Before your next hair appointment, check out our photos of micro braids. Micro braids are a protective style that is made from thin pieces of braided hair. How else would you get a braided ‘do that lasts for so long and requires only minimum maintenance?! Expect to be amazed ahead.
This comfy hairdo was popularized by Zoe Kravitz, Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, and Nicki Minaj when they walked on the red carpet showing off their pleats’ texture that is simply ravishing! Since then, people were inspired to join the mini-braid mania!
It might mean doubling the effort and time to finish these tiny, delicate pieces, but the endless options of style you’ll receive are worth the commitment. Put those plaits in a bun or a braided updo, tie it in a cute ponytail, or just let it down fabulously – you’ll have the chance to wear a ton of micro braid styles for the days to come!
Micro braids will last up to 8 weeks on average and are extremely versatile. Because of their longevity, microbraids can save you a ton of money and time in the salon. The best hair for micro braids is natural, healthy hair, too.
Laudia Guilao Ames, a Virginia-based master braider and owner of The Braid Lounge, does exquisite mini-braiding on her clients while mixing other styles in such as knotless tips, diamond partitions, and beaded pieces. By keeping your scalp moisturized and doing the correct hair care routine religiously, your micro-braids are guaranteed to look fresh and healthy for a long time.
Imagine yourself flaunting these trendy, teeny braids soon? Don’t wait for long and start searching for your next look in this up-to-date collection of micro braids!
Wavy Micro Braids
Micro braids are the most versatile size of braids since you can curl them tight or loose like these wavy ones right here. Plus, they mimic thicker strands, so they make your locks a bit chunkier.
Updo with Micro Braids
What an interesting approach to a seemingly normal updo this is! Catch those micro braids in a crown-like updo style and boast texture in such an innovative hairstyle.
Short Micro Braids
Since short micro braids can still resemble hair strands due to their size, putting them in larger braids could do you some good! The creativity is overflowing in this one as the ends are formed to function like side bangs.
Micro Braids with Middle Part
Parting your long micro-braided hair like this creates a sleek canvas for you to play around. The texture isn’t sacrificed but more so pronounced with this kind of parting.
Micro Box Braids
Nothing is better than rocking your box braids, now fashioned in a micro braiding hair technique. A great thing for women who are undergoing transition for their hair, maintain a perfect look while growing your hair out!
Micro Braids With Shaved Sides
A combo to die for, shaved sides with some hair design and micro braids make a powerful look. Long micro braids like this can be neatly put in a high bun or let down for a sassier effect.
Medium Micro Braids
Going for the short-haul is a nifty approach to a stylish haircut! These medium micro braids are classy lifesavers that are surely one to try!
Q&A with style creator, Tania Tesson
Hair Stylist @ Hair by Tania in Paris, FR
How would you describe this?
The mini twist hairstyle is a protective hairstyle. It does not require a lot of maintenance and gives your hair a break from constant manipulation. It is also an original hairstyle.
While having micro mini braids, your hair will get all the hydration it needs without any tension, which helps with hair growth as well. Lastly, the best thing about it is that you can keep this hairstyle for about two to three weeks when well maintained, meaning wearing a satin bonnet or scarf at night.
What’s your best advice?
If you are considering micro braid hairstyles, get a good moisturizing products to start. Try Curl Treat by Garnier, as well as a fixing mousse like Fixing Mousse to stay away from hair frizz. Mini twists are best for women between 3B and 4C hair types. It is also good if you are looking for a low maintenance hairstyle.
Invisible Micro Braids
Q&A with style creator, Msiba Robinson
Hair Stylist @ Salon Loudoun in Leesburg, VA
How would you describe this?
This protective style is perfect for women looking for a more natural look and feel. Considering your lifestyle, you may want to use Wet & Wavy human braiding hair. This will give you more options when styling your micro braids, such as a rod set, an updo, or simply wearing it in its natural, wavy curl pattern.
This micro braid style can be customized to you. The best part about this style is deciding on the best hair color to use and where to place or add highlights to enhance your beauty.
What’s your best advice?
First, decide on hair quality. Hair quality is key when choosing micro braids as a protective style. When shampooing and conditioning micro braids, using top quality hair allows the style to last longer with no irritation on the scalp and no tangles.
Let a hair care professional shampoo and condition your micro braids, if they are done with human braiding hair. Consider the amount of time it will take when getting micro braids. Schedule a consultation appointment before getting teeny-tiny braids. This will allow you to address any concerns you may have and understand how to take care of them.
Blonde Micro Braids
Q&A with style creator, Ife Charles
Hair Stylist @ Hair by Ife in Dartford, KNT
How would you describe this?
