30 Gorgeous Nigerian Braided Hairstyles for Women

Braided hairstyles have made a comeback over the last couple of years in Nigerian hair trends. Before this, braids were seen as low compared to weavons and extensions, but not anymore. Braids are seen as just as glamorous and trendy as weavons and there are plenty to pick from. But we’ve made it easier for you to choose how you want to feel like a Queen by gathering a list of 30 Nigerian braided hairstyles.

Classic Nigerian Braid Hairstyles

Braid hairstyles are very popular among African and Caribbean black people. These are the 30 best braided hairstyles for Nigerian women.

1. Colorful Crown Braid

No need to color your entire head of hair to rock a little color. With this regal Nigerian crown braid hairstyle, all that matters is that the braid gets the color treatment!

2. Long Box Braids with Beads

Make long box braids come to life by adding in gold or silver hair cuffs near the top of the braids. You can also play with color by opting for ombre braids, like these light purple ones above that are gorgeous against a dark skin tone.

3. Tri-Colored Swirl Braid

A fancy event or occasion calls for an equally fancy hairdo! Try these Nigerian braided hairstyle featuring maroon and yellow color on varying sizes of braids that are then woven into one larger braid and shaped into a large round swirl bun. 

4. Cornrow Braids

If you wear your hair short or you’re just waiting to grow it out, a Nigerian cornrow braid hairstyle is beautifully protective. Leave it like this for simple style or add a few hair cuffs for accent.

5. Jumbo Braid Half Updo

Thick hair will always give you a regal feel to a hairstyle, so go with jumbo Nigerian braids! Gather just the top half into a high twist bun for quick style that will make you feel like a queen.

6. Half Braids with Curls

One of the most popular Nigerian braid hairstyles features hair that is only half braided, leaving the bottom natural. It’s great for flaunting tight kinky curls, so wear it down or just partially up in a ponytail!

7. Ponytail with Braid Extensions

If you or your little girl desire long Nigerian braids, you can try extensions to get your desired look. This high ponytail is a youthful, trendy hairstyle and you can’t even tell it was made possible with extensions! Leave two face-framing pieces loose and wrap with string or thread for another style element.

8. Tiny Twist Braids

One way to get a fuller-looking hairstyle is by opting for lots of tiny twists. This Nigerian braid hairstyle is a little more time consuming to achieve, but the glamorous result is conveniently versatile for both casual and formal settings.

9. Bright Blue Box Braids

We’re huge fans of any colorful Nigerian braid hairstyle, like these long bright blue braids featuring large contrasting colorful beads at the ends. A vibrant color is highly flattering against dark skin tones, so why wouldn’t you try it?

10. Long Feed-In Braids

Feed-in braids are another option for ladies who desire a longer Nigerian braided hairstyle. This look features medium-sized braids and a gorgeous detailed design near the hairline.

11. All Back Cornrows

Cornrows are a classic braided hairstyle. They can be made with extensions or without extensions. The simple ‘all-back” cornrow is a hairstyle that suits all faces and is convenient for keeping your hair away from your face

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12. Shuku

The ‘shuku’ is a braided ponytail that has been around for ages in Nigeria, long before it became popular in mainstream America. It is done by braiding the hair upwards into a bun.

13. Clap

The ‘clap’ is a similar Nigerian braided hairstyle to the shuku mentioned above, but instead of forming a bun, the cornrows face each other like the palms look when clapped, hence the name. It is a simple look, although it is currently overshadowed by the shuku look which has gone global.

14. Single Braids

Single box braids like most braid hairstyles in Nigeria are a classic. You can wear them with extensions or without extensions. With extensions, they can take up to 7 hours depending on their sizes but without extensions, they can be done under an hour or two, once again depending on the sizes and the density of your hair.

15. Goddess Braids

Goddess braids also known as crown braids involve braiding the hair across the edges or ‘front’ of the head. They are regal looking hence the name, ‘goddess braids’. They are not time-consuming as they can be completed under minutes. For bigger braids and the best look, you can add some extensions, but if your hair volume is just right, you may not need that.

