Braids for Men with Long Hair How to Pull Off This Trendy Style

Are you a man with long hair looking for a new and stylish way to wear your locks? Look no further than braids! This traditional hairstyle has recently made a comeback in men’s fashion, with celebrities like Jared Leto, Jason Momoa, and Kit Harington sporting different braid styles on the red carpet. Not only does it add an edgy and unique touch to your look, but it also keeps your long hair out of your face and well-groomed. In this article, we will explore five braided hairstyles for men with long hair and provide some tips and tricks on how to achieve them.

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid

How to Style:

1. Start by brushing your hair and detangling any knots.
2. Divide your hair into three equal sections.
3. Cross the right section under the middle section, then the left section under the new middle section.
4. Continue braiding, alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair.
5. Secure the braid with an elastic band.

Tips:

• For a more natural and messy look, gently pull at the sides of the braid after securing it.
• Add some texture to your braid by using a sea salt spray or texturizing paste before styling.
• Experiment with different placements of the braid, such as starting it from the side of your head instead of the back.

2. French Braid

How to Style:

1. Brush your hair and create a small section at the top of your head.
2. Divide this section into three equal parts.
3. Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle.
4. As you continue braiding, incorporate hair from the sides into each section before crossing it over the middle.
5. Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue with a regular three-strand braid until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the braid with an elastic band.

Tips:

• Use a styling gel or wax to keep your French braid sleek and in place.
• If you have longer hair, you can create a double French braid by dividing your hair into two sections and braiding each side separately.
• This braid looks great when starting from the front of your head and going towards the back, creating a cool mohawk effect.

3. Dutch Braid

How to Style:

1. Brush your hair and create a small section at the top of your head.
2. Divide this section into three equal parts.
3. Begin braiding by crossing the right section under the middle, then the left section under the new middle.
4. As you continue braiding, incorporate hair from the sides into each section before crossing it under the middle.
5. Once you reach the nape of your neck, continue with a regular three-strand braid until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the braid with an elastic band.

Tips:

• The Dutch braid is essentially an inverted French braid, so follow the same tips as the French braid for styling.
• You can also try a half-up, half-down Dutch braid by only braiding the top section of your hair, leaving the rest down.
• For a more intricate look, try a Dutch fishtail braid by dividing your hair into two sections and alternating between taking small sections from the outer sides and incorporating them into each other.

4. Box Braids

How to Style:

1. Divide your hair into four equal sections.
2. Start braiding each section using the underhand technique (crossing the sections under each other) until you reach your desired length.
3. Secure each braid with an elastic band.
4. For a sleek look, use a styling gel or wax to smooth down any flyaways.

Tips:

• Box braids are a great option for men with very long hair, as it can be time-consuming and difficult to braid shorter hair.
• These braids can last several weeks, so make sure to take care of your hair by moisturizing and cleansing your scalp regularly.
• For a more unique look, try adding some colored extensions to your box braids.

5. Cornrows

How to Style:

1. Start by parting your hair into small sections using a comb.
2. Begin braiding each section at the front of your head, using the underhand technique (crossing the sections under each other).
3. Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck, then secure each braid with an elastic band.
4. For a more intricate look, create designs or patterns with your cornrows.

Tips:

• Cornrows are a great protective style for men with long hair, keeping it neatly braided and tucked away.
• They can also be worn as a half-up, half-down style by only braiding the top section of your hair and leaving the rest down.
• To keep your cornrows looking fresh, use a leave-in conditioner or oil to moisturize your scalp and prevent frizziness.

FAQs:

What type of hair is best for braiding?

Any type of hair can be braided, but thicker and coarser hair may hold the braids better and longer.

How long does my hair need to be for braids?

For most braided styles, your hair should be at least six inches long. However, this may vary depending on the type of braid and the thickness of your hair.

Can I braid my own hair?

Yes, with some practice and patience, you can learn to braid your own hair. However, it may be easier to have someone else help you with more intricate styles.

How do I maintain my braids?

To keep your braids looking fresh, make sure to moisturize your scalp regularly and avoid any harsh pulling or tension on the braids.

How can I remove my braids without damaging my hair?

To safely remove your braids, use a pair of scissors to carefully cut the elastic bands at the ends of each braid, then gently unravel them from your hair.

Conclusion:

Braids are not just for women; they can add a cool and stylish touch to any man’s look. With these five braided hairstyles for men with long hair, you can switch up your style and stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect braid for you. Happy braiding!