Butterfly braids are a distressed, loopy take on box braids or cornrows: extension hair, often a soft wavy or curly fibre, is wrapped loosely so small loops pop out along each braid. The result looks fuller and more relaxed than a sleek braid. This gallery shows the technique in many forms, from messy cornrows and stitch braids with clean geometric parts to a bob-length style, thick waist-length braids, four chunky braids ending in mini buns, and updos such as half-up space buns and a jumbo braided bun at the nape.
The style is a protective option for natural, coily and curly hair, and it suits anyone who wants volume without a polished, uniform finish. Colour plays a big part too: blonde, toffee, copper and ombre extensions are all featured here.
Before booking, think about weight and tension. Jumbo and waist-length braids are heavier on the scalp, while knotless installs start with your own hair and feel gentler at the roots, a smart choice for sensitive scalps or fragile edges.
1. Messy Butterfly Cornrows
Instead of lying flat against the scalp like traditional cornrows, these rows are puffy and soft to the touch. Fine curly pieces left out around the hairline frame the face and add a delicate finishing touch to the relaxed texture.
Inspiration: @zhairclub
2. Half-Up Pony
Medium box braids are versatile enough for many styles; here the upper section is gathered into a bouncy half-up ponytail while the rest hangs free. It keeps the face clear and shows off the looped texture from the crown down.
Inspiration: @vhaira__
3. Half-Up Space Buns
Crown braids are split down the centre and wound into two full buns for a playful, futuristic feel, while the lower braids stay loose. Wrap the buns loosely rather than twisting tightly, which helps avoid unnecessary tension on the scalp and edges.
Inspiration: @littlefallsdeeshairsalon
4. Braids Into Low Mini Buns
Four plump, glossy braids run back from the hairline to the nape and finish in two small buns. The style lifts everything off the neck, making it a cool, comfortable option for hot weather, workouts or busy days when hair needs to stay put.
Inspiration: @slimkeish
5. Thin Passion Braids
Springy and full of volume, these thin braids pair beautifully with wavy or curly extension fibre. Loose loops and curly ends make the look romantic and versatile enough to wear up, half-up or down, and a mousse refresh keeps the curls bouncy.
Inspiration: @passionbraidsja
6. Stitch and Loop Braids
Sleek stitch braids at the scalp transition into puffy butterfly lengths, mixing clean geometry with fluffy texture. It is a great choice for anyone who loves contrast within one hairstyle, and the neat partings stay crisp for weeks with a light edge gel.
Inspiration: @yooabagail
7. Jumbo Braids
Large braids trace the shape of the head and fall past the shoulders, where they blend into soft curls. The look is expressive yet easy to wear every day, and the bigger sections mean a shorter appointment than micro or small braids.
Inspiration: @danni_trancistaa
8. Double Braids with Cuffs
Smooth cornrows hug the scalp before the braids are secured just behind the ears and fan out into loopy pigtails. Decorative cuffs add a little sparkle and keep the weight distributed down the lengths, so the style feels lighter than it looks.
Inspiration: @sanjuantrenzas
9. Chunky Tapered Braids
Only a few braids are used, starting full and voluminous at the root and tapering toward the tips. The bold, chunky effect makes a strong statement while being relatively quick to install, and the slimmer ends keep the overall weight manageable.
Inspiration: @braidedbynique21
10. Wingy Braids Bob
Shorter lengths work just as well with looped texture, as this braided bob shows. A slight inverted angle, shorter at the back and longer toward the face, supports a rounded, polished outline and keeps the style light and easy to manage.
Inspiration: @tthaisbraids_
11. Messy Butterfly Buns
Multicoloured extensions, rich texture and a deliberately messy finish come together in these butterfly buns. Leave a few loose pieces around the face to keep the updo lively and soft, and secure each bun with a large pin rather than a tight elastic.
Inspiration: @moreofnaticee_
12. Two-Tone Braids
A sunflower blonde shade woven into dark braids adds depth and a cheerful, summery mood. Contrasting colour shows off the loopy texture and makes every braid stand out, while the darker roots keep regrowth from looking obvious as the weeks pass.
Inspiration: @thehairtherapyexperience
13. Braids with Highlights
Two highlighting ideas are combined: light brown ends create a soft ombre, while a single snow-white braid adds a bright streak near the face. Mixing techniques like this personalises a protective style without committing to dyeing your own hair.
Inspiration: @juu_braiids
14. Extra Long Braids
Very long braids look impressive but take longer to install and weigh more on the scalp. Agree on the length with your braider beforehand so you both know how much time and extension hair the appointment will need, and plan for a long session.
Inspiration: @donebybethany
15. Goddess Braids
Six stitch braids create a comfortable everyday base with an elegant finish. Clusters of loose curls around the face add softness to the clean, structured partings, and because there are so few braids, installation is relatively quick and the style stays light.
