In modern Nigeria, braids on men have transformed from being frowned upon to becoming a powerful fashion statement. The 21st century has ushered in a new era where young Nigerian men confidently sport braided hairstyles, often accessorized with matching piercings to complete their look.
Why Nigerian Men Are Embracing Braids
Braids have become one of the primary ways Nigerian youth express their personality and individual style. These intricate hairstyles tell compelling stories about heritage, creativity, and personal identity. Whether you're wearing neat micro braids for professional settings or bold box braids for special occasions like the Pulse Fiesta, the right braid style can significantly boost your confidence and make you stand out in any crowd.
The practical benefits of braids cannot be overlooked. They offer low-maintenance care routines, provide excellent protection against hair breakage, and deliver remarkable versatility in styling options. Here are 15 braid styles that are currently trending among Nigerian men.
Top 15 Braid Styles for Nigerian Men
Cornrows: These classic, timeless braids suit almost every face shape and hair type. Perfect for men seeking a clean, low-maintenance look while maintaining stylish appeal.
Box Braids: A bold, protective, and trendy choice particularly suitable for men with natural hair. They work exceptionally well with thick hair and allow creative experimentation with length and accessories like beads or cuffs.
Twist Braids: Ideal for active lifestyles, these braids protect your hair during gym sessions or daily activities while remaining easy to manage.
Senegalese Twists: These sleek, stylish twists elongate your face and provide a polished appearance without demanding daily styling effort.
Braided Mohawk: For those wanting to make a strong fashion statement, this edgy style features shaved sides with detailed braiding in the center. It's particularly effective for men dealing with receding hairlines.
Micro Braids: Neat, subtle, and perfect for braiding beginners, these tiny braids work well in professional environments and can be styled multiple ways.
Travis Scott Braid: Inspired by the rapper's signature look, this high-fashion choice offers low-maintenance styling while giving natural hair a healthy break.
Single Braids: Versatile braids that frame the face beautifully and work with almost any hair length, offering multiple styling options from tied-back to free-hanging styles.
High-Top Locs: Resembling a mohawk with tapered sides and concentrated locs on top, this style offers flexibility for ponytails, half-up styles, or free-hanging tips.
Braided Locs: Perfect for men wanting to refresh their loc game without starting over, these provide instant cool, collected energy with minimal maintenance.
Tapered Man Bun: Combining clean sides with a stylish gathered bun, this classy look transitions seamlessly from workplace to social settings.
Faded Cornrows: An elevated take on traditional cornrows featuring sharp fades that create beautiful framing and bold contrast.
Zig-Zag Cornrows: A creative, pattern-focused style that showcases personality and stands out with its unique designs.
Two-Strand Twists with Fade: This easygoing style combines nice texture on top with clean, sharp sides that suit almost everyone.
Stitch Braids: Incredibly precise and artistic, these braids make a bold statement for men who appreciate exactness and intentional style.
How to Choose Your Perfect Braid Style
Face shape consideration is crucial when selecting braids. Oval faces can pull off almost any style, while round faces benefit from styles that create height and length. Square faces look best with styles that soften angles, and diamond- or heart-shaped faces need styles that balance width distribution. Long faces should avoid extra length and opt for shorter to medium styles.
Your hair length determines which styles you can achieve. Short hair works well with mini twists or short box braids, medium hair offers more flexibility for single braids and twists, while long hair opens up possibilities for bold looks like box braids and braided locs.
Lifestyle compatibility is essential. Active individuals should choose low-maintenance styles like cornrows or micro braids, while those who enjoy frequent styling changes might prefer box braids or twists that offer greater versatility.
Hair texture plays a significant role in style selection. Thick or coarse hair can handle most styles comfortably, while fine or softer textures require gentler approaches to prevent breakage. Short natural hair with good grip can still rock various styles including cornrows and mini twists.
Essential Braid Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures your braids look great and protect your hair health. Always wear a durag or scarf made from satin or silk while sleeping to reduce friction and prevent frizz. Keep your scalp clean using diluted shampoo or gentle cleansers to remove sweat and buildup.
Regular moisturizing with light oils, leave-in sprays, or hydrating creams prevents dryness and itchiness. Avoid over-tight braiding to prevent hair thinning and breakage. Refresh your braids every 4-6 weeks to maintain neatness and longevity.
In Nigeria, braiding costs vary significantly based on style and location. Simple cornrows start around ₦2,000-₦5,000, while box braids or intricate styles like Travis Scott braids range from ₦8,000-₦20,000 or more. Micro braids typically cost slightly higher due to the time investment required.
Ultimately, braids serve as a powerful reflection of personal identity. Whether you choose classic cornrows, subtle micro braids, or the iconic Travis Scott braid, wear your style with confidence. Select braids that not only follow trends but authentically express who you are.
