Braided styles are perfect for those looking for easy-care hairdos. These coiffures are stunning, adaptable, and have stayed trendy for many years. They minimize hair damage and serve as an excellent minimal-intervention look. Explore popular African braid styles for 2025 from this article.
A lot of individuals favor braided hairstyles as they tend to remain stylish for an extended period, often lasting from one to two months. Contemporary hairstylists are equally innovative, capable of crafting distinctive appearances that ensure you stand out in any gathering.
Over 70 stunning braided hairstyle ideas for Black women and kids
If you're searching for inspiration regarding African hair braiding styles accompanied by photos, then look no further. Here are more than 70 hairstyles that you might want to attempt this year as depicted in the following images.
Easy braided hairstyles
Cornrows come in various sizes; slender or petite versions work well for kids going to school, university students, and professional women. Although they require more time to create, these smaller cornrows tend to stay intact for a longer period compared to their larger counterparts.
Big cornrows are suitable for both kids and grown-ups who can retouch their hairstyle every one to two weeks. To save some time, you might opt for thinner or smaller braids on weekdays when your children are at school, then go for larger ones during vacations.
Sleek back hairstyles trending in South Africa for 2025
For centuries, straight-back hairstyles have been popular. In certain African nations, they remain the standard choice for school uniforms among students due to their uniform appearance. Contrary to earlier times when these styles tended to be plain, contemporary versions offer more variety and imagination.
Skilled hairdressers have the liberty to experiment with different patterns to enhance their elegance. They might craft designs like flowers, waves, or zigzags. Additionally, alternating between fine and bold strokes can achieve an upscale appearance.
Half twist braids combined with half cornrows
In 2025, a blend of half braids and half cornrows has gained significant popularity. Many women opt for this look as it prevents loose strands from framing their faces. Simultaneously, they can relish having longer hair extensions cascading down their backs.
You have numerous options for making your hairstyle distinct. Experiment with various cornrow patterns across the forehead area. Consider trimming the extensions and singeing their tips using a candle or lighter to achieve a bob haircut look.
You may choose to secure the ends of the cornrows in a bun and allow the remainder to drape over your shoulders, curls all additional strands, or attach beads at the tips.
Box braids hair trends for 2025 (including images)
Box braids help prevent traction alopecia. The hair is divided into tidy square sections prior to adding the braid extensions for this hairstyle. This creates an impressive look that you can customize according to your preference.
If an expert applies this technique, it can prevent breakage. The knotless method is favoured as it shields the ends from breaking and various external elements.
Individual bun styles for hair in 2025 across South Africa
Simple hairstyles are perfect for those who prefer not having lengthy locks framing their face or back. These designs work well across various age ranges and can include cornrows, two-strand twists, or three-strand braids.
Straightforward hairstyles featuring voluminous looks have appeared in numerous articles displaying African hairdos. You could opt for an updo styled as a bun. Otherwise, let your locks cascade down your back.
Simple beaded braids for easy styling (includes images)
For many years, beads have been employed to enhance hairdos with personal flair and individuality, suitable for everyone regardless of age. Nowadays, these decorative elements come in various materials such as plastic and wood.
If you're looking to make a bold statement, consider incorporating African-inspired beadwork. This choice works best for those with creative roles who aren’t bound by strict dress codes. For individuals with office positions wanting to include beading, opt for subdued hues and refrain from overusing beads.
Side-swept African braids hairstyles
If you look up braids and hairstyles online, you'll come across numerous side-swept options. This style lends an extra touch of individuality to the top part of your face and looks particularly good on those with round facial features.
This style interrupts the uniformity of straight-back or upright designs. Common choices involve switching between slim and chunky cornrows or crafting floral or undulating motifs. If the extensions seem somewhat heavy, you could secure them neatly into a side bun.
Vibrant braided hairdos for young ladies
In today’s world, individuals are more courageous and at liberty to showcase their genuine identities. While some folks gravitate towards vibrant hues, others opt for subtler tones. Should you wish to articulate your personality through your hairstyle, daring colored braids could be an excellent choice.
You have the option to utilize various colored extensions simultaneously. Conversely, you might opt for one striking hue instead. Make sure your selections reflect your genuine self. Should you desire adding some vibrancy without overdoing it, think about choosing ombre extensions. Braided hairstyle options featuring numerous colors are expected to remain trendy for many years ahead.
Infeed braids for women of African descent
Feed-in braids are excellent choices for those seeking swift and safeguarding hairdos. Additionally, these styles appear tidy with appealing patterns. While such appearances can be sported throughout the year, they particularly suit the hotter seasons.
Prior to getting feed-in cornrows or twists installed, keep in mind that your stylist will need to exert some pulling force to ensure the desired neat appearance. As such, these styles might not suit individuals who have delicate scalps.
Braids hairstyles for kids
Kids adore beards and curly hair. Depending on what the child prefers, you can incorporate a few beads or many of them. Just make sure not to opt for excessively weighty ones.
The added weight can cause the braids to tug downward and put extra pressure on the scalp. Consequently, this could lead to headaches for the child due to bearing an excessive load atop their head.
Knotless braids hairstyles
These styles can be chosen in small, medium, or large dimensions. The larger versions appear more attractive and take minimal time for installation. Nonetheless, they might have a shorter lifespan compared to the smaller and mid-sized options.
Apart from varying the size, you can adjust the length based on the extensions you select. You have the option of choosing long or short extensions. For those who are daring, using differently colored extensions is an idea worth considering. There are numerous styles to experiment with daily.
These styles require minimal installation time and have limited interaction with the natural hair. Additionally, they outlast traditional cornrows. It’s advisable to wash your hair every three weeks and hydrate your scalp whenever the braids become dry.
Who had braids first?
The practice of braiding originated in Africa with the Himba community from Namibia approximately 5000 years back.
What is the name of the African braided hairstyle?
Many individuals refer to African braided hairstyles as cornrows or canerows, despite their various styles. To craft distinctive looks, people incorporate elements like beads, ringlets, vibrant hues, and textured hair extensions.
What do we call different types of hair braids?
There are numerous hairstyles involving braids. These include box braids, twist braids, bob-braids, Ghanaian patterns, knotless braids, single-bun cornrows, high-bun cornrows, all-back cornrows, twin-bun cornrows, triple-bun cornrows, zigzag cornrows, half braid and half cornrow combinations, as well as beaded cornrows or braids among others.
What types of braids have more durability?
All slim and medium-sized braids as well as cornrow styles tend to last longer compared to larger ones.
Which braids are trending?
Feed-in hairstyles and beaded braids are trendy in 2025.
Which braid style is the most widely preferred?
In 2025, the leading styles of braids include twists, box braids, and crochet designs.
Which braid styles will be trendy in 2025?
The trendiest African hairdos this year include feed-in hairstyles, multicolored designs, and beaded looks. These are perfect for various events and suitable for both kids and grown-ups.
Which is the most suitable hairstyle for braids?
Select a hairstyle that complements the shape of your head and brings you joy. It’s advisable to seek advice from your barber to help you pick an suitable look.
African braided hairdos require minimal upkeep and can last for a long time. Each year, people come up with new designs, thereby expanding the extensive array of braid styles that already exists.
.co.za has listed the top 30 South African women's hairstyle trends. Not all women opt for longer locks; some favor shorter cuts due to their ease of maintenance.
If you're looking for something distinctive to try with your short hair, explore current trendy hairstyles. Beforehand, chat with your barber or hairstylist to choose a style that complements the proportions and shape of your head.