The name of the hairstyle is popularly known as tribal braids. The style originated from the Fulani tribes. They used beads and cowries to decorate their hair.
To achieve this hairstyle, divide your hair into two sections. The first section is from the front of the head to the crown section of the head. Then add a feed-in cornrow down the middle of this section, part the first section of the head into two halves. On either side of the ear, two cornrows are each stretching down the sides adorned with beads. To complete the first section, add feed-in cornrows stretching from the middle cornrow to either side of each half. The second section, which is from the crown section to the back of the head, is made up of single braids.
When it comes to micro braid hairstyles, there’s a ton of versatility. It can be done on any hair texture, and it can also be styled in different ways. In this particular picture, it’s half up and half down, which implies half of the hair is wrapped in a bun, and the other left down.
It could also be accessorized to suit different personalities with the use of colorful beads, gold/silver strings, cowries, etc.
What’s your best advice?
Try extensions from Expression color 27 with white highlights. For the products, use Cream of Nature, Argan Oil Edge Control, Let’s Jam Condition and Shine Gel, a hair mousse with an extra firm hold, and Luster’s Pink Sheen Spray.
It takes between 3 to 7 hours to micro braid hair, depending on the size and length. As a result, it requires a lot of patience for the hairstylist to have space and time to do a good job. It is advisable to book a day where you will be free.
Depending on the hair texture, a blow-out may be needed to achieve a flawless finish. The longevity of the style is eight weeks depending on hair texture, which is a good value for money.
The style is good for any hair texture because of its versatility. It is a good protective hairstyle in the sense that your natural hair is protected due to the use of extensions. It’s easy to maintain and your scalp can be moisturized daily.
Micro Mini Braids
Q&A with style creator, Tina Griffiths-Thompson
Hair Stylist @ Carl’s Beauty Centre in George Town, KY
How would you describe this?
These are called a micro twist braids, and are often described as neat and semi elegant, or highly functional.
What’s your best advice?
It’s very easy to style in the mornings. It’s low maintenance, and you just have to shampoo every two weeks and put some anti-itch oil or moisturizer on your scalp to prevent dryness or itching.
This micro braiding is for any hair type. There are many different types of micro braiding. Consult a stylist who would be able to tell which braid style would be best for your personality.
It’s an ideal yet highly functional style for women who want to take a break from relaxer, perms, texturing, and all the chemicals, which include color services for gray hair. It’s a style where your scalp can breathe, and your natural hair can still get looked after.
Crochet Micro Braids
Q&A with style creator, Nelly Span
Celebrity Braider @ Braids By Ms. Nelly LLC in Irving, TX
How would you describe this?
The layers of micro feed-in braids in the back allow for movement. The ponytail at the top has the tribal design, and the deep braids on the side add some jazz to the crochet micro braids.
What’s your best advice?
Micro-braid hairstyles are ideal for women with healthy hair, and for women who aren’t insecure of their forehead or something facial. This is a bold look without any covering of the face, so be prepared to own it and be confident!
Curly Micro Braids
Q&A with style creator, Carmel James
Hair Stylist @ Unique’s Touch in Katy, TX
How would you describe this?
These curly micro braids are light, tension-free, and will help in locking in the moisture. It will protect the hair from any breakage.
What’s your best advice?
Consider the size of the braids you want. The smaller the braids, the more hair you’ll need, and more hair to manage. The less the braids, the freer you’ll be just to wake up, shake, and go.
Micro Twist Braids
Q&A with style creator, Blessing Edgal Oni
Hair Stylist @ Hair by Oni in Boston, MA
How would you describe this?
These are micro twist braids. African women love Senegalese twists because they’re elegant and classy. This micro braids hair is a protective style that is low maintenance.
What’s your best advice?
If you have weak edges with very fine hair you should not consider this style because it will not look good and will do more damage to your edges. It depends on the braider because some braiders braid too tight! It’s manageable because it’s lightweight. The best hair to use for this style is Kanekalon fibers like Xpression hair made in Nigeria, Senegal, etc.
Straight Micro Braids
Q&A with style creator, Ishamah Reid
Braids Hairstylist @ Hair by Shamah in Union City, GA
How would you describe this?
These straight micro braids have highlights added to them to show a caramel effect. Add color to single braids to make your hair more fun, then opt for some highlights and make them into a micro box braids.
What’s your best advice?
When booking for micro braids styles, expect a lightweight and tensionless (not hair pulling or tight) feeling. These particular braids can be styled in many ways, with the latest style being the bun. A portion of the hair pulled up and twisted into a small ball to sit on top of the head and secured with a rubber band.
Your braider will pay attention to your hair texture, as some women may need smaller braids, and some may require bigger braids.
