The Best Braided Hairstyles of 2021: Inspiration, Technique, and Cultural Roots

Explore 2021’s most iconic braids, step-by-step techniques, and the vital cultural history behind each trending style.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Explore 2021’s most iconic braids, step-by-step techniques, and the vital cultural history behind each trending style.

The Best of Braids 2021: Inspiration, Technique, and Cultural Roots

Braided hairstyles have never been more popular or more diverse. In 2021, braids took center stage, not only as a personal style choice but as a celebration of identity, history, and artistry. This comprehensive guide unpacks the year’s most creative braided looks, offers expert tips on how to master each style, and addresses the cultural context that grounds every braid trend.

Why Braids Reigned Supreme in 2021

Braids have been a symbol of beauty, practicality, and cultural heritage for thousands of years, transcending continents and communities. In 2021, their power as statements of self-expression and cultural pride felt more visible than ever. From runways to TikTok, both classic and innovative braid styles captivated countless fans—reigniting conversations about ownership, inspiration, and appropriation.

2021’s Most Iconic Braid Styles

Box Braids: Timeless, versatile, and protective, these three-strand plaits divided into square sections suit nearly any length or texture.
Braided Ponytails: High, low, or center-placed, a braided ponytail channels drama and elegance in equal measure.
Cornrows: Laid close to the scalp in straight or curved patterns, cornrows bridge cultural history with modern artistry.
Knotless Braids: Offering a lighter, more natural finish, knotless braids reduce scalp tension while enhancing movement.
Pineapple Knot Braids: Featuring intricate, criss-crossed sections inspired by pineapple skin, this style is equal parts playful and sophisticated.

Box Braids: The Enduring Classic

Nothing embodies the versatility of braids like box braids. This style involves sectioning hair into neat squares and braiding each one, often with added extensions for length and fullness. Expert stylists note the technique’s roots in African hair traditions. Box braids can be customized in dozens of ways:

Accessorized Box Braids: Incorporate beads, cuffs, or pearls for a bold effect.
Ombre and Colored Box Braids: Blend two or more colors, such as classic black with hints of purple, red, or blonde.
Mini Braids and Jumbo Braids: Choose your braid size to match your vibe—sleek and subtle, or voluminous and bold.
Layered and Tapered Box Braids: Create shape by cutting ends at different lengths.

Tip: Limit the duration of wearing box braids to 6–8 weeks to avoid scalp stress and breakage.

Knotless Braids: For Effortless Comfort

Unlike traditional box braids that begin with a knot at the base, knotless braids start with natural hair and gradually add in extensions. The result is a flatter, smoother, and less bulky braid that is gentler on the scalp.

Provides a seamless, natural look—ideal for blending with your own hair texture.
Reduces tension, making it a preferred protective style for those with tender scalps.
Suited for accessorizing and experimenting with color.

Try knotless braids if you crave freedom of movement, low maintenance, and styling versatility.

Cornrows: Classic with Endless Variations

Cornrows continue to inspire with their intricate, sculpted look. These braids lie flat against the scalp, woven in straight, zigzag, or curved patterns. As much an art form as a hairstyle, cornrows are a staple in countless communities and have historical roots dating back centuries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Modern variations include feed-in cornrows, which start smaller and thicken further down the braid for natural volume.
Pair cornrows with loose ends, beads, or bold colors for a unique twist.
Popular among athletes and performers due to their neat, long-lasting structure.

Braided Ponytails: Glamour Meets Movement

Turn any braid into a red-carpet-worthy look by gathering it into a ponytail. Among the season’s favorites:

High Braided Ponytail: Sleek, gravity-defying, and often paired with baby hairs laid perfectly along the hairline.
Bubble Braids: Hair secured at intervals up the ponytail for a playful, three-dimensional effect.
Wrapped Base Ponytails: Conceal the hair tie with a wrapped strand for a polished finish.

Pineapple Knot Braids: The Trendiest Texture

Arguably the most artistic braid look of the year, pineapple knot braids involve intricate, overlapping sections that create a 3D effect reminiscent of pineapple skin. This challenging style requires precision and a steady hand but rewards with head-turning results. Key tips for nailing the pineapple knot:

Start with clean, hydrated hair for maximum slip and shine.
Section meticulously—use a rat-tail comb for straight, defined parts.
Mix in colored extensions for extra pop and dimension.
Keep shine and scalp protection in mind with oils or lightweight gels.

