African braiding is an incredibly versatile styling technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a traditional hair styling method that has been used for centuries to create intricate and beautiful hairstyles, and it is still widely practiced today. Braiding is a great way to take care of your hair and protect it from damage while also looking chic and stylish. One of the most popular ways to style braided hair is by creating a braided bun. This style is not only practical but also very stylish, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a casual look for a day out or an elegant updo for a special event, there’s sure to be a braided bun hairstyle that will suit your needs.
This blog post is dedicated to showcasing some of the best African braid bun hairstyles out there. We’ve gathered over 20 unique and beautiful styles that are sure to inspire you. From classic box braids to intricate cornrows, there’s something for everyone
1. Classic low bun braid
The classic low bun braid is a timeless hairstyle that has been popular for decades. It is a simple yet elegant hairstyle that can be worn for almost any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. The style is achieved by braiding the hair into a low bun and securing it with a hair tie or pins. The braids can be simple or intricate, depending on your personal preference and the occasion. This hairstyle is particularly popular among African women, as it allows them to showcase their beautiful and intricate braiding techniques while keeping their hair off their face and neck. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or modern look, the classic low bun braid is a versatile hairstyle that can be customized to suit your unique style.
2. High braided top knot
The high braided top knot is a classic and elegant hairstyle that can be achieved using African braids. This hairstyle involves braiding the hair from the roots to the tips, gathering it into a high ponytail, and then wrapping the braids around the base of the ponytail to create a bun. This style not only looks stylish but is also functional and practical, keeping hair out of the face and securely in place for extended periods. The high braided top knot is versatile and can be dressed up or down, making it a great option for any occasion. When accessorized with beads or other hair clips, it can add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Overall, the high braided top knot is a timeless style that showcases the beauty of African braids and is sure to turn heads wherever it is worn.
3. Braided side bun updo
The braided side bun updo is a classic and elegant hairstyle that has gained popularity in recent years. This African braid bun hairstyle involves braiding the hair on one side of the head and pinning it into a bun at the nape of the neck. The braids can be styled in a variety of ways, including a fishtail braid or a classic three-strand braid. This hairstyle is perfect for occasions where a sophisticated and polished look is required, such as weddings, formal events, or even as a work hairstyle. It is also a great hairstyle for those with long hair who want to keep their hair off their face and neck during hot summer months. The braided side bun updo is a versatile and timeless hairstyle that is sure to make a statement.
4. Fishtail braid low bun
The fishtail braid low bun is a versatile hairstyle that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This elegant style is a perfect choice for special occasions, such as weddings, proms, or even a night out on the town. To achieve this look, start by creating a fishtail braid at the nape of your neck, working your way down to the ends of your hair. Next, gather your hair into a low ponytail, securing it with a hair elastic. Then, twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Finally, loosen the braid slightly to create a more relaxed, romantic look. This hairstyle is a great option for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their braid bun repertoire.
5. Box braids top knot
Box braids top knot is a trendy hairstyle that adds elegance and charm to any look. This hairstyle is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face and requires minimal styling effort. The top knot is achieved by gathering the braids up into a bun and securing it on top of the head. It’s an excellent way to showcase your textured braids while simultaneously looking chic. This style is versatile and can be customized to fit any occasion, from a casual day out to a black-tie event. It’s also an ideal protective style for natural hair, as it keeps the hair ends tucked away and reduces the risk of breakage. The box braids top knot is just one of the many African braid bun hairstyles that you can try out to switch up your look.
6. Cornrow braided bun
The cornrow braided bun is a classic and timeless hairstyle that has been popular for decades. This hairstyle involves braiding the hair into long, thin cornrows and then wrapping them into a neat bun at the crown of the head. This style is perfect for those who want a sleek and polished look that is also practical and low-maintenance. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in a variety of settings, from the office to a night out on the town. The cornrow braided bun is also a great protective style for natural hair, as it provides a shield against damage from heat and styling products. With its elegant and sophisticated appearance, this hairstyle is a must-try for anyone looking for a chic and stylish look.
7. Braided half updo bun
The braided half updo bun is a stunning hairstyle that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn for various occasions, including weddings, proms, and other formal events. The style involves braiding the hair into small sections and then pulling them into a half updo bun. The braids can be styled in different patterns, from simple to intricate, depending on individual preference. The hairstyle is perfect for women with natural hair, and it can be accessorized with beads, jewels, or flowers to enhance its beauty. Overall, the braided half updo bun is an elegant and classic hairstyle that is sure to turn heads.
