20 Braids and Protective Styles for Men—From Locs to Cornrows

Reviewed by Candace Witherspoon

As more men decide to wear their natural hair, protective styles—think locs, braids, cornrows, and twists—are becoming more mainstream. These men's braid styles not only look great, but help protect fragile kinky and curly hair from the elements and the stress of daily styling.

As men continue to embrace and experiment with their natural texture, we thought it best to tap a professional hairstylist for their top hair tips and styles for men who want to give braided looks a try. Keep scrolling to read more!

Meet the Expert

Stefan Bertin is a London-based celebrity and editorial hairstylist. His specialties range from creating red carpet-ready looks to working with textured hair and more.

Transitioning to Natural Hair

Bertin's first rule: "Take it slowly and don't expect a miracle overnight." Those of us who have journeyed down the road of natural hair knows this to be true. However, finding patience can be a challenge. "It’s definitely going to be a process and you’ll learn as you go. No natural hair journey is the same," he says.

For guys just starting out, you may be wondering where you fail on the curly spectrum, but Bertin says knowing your hair texture isn't the most important factor in caring for your hair; however, there is one detail you do want to know: "As you experiment, pay close attention to how your hair reacts to products, but don't overthink your hair type," says Bertin.

"What matters and will affect your understanding of your hair much more is your hair porosity. Do your research and reading on that more than anything." We know you may not have come here for a haircare lesson, but we like to lay a solid foundation before we get to the good stuff: protective styling.

Protective Styling Tips

Be Realistic About Maintenance Levels

Braids, plaits, locs, and twists are among the most popular styles for Black men. With the right stylist, any of these looks are achievable, but caring for your hair properly is a must if you want to grow healthy hair. No matter which style you choose, dedicating time to wash, condition, and even trim your growing hair should be a priority.

For those just trying out protective styling and looking for a low-maintenance style, Bertin recommends cornrows. "I would say that cornrows are probably easiest to keep up at home. All you really have to do is protect them at night and keep them moisturized."

Locs are another style Bertin finds easy to not just maintain at home, but an option he says can potentially be started without any professional assistance. (Well, at least to get the process started). "To create the loc’ed style that I currently have, all I did was rub a small towel across my head in circular motions every day for a few months, and that formed my locs," he tells us. This method is particularly beneficial for those who are going for a fluffy look. "I don’t like [my locs] to look fresh and shiny–they’re less obedient that way. I like them to be fluffy. So out of all three, I’d say that locs are easiest to create at home as that’s what our hair does naturally. But braids are easiest to maintain as they require little to no styling or manipulation every day."

Use Leave-In Conditioner

Bertin says a leave-in conditioner, like the Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment ($11), is an ideal starter product if you're just getting into caring for your hair beyond a low fade. "Start with a leave-in conditioner. I spritz it on my hair every evening and even more liberally on wash day after rinsing out the conditioner."

Wrap Your Style at Night

Aside from applying a leave-in to keep the hair moisturized, a durag or a satin/silk pillowcase is essential for nighttime haircare. "It’s so, so, so important to stop that moisture loss," says Bertin. "You’ll notice such a difference. The cotton of a normal pillowcase will strip so much much-needed moisture from your hair." Try Taelor Boutique's Black Silk Durag ($15). Nighttime routines don't have to have a lot of steps, we promise. "Spritz in a leave-in conditioner and put your durag on. You’ll wake up with moisturized hair that will stay healthy and supple throughout the day," says Bertin.

Develop a Haircare Routine

Bertin emphases one final note on the haircare front: get rid of the product that says it "does it all." He explains, "Put down the three-in-ones. While they’re not the evil they’re sometimes made out to be, I just feel like it’s a 'jack-of-all-trades, master of none' situation. Use a separate shampoo and conditioner. They’ll each be formulated specifically to efficiently do what they’re supposed to do without being overly stripping or moisturizing." Finding the right cleansers and conditioners can take some time, but don't get discouraged.

Remember: Give yourself some haircare grace, because the natural hair journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Once you get to the finish line, we promise it will be worth the wait.

Protective Hairstyles for Men

'90s-Inspired Locs

Anyone else getting Busta Rhymes '90s vibes? Offset's long locs are styled into two textured pigtails, which add a super fashionable twist to his entire look.

Single Braids

The key to moisturized braids is a healthy base, meaning hydration via deep conditioning and a proper leave-in. If you find frizz cropping up, embrace it. It's just a part of being natural.

Loc'd Man Bun

Man buns are always a good idea. Don't be afraid to add a few embellishments or hair color to your locs.

Tapered Man Bun

If you don't want to commit to a full head of locs, opt to shave off the sides in a fade and then rock your hair in a man bun. For guys working to grow out their hair while maintaining hydrated coils or twists, the LOC method will be your best friend.

Faded Cornrows

Cornrows with a fade are a hybrid of two tried-and-true looks. If you do give this look a try, be sure to keep those cornrows moisturized with a spritz of leave-in conditioner.

Braids with a Crisp Fade

A clean line-up with two braids is always a good look, as Jason Derulo shows us.

Single Braids with Added Length

Travis Scott's hair is his trademark. Here, there is a little length added, giving his go-to braids a new edge.

Intricate Cornrows

A sharp set of cornrows is the perfect protective style for a formal event, as seen here with this look on John Boyega.

Four Cornrows

We love to see a hair journey, and Big Sean's doesn't disappoint. Four cornrows are a simple classic that can be done on a variety of hair lengths.

Medium-Length Locs

This shoulder-length loc style is incredibly handsome. And at this length, you can also rock a man bun, pony tail, or even a half-up, half-down style.

Tapered Locs

With tapered sides and a short, full loc'd crown, this look is one that could be recreated with ease (and the right stylist, of course).

Mini Braids

Call them mini braids or plaits—no matter what you call them, they offer up a low-manipulation, attractive protective style.

Bantu Knots

Aminé never misses an opportunity to experiment with his style or hair. His embellished Bantu knots are a must-try.

Face-Framing Box Braids

Going back to the '90s is always welcome. For those with shorter coils, this style offers an opportunity to try something new at any length.

Cornrows

Cornrows are incredibly versatile, so don't be afraid to ask your braider to try new patterns or lengths.

Fishtail Cornrows

Drake's double fishtail cornrows are a new take on a classic style. To make sure that your braids stay shiny and fresh for longer, make sure to wear a durag at night to preserve your style for longer.

Blond Twists

Ty Dolla $ign's signature locs are upgraded with a chic twisted style and a touch of honey blond color. Adding color is one of the quickest (and easiest) ways to enhance a protective style.

Medium-Length Braids with Accessories

We've all been there—your braids might be looking a little worse for wear. That's the time to add in an accessory, just like Big Sean's bandana. Bonus points for color coordinating with your outfit.

Loc'd Ponytail

Jaden Smith's easy loc'd up-do is one of the chicest (and easiest) styles to achieve. And the best part? The messier, the better.

Braided Locs

Waka Flocka's locs are given a new lease on life by styling them into large braided plaits. If you really want to look put together, make sure you get an edge up.

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