Kenyan braids hairstyles have been trending for the last few years. And no wonder! They are so versatile, with many different options to choose from. You can find them in all sorts of lengths, like micro braids, cornrows, Senegalese twists, and many more.
Whether you want an elegant updo or want to try something new and funky like a box braid or fishtail braid, there is a style for you.
Here are some of the popular Kenyan braids hairstyles we could think of:
1. Micro Braids
This is a very traditional type of braid which is often worn by women with natural hair. It is best suited when you are looking for something to wear on a daily basis. But if you want something more beautiful, do not forget to add beads or other decorative elements to the micro braids.
2. Side-Swept Cornrows
Cornrows are one of the most popular women’s hairstyles. However, you can still wear them even if you have long hair. This is how you do it: after styling your hair in cornrows on the backside of your head, twist your hair around and pin it to the front. You can also braid a small part of the front part of your hair. The style suits you well when you have an oval-shaped face or a heart-shaped face.
3. Chunky Black Braids
You will get more than just the basics with the chunky black braids. These hairstyles are incredibly versatile. You can opt for a half-up style or a full-up style. The latter will also allow you to achieve an elegant updo which is amazing if you want to wear it to an important event like a wedding or a prom.
These braids usually come in two variants – loose and tight. If you want chunky, loose black braids, then it might take you hours to finish the whole hairstyle.
4. High Twisted Bun
If you’re searching for something unique, this is an excellent alternative. There are several guides available on how to create a high twisted bun, which is the most popular in Kenya, Canada, and other nations. This braid gives your hair a fluffy and fantastic appearance.
5. Fishtail Braid
This particular kind of braids has been around for quite a while. It was once very common in African countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. The name comes from the braided hairstyles of Rwandans, which were similar to this one. The fishtail braid is best suited for medium-length hair.
6. Half Cornrows Half Individual Braids
This is a very popular style. It is quite easy to do and looks so cute. The half cornrows will help you to achieve more volume in your hair and make it more natural. Half individual braids are a great option for updos because they allow you to create unique hairstyles with loose and pretty hair.
7. Braid with Curves
This is another traditional type, and it looks quite lovely. It is very easy to do because it requires just two hairpieces: the first one is in a straight line, while the second one starts from the curve of the first braid. When you are getting ready to use this hairstyle, make sure your hair has no greasy or wet look.
8. Wavy Straight Braids
If you want something more edgy and up-to-date, straight braids are the style for you. You can get them in many different styles like tapered or rounded and in a variety of different lengths.
9. Afro Braided Bun
This is a simple but very chic style. It looks best when you add some texture to your natural hair. For the braids, you can use either two or three braids. You should braid the hair from the top of your head down and then tie them in a bun.
10. Afro Kinky Braids
Many women nowadays have naturally curly hair, which makes the afro kinky braid so uniquely beautiful. The hair must be at least 3 inches long for the kinky braid to be formed. After that, you will need to section the hair into four parts and then braid the hair separately.
11. Senegalese Twists
These intricate braids are not all that easy to do, but they look absolutely stunning. We suggest you try them if you know how to twist your way through the process. The hair used should be at least 4 inches long, to begin with.
12. Crochet Braids
These are most popular in the African-American community because they are easy to do and provide a modern, classy look. They are commonly worn by women with natural hair but can be worn by those who use wigs as well. You can use various types of hair braids with this style, depending on your own preference.
13. Box Braids
This is an attractive style which can be worn to work, school and special occasions. And the best news is – you can get your African braids for free! The best thing about box braids is that they are easily customizable. You can also purchase braided clips or headbands to wear with your braid.
14. Mohawk
This is another very trendy type of Kenyan braids hairstyle. It can be tight on the side with a long, loose mohawk on the other. Both look great, but it all depends on you and your style. To look best with a mohawk, you should have the sides shaved or cut short. The longer the hair on the top, the better.
15. Fancy Line Braids
Also known as “true cornrows,” this is a great choice if you are looking for something elegant. They are a bit more complicated to make than regular micro braids, but the results are worth it. If you do not want them as thick and close together as seen in the image, make sure to space them out more.
16. Fishbone Braids
This type of braid is great for adding volume to your hair. The fishbone braids are perfect hairstyles for African American women. They work well in all sorts of styles, whether you are looking for a messy updo or the more sophisticated one.
17. Criss Cross Braids
This is a very sophisticated and elegant type of braid that would look stunning on absolutely any hair length. Just be careful not to create too many of these because you will probably not be able to handle all of them at once.
18. Asymmetrical Braids
Asymmetrical braid hairstyles look stunning, and you can wear them for a night out or a special occasion. I especially love this braided style because it looks so sophisticated on women of all skin tones.
19. Long Chunky Braids
This is a great look for those who want to keep their natural hair back. It gives a soft and romantic touch and is very feminine. The long chunky braids are available in many different styles, so it will not be hard to pick the one which fits you best.
20. Feed In Braids
This type of braid is very popular with women who wear their hair straightened. It’s a great choice if you want to hide the ends of your hair or want to add some volume to the length of your hair.
21. Braided Ponytail
This simple and classy look is great for a date or a party. It involves braiding the hair at the crown, which you can either loofah or braid. The style is natural yet pretty.
22. Tie Up Braid
This is another very traditional hairstyle that has been around for quite a while. You can braid the front portion of your mane and tie it with a ribbon or some elastic bands. This style allows the hair to be seen, and you can achieve versatility through it.
23. Snake Braids
This is one of the most creative braiding styles we could find. It requires many hours to finish the entire hair, but it is definitely worth it. The overall look of snake braids is great. The braids give your hair a very organic look, and intertwining them with each other creates a snakelike design on your head.
24. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a new kind of Kenyan braided hairstyle that is simple to accomplish. You can wear them as an updo or loose. The best thing about this braid is that it looks neater and more elegant than other types of Kenyan braids hairstyles.
The cornrows braid is probably one of the most popular types of Kenyan braids hairstyles out there.