35 Individual Braids Styles

Whether you’re looking to take a break from styling your natural hair daily or you want an instantly long and versatile look, individual braids are one of the most popular protective styles. With added extensions for extra color and length, your imagination is the only limit to all the ways you can wear these braids. The traditional way to wear individual braids involves braiding extensions with your natural hair to cover your head in plaits. But crochet individual braids are gaining popularity among women who want to install individuals at home in a fraction of the time. Keep reading to learn how to do individual braids with synthetic hair, and to see 35 of our favorite individual braids styles.

Synthetic hair is popular for creating length and volume in individual braids. It’s also lighter, cheaper, and grips better than human hair extensions. To add synthetic hair to your individual braids, separate a small piece of your natural hair. Take a section of synthetic hair and fold it in half, holding the fold behind the base of your natural hair. Now begin braiding a three-strand braid, beginning with the synthetic hair as your left and right pieces and your natural hair at the center. Braid a few stitches, then stop when your natural hair is back in the center. Add a piece from either the left or right strand into the center strand, so that you have three equal sized pieces that each feature some synthetic hair. Continue braiding until the ends, and your individual braid is complete!

These ultra long individual braids show just how glamorous the style can be. These smaller braids serve up gorgeous, flowing looks when down, but also leave you with tons of options for fancier updos.

Individual braids can give you a long hairstyle even if you’ve got shorter natural hair with a wraparound undercut. These braids are fun, edgy, and easy to wear over the summer or for a vacation when you want minimal hair responsibilities.

Solange’s individual braids show how glamorous a sleek, straight style can be. This medium length is long enough to wear your braids in different styles, but they won’t be as heavy as braids that fall past your waist.

The easiest way to get an ombre color pattern in your individual braids is to buy synthetic braiding hair that’s already been dyed ombre. This black and red style is perfect for women who like natural shades up against their face but still want to experiment with bold shades.

To get a long individual braid style without killing your fingers, pre-made crochet braids are the only way to go. This easy style is perfect for wearing braids in spite of time and money constraints.

Unlike some thicker braids, individuals are perfect for creating more complicated updos. Sweep your individual braids to the side to create a sophisticated look that’s perfect for attending a wedding or working in a formal business environment.

Use a few pieces of red to highlight your individual braids. This is an easy way to test out a new color or to use up an extra pack of a different shade.

These ultra long individual braids look soft and romantic when tied behind the back in a loose, three-strand braid.

Pink ombre color adds a pop of feminine color to your individual braids, and contrasts beautifully against natural black roots.

Sweep your individual braids to the side for a simple style that oozes understated glamour.

This high ponytail is the perfect way to dress up your individual braids. Not only is this style sophisticated and elegant for special occasions, but it’s equally great for busy days when you need your braids to stay secured.

A messy half-up top knot is very on-trend, and also a practical way to keep long individual braids out of your face. New braids might be too stiff to tie up in this style, but you should be able to do it within a week of your hair’s installation.

Instead of braiding right down to the ends, you can leave individual braids open to create some soft texture. Keep in mind that synthetic hair may shed more when braids are left open, and you might find your style doesn’t last quite as long.