29 Stunning Braided Hairstyles for Teens: Cute & Easy Looks for School & Beyond
Braided hairstyles have always been a favorite among teens. Whether you have short natural hair, long twists, or black natural hair, there’s a perfect style for you. From knotless box braids to boho braids, these looks are not only trendy but also practical for everyday wear. Whether you’re rushing to school or getting ready for a special event, these styles are simple, cute, and quick. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 29 gorgeous braided hairstyles, giving you tutorial tips and ideas for back-to-school, casual, and stylish occasions.
No matter if your hair is long, short, African, or black natural hair, we have the perfect half-up, full braid, or quick style to fit your vibe. Let’s dive into these fabulous looks that will turn heads and make your mornings much easier!
1. Classic Knotless Box Braids – The Ultimate Protective Style
Nothing beats the timeless knotless box braids! Unlike traditional box braids, these are lighter, painless, and cause less tension on your scalp. Whether you go for long or short hair, this style will keep your hair protected and stylish for weeks. Add beads, cuffs, or colorful extensions for a unique touch!
2. Half-Up, Half-Down Braided Ponytail – Cute & Chic
For a simple yet elegant look, try a half-up, half-down braided ponytail. This style is perfect for black natural hair and can be done with long or short hair. It’s quick and easy for school mornings and gives a polished yet playful vibe. Add a boho touch with loose curls at the ends.
3. Boho Box Braids – A Carefree & Romantic Look
If you love the bohemian aesthetic, you’ll adore boho box braids. These braids mix traditional box braids with loose, wavy strands for a dreamy and effortless style. Whether you have short or long natural hair, this is a stunning choice that adds softness and romance to your look.
4. Quick & Easy School Braided Bun – A Chic Go-To Style
Mornings can be hectic, but this quick and easy braided bun will have you out the door in minutes! Perfect for short natural hair or long hair, this simple yet elegant look keeps your hair neat and stylish all day.
5. Long Twists with Beads – A Trendy, Protective Style
If you want a look that’s bold yet easy to maintain, go for long twists with beads. This protective style works great for black natural hair and adds a fun, youthful vibe. Choose colorful beads or gold cuffs for a playful twist.
6. Simple Two-Strand Twists – A Natural Beauty
Two-strand twists are one of the simplest yet most elegant styles for black natural hair. Whether you have short natural hair or long twists, this style enhances your curls and adds definition.
7. Back-to-School Cornrow Ponytail – Sleek & Stylish
Cornrows are timeless and perfect for busy school mornings. A high ponytail with neat cornrows gives a sleek and sophisticated look while keeping your hair in place.
8. Half-Up Braided Crown – A Fairy-Tale Vibe
Feel like a princess with a half-up braided crown! This style works great on long or short hair and adds an elegant yet playful touch to your look.
9. Quick Short Braided Bob – A Fresh & Stylish Look
If you have short hair, don’t worry—a braided bob is a trendy and low-maintenance style! This look is quick to achieve and perfect for school.
10. African Tribal Braids – Bold & Beautiful
African tribal braids showcase culture and beauty. Whether you choose Fulani braids, Ghana braids, or Shuku styles, they give a striking and sophisticated look.
11. Easy School Side Braids – A Casual & Fun Look
If you’re in a hurry, side braids are a great solution! This easy school hairstyle works for short and long hair, keeping your hair stylish without much effort.
12. Long Braided Ponytail – A Sleek & Sporty Choice
A long braided ponytail is a perfect mix of elegance and sportiness. It’s great for school, gym, and casual outings while keeping your hair neat.
13. Double Dutch Braids – A Sporty & Stylish Classic
Double Dutch braids are perfect for a sporty yet stylish vibe. This hairstyle is great for school, sports, or casual days. It keeps your hair secure, making it ideal for long or short hair. Whether you’re heading to class, the gym, or a weekend outing, these braids will keep you looking effortlessly chic. Add a touch of boho with some loose strands or secure the ends with colorful elastics for a cute and playful finish. The best part? This look is quick and simple to do, making it a go-to back-to-school hairstyle for busy mornings.
14. Short Hair Feed-In Braids – Elegant & Easy
If you have short natural hair, don’t think braids are off-limits! Feed-in braids are a great way to create a fuller, longer look while keeping things lightweight and natural. These braids start with your natural hair and gradually incorporate extensions for a seamless, natural blend. Perfect for black natural hair, this style is protective, stylish, and ideal for school or casual outings. Whether you wear them straight back, in a side part, or even a small bun, they offer endless versatility. Keep the look simple, or add gold cuffs and beads for a personalized touch.
15. Boho Goddess Braids – Romantic & Dreamy
For a soft, feminine, and elegant look, try boho goddess braids. These braids are a mix of knotless box braids and loose, wavy curls, creating an effortlessly chic style. They are perfect for long hair and can be customized with highlights, beads, or curly ends. The loose curls add a romantic, carefree vibe, making it an ideal look for both school and special occasions. If you love boho aesthetics, this is the braided hairstyle for you.
16. Cornrow Bun with Curls – A Perfect School Look
A cornrow bun with curls is a classy yet easy school hairstyle that keeps your hair neat and stylish all day long. Whether you have short or long natural hair, this look works effortlessly. The cornrows provide a structured, clean base, while the curls add softness and volume. It’s an excellent choice for school, formal events, or even lazy hair days when you want a stylish yet low-maintenance look. Pair it with simple accessories like gold rings or hair cuffs for extra flair.
17. Half-Up Knotless Braids – Cute & Playful
The half-up knotless braids style is a fantastic mix of casual and trendy. It allows you to showcase the length of your braids while keeping them out of your face. Whether you have long or short hair, this hairstyle works beautifully for black natural hair. It’s also a great option for those looking for a quick yet stylish school look. Tie the top half into a high ponytail, a bun, or a simple twist, and leave the rest flowing for a chic finish.
