25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (2024)

As more men decide to wear their natural hair, protective styles—think locs, braids, cornrows, and twists—are becoming more mainstream. These men's braid styles not only look great, but help protect fragile kinky and curly hair from the elements and the stress of daily styling.

As men continue to embrace and experiment with their natural texture, we thought it best to tap the expertise of professional hairstylists and locticians for their top hair tips and styles for men who want to give braids and locs a try. Keep scrolling to read more!

Meet the Experts

  • Stefan Bertin is a London-based celebrity and editorial hairstylist. His specialties range from creating red carpet-ready looks to working with textured hair and more.
  • JamilliaLocs and Tiffiany Lawrence are locticians, natural hair experts, and master barbers, as well as the owners of Violet Mae’s “Naturally Right” Salon in New Jersey.

Transitioning to Natural Hair

Bertin's first rule: "Take it slowly and don't expect a miracle overnight." Those of us who have journeyed down the road of natural hair knows this to be true. However, finding patience can be a challenge. "It’s definitely going to be a process and you’ll learn as you go. No natural hair journey is the same," he says.

For guys just starting out, you may be wondering where you fall on the curly spectrum, but Bertin says knowing your hair texture isn't the most important factor in caring for your hair; however, there is one detail you do want to know: "As you experiment, pay close attention to how your hair reacts to products, but don't overthink your hair type," says Bertin.

"What matters and will affect your understanding of your hair much more is your hair porosity. Do your research and reading on that more than anything." We know you may not have come here for a haircare lesson, but we like to lay a solid foundation before we get to the good stuff: protective styling.

Protective Styling Tips

Best Practices for Keeping Braids and Locs Neat and Healthy

Locticians JamilliaLocs and Tiffiany Lawrence prefer to adhere to natural solutions when it comes to maintaining braids and locs. Their advice emphasizes the importance of proper care and the use of natural products.

"Maintaining braids and locs is all about giving them the love and care they need. Keep your hair moisturized with the right pH water and some good natural oils like jojoba, coconut, or tea tree—it's like a drink of water on a hot day for your scalp and hair," they explain.

Choosing the Best Protective Style

"When you're picking out a protective style, it's all about understanding your hair and what your day looks like. You need to consider your hair’s texture, length, and what kind of care you can manage."

"For example, if you’re always on the move, you might want something that doesn't need a lot of fuss, like braids or cornrows. But think hard about the upkeep before settling on something like locs or cornrows," JamilliaLocs advises.

Be Realistic About Maintenance Levels

Braids, plaits, locs, and twists are among the most popular styles for Black men. With the right stylist, any of these looks are achievable, but caring for your hair properly is a must if you want to grow healthy hair. No matter which style you choose, dedicating time to wash, condition, and even trim your growing hair should be a priority.

JamilliaLocs and Lawrence agree that timely washes are a must, adding, "Washing is essential; get yourself a gentle, residue-free shampoo to avoid any buildup."

For those just trying out protective styling and looking for a low-maintenance style, Bertin recommends cornrows. "I would say that cornrows are probably easiest to keep up at home. All you really have to do is protect them at night and keep them moisturized."

Highlighting the difference between the long-term and short-term commitments of these natural hairstyles, JamilliaLocs adds, "Locs are a long haul commitment and need regular touch-ups to keep them looking sharp. Cornrows might need to be refreshed more often depending on how quickly your hair grows and how fast they loosen."

Locs are another style Bertin finds easy to not just maintain at home, but an option he says can potentially be started without any professional assistance. (Well, at least to get the process started). "To create the loc’ed style that I currently have, all I did was rub a small towel across my head in circular motions every day for a few months, and that formed my locs," he tells us. This method is particularly beneficial for those who are going for a fluffy look. "I don’t like [my locs] to look fresh and shiny–they’re less obedient that way. I like them to be fluffy. So out of all three, I’d say that locs are easiest to create at home as that’s what our hair does naturally. But braids are easiest to maintain as they require little to no styling or manipulation every day."

Use Leave-In Conditioner

Bertin says a leave-in conditioner, like the Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment ($12), is an ideal starter product if you're just getting into caring for your hair beyond a low fade. "Start with a leave-in conditioner. I spritz it on my hair every evening and even more liberally on wash day after rinsing out the conditioner."

Wrap Your Style at Night

Aside from applying a leave-in to keep the hair moisturized, a durag or a satin/silk pillowcase is essential for nighttime haircare. "It’s so, so, so important to stop that moisture loss," says Bertin. "You’ll notice such a difference. The cotton of a normal pillowcase will strip so much much-needed moisture from your hair." Try Taelor Boutique's Black Silk Durag ($15). Nighttime routines don't have to have a lot of steps, we promise. "Spritz in a leave-in conditioner and put your durag on. You’ll wake up with moisturized hair that will stay healthy and supple throughout the day," says Bertin.

JamilliaLocs and Lawrence also emphasize the importance of being gentle with your hair. "Remember, when you're braiding, be gentle with those edges to avoid breakage. At night, wrap up your hair in a silk or satin scarf to keep it smooth and reduce any friction while you sleep," they share.

Develop a Haircare Routine

The Violet Mae salon owners express that maintenance is not one-size-fits-all but rather a process you have to customize to your own needs. "When it comes to washing, every two to three weeks is generally fine for both cornrows and locs, but adjust according to what your scalp and lifestyle demand. If you're sweating at the gym or if your scalp tends to get oily, you might need to wash a bit more frequently," they suggest.