16. Two Braid Pigtails

Twin braid pigtails are laid-back styles that are convenient and casual. This is the Nigerian braided hairstyle you wear when you have errands to run on a weekend, or when you have other activities that require a no-fuss hairstyle. You can add some extensions if you want it bigger and longer. On shorter hair, you can tuck in the ends.

17. Zigzag Braids

The zigzag is a creative take on the classic cornrows. While the classic cornrows are straight, the zigzag has bends as it’s braided down a straight line. The zigzag cornrows could consist of only zig-zags or they could include tiny straight corn rows in between for some extra jazz. Accessorize with some wooden beads to make it even better.

18. Side Didi

The side didi is a unique braided hairstyle for women that is common in south-western Nigeria. Unlike mainstream cornrows, it looks more similar to french braids that have been done sideways. They are unique and add some dimension to the hair.

Side dee-dees are usually done without braid hair although, in the case that you want to add some extensions, it can be done for you.

19. Inverted Cornrows

This braided hairstyle is popularly called French braids. They are like normal cornrows but inside out, this gives the cornrows a flat finish and zip like pattern. On its own, it can be used to create other styles such as the pompadour and other updo styles, but it can also be braided in rows as is common among Nigerian women.

20. Layered Braids

Braiding in steps is a simple way to make cornrows look even more fabulous. This Nigerian braid hairstyle creates dimension and volume and is more durable protective styles than box braids which get rough easily.

21. Differently Sized Cornrows

Having all cornrows in one size is a look, but the combination of big sized braids and tiny sized braids looks even better. This style can be done with extensions for a bolder finish, but without extensions, they would look equally good.

22. Half Braided Updo

The half updo has been a popular braid style among Nigerian women for some time now. It involves braiding one half of the hair to form a ponytail while braiding the second half down and flat. It’s a chic way to change your look if you think the full-on updo is too basic for you.

23. Braids and Fringe

Braids don’t have to be long, they can be made into bangs as well. This Nigerian hairstyle with braids is perfect for people who have short hair as they won’t need to cut their hair to meet the desired length of the bangs.

24. Braided Ninja Buns

Ninja buns are an edgy take on the lazy bun and we are loving it. To create ninja braided buns, section your hair in two parts. Braid one part from the crown of your head till about midway, then braid the same section from the nape of your neck upwards until the middle section.

Use an elastic to secure the ends of both braids into one, then create a knot for the bun. Repeat the same thing on the second section and you’re good to go.

25. Braided Locs

Contrary to what many people think, locs can be versatile and don’t have to hang loose all the time. They can be curled up, knotted up and most importantly, braided. Each strand can be woven into a box braid kind of look or they can be flat woven to look like a cornrow.

26. Mini Twists

Mini twists are famous among naturalists. Although both relaxed and natural-haired Nigerian ladies can wear mini twists, the aesthetic is often more pleasant with natural hair as the ends curl into itself rather than sticking out. It is often worn as a protective style, that is to minimize hair manipulation and therefore prevent hair breakage.

Mini twists also create a defined twist-out look when unraveled, so you get to rock two styles in one hairdo.

27. Braid-out

The braid out is the aftereffect of taking down your braids. It’s popular in the natural hair community as a low-manipulation hairstyle. Although, technically, you can achieve a braid out by loosening the braids of any of the aforementioned braid styles for Nigerian women.

For the best results, it’s best to section and braid your clean hair, using the right products. The result would be fluffy curls with lots of volumes.

28. Braided Pompadour

When you think of the pompadour, it is common to picture loose hair that has been rolled and tucked. But a pompadour doesn’t have to be loose, it can be done with a combination of cornrows on the sides and single braids in the middle, rolled up and tucked in at the crown of your head. This braid style can be worn for formal events like balls, dinners and even church.

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29. Half Cornrow and Single Braids

This is just as versatile as having only single braids all over your head. With your hair cornrowed half way and braided individually the rest of the way, you can have an all-back laidback look, switch up to a high bun or low bun. But the most important thing is that you would have your hair away from your face.

30. Feed-in Braids

Feed-in braids are a convenient hairstyle for Nigerian women. It’s like cornrow 2.0. It is neat and involves cutting the hair into sections within sections and braiding it down.