Inspiration: @lavishleestyled
16. Chunky Multicolored Braids
Thick braids in toffee brown and creamy blonde complement each other for a warm, cohesive palette. Choosing neighbouring shades rather than stark contrast keeps the colour looking natural and rich, and it flatters warm and golden skin undertones especially well.
Inspiration: @laidbylay___
17. Thick Waist-Length Braids
A thick curtain of blonde braids falling to the waist looks dramatic and enchanting. Because the style is heavy, it suits experienced wearers whose scalp is comfortable carrying extra weight; tying it up occasionally gives the roots a rest.
Inspiration: @intoxicating.styles
18. Plaits with Sculpted Edges
Swirled, sculpted baby hairs highlight the neat partings and tidy structure of the braids. Lay the edges with a soft gel and a small brush or toothbrush, then tie a silk scarf over the hairline for a few minutes until the swirls set.
Inspiration: @hairbyrayvenn
19. Curly Half Updo
Sleek, jet-black braids already shine on their own, but a half updo gives them extra dimension. The top section is wound into a bun at the crown, while curly ends at the bottom soften the polished look and add movement.
Inspiration: @rosrokstyles
20. Copper Braids
Copper red braids are a bold choice for anyone wanting to stand out. Softly textured loops catch the light and make the warm shade glow, especially against deeper skin tones, and the colour pairs well with gold cuffs or jewellery.
Inspiration: @_hairbyskyee
21. Double Messy Buns
Puffy braids gathered into two messy buns are perfect for casual days, whether running errands or meeting friends. The undone texture of the buns matches the relaxed loops, so there is no need to make them perfectly neat or symmetrical.
Inspiration: @kymsstylesuite
22. Shoulder-Length Braids
Braids that just skim the shoulders prove length is not essential. Stitch partings and generous volume give these plaits a full, glossy finish that is light and easy to wear, ideal for first-time braid wearers or anyone with a tender scalp.
Inspiration: @stylesyoucanafford
23. Thick Textured Passion Braids
Passion braid fibre brings a bohemian feel, while looped butterfly texture adds playfulness. The result is voluminous and fashionable, best styled loose to show off the movement, or pulled into a low ponytail when you want the braids off your face.
Inspiration: @jay.beauty1
24. Wingy Ombre Braids
A gradual colour fade starts dark at the roots and travels down to bright, curly tips. The ombre draws the eye along the full length of each braid for a dazzling effect, and the natural-looking root makes the style feel fresh for longer.
Inspiration: @gg_gloriousglow
25. Four Braids with Curls
Several curls are left out during braiding to create an airy, delicate result. Soft tendrils around the face and between the braids give it an especially feminine look; mist them with water and a little leave-in to keep them springy.
Inspiration: @hairbyjenn.artistry
26. Jumbo Braids with Curly Ends
Jumbo knotless braids fall like a waterfall with a silky texture and finish in curly ends. Starting knotless means less pressure at the roots compared with traditional box braids, and the flat base lets the braids move naturally from day one.
Inspiration: @keirataylor.co
27. Knotless Wingy Braids
Knotless braids are known for creating minimal tension at the scalp. If yours is sensitive, ask for butterfly braids installed with the knotless method for a gentler, more comfortable wear that can be styled up almost immediately after the appointment.
Inspiration: @hba_quarterz
28. Four Braids with Curly Tendrils
An even number of chunky braids creates a symmetrical, balanced shape. Extensions one level lighter than the natural colour add subtle dimension without looking stark, and the braids finish in curly tendrils that soften the bold structure.
Inspiration: @studio.aguiiar
29. Stitch Plaits with Curls
Long, textured stitch braids mix with loose curls for a soft, feminine result. Refresh the curly pieces with a little mousse or a water spray every few days to keep them defined, and sleep in a bonnet so the loops stay full.
Inspiration: @136_braids
30. Butterfly Bun Updo
Four jumbo braids are stitched neatly and gathered into a bun at the nape. The elegant shape suits formal events such as weddings and keeps the braids off the shoulders, while the looped texture keeps the bun from looking severe.
Inspiration: @imperialtresses_llc
Keeping butterfly braids fresh for weeks
Because the loops are meant to look slightly undone, butterfly braids age gracefully, but a few habits stop them from turning frizzy too soon:
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase to protect the loops from friction.
- Spray the scalp with a diluted leave-in or apply a light oil to your partings every few days to prevent dryness and itching.
- Cleanse the scalp with a nozzle-tip bottle of diluted shampoo, rinse thoroughly and let braids dry completely to avoid mildew odours.
- Trim stray fibres with small scissors rather than pulling them.
How long to keep them in
Most braiders recommend removing butterfly braids after six to eight weeks. Leaving them longer allows new growth to mat at the roots and puts strain on the hairline. When taking them down, work slowly, detangle each section with conditioner, and give your edges a short break before the next protective style.