8. Dutch braid low bun
The Dutch braid low bun is a stylish and elegant hairstyle that combines two popular braiding techniques – the Dutch braid and the low bun. The Dutch braid, also known as an inverted French braid, involves braiding the hair under instead of over, creating a raised braid that stands out from the hair. To achieve this hairstyle, the hair is first sectioned into three parts and then braided using the Dutch braid technique. The braid is then wrapped around the base of the head to create a low bun. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events and occasions, as it is both sophisticated and trendy. It is also a great option for those with long hair who want to keep their hair out of their face while still showcasing their beautiful braids.
9. Goddess braid updo
The Goddess Braid Updo is a popular and stylish African braid bun hairstyle that has been trending for years. This stunning hairstyle is perfect for formal events like weddings, proms, and other special occasions. It is a versatile style that can be customized to suit any face shape or hair texture. To achieve the goddess braid updo, you will need to have your hair braided into thick cornrows, and then style them into an elegant bun at the top of your head. This hairstyle is perfect for women who want a low-maintenance yet chic look. The goddess braid updo is also a protective style that helps to protect your natural hair from damage caused by heat and styling products. With its classic and timeless look, the goddess braid updo is a must-try for any African braid hairstyle enthusiast.
10. Senegalese twist top knot
The Senegalese Twist Top Knot is a stunning and versatile hairstyle that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a classic example of how African braid bun hairstyles have evolved over time. This hairstyle involves creating Senegalese twists, which are made by twisting two strands of hair together to create a rope-like effect. The twists are then gathered and styled into a top knot, which can be positioned at the crown of the head or towards the back. This hairstyle can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both formal and casual occasions. Moreover, it is a low maintenance style that can last for several weeks with proper care. The Senegalese Twist Top Knot is a must-try for anyone looking for a chic and trendy hairstyle that reflects African culture and style.
11. Braided crown updo
The braided crown updo is a classic and elegant hairstyle that is perfect for formal occasions or even everyday wear. This hairstyle is a great way to show off your natural hair while keeping it out of your face and off your neck. To achieve this look, start by parting your hair down the middle and braiding each section into two separate braids. Then, take one braid and wrap it around the crown of your head, securing it with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side and tuck in any loose ends. This hairstyle can be customized by adding in hair accessories or incorporating different braid styles, such as twists or cornrows. The braided crown updo is a versatile and timeless hairstyle that will never go out of style.
12. Dutch fishtail braided bun
The Dutch fishtail braided bun is a stylish and elegant hairstyle that is perfect for any formal or casual occasion. This hairstyle is a combination of a classic Dutch braid and a fishtail braid, which are then wrapped into a neat bun at the nape of the neck. The intricate braiding pattern of this hairstyle showcases the beauty of African hair and is a popular choice among women of all ages. The Dutch fishtail braided bun can be customized to suit any face shape or hair texture, making it a versatile hairstyle option. It is also easy to maintain and can last for several days with proper care. Overall, the Dutch fishtail braided bun is a stunning and timeless hairstyle that is a must-try for anyone looking for a chic and sophisticated look.
13. Ghana braids bun
Ghana braids bun is a popular hairstyle among African women, known for creating a stunning and sophisticated look. This hairstyle is an excellent option for anyone who wants to keep their hair off their face and neck while still maintaining a stylish appearance. Ghana braids bun involves braiding the hair into small, thin braids and then gathering them up into a bun at the back of the head. The bun can be styled in various ways, including a high bun, low bun, or side bun, depending on personal preferences. The hairstyle is perfect for women with long hair who want a protective style that requires minimal maintenance. It’s also a great option for those who want to add volume and length to their natural hair. With its versatility and elegance, Ghana braids bun has become a popular choice among African women looking to rock a chic and trendy hairstyle.
14. Waterfall braid low bun
The Waterfall braid low bun is a popular African braid hairstyle that is perfect for formal events or even a casual day out. This hairstyle is created by weaving a waterfall braid diagonally across the back of the head and ending it in a low bun. The result is a stunning and intricate braided style that is both elegant and modern. To achieve this look, it is essential to have long hair, and it is recommended to use hair extensions if necessary. This hairstyle can be accessorized with hairpins or flowers to add a touch of glamour. With its unique braiding technique and distinct low bun, the Waterfall braid low bun is a must-try hairstyle for anyone looking to make a statement with their hair.
