8 Braided Curly Hairstyles That Combine Beauty and Function

Braids and curls together create stunning styles that protect your hair while looking gorgeous.

These eight braided curly styles give you the best of both worlds—intricate braids and beautiful curls working together.


1. The Crown Braid With Curls

Step by step

  1. Create a Dutch braid along your hairline.
  2. Braid from one ear around to the other.
  3. Pin at the back to create a crown.
  4. Let your natural curls flow underneath.
  5. The contrast is beautiful.
  6. Regal and protective.

Picture this: You’re at a wedding with a crown braid and flowing curls, looking like royalty, the braid keeping hair back while curls cascade, elegant and romantic.


2. The Side Braid With Curly Ponytail

Step by step

  1. Braid a section from one side.
  2. Bring it back toward your ear.
  3. Gather all hair into a ponytail.
  4. Include the braid in the pony.
  5. Let the ponytail curl naturally.
  6. Pretty and practical.

Picture this: You’re at the gym with a side braid leading into a curly ponytail, looking athletic and styled, the braid adding interest to the functional pony, cute and secure.


3. The Braided Headband On Curls

Step by step

  1. Braid a small section from one side.
  2. Bring it across your forehead like a headband.
  3. Pin behind the opposite ear.
  4. Let your curls flow freely.
  5. Keeps hair out of your face.
  6. Boho and sweet.

Picture this: You’re at a festival with a braided headband in your curls, looking like a free spirit, the braid practical and pretty, relaxed and stylish.


4. The Half-Up Braided Bun

Step by step

  1. Braid the top section of your hair.
  2. Gather into a small bun.
  3. Secure at the crown.
  4. Let the bottom curls flow.
  5. The braid adds texture.
  6. Elegant and easy.

Picture this: You’re at brunch with a braided bun and flowing curls, looking put-together and sweet, the combination of textures interesting and pretty, casual and cute.


5. The Fishtail Braid With Curls

Step by step

  1. Create a fishtail braid with damp hair.
  2. Let it set overnight.
  3. Undo the braid in the morning.
  4. Fluff for wavy curls.
  5. The fishtail creates unique waves.
  6. Intricate and lovely.

Picture this: You’re at a date with fishtail-created waves in your curls, looking like you spent hours styling, the pattern adding beautiful texture, romantic and detailed.


6. The Multiple Mini Braids

Step by step

  1. Create several small braids throughout.
  2. Space them randomly.
  3. Leave most of your curls loose.
  4. The braids add bohemian detail.
  5. Decorative and artistic.
  6. Creative and unique.

Picture this: You’re at an art show with mini braids in your curls, looking eclectic and cool, the random braids adding interest, trendy and individual.


7. The Braided Low Bun

Step by step

  1. Braid your hair loosely.
  2. Wrap into a low bun at the nape.
  3. Secure with pins.
  4. Let some curls escape.
  5. The braid adds texture.
  6. Sophisticated and pretty.

Picture this: You’re at a dinner party with a braided curly bun, looking elegant and intentional, the braid elevating the simple bun, refined and lovely.


8. The Front Braid With Curly Afro

Step by step

  1. Braid a section from the front.
  2. Pin it back to keep hair off your face.
  3. Let your afro be full and round.
  4. The braid adds detail.
  5. Shows off your natural texture.
  6. Proud and styled.

Picture this: You’re at a cultural celebration with a front braid and full afro, looking confident and beautiful, honoring your heritage while staying styled, powerful and gorgeous.


Braided curly hairstyles prove that these two textures are better together.

Whether you crown, side braid, or mini braid, combining braids with curls creates looks that are intricate, beautiful, and protective.

Braid and bounce!