Braids are beautiful, low-maintenance and protective. What’s not to love? While some more complicated braiding styles are best left to the experts, we’re breaking down five popular styles that you can do at home. Get ready to rock stunning braided looks without needing a salon!

Medium box braids

Portrait of black woman with medium box braids in yellow top lightly smiling in front of a tree.

Medium box braids are a timeless classic. This protective style is achieved by braiding natural hair and extensions hair to the scalp. The result? Sleek and polished braids that never go out of style.

Long box braids

Portrait of a smiling black girl with long box braids in a salmon top, against a grey background.

Take box braids to the next level with long box braids. Whether you prefer small, medium or jumbo braids, you can achieve added length with the right amount of extension hair.

Knotless braids

Portrait of an African-American woman with knotless braids and large hoop earrings

Embrace the effortless look with knotless braids. As the name implies, this style doesn’t rely on knots. Instead, natural hair and extensions are seamlessly woven together, with only natural hair at the root. This results in a breezy and comfortable style that isn’t as tight against the scalp.

Crochet braids

Portrait of smiling black woman in floral top with crochet braids and hands on each side of her face, against a cyan background.

While you don’t need knitting skills to rock crochet braids, you will need a special crochet latch hook. The investment is well worth it, as these braids are protective, versatile, relatively quick and easy to achieve. Start with cornrows, then use the crochet hook to weave each extension into your cornrows. Secure it, trim any extra hair and you’re done.

At My Black is Beautiful, we've curated our own collection of tips and styles to help you embrace and enhance the beauty of your natural hair, here.