15. Micro braids high bun
The micro braids high bun is a unique and stylish hairstyle that has gained popularity in recent years. This hairstyle involves creating tiny braids that are then styled into a high bun at the crown of the head. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in a variety of settings, from casual to formal events. To achieve this look, the hair is first sectioned and braided into tiny braids using a technique known as micro braiding. The braids are then gathered and styled into a high bun, often secured with pins or hair ties. This hairstyle can be accessorized with beads or other hair accessories to add a touch of personal style. The micro braids high bun is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle that still looks polished and put together. It is also a great option for those with natural hair or those looking to protect their hair from damage caused by heat or styling products. Overall, the micro braids high bun is a beautiful and unique hairstyle that is perfect for any occasion.
16. French braid bun
The French braid bun is a classic hairstyle that is perfect for any occasion. This style combines the elegance of a French braid with the convenience of a bun. To achieve this look, start by sectioning your hair into three parts at the crown of your head. Begin braiding your hair in a French braid pattern, incorporating more hair as you go along. Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue braiding without adding more hair and secure the end with an elastic band. Next, twist the braid into a bun shape and secure it with bobby pins. This style is versatile and can be made more intricate by adding accessories such as hairpins or flowers. The French braid bun is a great choice for events such as weddings, proms, and other formal occasions and is sure to turn heads.
17. Goddess crown braid updo
The Goddess crown braid updo is a stunning hairstyle that is perfect for those looking to elevate their look. This hairstyle features a braided crown that is twisted into a bun at the back of the head. This look is perfect for special occasions, such as weddings, proms, or other formal events. To achieve this style, the hair is first braided into a crown around the head, with the ends of the braids tucked into the braid to create a seamless look. The remaining hair is then twisted into a bun at the back of the head. This hairstyle is not only elegant but also practical, as it keeps the hair out of the face and off the neck. The Goddess crown braid updo is just one of many African braid bun hairstyles that are perfect for those looking for unique and stylish ways to wear their hair.
18. Jumbo box braids bun
The Jumbo box braids bun is a classic and timeless hairstyle that is perfect for those who want a bold and dramatic look. This style involves braiding large sections of hair into chunky box braids and pulling them up into a high bun. The bun can be styled in various ways, from a sleek and polished look to a more messy and textured look. This hairstyle is not only stylish but also practical, as it keeps hair out of your face and off your neck during hot summer days. To create this look, a stylist will need to use a large quantity of braiding hair to create the jumbo braids. It is essential to ensure that the braids are not too tight, as this can cause tension and damage to the hair. With proper care and maintenance, the Jumbo box braids bun can last for weeks and is a great protective style for natural hair.
19. Twisted braided updo bun
The Twisted Braided Updo Bun is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that is perfect for any occasion. This African braid bun hairstyle is a combination of two popular techniques – braids and twists – which create a unique and sophisticated look. The braids and twists are gathered into a bun at the top of the head, creating a chic and polished style that is perfect for weddings, proms, and other formal events. The Twisted Braided Updo Bun is also a great style for those looking to protect their hair and promote growth. It is a low maintenance style that can be worn for several weeks, while also allowing for easy access to the scalp for proper care. Overall, this African braid bun hairstyle is a versatile and stylish option that is sure to turn heads.
20. Pull-through braided bun.
The pull-through braided bun is a popular hairstyle among African women due to its versatility and elegance. This style involves creating a series of pull-through braids, which are then pulled up and twisted into a bun at the top of the head. The bun can be customized to suit different occasions, with options ranging from a sleek and polished look for formal events, to a more relaxed and messy bun for casual outings. The style is also low-maintenance and can last for several days, making it an ideal choice for busy women. It is important to note that achieving the perfect pull-through braided bun requires skill and expertise, and it is advisable to seek the services of a professional hairstylist to ensure a flawless result. With its timeless appeal and versatility, the pull-through braided bun is definitely a hairstyle worth trying out.
In conclusion, African braid bun hairstyles offer a wide variety of options for anyone looking to switch up their hairstyle. With over 20 ideas to choose from, there’s a braid bun style for any occasion or personal preference. Whether you opt for a sleek and chic look or a more relaxed and bohemian vibe, the versatility of these hairstyles makes them a popular choice for many. With proper maintenance and care, these styles can last for weeks, making them a convenient and low-maintenance choice for those with busy lifestyles. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and embrace the beauty and artistry of African braids.