inches of hair to properly install this style,” adds Sands.

A lob (aka a long bob) will always be stylish and a braided version is even more stunning. According to our experts, you want to find a length that flatters your face shape and then you can style the lob in a variety of ways. “If you want it to be chin-length, consider leaving the ends unfinished for a gentle flip or extend them to shoulder-length for a chic lob,” says May. Adding a side part or some dazzling accessories on the ends can give the look a nice finishing touch. 

Janelle Monae proves you can add a bit of edge to your big braids hairstyle. The singer rocks an intricate braid in the center, adorned with rings and her sides are left completely smooth to mimic a mohawk. 

Whether you’re attending a wedding or simply looking for a hairstyle that keeps your strands from sticking to your neck, this updo should be saved in your inspo folder. Once you create a high braided pony, drape the tail across your head and pin the ends back for an elegant updo. 

If you have straight or looser waves, this tousled look should be on your radar. To emulate Blake Lively’s style, don’t spend too much time making it pristine. The messier, the better. 

Like box braids, cornrows can be a versatile hairstyle to try out. It’s up to you how many rows of braids and how far apart you want them. To recreate Tracee Ellis Ross’ look, part your hair into five sections and start braiding them down towards the nape of your neck. Then, gather the ends into a low bun for a casual look. 

As mentioned, cornrows can be customized to your style. Consider playing with length like Ross and showing off cascading braids that fall past your waist. 

Here’s your sign to step your braiding game and try out a fishtail style. Create a low ponytail like Lucy Liu above and refer to this handy tutorial to recreate the look on yourself.

The low pony can be turned into any style (i.e., double twist, French or fishtail) and it can be decorated with snazzy accessories, as Aja Naomi King shows us. If you have shorter locks, add some extensions or reach for a hair piece to get in on the fun. 

Kelly Rowland proves that box braids can change into any look. Case in point: This half-up, half down style. Section your hair and gather the top half into a high ponytail, while leaving the rest down. 

If you’ve been eyeing a new hair color, let Keke Palmer persuade you to make the change. Her bold red hue elevates her big braids hairstyle and the high pony brings it to the next level. 

This elevated version of a crown braid is simple to recreate at home. Once you divide your hair into two pigtails, start braiding each tail before overlapping each section and pinning in place. Finish off the style by leaving two wavy tendrils out for a more casual style. (If you need more guidance, here’s a step-by-step video to get you started.)

This latest trend requires just one step: Leave one tendril out. As Potempa told us recently, “A tendy is a tendril of hair used to frame the face on just one side, as opposed to two tendrils framing the face on both sides. It gives your hair a fashionable edge with its asymmetry.” This small detail can make a huge difference to your look. 

Wrap one big braid around your head and use a few bobby pins to secure the look in place. You might need to brush up on your Dutch braiding skills, but luckily we have you covered.

Presenting an updo worthy of any formal events you have coming up. The intricately woven jumbo braids follow angled lines that draw the eyes all the way up to the high bun on top.

Janelle Monae proves that you can rock pigtails as an adult. To recreate the look, simply divide your hair into two low ponytails, then braid them into any style you want. Don’t forget to secure the ends with hair ties and add some jewels so you’ll shine all night long.  

Show your braider these chic twists seen on Kerry Washington above. Or you can attempt it yourself with a comb, some styling gel and elastic bands. Use the comb to section off your hair, gel for twisting each braid and an elastic band to secure the ends. Have fun dressing it down or whipping it into other hairstyles (like a high pony or a half-up, half-down look). 

A side part and a side braid? Talk about a hairstyle worthy of red carpets and brunch dates with friends. 

Forget the rules. If you have thicker strands like Lupita, this look works by braiding at the roots and stopping mid-length to let the rest of your waves flow down to create a unique finish. 

This early aughts style is making a comeback and getting a major update a la the designed edges as seen on Ashanti above. As Sands explains, “​​These braids are created using the stitch-in braiding technique, which involves sectioning the hair into thin or thick horizontal lines and braiding them into cornrows using hair extensions. The result is a stunning and unique stitched look that sets stitch braids apart from other big braided hairstyles.” 

We’ve established the Dutch braid is a quick and easy style (see: #14), so recreate this one sported by Danai Guiria. 

There’s your regular high pony and then there’s this braided version that takes things up a notch. Make like Susan Kelechi Watson and secure a ponytail at the highest point of your head before braiding it all the way down to your shoulders. 

If you have short hair, consider this side pony style. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth your hair over to one side, before tying it into a pony and adding three big braids like Yara Shahidi. 

Braids and bobs are a match made in hair heaven. Danai Guiria takes the look one step further by rocking combed-out ends with hers on the red carpet. 

Trust us, this intricate high bun is worth the time and effort. You’ll need multiple layers of fishtail braids to create the look and a nice styling gel to slick back any flyaways.