Braids adorned with beads are more than just a hairstyle; they’re a celebration of culture, style, and personal expression. From classic styles to modern twists, adding beads to braids can transform a simple look into something that feels truly unique and personalized. This article explores 33 distinct braided hairstyles, each with a flair for natural hair and diverse occasions. Whether you’re looking for a style for a casual day or an elegant evening out, there’s a braided look here for you.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids are one of the most recognized and beloved styles, known for their intricate patterns and beaded adornments. These braids start with cornrows down the center of the head and extend into long braids, usually embellished with beads of various colors. They’re perfect for women and kids alike, providing a versatile look that’s both chic and cultural. This style complements round face shapes beautifully and pairs well with deep, expressive eye colors, such as brown or hazel.
To achieve Fulani braids, you’ll need a good rattail comb, a strong-hold gel, and an assortment of beads. First, section the hair and braid in intricate patterns, ensuring each braid is sleek and smooth. Beads are then added toward the ends, secured with a small elastic. To maintain this style, a silk scarf can help keep edges smooth, while a moisturizing spray prevents the braids from drying out.
Knotless Box Braids with Beads
Knotless box braids are a modern take on traditional box braids, offering a lightweight, tension-free option. The braids start seamlessly at the root, reducing strain on the scalp, making them perfect for black women who want a long-lasting, protective hairstyle. These braids suit oval and heart-shaped faces well, and their length can be tailored to match personal style—from chin length to waist-length.
Creating knotless box braids requires patience, as each section is gradually braided with added extensions for a natural, seamless look. Beads can be added along the lengths of the braids or clustered at the ends for a statement. Regular use of a leave-in conditioner and anti-frizz serum helps to keep the braids looking fresh, while beads stay intact with small rubber bands or bead locks.
Beaded Cornrows with Curly Ends
Beaded cornrows with loose, curly ends offer a fresh take on traditional cornrows by blending textures. This hairstyle features cornrows that end midway, letting the natural curls take over from there, adding softness and volume. Ideal for a boho or casual look, it flatters all face shapes and is especially striking with bright eye colors like green or blue.
This style is achieved by braiding the hair halfway down, securing it with a bead, and letting the natural curls flow from the midway point. For added shine, apply a curl-enhancing cream to the loose ends, and use a satin scarf at night to keep the braids neat and curly ends tangle-free.
Kids’ Fulani Braids with Beads
For a playful and age-appropriate style, kids’ Fulani braids with beads are perfect for girls kids who love to show off some style. These braids are similar to traditional Fulani but scaled down with a bit more color in the bead choices. It’s a fantastic style for active days and special occasions alike, and it flatters any youthful face shape, making it an all-round favorite.
To create this style, section the hair into smaller parts for comfortable wear and braid it into cornrows, adding beads at the ends. Kids love the fun colors, so feel free to get creative with the bead selection. Daily moisturizing sprays keep the hair hydrated, and a lightweight oil will help maintain a neat finish.
Boho Braids with Wooden Beads
Boho braids are all about embracing a relaxed, laid-back vibe with an artistic touch. With medium-length hair, these braids hang loosely around the shoulders, adding a chic, natural look with wooden beads that complement earthy tones. Great for outdoor events or music festivals, these braids pair well with oval and heart-shaped faces and bring out the beauty of hazel and green eyes.
The process involves loosely braiding sections of hair and securing them with small, wooden beads for a rustic feel. A lightweight mousse can help keep frizz under control, while a sea salt spray gives the style a bit of added texture and volume. Wooden beads are often tied with small leather strips for a truly bohemian look.
Short Knotless Braids with Beads
Short knotless braids adorned with beads are perfect for anyone looking for a simple, everyday hairstyle with a touch of flair. With braids ending around shoulder length, this style is ideal for women who prefer a low-maintenance look that’s also stylish. These braids look fantastic with round and heart-shaped faces and work well with darker eye colors, like brown and black.
