Braids with curls combine the low-maintenance protection of braiding with the softness and movement of curly hair. This gallery brings together thirty examples: box and knotless braids with curly ends, a braided long bob with kiss curls, goddess braids in a half-up bun, cornrows that flow into natural curls, burgundy locs with spirals and caramel Fulani braids finished in waves.
There are two broad approaches. One braids the full head and adds curly ends or curly pieces with extensions, as in boho knotless braids and French curl braids. The other braids only part of the head, usually the front or one side, and leaves natural curls loose, which suits women who want to show off their own texture while keeping hair off the face.
Consider weight and tension before booking. Very long or jumbo styles can pull on the scalp, so ask for knotless braids if your edges are delicate. Curly extensions also need daily care, since they tangle more than straight braids. Length, colour and braid size should match your lifestyle; a medium brown bob length is easy for the office, while butt-length braids make more of a statement.
1. Braids & Curls on Long Bob
Box braids with curly ends and a scattering of loose curls create a long braided bob. Styled kiss curls at the hairline add drama and polish. It is a fresh variation for anyone used to plain mid-length box braids.
Inspiration: @pearlthestylist_
2. Long Knotless Braids with Curls
Long knotless braids with plenty of curls tucked in create a boho effect. The brown and caramel-blonde tones complement darker skin beautifully. Knotless braids put less tension on the scalp, making them a comfortable long-term option.
Inspiration: @marlyshairbraiding
3. Goddess Braids, Curls & High Bun
Goddess braids gathered into a high half-up bun make a bold statement on long natural hair. Loose curls falling around the braids add softness and interest. Accessorise the bun with cuffs for a special occasion.
Inspiration: @dadouhair
4. Ombre Braids with Curly Ends
Ombré braids with curly ends show how extensions and colour techniques open up endless options. This look comes from Fancy Claws, a luxury spa salon in South Africa. The colour gradient pairs well with the curled tips for a striking finish.
Inspiration: @fancy_claws
5. Patterned Crown
Cornrows are an effective way to manage natural hair, and this patterned crown adds a twist. Loose curls begin just below the chin for a completely new look that stays low maintenance. Keep the scalp moisturised between the rows.
Inspiration: @infinity_beautylounge
6. Half Braided Hairstyle
Tight cornrows on top lead into lush curls below the ears, making this a head-turning protective style. Statement kiss curls add a glamorous edge suited to special occasions. Refresh the curls with a light leave-in spray.
Inspiration: @neyhairs_
7. Cornrows & Tight Curls
Cornrows at the front reduce volume and open up the face, while tight curls are left loose behind. The braids highlight the facial features. It is an ideal style for anyone who wants to show their curl pattern with a neater front.
Inspiration: @criouloshair
8. Thin Knotless Braids with Curls
Thin, long knotless braids finished with loose blonde waves give a glamorous Hollywood feel. The colour makes the biggest impact, so choose a blonde shade that complements your skin tone. Keep the waves soft with a light mousse.
Inspiration: @braidsby_veronica
9. Braids, Curls & High Ponytail
Jumbo braids are a quicker alternative to regular box braids and blend well with curls. Wear them loose, play with the parting or sweep them up into a high ponytail as shown. The curls add softness to the bold braid size.
Inspiration: @tshanibraids
10. Burgundy Red Locs with Curls
Locs combined with romantic curls add a softer side to a classic style. A rich burgundy red brings extra vibrancy. Keep the colour bright with sulphate-free cleansers and avoid too much sun exposure. Retwist the roots every four to six weeks to keep the locs neat and tidy.
Inspiration: @steph_theextras
11. Curly Bob with Cornrows
A curly bob gets a fresh twist from a few stitch-braid cornrows reaching to the middle of the head. The braids keep hair off the face in summer heat. Curly bobs are relatively easy to style, making this a practical choice.
Inspiration: @trancascaroline
12. Goddess Braids with Waves
Long goddess braids paired with defined waves look stunning on jet-black hair. A middle parting keeps the shape symmetrical. The waves soften the braids and give a graceful, goddess-like feel. Ask for lightweight wavy extension hair so the waves stay soft rather than heavy.
Inspiration: @laviniatrancista
13. Box Braids with Caramel Extensions
Extra-long thin box braids with caramel extensions and wavy ends show how extensions add length, colour and texture. The caramel tone complements natural hair well. Maintain the ends by detangling gently with fingers. Sleep in a satin bonnet to stop the wavy ends tangling overnight.
Inspiration: @spritzhairstudio
14. Chocolate Brown Braids with Curls
Chocolate brown braids with curls look trendy and surprisingly versatile. A high ponytail is one of the most popular ways to wear them. Leaving a few braided tendrils around the face adds a polished, celebrity-style finish.
Inspiration: @femmedoesmyhair_ke
15. Half Cornrows, Half Curls
Beaded cornrows keep hair off the face while natural wash-and-go curls stay free behind them. The combination balances neatness with volume. Add hair cuffs for extra glamour and keep curls hydrated with a cream. This style is a good option for summer, when you want curls but less hair on the face.