As for re-braiding or re-twisting, JamilliaLocs says "You'll want to redo your cornrows every four to six weeks to keep them neat and to avoid putting too much stress on your roots. Locs can usually go a bit longer, about four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how tidy you like your look. Keeping up with this care will ensure your style stays beautiful and your hair stays healthy."

Bertin emphasizes one final note on the haircare front: get rid of the product that says it "does it all." He explains, "Put down the three-in-ones. While they’re not the evil they’re sometimes made out to be, I just feel like it’s a 'jack-of-all-trades, master of none' situation. Use a separate shampoo and conditioner. They’ll each be formulated specifically to efficiently do what they’re supposed to do without being overly stripping or moisturizing." Finding the right cleansers and conditioners can take some time, but don't get discouraged.

Remember: Give yourself some haircare grace, because the natural hair journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Once you get to the finish line, we promise it will be worth the wait.

Protective Hairstyles for Men

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'90s-Inspired Locs

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (1)

Anyone else getting Busta Rhymes '90s vibes? Offset's long locs are styled into two textured pigtails, which add a super fashionable twist to his entire look.

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Single Braids

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (2)

The key to moisturized braids is a healthy base, meaning hydration via deep conditioning and a proper leave-in. If you find frizz cropping up, embrace it. It's just a part of being natural.

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High Top Locs

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (3)

Jon Batiste's high-top locs offer an easy and neat style that works both on and off the red carpet. High-top locs, characterized by their height and neatly faded sides, provide a modern alternative to traditional locs.

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Locd Man Bun

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Man buns are always a good idea. Don't be afraid to add a few embellishments or hair color to your locs.

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Patterned Cornrows

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (5)

A list of the best braid styles for men could never be complete without mentioning Allen Iverson. While this may be a bit of a throwback, his influence on braid culture is undeniable. As an NBA player from the late 90s through the 2000s, Iverson brought braided styles to the mainstream, making them acceptable to wear at work, school, or play. Over the years, he has worn a variety of braided and cornrow patterns, including swirls and zig-zags, all of which have become ubiquitous today thanks to his influence.

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Tapered Man Bun

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (6)

If you don't want to commit to a full head of locs, opt to shave off the sides in a fade and then rock your hair in a man bun. For guys working to grow out their hair while maintaining hydrated coils or twists, the LOC method will be your best friend.

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Faded Cornrows

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (7)

Cornrows with a fade are a hybrid of two tried-and-true looks. If you do give this look a try, be sure to keep those cornrows moisturized with a spritz of leave-in conditioner.

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Braids with a Crisp Fade

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (8)

A clean line-up with two braids is always a good look, as Jason Derulo shows us.

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Single Braids with Added Length

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Travis Scott's hair is his trademark. Here, there is a little length added, giving his go-to braids a new edge.

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Intricate Cornrows

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (10)

A sharp set of cornrows is the perfect protective style for a formal event, as seen here with this look on John Boyega.

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Two Strand Twists

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (11)

NBA star Jalen Brunson has made two-strand box twists his signature style in recent years. Two-strand twists, created by twisting two sections of hair together, can be worn short or long, making them ideal for various hair types and lengths.

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Four Cornrows

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (12)

We love to see a hair journey, and Big Sean's doesn't disappoint. Four cornrows are a simple classic that can be done on a variety of hair lengths.

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Medium-Length Locs

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (13)

This shoulder-length loc style is incredibly handsome. And at this length, you can also rock a man bun, pony tail, or even a half-up, half-down style.

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Tapered Locs

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (14)

With tapered sides and a short, full loc'd crown, this look is one that could be recreated with ease (and the right stylist, of course).

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Mini Braids

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Call them mini braids or plaits—no matter what you call them, they offer up a low-manipulation, attractive protective style.

16of 25

Bantu Knots

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Aminé never misses an opportunity to experiment with his style or hair. His embellished Bantu knots are a must-try.

17of 25

Face-Framing Box Braids

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Going back to the '90s is always welcome. For those with shorter coils, this style offers an opportunity to try something new at any length.

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Cornrows

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Cornrows are incredibly versatile, so don't be afraid to ask your braider to try new patterns or lengths.

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Fishtail Cornrows

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Drake's double fishtail cornrows are a new take on a classic style. To make sure that your braids stay shiny and fresh for longer, make sure to wear a durag at night to preserve your style for longer.

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Blond Twists

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (20)

Ty Dolla $ign's signature locs are upgraded with a chic twisted style and a touch of honey blond color. Adding color is one of the quickest ways to enhance a protective style.

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Medium-Length Braids with Accessories

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (21)

We've all been there—your braids might start losing their luster the longer you keep them in. To spice things up, try adding in an accessory like Big Sean's bandana. Bonus points for color coordinating with your outfit.

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Loc'd Ponytail

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (22)

Jaden Smith's easy loc'd up-do is one of the chicest (and easiest) styles to achieve. And the best part? The messier, the better.

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Braided Locs

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Waka Flocka's locs are given a new lease on life by styling them into large braided plaits.

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Half Up Half Down Locs

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (24)

Burna Boy has traditionally been versatile with his locs, often rocking full man buns, long twisted locs, and more. This half-up, half-down look is another great switch-up, giving the Afrobeats artist a neat top bun while showing off the length with a few loose locs in the back.

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Viking Braids

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Viking braids with shaved sides offer a bold and edgy look. Here, the braids are pulled into a high ponytail and left to hang neatly off the face, making them versatile enough for both work and play.

25 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Cornrows and Braids to Twists and Locs (2024)
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