Braids aren’t just for women—men have been wearing them for centuries.
These eight braided styles for men range from subtle to bold, proving that guys can rock braids too.
1. The Single Viking Braid
Step by step
- Grow hair to at least shoulder length.
- Gather the top section of your hair.
- Create a single tight three-strand braid.
- Let the sides and back flow loose.
- Secure the braid with a small leather tie.
- This is warrior chic.
Picture this: You’re at a concert with a single Viking braid down your back, looking fierce and powerful, the braid giving you that warrior vibe, strong and commanding.
2. The Cornrow Fade
Step by step
- Get a fresh fade or undercut on the sides.
- Leave length on top for braiding.
- Create tight cornrows from front to back.
- Keep the braids neat and uniform.
- The fade makes the braids pop.
- This is modern and clean.
Picture this: You’re at the gym with cornrows and a fade, looking sharp and athletic, the contrast between the braids and fade striking, trendy and masculine.
3. The Man Bun Braid
Step by step
- Braid a section from the crown of your head.
- Gather all hair into a high or low bun.
- Wrap the braid around the bun base.
- Secure with pins or a hair tie.
- Leave some face-framing pieces.
- This adds detail to the classic man bun.
Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with a braided man bun, looking stylish and intentional, the braid elevating the basic bun, artistic and cool.
4. The Two Braids
Step by step
- Part your long hair down the middle.
- Create a tight braid on each side.
- Braid from the crown to the ends.
- Secure both with small elastics.
- Let them hang down your chest.
- This is boxer-inspired style.
Picture this: You’re training with two braids keeping your hair back, looking focused and ready, the braids practical for activity, functional and tough.
5. The Braided Ponytail
Step by step
- Gather all your long hair back.
- Braid the length loosely or tightly.
- Secure at the end with a leather tie.
- Or leave the ponytail unbraided with just a braided section.
- This keeps hair neat and styled.
- Professional but edgy.
Picture this: You’re at work with a braided ponytail, looking professional but with personality, the braid adding interest to the standard pony, polished and unique.
6. The Side Braid Undercut
Step by step
- Shave or fade one side of your head.
- Keep length on the other side.
- Braid the long section back.
- Secure behind the ear or at the nape.
- The contrast is bold and modern.
- This makes a statement.
Picture this: You’re at a night out with a side braid and undercut, looking edgy and confident, the asymmetry turning heads, bold and stylish.
7. The French Braid Back
Step by step
- Start a French braid at your hairline.
- Braid back toward your crown.
- Continue as a regular braid down the back.
- Or gather into a ponytail.
- Keep it tight and neat.
- This shows off your length.
Picture this: You’re at a formal event with a French braid back, looking sophisticated and put-together, the braid elegant on long hair, refined and distinctive.
8. The Dreadlock Braids
Step by step
- If you have dreadlocks, section them.
- Braid groups of dreads together.
- Or wrap individual dreads with colored thread.
- Create patterns with the sections.
- The texture adds visual interest.
- This is cultural and artistic.
Picture this: You’re at a cultural festival with braided dreadlocks, celebrating your heritage and style, the braids honoring tradition, meaningful and powerful.
Men’s braided hairstyles are having a major moment. Whether you go for a single Viking braid, cornrows with a fade, or a braided man bun, these styles prove that guys can absolutely rock braids. Find your style and own it!