18. Fulani Braids – A Stunning African-Inspired Look
Fulani braids are a cultural and stylish statement. This African-inspired hairstyle consists of cornrows in the front and loose braids at the back, often adorned with beads and cuffs. It’s an excellent option for black natural hair, offering a protective style that is both beautiful and practical. Whether styled in a half-up, ponytail, or left flowing, this look is versatile and timeless. It’s great for school, cultural events, or everyday wear.
19. Side-Swept Cornrows – A Trendy Twist
Side-swept cornrows offer a sleek, edgy look that’s perfect for teens who love modern and stylish hairstyles. These braids can be styled into a low ponytail, bun, or left hanging for an effortlessly chic finish. This style works for both short and long hair, making it a great easy school hairstyle.
20. Braided Space Buns – Fun & Playful
Braided space buns are an exciting, youthful hairstyle that’s perfect for school, festivals, or casual days. This style works great on black natural hair, adding a fun and playful touch to any look. Whether you add colorful extensions, beads, or twists, these buns will make you stand out effortlessly.
21. Box Braided Bob – A Chic & Low-Maintenance Look
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and stylish braided look for short hair, a box braided bob is a perfect choice. This protective style is great for black natural hair and works well for back to school, casual outings, or even formal events. Unlike long braids, a braided bob is lightweight and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for teens with a busy schedule. You can opt for sleek and straight ends for a polished look or go for a curly finish for a playful, boho vibe. Pair it with hair accessories like gold cuffs or colorful rubber bands to make it even more unique.
22. Jumbo Knotless Braids – Bold & Trendy
For a bold yet simple look, jumbo knotless braids are a must-try! This hairstyle is perfect if you want a quick and stylish braided look that doesn’t take hours to install. Unlike small braids, jumbo braids are thicker and give a fuller appearance while still being lightweight. This style is perfect for black natural hair and works for both long and short hair. Whether you tie them up in a high ponytail, bun, or leave them flowing, this style is guaranteed to turn heads. Add some boho curls at the ends or go for colorful ombré extensions for an extra touch of fun!
23. Zig-Zag Cornrows – A Fun & Unique Hairstyle
If you want to switch up your look with a creative twist, zig-zag cornrows are a fantastic choice! This hairstyle features intricate, curved partings that create a cool, modern look. It’s perfect for black natural hair and works well for short or long hair. This style is great for school, parties, or everyday wear, offering a sleek, trendy, and low-maintenance option. To make it even more stylish, you can accessorize with colorful elastics, beads, or even add a few small braided extensions for extra length.
24. Long Twists with Curls – A Gorgeous Boho Look
For a more romantic and elegant style, try long twists with curls. This look combines protective twists with soft, wavy curls, giving a boho-chic, effortless vibe. It’s a perfect hairstyle for black natural hair, and you can customize it by adding highlights, beads, or cuffs. Whether you prefer a half-up, full-down style or a simple side part, this hairstyle will give you a sophisticated yet playful appearance. This is also an excellent choice for special events, school, or casual days when you want to look effortlessly beautiful.
25. Side Part Tribal Braids – A Sleek & Elegant Option
Tribal braids with a deep side part create a sleek, polished look that works for any occasion. This hairstyle is inspired by traditional African braiding techniques but with a modern, stylish twist. Whether you keep them long and flowing or style them into a low ponytail or bun, this look is both practical and elegant. This style is perfect for black natural hair and offers a great protective option that lasts for weeks. Add small gold rings or cuffs for an extra royal touch.
26. Braided Pigtails – A Playful & Cute Look
If you’re looking for a fun, youthful, and easy school hairstyle, braided pigtails are a great choice! This style works well for both short and long hair and can be done with box braids, twists, or cornrows. The best part? It’s super quick to do and perfect for busy mornings. Add colored elastics, beads, or ribbon ties to make it even more playful. Whether you’re going for a casual school day or a fun weekend outing, this look is guaranteed to make you feel stylish and confident.
27. Short Natural Hair Flat Twists – A Simple & Elegant Style
For teens with short natural hair, flat twists are a quick, easy, and protective style that enhances your natural curls. This look keeps your hair moisturized and healthy, making it perfect for black natural hair. Flat twists can be styled in various ways, including a low bun, side-parted twists, or even accessorized with beads. Whether you’re heading to school or a special event, this style keeps you looking polished and stylish without much effort.
28. Braided Low Bun – A Sleek & Professional Look
If you’re looking for a simple yet sophisticated hairstyle, a braided low bun is an excellent choice. This style works well for school, formal events, or even job interviews. It keeps your hair neat and protected, while still looking chic and elegant. Whether you choose cornrows, knotless braids, or classic box braids, tying them into a low bun creates a timeless and effortless look. This style is especially great for black natural hair, providing a protective yet stylish option for any occasion.
29. Waterfall Braided Crown – A Fairy-Tale Vibe
For a truly romantic and dreamy look, a waterfall braided crown is the way to go. This style works beautifully for long hair and gives off an ethereal, princess-like feel. The braid wraps around the head like a crown, with soft, flowing strands cascading down for a boho finish. It’s perfect for special occasions, picture day, or even a back-to-school glow-up. Pair it with soft waves, subtle accessories, and a pretty dress for the ultimate fairytale look.
Final Thoughts
Braided hairstyles are not just a trend—they’re a timeless way to express your style while protecting your hair. Whether you prefer long, short, knotless, boho, or African-inspired braids, there’s a perfect style for every teen. These 29 stunning braided hairstyles will have you looking cute, confident, and school-ready every day! Try them out, experiment with accessories, and make these looks uniquely yours.
Which braided style are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments! 😊
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