Winter’s harsh conditions can wreak havoc on natural hair, especially for those with shorter lengths. Protective styles, particularly braids, offer a fantastic solution to shield your hair from the cold, wind, and dry air while maintaining a stylish and trendy look. Whether you prefer bold colors, intricate patterns, or classic simplicity, there’s a winter-ready braided hairstyle perfect for you. This article explores 20 unique braid styles designed specifically for short hair, incorporating the latest trends from both the US and Europe. Get ready to be inspired and find your perfect winter protective style!
Cornrow Bob with Gold Cuffs
A classic cornrow bob is elevated to a glamorous level with the addition of gold cuffs. This style, popular in both the US and EU, offers a chic and sophisticated look. Opt for small to medium-sized cornrows braided close to the scalp, creating a sleek and defined silhouette. The gold cuffs, strategically placed throughout the braids, add a touch of opulence and visual interest. This style works exceptionally well with jet black hair, allowing the gold to truly shine. You can also experiment with dark brown or deep burgundy hair colors for a more subtle yet elegant look. The beauty of this style lies in its versatility – it can be dressed up for a formal occasion or worn casually for everyday chic.
Chunky Side Braid with Undercut
Embrace a bold and edgy look with a chunky side braid paired with an undercut. This trend, seen increasingly in European street style, exudes confidence and individuality. The undercut can be subtle, removing just a small section of hair underneath the braid, or more dramatic, shaving a larger portion for a striking contrast. The remaining hair is then braided into a thick, chunky braid that sweeps across the head and falls over the shoulder. Consider incorporating vibrant colors like electric blue or fiery red into the braid for a truly head-turning statement. For a more subdued look, stick to natural hair colors and accessorize with metallic rings or beads woven into the braid. This style is perfect for those who want to showcase their adventurous side while protecting their hair.
Halo Braid with Burgundy Highlights
A halo braid provides a romantic and ethereal aesthetic, perfect for the winter season. This style involves braiding the hair around the head, creating a crown-like effect. Adding burgundy highlights to dark brown or black hair infuses warmth and dimension into the look, reflecting the rich jewel tones popular in both US and European winter fashion. The highlights can be subtly woven into the braid or concentrated in specific sections for a more dramatic contrast. This style works beautifully with varying braid sizes – smaller braids offer a more intricate and delicate look, while larger braids create a bolder and more textured statement. For a touch of added sparkle, consider incorporating small crystals or rhinestones into the braid.
Box Braids with Blonde Ombre
Box braids are a timeless protective style, and incorporating a blonde ombre effect adds a modern and trendy twist. This style is particularly popular in the US, frequently seen on celebrities and influencers. The ombre effect gradually transitions from a dark root color to a lighter blonde shade at the ends, creating a visually stunning gradient. The length of the braids can vary depending on personal preference, but shorter box braids offer a chic and manageable option for the winter months. Experiment with different shades of blonde, from platinum to honey, to find the perfect complement to your skin tone. Consider adding colorful beads or cuffs to personalize the look further.
Criss-Cross Cornrows with Geometric Designs
Elevate your cornrow game with intricate geometric designs. This style, trending in both the US and EU, allows for endless creativity and personalization. Cornrows are braided in various directions, creating stunning patterns that resemble intricate artwork. Popular designs include zigzags, diamonds, and even more complex shapes. This style works exceptionally well with jet black hair, as it allows the intricate patterns to stand out. However, you can also experiment with different hair colors, such as deep browns or rich reds, to create a unique and personalized look. Consider adding metallic beads or hair jewelry to accentuate the geometric designs.
Twisted Updo with Pearl Accents
For a sophisticated and elegant look, opt for a twisted updo adorned with pearl accents. This style is particularly popular for formal occasions during the winter season. Small sections of hair are twisted and pinned into place, creating a textured and voluminous updo. The addition of pearls adds a touch of classic glamour and femininity. Pearls can be incorporated in various ways, such as using pearl-studded bobby pins or weaving pearl strands throughout the twists. This style works beautifully with various hair colors, from jet black to warm browns and blondes. The key is to create a sleek and polished finish that complements the elegance of the pearls.
Side-Swept Dutch Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
A side-swept Dutch braid offers a romantic and whimsical look, perfect for the winter months. The Dutch braid is created by braiding the hair underhand, resulting in a raised and textured braid that stands out from the head. Leaving a few face-framing tendrils adds a touch of softness and femininity to the style. This look is very popular in European countries, particularly during the holiday season. Consider incorporating a ribbon or hair scarf into the braid for a festive touch. This style works well with various hair colors, but it looks particularly stunning with lighter shades of blonde or brown that allow the braid’s texture to be fully appreciated.
