As someone who loves switching up my look, I’m obsessed with the versatility of braided wigs. They allow me to go from long faux locs to short, colorful twists with ease! But with so many braided wig options out there, it can be tricky to decipher all the styles.
As a braid fanatic, I’m going to walk you through the most popular types of braided wigs and key terms to know. Follow this guide to demystify fabulous braided hair so you can pick the perfect wig to suit your personal style!
Classic Box Braids
Let’s start with the classic: box braids. This iconic style has been adorning black women for generations, and for good reason. The precise, geometric parts exude beauty and sophistication.
Box braids get their name from the “boxed” appearance created by braiding rectangular portions of hair in linear rows from root to tip. They usually involve braiding natural hair then adding braiding extensions.
Wigs with pre-done box braids achieve the look without the hours in the stylist chair. They come in various lengths and sizes – from Micro to jumbo. Styling options are endless, from updos to individual curling or braid outs.
For a modern take, try ombre box braids, adding color to the ends of the braids. And don’t forget the importance of styling your edges or “baby hairs” when rocking box braids to frame your face!
Trendsetting Knotless Braids
Knotless braids put a contemporary spin on the traditional box braid style. How do they differ? Well, as the name suggests, they contain no knots at the tips of the braids.
Rather than only braiding natural hair like traditional box braids, knotless braids incorporate braiding hair extensions all the way from root to end. This creates a seamless, continuous look with no giveaway knotted ends.
Knotless braids create the appearance of your natural hair growing extremely long – we’re talking hip to knee length strands! These braids tend to be relatively small and uniform in size for a sleek effect. I like to accent mine with gold beads.
For easy knotless braids minus the outrageous installation cost, try a pre-styled knotless wig. It’s a gamechanger!
Artistic Triangle Box Braids
If you find typical box braids too uniform, triangle box braids are a more artistic take. Rather than traditional squares, hair is sectioned and braided in angled triangle shapes.
This creates visual interest and depth, almost resembling rows of crochet stitching on the head. The triangles can be symmetrical and uniform or varied in size for an abstract effect.
Triangle box braids tend to have a slightly softer, less defined look than square box braids. Many people accent them with hair jewelry like cuffs or beads on the ends.
I love how you can dress triangle box braids up or down – from everyday style to formal occasion. They strike the perfect balance between neat and eye-catching.
Goddess Locs: Channel Your Inner Aphrodite
Prepare to channel your inner goddess with this braided style inspired by graceful Greek deities. Goddess locs feature bohemian-style faux locs designed to embody a divine, celestial vibe.
Also referred to as “faux locks,” these braids use twisting or rolling techniques to create the look of real locs or dreads – just without the yearlong commitment! Goddess locs are typically thinner and longer than traditional locs, cascading down the back hypnotically.
You can install goddess locs yourself or opt for a pre-styled wig. Either way, maintenance is low. These wispy braided wonders move with ethereal fluidity. To up the romantic look, add smoky curls or braid jewels.
Fun, Boho Butterfly Locs
If you crave a more whimsical braided style than traditional locs, try playful butterfly locs. This style shapes faux locs into gorgeous looped twists resembling butterfly wings.
Butterfly locs are super on-trend for music festivals or summer vacations. The quirky, crimped shape exudes tropical vibes. Wear them in a variety of colors from pastels to bold neons for a true statement.
I also love the texture contrast butterfly locs provide. The twisted loops maintain definition against the smoother faux loc strands.
While installing your own butterfly locs is an option, I prefer pre-styled butterfly loc wigs for convenience and cost savings. Plus, you can quickly switch colors to match any outfit!
Simple Yet Stunning Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are one of the more understated braided styles, yet they remain totally elegant. These mini twists are created by twisting individual strands of hair into thin, ropelike braids.
The twisting technique forms defined spirals that vary slightly in size to mimic natural coils. Unlike bulky box braids, Senegalese twists have a flatter, neater appearance.