How to Achieve Braided Perfection: Pro Tips

Whether you DIY or hit up a favorite stylist, mastering braids in 2021 came down to a few essentials:

Hydrate and Prep: Wash, condition, and thoroughly detangle hair before braiding. Moisturized hair is less prone to breakage and easier to part.
Sectioning is Everything: Clean, sharp sections make braids look pro and last longer. Don’t skip the rat-tail comb!
Scalp Care: Use light oils and avoid heavy products to prevent buildup along your braid parts and scalp.
Play with Accessories: Clips, beads, wire, and colored extensions help personalize your look and protect the ends.
Protect at Night: Wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve style.

The Cultural Power of Braids

Braids are never just about appearance. Their roots run deep in many cultures as symbols of heritage, family, and status. In 2021, conversations around cultural appropriation and appreciation came to the forefront, reminding everyone to acknowledge the Black artists, stylists, and communities who have preserved and innovated these styles for generations.

Many trending braids, from cornrowed mohawks to box braids, originated within African and African-diaspora communities. For a respectful and informed approach to trying new styles:

Always credit the communities and stylists who innovate and keep these traditions alive.
Recognize that what is seen as fashion for some is daily survival and political expression for others.
If you’re not from a braid’s culture, approach with humility and a willingness to listen and learn.

Braids as Art: Popular Looks for Every Hair Type

Braid Style	Best For	Vibe	Suggested Accessories
Box Braids	All hair types, especially natural and textured	Classic, versatile	Beads, pearls, cuffs
Knotless Braids	Natural, sensitive, or damaged hair	Lightweight, low-tension	Colored extensions
Cornrows	Medium to thick hair	Edgy, graphic	Wire, beads
Pineapple Knots	Thick, long hair	Textured, playful	Braiding string, colored hair
Braided Ponytail	Most hair types	High-fashion, dramatic	Satin ribbon, metallic cords

Top Braiding Products of 2021

Edge Control Gel: Tames flyaways and defines baby hairs without flaking.
Braiding Hair Extensions: Kanekalon, synthetic, or human hair options let you customize for thickness, length, and color.
Scalp Oil: Promotes healthy growth and prevents itching.
Set Mousse: Sets finished braids and adds shine without crunchiness.
Silk Wrap or Bonnet: Preserves style and prevents frizz overnight.

FAQs About Braids

How long should braids last?

Most stylists recommend keeping braids in for 6–8 weeks to avoid tension, scalp irritation, and hair breakage. Leaving braids in too long can cause matting or even hair loss.

Can I wash my hair with braids?

Yes. Use a diluted shampoo and gently massage your scalp with fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and focus on scalp cleanliness to prevent buildup or odor.

What’s the difference between knotless and classic box braids?

Classic box braids start with a noticeable knot created with added hair, while knotless braids gradually incorporate extensions for a lighter, more natural look and less scalp tension.

How do I prevent frizz with braids?

Cover braids with a silk scarf at night, use anti-frizz mousse, and apply oil lightly along braid lengths. Avoid heavy creams or pomades, which cause buildup.

Is it cultural appropriation to wear braids?

This question has become prominent in beauty circles. Braids have histories in multiple cultures, but many styles popular today emerged in Black communities as crucial expressions of identity. If you are not part of that culture, be respectful: acknowledge the origin, listen to Black voices, and support Black stylists.

2021’s Most Inspiring Braid Moments

Celebrities brought braids to major events—think Zendaya, Tessa Thompson, and Gabrielle Union rocking intricate styles on red carpets and magazine covers.
Social Media Tutorials exploded, with TikTok and YouTube creators pushing boundaries and sharing hair journeys in real time.
Natural Hair Vloggers like Naptural85 and The ChicNatural inspired millions to try new styles and learn the history behind each braid variation.
Community Salons became safe spaces for conversation, creativity, and celebrating braided artistry.

Mastering the Braid at Home: A Basic How-To

Start with Clean Hair: Wash, condition, and dry thoroughly.
Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb and a leave-in conditioner.
Section: Use a rat-tail comb to divide hair into equal parts.
Moisturize: Apply a light oil or leave-in cream to each section.
Braid: Add hair extensions as needed, and braid tightly but comfortably to the ends.
Secure: Use small elastics—or dip ends in hot water for synthetic hair—if necessary.
Set: Finish with a holding mousse and let braids set for several hours, covering with a silk scarf if possible.

Final Thoughts: 2021 and Beyond

Braids continue to define—and defy—trends. They belong to everyone and yet connect us to specific histories, traditions, and stories. Whether you explore a fresh look or pass on a beloved tradition, embrace braids for what they truly are: timeless, creative, and deeply meaningful.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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