Faux Locs with Copper Highlights
Faux locs are a protective style that mimics the look of dreadlocks without the permanent commitment. Adding copper highlights to the faux locs creates a warm and vibrant look that is perfect for the winter season. This trend is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, as it offers a stylish and low-maintenance way to protect natural hair. The copper highlights add dimension and depth to the faux locs, making them appear more textured and visually interesting. Consider experimenting with different shades of copper, from bright and bold to more subtle and muted tones, to find the perfect complement to your skin tone.
Fishtail Braid Crown with Silver Beads
A fishtail braid crown is a unique and intricate hairstyle that is perfect for special occasions during the winter. This style involves creating a fishtail braid that wraps around the head, forming a crown-like effect. Adding silver beads to the braid enhances the regal and elegant feel of the hairstyle. The silver beads sparkle against the hair, creating a glamorous and eye-catching look. This style works beautifully with various hair colors, but it is particularly stunning with darker shades of hair that allow the silver beads to truly stand out. Consider using different sized beads to add visual interest and texture to the braid. This style is popular during the holiday season in both the US and Europe.
Mini Braids with Colorful Extensions
Mini braids offer a versatile and playful look that is perfect for the winter season. This style involves braiding small sections of hair close to the scalp, creating a textured and intricate hairstyle. Adding colorful extensions to the mini braids allows for endless creativity and personalization. Popular color choices include vibrant blues, pinks, purples, and greens. You can opt for a monochromatic look with all extensions being the same color, or you can create a rainbow effect by using a variety of colors. This style is popular in both the US and EU, particularly among younger women who want a fun and expressive hairstyle.
Braided Bantu Knots with Gold Thread
This style involves sectioning the hair into small squares and then twisting or braiding each section into a tight knot. The knots are then adorned with gold thread, creating a regal and eye-catching look. This style has its roots in African culture and is becoming increasingly popular in both the US and EU as a way to embrace natural hair texture and celebrate cultural heritage. The gold thread adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the look, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday wear. This style works well with various hair lengths and textures.
Asymmetrical Cornrow Design with Undercut
This edgy and modern style combines intricate cornrow patterns with a shaved undercut. The cornrows are braided in an asymmetrical design, creating a visually striking and unique look. The undercut adds a bold and rebellious touch, making this style perfect for those who want to make a statement. This style is popular in both the US and EU, particularly among younger generations who embrace individuality and self-expression. The asymmetry of the design allows for endless creativity and personalization. You can work with your stylist to create a unique pattern that reflects your personal style.
Mohawk Braid with Beaded Detail
This bold and edgy style involves braiding a section of hair down the center of the head, creating a mohawk-like effect. The braid can be a simple three-strand braid or a more intricate design like a fishtail or Dutch braid. Adding beaded detail to the braid elevates the look and adds a touch of bohemian flair. Beads can be incorporated in various colors and sizes to create a personalized and unique style. This style is popular in both the US and EU and is a great way to showcase your individuality while protecting your hair during the winter months.
French Braid Pigtails with Ribbon Accents
This classic and playful style involves creating two French braids, one on each side of the head. Adding ribbon accents to the braids elevates the look and adds a touch of femininity and charm. Ribbons can be incorporated in various colors and patterns to match your outfit or personal style. This style is popular in both the US and EU and is a great option for both casual and formal occasions. It’s a timeless look that is suitable for all ages.
Waterfall Braid with Crystal Embellishments
This romantic and ethereal style involves creating a waterfall braid that cascades down the back of the head. The braid is created by letting sections of hair fall out of the braid, creating a waterfall-like effect. Adding crystal embellishments to the braid enhances the romantic and whimsical feel of the hairstyle. Crystals can be incorporated in various sizes and shapes to create a sparkling and eye-catching look. This style is popular in both the US and EU and is a great option for special occasions or romantic outings.
Milkmaid Braids with Floral Accessories
This classic and timeless style involves creating two braids that are wrapped around the head, creating a crown-like effect. Adding floral accessories to the braids enhances the romantic and feminine feel of the hairstyle. Fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or floral hairpins can be used to create a personalized and unique look. This style is popular in both the US and EU and is a great option for weddings, festivals, or other special occasions.
