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Alright, I’ll just admit it. I really don’t like doing my own hair but I know that it needs to get done. As a result, that is why I always have my hair tucked away in a protective hairstyle, so I don’t have to touch it. 

Usually, the braiding hairstyles of my choice are box braids, twists, cornrows or faux locs. All of these looks last a really long time and are very low maintenance for me to deal with. At the very least, all I have to do is dabble some Jamaican Black Castor oil in my hair every night, tuck it under a silk scarf til morning and I’m ready to go.

No more wasting time combing through my thick, natural hair or anything, it’s great! 

The only downsides to braiding hairstyles is the pain of getting it done (this is for my tender-headed peeps) and the take-down of the style. If you take the braids out yourself, this usually takes hours upon hours depending on the hairstyle of your choosing.

This is where a good movie or a binge-watching marathon of a long Netflix series comes in handy. Over the years, I’ve really grown to appreciate and love the different braiding styles that I chose to install in my hair. This has given me the ability to tell which hairstyles frame my face right and which ones just don’t cut it.

Even though some did not come out the way that I wanted them to look, I can still appreciate the diverse ways of expressing my creativity through these memorable hairstyles. 

With the power of Pinterest, braiding hairstyles has also given me the inspiration to pin and admire how other women are empowered through their hair.

I can’t even tell you how many different braiding styles I’ve installed in my hair, but I can show you some of my favorites. Here are 10 of my most memorable braiding hairstyles:  

10. Ombre Senegalese Rope Twist

Model with Senegalese Rope Twists

At first, I hated this style but the more it was in my hair, the more I fell in love with the ombre look at the bottom. I think what turned me off was how skinny the rope twist was.

When it comes to braiding styles, I usually go for medium or large sizes. With that being said, I would definitely be open to trying this look again, just with bigger twists. 

9. Senegalese Twist

Model with Senegalese Twists

This is definitely one of my favorite looks for sure! I remember getting annoyed with myself about the color of these twists because I used the hair color 4 (which is like a brownish-black) instead of purchasing the hair color 1 (which is like a jet black color). Although it wasn’t the color that I wanted, I would definitely try this look again. I absolutely loved the size and the length!

8. Marley Twist

Model with Marley Twists

The surprising hint of burgundy that was in braids looked amazing to me. The color was very beautiful and not as bright looking. I was looking for something to stand out in my hair but nothing too dramatic. I would definitely be open to trying this look again; just maybe with an all jet-black hair color this time instead of the 1B (off-black) color I went with.

7. Long Faux Locs

Model with Long Faux Locs

I got these long faux locs installed while I was in Ghana for three months. The hairstyle was installed closer to the time we were about to leave and come back to the States. When we got back, I felt like being a little extra, so I got some colorful red, yellow, and green yarn in Ghanaian colors (or Rastafari colors) and jazzed up my hair a bit. 

6. Goddess Locs

Model with Goddess Locs

Goddess locs are so beautiful to me, especially when they are done right. I love this look so much! The goddess locs has a combination of the faux look mixed with the beachy wave look that I love. It’s like the best of both worlds.

I also experimented with blue and white color spray on the ends for some added pizzazz. At first, I had extra wavy hair sticking out of the locs but they kept sticking on everything so I had to wrap the hair around the locs. I definitely would try this look again, but if I do, I want to make sure that I get the right wavy hair that doesn’t stick unto everything.

 5. Box Braids

Model with Box Braids

Man, what can I say about the iconic and mighty box braids. I think this is definitely a staple in my hairstyling routine. If I don’t know what to do with my hair next, I always go for this look. I have installed large-sized box braids, medium-sized box braids, small-sized box braids, a box braid bob, and box braids with highlights — just like in the images featured above. This look is definitely one of my favorites because the placement of the highlights worked so well with a lot of my outfits. 

4. Individual Crochet Box Braids

Model with Individual Crochet Box Braids

When I installed these crotchet box braids in my hair, by myself, I was totally shocked about the outcome. I absolutely loved, loved, loved them. I will definitely be trying this look again in the near future. I just need to perfect the parting in my hair first.  

3. Medium Faux Locs

Model with Medium Faux Locs

Omg, this hairstyle. I’m just speechless when it comes to this look. This was the first time I installed faux locs in my hair and booOooyyy was it a success. I received so many compliments on this look, it was insane. The only thing I suffered with was how tight the hair was wrapped around my roots.This prevented me from putting it in a high bun. But really, who cares! This look is amazing and I will definitely be rocking it again.

2. Fulani Braids

Model with Fulani Braids

This look kind of came out of nowhere. I was just scrolling through Pinterest and was about to go do my hair. I didn’t know what hairstyle to try next and then all of a sudden, I stumbled upon a similar look and was like — well, yup, we (me, myself, and I) are doing this.

Again with this look, I got so many compliments. And of course — knowing me — I had to be a little extra and bedazzle the look with jewels and hair beads from my local beauty supply store.  

1. Small-Sized Box Braids

Model with Small Sized Box Braids

Apart from channeling my inner Brandy, I think that this braiding hairstyle is the perfect look for my face. The short-medium length is the best look for any 90s outfit or that cool-and-quirky-chic look. Weird thought — I know — but I kind of wish my hair grew out looking like this. It’s just fabulous!

Just out of curiosity, what is your favorite braiding hairstyle? Please let me know down in the comments below.