To achieve short knotless braids, start by sectioning the hair and braiding without knots at the root. Beads can be added at the end for a bit of flair, and secure them with rubber bands. Maintenance is minimal, requiring just a hydrating spray and a weekly scalp oil to keep both the scalp and hair healthy.
Kids’ Lemonade Braids with Beads
Kids’ lemonade braids with beads bring a playful twist to the iconic lemonade braid style. These braids are thin and sleek, flowing to one side with a cascade of beads at the ends for a bit of extra charm. Ideal for round and square face shapes, this style is both fun and functional, perfect for school days and weekend outings.
To create kids’ lemonade braids, part the hair to one side and braid thin sections, adding beads at the ends as you go. Be sure to use a gentle gel to keep each braid smooth, and finish with a satin scarf at night to maintain the braids. Regular detangling is essential to keep the beads in place and prevent frizz.
Alicia Keys-Inspired Braided Bob with Beads
Taking inspiration from Alicia Keys, the braided bob with beads brings a bold, chic look with shorter lengths and iconic bead placements. 
This style sits at chin length, making it a great choice for someone who wants a manageable style that still stands out. It suits oval and round face shapes and highlights the eyes with its attention-grabbing bead accents.
Start by braiding the hair into a short bob, leaving room to add beads near the roots and ends for extra flair. Maintenance is simple—apply a shine spray to keep the beads looking polished, and use a leave-in conditioner to nourish the hair and reduce frizz. It’s a perfect look for both day and night events, bringing a hint of glamour to every outfit.
Braided Mohawk with Beads
For those who love edgy styles, the braided Mohawk with beads is a fantastic choice. The sides are typically shaved or braided tight, while the top is styled in a raised braid line adorned with beads for added emphasis. This look complements angular face shapes and can highlight brown or hazel eyes beautifully, making it a great choice for a night out or music festival.
Achieving this look involves braiding the top section of hair into a line while either shaving or tightly braiding the sides. Beads can be added along the raised braid line for a dramatic effect. To keep the style fresh, use a lightweight gel for the sides and a hair wax to maintain the volume in the Mohawk braid.
Box Braids with Beads and Bangs
Box braids with bangs bring a fresh, modern twist to the classic style. This look is perfect for someone who wants to frame their face with braids and beads, with braids extending to shoulder length or longer. It’s a versatile style that complements square and oval faces, highlighting the eyes while providing a full, voluminous look.
To create this style, braid the hair with a focus on framing the face with bangs, adding beads as desired. Maintenance is easy—use a silk scarf at night to keep the braids neat and reduce frizz. A lightweight oil can be applied to the ends to keep the hair hydrated and help the beads stay in place.
Short Fulani Braids with Beads
Short Fulani braids with beads are ideal for those who want a quick, stylish look with a nod to cultural heritage. This hairstyle combines short, center-parted cornrows that frame the face, often adorned with beads near the roots. It’s perfect for a boho vibe and works well with both square and oval face shapes, especially highlighting deep brown and hazel eyes.
To achieve short Fulani braids, part the hair down the middle and braid small sections close to the scalp. Beads are placed strategically near the roots, adding an eye-catching element. Maintenance is simple with a daily spritz of leave-in conditioner and occasional scalp oil to keep everything fresh.
Shoulder-Length Braids with Colorful Beads
For those with shoulder-length hair, braids with colorful beads offer a vibrant, fun look that can be tailored for any age or occasion. The beads add a pop of color, making it ideal for casual outings or summer events. This style complements round and heart-shaped faces and brings out bright eye colors like blue and green.
To create shoulder-length braids, start by sectioning the hair and braiding it with an even, smooth technique. Add beads of varying colors at the ends for a bold effect. A leave-in conditioner with UV protection helps keep the hair hydrated and the beads looking bright and fresh all day.
Kids Knotless Box Braids with Beads
For a lightweight and comfortable style for kids, knotless box braids with beads are an excellent choice. The knotless technique prevents tension on the scalp, making it perfect for active kids who love to play while still looking stylish. This style works well for any face shape, and the added beads give it a playful twist that highlights a child’s natural charm.