Inspiration: @trancascaroline
16. Intricate Braiding
A full head of curly weave gets interest from a few face-framing braids that begin as zig-zag cornrows. The whimsical pattern adds detail without compromising volume. It is a great choice for summer when you want curls but less fuss at the front.
Inspiration: @neyhairs_
17. Jet Black Braids with Curls
Created at the Spritz studio, this style features criss-cross cornrows leading into braids with glamorous curly ends. Cornrows remain one of the most popular protective styles, and the curls give them extra allure. Moisturise the scalp regularly.
Inspiration: @spritzhairstudio
18. Super Long Braids with Curls
Butt-length jumbo braids with long curly strands create a dramatic yet cute look. Extensions provide the length. Be mindful of weight, and choose lightweight hair to avoid strain on the scalp. Gather the braids into a loose bun when sleeping to reduce pulling on the roots.
Inspiration: @_camilatrancista
19. Pick and Drop Braids
Pick-and-drop braids attach synthetic hair at the roots and braid it for only a few centimetres before letting the curls fall free. The result is attention grabbing and full. Keep the curls detangled with a wide-tooth comb.
Inspiration: @gladzbraidhouse
20. Luscious Curls
Bouncy, shiny natural curls get extra interest from a few braids on one side. Minimalist cuffs add a stylish finish. The style keeps one side neat while showing off the curl pattern on the other.
Inspiration: @drenya_trancista
21. High Ponytail Braids into Curls
A high braided ponytail with curly ends works for both special events and the gym. The curls make it feel feminine and romantic. Smooth the edges with a soft gel and wrap the base with a braid.
Inspiration: @spritzhairstudio
22. Medium Length Braids with Curls
Medium-length bob braids in golden brown with a few spirals look elegant and office-appropriate. The colour is classy without being too bold. Experiment with partings or accessories to change the look easily. This length is light on the scalp and easy to tie back for workouts.
Inspiration: @laviniatrancista
23. Bohemian Box Braids
Large, long box braids adorned with bouncy spirals along their length give a rock-diva edge. The length allows high or low ponytails or a sleek updo. Keep the spirals defined with a light mousse. Wrap the braids loosely at night to protect the spirals from frizzing.
Inspiration: @slayedbynims
24. Box Braid Hairstyle with Deep Side Parting
Created by Texas-based stylist Shayla Gunn, this shoulder-length look places a few box braids on top with a deep side parting, keeping volume down while showing off the natural curl pattern beneath. It is a cute, balanced way to combine braids and curls.
Inspiration: @iamshaylanash
25. Long Knotless Braids with Curls
Patterned side cornrows, triangle-part knotless braids in deep black and silky loose curls combine into an elegant, feminine style. The neat parting pattern adds detail. Refresh the curls with a light spritz of leave-in daily.
Inspiration: @braidsbytiti
26. Jumbo Braid Hairstyle
Extra-large braids with curly strands make a bold statement. A bonus is that big braids are quick to install. Keep their weight in mind and avoid overly tight installation. Jumbo braids also show off curly ends clearly, giving the style plenty of movement and personality.
Inspiration: @braidsbynellyy
27. Caramel Brown Braids with Curls
Patterned Fulani-style cornrows pulled into a ponytail with caramel wavy ends create a celebrity-worthy look. The rich caramel tone adds warmth. Smooth edges with a soft edge control. Ask your braider for a centre parting and side cornrows to recreate the Fulani pattern accurately, then style the wavy ends with a light mousse.
Inspiration: @bestbyjessica_salon
28. French Curl Braids
Freehand cornrows and super-long braids with French curl ends make a chic, low-maintenance style for hot weather. Changing the extension colour or the cornrow pattern personalises it further. Keep the curls soft with a light mousse.
Inspiration: @slayedinbraids
29. Curly Ponytail with Cornrows
Mohawk braids leading into a curly ponytail combine a sleek top with a voluminous curly bun. The contrast highlights the facial features. It is an elegant choice for parties and practical for the gym. Lay the edges with a soft gel for an extra polished line around the hairline.
Inspiration: @melsxbeautyhair
30. Tribal Braids
Intricate scalp braids leading into a large curly bun create a daring, eye-catching look. The pattern and volume work together beautifully. Secure the bun well and refresh the curls daily. Spritz the curls with water and leave-in conditioner each morning to keep them bouncy and defined.
Inspiration: @tinny_hairdresser
Caring for curly ends on braided styles
- Spray the curls lightly with a water and leave-in conditioner mix each morning, then finger-detangle; brushes break up the pattern.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and matting.
- Refresh human-hair curls with a little curl cream; synthetic curls respond better to a quick dip in warm water.
- Trim any matted ends rather than pulling them apart.
Protecting your scalp and edges
Ask for braids that are not installed too tightly, and look out for bumps or soreness in the first few days, which signal excess tension. Oil the scalp lightly between braids with a non-greasy product and cleanse every one to two weeks with a diluted shampoo. Most braided styles should be taken down after six to eight weeks to prevent buildup and breakage, followed by a deep conditioning treatment before the next install.