Tree braids, sometimes called illusion braids, are a protective style in which extension hair is braided into small cornrows at the scalp. Most of the length is left loose, so it falls like natural hair while your own hair stays tucked away. This gallery shows twenty-five ways to wear them. There are 1970s-style centre-parted waves, tight spirals with auburn highlights, sleek straight lengths combed back with no part and a curly mohawk-inspired updo. You’ll also see bright red kinky coils, honey and platinum blonde layers, a lion’s-mane shoulder-length style and a polished wedding bouffant.
The extension texture you choose sets the look and the upkeep. Straight and silky hair looks sleek but shows tangles more, while kinky or tightly curled textures look fuller and blend easily with natural coils. Because you are not dyeing your own hair, braids are also a risk-free way to try burgundy, auburn or blonde.
Installation takes several hours, so plan ahead. A skilled braider will keep the cornrows small and flat so the parting looks natural.
1. Wavy Centre-Parted Tree Braids
Centre-parted tree braids with soft, retro curls give a seventies-inspired look. A few subtle auburn highlights at the front add a touch of colour. Let the waves fall freely for a relaxed, glamorous finish. A satin bonnet at night keeps the curls intact.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Wavy Hairstyle for Tree Braids
Tree braids let you play with many textures, like these tight waves that add volume and depth. A neat side part frames the face softly. Adding gradual layers would give the style even more dimension.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Front-Braided Tree Braids
A few inches of diagonal braids at the front personalise this curly style. A braided headband separates the braided section from the full, voluminous curls. It is a fun way to show your personal style.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Black Layered Tree Braids
Expert layering makes these black tree braids look like natural hair. A thin burgundy streak in the bangs and flipped ends add interest. A slightly messy finish suits the style perfectly. Ask your braider to layer the loose hair after installation.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Highlighted Tree Braids
Auburn highlights blend softly into black illusion braids. With a middle part and gentle curls, the look works for everyday wear or special occasions. Highlights are an easy way to experiment with colour. Refresh the curls with a light mousse.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Long Straight Hair with Tree Braids
Long, sleek, completely straight tree braids look striking when combed straight back with no part. The simple style shows that braids don’t need extra detail to look good. Smooth the lengths with a light serum.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Tree Braids with Burgundy Highlights
Dark brown and burgundy braids give more variety in both colour and styling. Even a simple bun or top knot looks special with flecks of colour. Light waves add a soft, interesting texture. Try a high top knot to show off both shades.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Long Wavy Tree Braids with Highlights
Very long tree braids styled in tight, sculpted spirals look polished and dramatic. Auburn highlights stand out against the black base. A clear side part finishes the look neatly. Separate the spirals gently with your fingers to keep them from clumping together.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Side-Swept Curls with Tree Braids
Side-swept curls give tree braids an old Hollywood glamour with an effortless feel. Soft curls frame the face, and a deep side part adds drama. Positioning the hair this way changes the whole look. Pin one side back for extra glamour.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. Side-Parted Tree Braids
Bleached roots and a deep side part give these tree braids a realistic, asymmetric finish. The braids look so natural that most people won’t notice they are extensions. It is a unique and modern style.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Curly Updo for Tree Braids
Rows of neat braids across the back lead to curls piled on top in this mohawk-inspired updo. The curls fall forward like bangs. Wearing hair up shows off the neckline and statement earrings. Large hoop earrings suit it beautifully.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Dark Blonde Tree Braids
Braids make colour experiments easy, since your own hair isn’t dyed. This dark blonde look includes hints of red and black for a rich, layered effect. Messy curls through the lengths keep it fun and relaxed.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Bright Red Tree Braids
Bright red tree braids with tightly coiled curls are guaranteed to get attention. The small, tight coils create a kinky texture and lots of thickness. Wear it in a bun or loose for maximum impact.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Half Up, Half Down Tree Braids
Wavy tree braids pulled half up and half down look playful and youthful. The style keeps hair off the face while showing off the long, textured lengths. It is both pretty and comfortable to wear.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. Twisted Top Tree Braids
A twist or two pinned back guides shiny tree braids away from the face. Chocolate and caramel highlights add warmth and depth. It is a quick way to change up a simple style. Use small bobby pins that match the hair colour.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. Long, Sleek Tree Braids
Long, sleek tree braids in a simple, classic shape are very versatile. Because the loose hair is plain and straight, you can style it in many ways with curls, buns or accessories. It is an easy everyday look.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Honey Blonde Tree Braids Hairstyle
Dark blonde, honey blonde and platinum blend in these layered tree braids. A middle part and flipped ends complete the look. Blonde shades brighten the face and always draw attention. Ask your braider to blend the three shades so there are no harsh stripes.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Curly Black Tree Braids
Big, full curls styled with tree braids suit anyone who loves volume. Medium-sized curls create thickness, and with no obvious part, you can position the hair any way you like. Fluff the curls with your fingers.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Layered Burgundy-Toned Tree Braids
Short, layered tree braids with burgundy tones show how versatile this protective style is. They add length, thickness and protection for your natural hair. Change the length and colour to create your own look. It is also quicker to style each morning.
Inspiration: @Instagram
20. Extra Voluminous Tree Braids Style
Wavy texture adds thickness and volume to these shoulder-length tree braids. The full, soft finish resembles a lion’s mane. Very little styling is needed; simply let the waves fall freely. Shake the waves out with your fingers rather than brushing them.
Inspiration: @Instagram
21. Classy Wedding Bouffant Style
Tree braids above the ears keep the sides sleek and add a detailed braided texture. Paired with a smooth bouffant, they create an elegant style for a wedding or other big day. The contrast of textures is very striking.
22. Free Flowing Highlighted Waves
Silky curls with highlights fall around the face and shoulders here. A side part helps keep thick hair off the forehead. Play with angles for a soft, flowing finish that frames the face. Brushing gently keeps the curls glossy.
23. Thick Flawlessly Straight Tresses
Thick, straight tree braids offer a sleek look without chemically relaxing natural hair. Your own hair is cornrowed and extensions in your chosen texture and colour are added. It is a gentle alternative to relaxers.
24. Envious Bouncy Curls
Lush, natural-looking curls falling back from the face can be achieved with cornrowed extensions. They can be braided into natural or relaxed hair. Remove them after several weeks to keep your own hair healthy. Many braiders suggest around six to eight weeks.
25. Miraculous Waterfall
Waves swept to one side create a simple yet classy downdo for any occasion. Extensions also make it easy to try highlights. Chocolate tones look especially beautiful against black hair. Pin the hair behind one ear to keep the sweep in place.
Looking after tree braids and the hair underneath
- Keep the cornrows clean by applying a diluted shampoo to the scalp with a nozzle bottle, then rinsing gently and drying thoroughly.
- Moisturise the scalp with a light oil or spray between washes, avoiding heavy build-up at the roots.
- Sleep with the loose lengths in a loose braid or bun under a satin bonnet to prevent tangling.
- Detangle loose extension hair from the ends upwards with a wide-tooth comb.
How long to keep them in
Most braiders recommend removing tree braids after about six to eight weeks. Leaving them longer can cause matting at the roots and put strain on the edges as your hair grows. Ask for braids that are not too tight at the hairline, since constant tension can thin the edges. When you take them out, give your natural hair a deep conditioning treatment and a short break before your next protective style.