African-American Braided Updos

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. Audrey Hepburn
To create a great looking braided hairdo one requires good skills and precision. Despite the intricacies in an Afro-American braided hairstyle, they are highly demanded and flaunted by several celebrities from different parts of the world. Braids brings out the elegance and chicness.

They hold the power to turn a regular look into a chirpy and cheerful one. These hairstyles require time and patience, but they result in stunning look. There are many styles in braids, which can work well for Afro-American hair texture and color.

Braided hairstyles can be experimented with long hair, medium-sized hair length, and frizzy unmanageable hair too. There are many kinds in boho braided updos that can be done at home with a few styling products. Some of the common boho braids are headband and face framing.

The best part about these hairstyles is that they can be maintained the same way for at least a week. Now let's take a look at five easy to do African-American braided hairstyles and how to make them!

Boho Messy Braids
These types of braids are soon catching the spotlight, since Nicole Richie flaunted this braided hairdo. Being one of the braided hairdos, it is simple to create and takes less time to make. Here are a few instructions to achieve this look. Here's how to do it.


Part your cornrows into two sections.

Take 4 inch of hair from both the sides leaving the rest to fall on your back.

Tie them into a simple knot and let hold the loose hair firmly in your grip.

Now turn the loose hair up and tuck them into a loop by parting the ponytail.

You can either leave it at this, with us messy bun or take all the loose hair on your back and tuck in further into the same loop.




Braided Buns
Buns keep the hair neat and free from getting tangled. They can be created to get a dramatic look, bridal look or can be worn very casually. They are very simple and easy to make. In case, you running short of time and need a quick hairdo, this braided bun is the best option making you ready in no time.

Brush the hair and free from knots or any tangles.

Tie the hair into a tight long pony tail and make sure no hair strands are protruding from the ponytail.

Divide the pony into two or three sections depending on the thickness and length of the hair.

Divide each section into three in order to make braids. Follow the same procedure, till you complete making braids out of each section.

Wrap each of the braids around the pony and secure it with a bobby pin.




Kinky Twist braids
These braids look great and are best suited for Afro-Americans due to their hair texture and color. These braids stay for a longer time and frees your hair from many damages, such as split ends and tangling. They look great and add more thickness to your hair. Kinky twists and braids are complement well for all types of occasions too. Here is a tutorial to get you acquainted with this hairdo. Kinky twists braids are sported by many Afro-Americans due to its natural look. You can also add different hair extensions while making these braids to make it look more trendy and wacky.

Before getting into making hair twists, shampoo and well condition your hair to free it from all the knots.

Divide your hair into three sections and tie them differently.

Make braids out of each section. Tie them up of use a hairspray to secure them.

Once you have braided all the three sections, roll them up and secure them in a criss-cross manner. Once again use a hairspray to keep them intact.



Black Mohawk Braids
These hairstyles are a rage among many celebrities and rock stars and has spread to the common group of people. Many youngsters sport this style and looks great on the Afro-Americans. They are very complicated to make but change the entire appearance of the wearer. There are several types of black Mohawk braids such as cornrows, faux hawk or Afro hawk. Mohawks are considered as a different type of hairstyles and very versatile.


A mohawk is slightly tedious to make. The first step of this hairstyle is shampooing and conditioning your hair.

Once they are dry and disentangled, part them into three sections and tie them with bands so that you can work with the sections one at a time.

Braid the middle section into a french braid or a fishtail. Roll up the part that is below your head and secure it on top.

Now start cornrowing the left side of the hair upwards. As you end the tiny braids secure them with rubber bands.

Pin the loose hair of the cornrowed braid to the center braid.

Repeat the process for the remaining hair on the right side too to complete your mohawk.



Fishtail Braids
This hairstyle is the result of extreme precision, which makes it look elegant and stunning. If you dare to do this hairdo, you are sure to make heads turn. Let's take a careful look at how to create this style.


Divide the ponytail into two halves.

Take a thin strand from both the sides and braid into each other.

Continue taking thin strands and connect it with the strands from the opposite section to make into braids.

Continue the method till you complete the braid out of your ponytail.

As you reach towards the end of your braid, tie it with a band.




The Afro-American hair is more fragile and tends to break while making such hairstyles. Therefore, it is wise to use better hair conditioners or moisturizing lotions to avoid hair breakage. No matter how great these braided hairdos look, it is equally important to take good care of your hair. Healthy and luscious hair always looks attractive and provides more scope for experimentation.