Creating knotless box braids involves braiding the hair starting slightly away from the scalp, giving it a natural look. Beads are added at the ends, secured with tiny rubber bands. A gentle daily moisturizing spray helps keep the hair soft, while a satin pillowcase can help prevent frizz overnight.
Cornrow Braids with Beads and Curls
Cornrow braids with curly ends and beads are a stunning combination that merges structure with softness. The braids are sleek and close to the scalp, transitioning into curls at the ends for a natural, flowing look. This style is great for outdoor events and suits oval and heart-shaped faces, enhancing deep eye colors like brown and amber.
To achieve this look, braid the hair in cornrows until the halfway point, allowing the rest to flow naturally. Add beads at the ends of each braid and apply a curl cream to the loose curls. Regularly using a hydrating conditioner keeps the curls bouncy and the beads shining.
Beaded Box Braids with Shaved Sides
For a bold, edgy look, box braids with shaved sides and beads offer a statement hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads. This style keeps the braids on top of the head while the sides are shaved or kept very short, giving it a modern, daring vibe. Ideal for angular face shapes, it’s great for music festivals or nights out.
Start by shaving or closely cropping the sides and braiding the top section into box braids. Add beads along the braids for added texture and personality. Maintain the style with a lightweight hair wax for the shaved sides and a leave-in conditioner for the braids.
Beaded Boho Braids with Hair Wraps
Boho braids with beads and hair wraps are a bohemian dream, blending beads with colorful wraps around select braids. This style is laid-back and relaxed, perfect for summer festivals or beach days. It flatters heart-shaped faces and brings out the beauty of green and hazel eyes.
To achieve boho braids, loosely braid sections of the hair, leaving some strands to frame the face. Add beads and wrap pieces of fabric around individual braids for added color and texture. Use a sea salt spray to keep the braids soft and a light oil mist for added shine.
Chin-Length Bob Braids with Beads
The chin-length bob with braids and beads is a modern classic, combining a manageable length with the beauty of beads. This look is excellent for everyday wear, whether at work or at casual social gatherings. It suits round and oval faces well and accentuates dark eye colors like brown and black.
To create a chin-length bob with braids, start by sectioning the hair into even parts and braiding each to the chin. Add beads to the ends for a polished finish. Keep the braids neat with a light hair cream and wrap them with a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz.
Beaded Braided Ponytail with Bangs
A high ponytail with bangs and beads is both fun and stylish, offering a unique twist on the standard ponytail. With beads framing the face and gathering at the base of the ponytail, it’s perfect for any casual occasion or workout. It works well with square and heart-shaped faces, especially for those with expressive eyes.
To achieve this look, braid the hair into sections and gather it into a high ponytail. Leave a few braids out to create bangs, and add beads along the lengths and ends. A strong-hold gel helps to secure the ponytail, while a leave-in spray keeps the braids and bangs soft.
Long Box Braids with Wooden Beads
Long box braids with wooden beads provide a natural, earthy look that’s both elegant and timeless. These braids, adorned with wooden beads, are ideal for black women looking for a style that showcases length and cultural heritage.
This style suits oval and diamond face shapes well and enhances darker eye colors like brown and black.
To create long box braids, section the hair evenly and braid down the length, adding wooden beads along the ends. A lightweight oil can keep the hair nourished, and a scalp serum helps prevent dryness. Wrapping the braids at night helps keep the style fresh for longer.
Pixie Braids with Beads
For a unique twist on the pixie cut, pixie braids with beads add a dose of personality to shorter hair. This style is great for girls kids and adults alike, offering a playful, stylish look that works well for school or casual outings. It’s ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces and brings out eye colors like green and amber.
Start by braiding the hair into small, thin sections and adding beads along the length of each braid. Use small rubber bands to secure the beads, and finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold. A daily conditioning spray keeps the braids soft and prevents breakage.
Braids with beads offer a world of styling possibilities for all ages, hair types, and lengths. They bring cultural significance, artistic flair, and personal expression to the forefront, making each style unique to the wearer. We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave comments below and share your own experiences with braided styles. Happy styling!
