Shaving the sides puts all the attention on the braids, turning a protective style into something with real attitude. This gallery gathers twenty combinations: a single Dutch braid over an undershave, jumbo golden blonde box braids, a braided mohawk dyed lime green, Senegalese twists in a black-to-burgundy ombré, micro braids in a sleek ponytail and individual yarn braids wrapped in bright string.
How much you shave is the big decision. A full buzz on both sides and the back gives a mohawk shape but removes a lot of hair, while a small undercut above the ears or on one side only can be hidden under loose braids and grows out more easily. If you are unsure, start small; growing out shaved sides takes months.
Braid type and length should suit your routine. Extension braids let you add length without chemical processing and protect natural hair, but heavy jumbo or hip-length braids add weight. Straight and fine hair can wear Dutch braids with shaved panels too, as long as the braiding is tight enough to hold. Carved designs such as waves or hard lines add another layer of detail if you want extra impact.
1. Dutch Braided Hairstyle with Shaved Sides
A single goddess-style Dutch braid can look even more modern than pairs or multiples. Shaved sides direct the eye straight to the centre of the head and frame the braid. Keep the shaved areas clean with regular touch-ups.
Inspiration: @applebutterboutique
2. Faded Sides and Poetic Justice Braids in a Bun
Box braids gathered into an oversized topknot make a strong statement on their own. Faded sides help the bun stand out even more. A silk scarf at night keeps the braids neat. Wrap a few braids around the base of the bun to hide the elastic neatly.
Inspiration: @talentedmrcj
3. Jumbo Braids with Half-Shaved Sides
Shaving the sides is a big commitment, so a small section above the ears is a smart compromise. Chunky golden blonde box braids can be worn over it to hide the detail if you change your mind. The undercut grows out much more easily.
Inspiration: @tasha_stylez
4. Braided Mohawk with Shaved Design
Only the front is braided into a mohawk, with the ends and back left loose for a pretty, undone finish. Lime green colour emphasises the punk feel of the shaved design. Bold shades need lightening first and colour-safe care.
Inspiration: @mandaharsche
5. Long Top Short Sides with Fade
Braiding the top of a slicked-back undercut adds a feminine detail to a traditionally masculine cut. French braiding short hair is tricky, so coat your fingers with pomade or wax for grip. A fade keeps the sides tidy.
Inspiration: @ikerpeloss
6. Cuffed Twist Braids with Side Shaved Wave
Cuffs, strings and colourful twist braids bring a feminine touch, while a shaved side with a wave design adds edge. The balance creates a statement look that is still wearable every day. Moisturise the scalp between the twists.
Inspiration: @hairbeenatural
7. French Braid Mohawk with Shaved Sides
Men’s cuts adapted for women are on trend, and a French braid mohawk over an undercut softens the boldness without losing its edge. The braid adds a pompadour-like height. Smooth the sides with a little gel.
Inspiration: @mslameylynn
8. Senegalese Twist Braids with Color
Shaving only the sides, not the back, gives a mohawk effect while keeping more length. Senegalese twists in a black-to-burgundy ombré add colour. It is ideal for women who want the edgy look without losing too much hair.
Inspiration: @jdivastyles
9. Micro Braids with Shaved Sides
Micro braids are easy to style because they move freely. Pair them with an undershave and wear them in a ponytail, a slicked-back mohawk or an updo. Twisting the braids backwards can hold them without an elastic.
Inspiration: @rocio_trenzas
10. Goddess Braids with Microbraid Detailing
Goddess braids are similar to cornrows but slightly thicker, with thinner braids near the edges. Paired with shaved temples and micro braid detailing, the style looks feminine and fresh. Keep the edges moisturised. Keep tension moderate around the shaved temples, where the hairline is more delicate.
Inspiration: @erica_letstalkhair
11. Knotted Braids with Shaved Sides and Back
Micro braids behave much like loose hair but are a bit thicker and cannot tolerate heat. Style them into a French knot, top bun, ponytail or leave them down. Shaved sides and back show off an updo best.
Inspiration: @braidsbytasha
12. One Shaved Side with Parted Crochet Braids
Shaving just one side keeps most of your hair while still adding edge. Crochet twist braids parted to the opposite side fall over it beautifully. Be clear with your stylist about how much to remove.
Inspiration: @tqueenhairsalon
13. Thick Boxer Braids with Weaved In Highlights
Two thick boxer braids with woven-in highlights sit on top of shaved sides, putting the focus on the centre. Chunky or extra-long braids work best for this effect. Highlights add depth and movement. Ask for lightweight extension hair so long braids do not strain the scalp.
Inspiration: @touchedbytb_
14. Braids in a Ponytail and Carved Sides
A shaved design, such as waves, swirls or hard lines, adds creativity to buzzed sides. Thin black braids pulled into a ponytail keep the carved section visible. Book regular touch-ups to keep the design sharp.
Inspiration: @machine_hands
15. Giant Updo for Box Braids with Shaved Sides
Synthetic braid extensions add length without risking damage to natural hair, taking it from shoulder length to past the hips. White box braids in a giant updo pair with shaved sides for impact. Consider the weight when choosing length.
Inspiration: @ronesiabarrshair
16. 2 Dutch Braids with Shaved Sides for Straight Hair
Two Dutch braids paired with square side undercuts work on straight and fine hair as well as textured hair. The style recalls the hip-length goddess braids Kim Kardashian made popular. Braid tightly for a lasting finish.
Inspiration: @cherrybomb_hair
17. African Banana Braids in a High Pony
Cornrows, an undercut and a wrapped braided ponytail combine for a dramatic high pony. Banana braids add volume to the ponytail. Highlights and braid cuffs add finishing touches. Keep the undercut freshly clipped so the contrast with the cornrows stays sharp and the ponytail looks deliberate.
Inspiration: @shellyafrikhair
18. Medium Box Braids with Shaved Sides
Box braids directed towards the nape create a slicked-back effect without gel. Because braids are worn for weeks, choose a direction you are comfortable with. Colourful braids and an undercut make it fun and bold.
Inspiration: @crowned_nubian18
19. Mohawk Updo with Buzzed Sides
A ladylike braided updo pairs beautifully with buzzed sides and nape. A shaved hard part marks the line between short and long hair, highlighting the faux-hawk shape. Secure the updo with pins and a light spray.
Inspiration: @hairbylumberjack
20. Individual Yarn Braids with Sides Shaved
Individual yarn braids make a protective style that is lightweight and colourful. Shaved sides add interest, as does the bright wrap string. Burgundy tones bring warmth to the overall look. Yarn braids are lighter than many synthetic fibres, which makes them comfortable for weeks.
Inspiration: @jannahbraids
Deciding how much to shave
- A small square or triangle above one ear is the most discreet and can be covered by letting the braids fall over it.
- Both temples shaved suits mohawk braids and topknots, keeping the back intact for coverage.
- Sides and nape shaved gives the boldest shape, best for updos and high ponytails.
- Ask for a “hard part”, a razor line along the edge of the undercut, to make the border look crisp.
Maintaining the shaved sections
Buzzed areas grow out fast, so plan a quick clipper touch-up every two to three weeks while the braids stay in. Moisturise the exposed scalp with a light oil, and use sunscreen on it in strong sun. When you take the braids down, you can keep the undercut or let it grow; a few awkward weeks can be disguised with headbands, side parts or wearing the hair down over the shorter section.