This versatility makes Senegalese twists ideal for both casual and formal occasions. At work, rock them pulled back in a professional chignon bun. For weekends, wear the twists loose and flowing.
While installing Senegalese twists on your own hair can take 6-8 hours, pre-styled wigs provide instant elegance and convenience. Add modern embellishments like cowrie shells or pearls scattered throughout the Senegalese twists.
Textured Passion Twists
Passion twists combine the definition of Senegalese twists with added texture and body. They incorporate both twisting and braiding techniques for fuller-looking strands.
Passion twists are created by first braiding natural hair, then wrapping additional extensions around that braid while twisting. This achieves a fat faux loc shape.
These medium sized twists work beautifully on all hair lengths. I especially love the movement and bounce passion twists provide. The texture prevents that ropy, flat look some braids can have.
Pair passion twists with flirty flips, tousled curls, chunky hair jewelry and zig-zag parts to show off their dynamic nature. Or opt for a passion twists wig for an instant style upgrade!
Trendy and Tribal: Ghana Braids
With roots in beautiful Ghana, these braids reflect strong African tribal heritage through ornate styling. Ghana braids contain two braids entwined together and styled in various elaborate updos.
Patterns like zigzags, criss-crosses, and swooping curves give Ghana braids visual interest. This intricate doubling technique bulks up and shortens the overall braid length compared to box braids.
To honor my ancestors, I love styling my Ghana braids into traditional African cornrow patterns. The sculptural, almost regal shaping of these braids makes them perfect for weddings or events.
Or channel tribal vibes every day with a Ghana braids wig! They’re much less labor intensive than cornrowing and braiding your natural hair into Ghana braids.
Free-Spirited Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks braided wigs offer a break from box braids and twists. These tiny, woolly locks emulate the look of real dreadlocks on type 4 natural hair.
The mini cylindrical braids make sisterlocks seem like an organic part of your scalp. They have tons of texture and movement. You can shape sisterlocks into a funky high-top, let them live wild and free, or add metal cuffs or beads.
Sisterlocks allow you to experiment with an edgy, bohemian aesthetic without actually committing to real locs long-term. Plus, you can easily clip in a sisterlocks wig when craving instant dreads.
They’re perfect for summer music festivals or anytime your inner boho goddess needs expression! Add shells, feathers and jewels throughout your sisterlocks for an earthy, eclectic look.
Intricate Fulani Braids
Fulani braids reflect intricate African braiding traditions through delicate plaits and regal cornrow designs. Rows of tidy braids flow back into sculptural cornrow shapes and swooping accents.
The neat braids contrasting with curvaceous cornrows create visual harmony. Fulani braids tend to have a central part with braids framing the face then morphing into cornrows toward the nape.
I love Fulani braids for gown-worthy occasions like weddings, black tie events, or vacations. They require patience and skill to install by hand. But Fulani braids wigs provide an ornate style shortcut!
Gold cuffs and beads placed sporadically throughout Fulani braids add dazzle. Let these braids crown you braid royalty!
Complex and Colorful: Ombre Criss Cross Braids
If you want high-impact braids that make a statement, try ombre criss cross braids. As the name suggests, this style incorporates dimensional color using the ombre technique.
The black braid roots transition into a spectrum of shades like copper, caramel, and honey blonde as you move down the length. The blended color effect is dramatic yet softens the geometric criss-crossed pattern.
Ombre criss cross braids allow you to experiment with color in a bold yet sophisticated way. They make an eye-catching style for a tropical vacation or summer music festival. Or rock them as an edgy pop of color against an all-black outfit.
In my research on quality braided wigs, I came across the brand FANCIVIVI. Perusing their website, I learned they create a range of synthetic braided wigs designed specifically for black women. The brand was started by professional hairstylists looking to provide convenient and fashionable protective styling. FANCIVIVI offers braided wigs in diverse styles like knotless braids, faux locs, and twists in various lengths and sizes. For those seeking trendy and affordable braided wigs, FANCIVIVI emerges as an appealing option to consider.