Finding the right hairstyle can feel overwhelming, especially with so many trendy options to choose from. If you’re considering a bob braid hairstyle, you’re in for a treat—this chic and versatile look combines the elegance of braids with the timeless appeal of a bob. To help you nail this style, we’ve gathered expert tips to guide you through choosing the perfect bob braid that complements your face shape, hair type, and personal taste. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished finish or a playful, textured vibe, these insights will ensure you make the best choice for your unique features and lifestyle.
Here are some tips for choosing a flattering bob braids style for yourself.
- Face Shape: Choose a style that complements your face shape. Longer or asymmetrical bob braids elongate wider faces, while shorter bobs with layers suit more angular or oval faces.
- Hair Texture: Consider your natural hair texture when selecting the type of braid. Smaller braids work best for finer hair, while thicker hair can handle larger, chunkier braids.
- Length: Decide on the length of your bob braids based on your aesthetic and styling preference. A chin-length bob braid gives a classic look, while shoulder-length braids offer more versatility for styling.
- Braid Size: The size of your braids affects the overall look. Micro-braids offer a more intricate, detailed style, while larger braids create a bolder look.
- Maintenance: Consider how much time you are willing to invest in maintenance. Smaller braids typically require more upkeep, while thicker, larger braids may last longer with less need for touch-ups.
- Protective Benefits: Bob braids can be a great protective style. But, make sure your hair is prepped with proper conditioning and care before braiding to avoid breakage or tension on the scalp.
You can select a bob braid style that flatters your face, suits your lifestyle, and expresses your individuality, by considering the factors mentioned above! Now, without further ado, browse through the many ways in which braids can upgrade your bob hairstyle.
29 Exquisite Bob Braids You Need To Know
1. Long Bob Braids With Wooden Beads
The light feel of shorter braids syncs well with wooden beads. It makes for such a playful look. And, imagine these beads rattling together with every step you take! All the boho, cottage-core enthusiasts curlies out there, this style seems to be custom-created for you! This hairstyle is also perfect for casual outings and parties.
2. Copper Bob Braids
A moderately vibrant bob braids for those who want to test the waters with a dyed look. And you need not necessarily dye your hair, colored extensions will work just as brilliantly. Darker braid shades also seem to carry an edge to them. No wonder this style demands attention with its feisty looks! And you can accessorize these thin braids with threads and mini clip-on beads for added flair.
3. Pink Curved Braids
Pink reminds me of all the good things from my childhood – unicorns, cotton candy, Barbie dolls, teddy bears, and bubblegum.
Braid that glee into your hair with this awesome side curved bob braids style. You are now ready to look FASHIONABLE & GLAMOROUS!
4. Asymmetrical Braided Bob
Asymmetrical bobs look badass. I thought there was no possible way to top them until I saw this asymmetrical braided bob. It has such a strong personality. It is stunning! The blonde extensions look incredible in these box braids.
5. Thick Bob Braids
Hair extensions are generally used to make hair look thicker. That is exactly what this braided bob does. The burgundy accents are subtle yet boisterous at the same time. Love this crochet braid look. There are some amazing ways to style your crochet braids; knowing them can easily uplift your look!
6. Long Braided Bob
Don’t let the braided bob fool you. While it is inherently badass, it is versatile enough to be styled in a girly manner.
7. Shaved On The Side Braided Bob
#Thuglife! Some hairstyles ooze personality, and this is one of them. The shaved pattern on the side can be a simple or an intricate design, depending on your preference. With the pattern, this hairdo looks totally edgy.
8. Braided Bob With Hair Rings
This braided bob looks tribal and wild. You can almost hear the opening theme for The Lion King in the background. Come to think of it, if The Lion King was remade with humans, I think this is how Nala would look. Pretty wild, eh?!
9. Wavy Braided Bob
When you tightly weave a braid, your hair tends to get squiggly – which makes for a crazy hairdo. These wavy braids are perfect for sporting on a beach holiday.
10. Ombre Braided Bob
Ombre will never go out of style. The key is to pick colors that go well with your skin tone. Your skin has surface tones and undertones. Dark, olive, medium, and fair are surface tones while warm, cool, and neutral are undertones. It’s the undertones that really matter when picking a hair color.
11. Pop Of Color Braided Long Bob
Sometimes, all you need in life is a pop of color. Braided long bob hairstyles are something else! This one would look like any other if it weren’t for that splash of reddish brown. Add some vibrance to your locks to set them apart. You can explore more long bob hairstyles to help you get that edgy look that will make you the talk of the town.
12. Silver Gray Braided Bob
Storm is known for being a fierce mutant who controls the weather, and for her iconic silver gray hair. It’s no wonder that every woman at some point in her life wanted this hair color. I still do.
13. Shell Braided Bob
Who needs flowers and headbands when you have shells? Shells carry the sound of the ocean and make you feel like you’re on holiday 24/7. Sounds pretty awesome, right? So, accessorize your bob braids with some shells to create a summer-perfect look.
14. Electric Blue Bob Braids
Blue is a futuristic color. It’s no wonder it’s the color of a famous time-traveling spaceship. (If you get that reference, you have a special place in my heart). These bob braids look chic and uber cool with electric blue highlights.
15. Volumizing Bob Braids
This girl has flawless features, and the bob braids only accentuate them. Bob braids can help accentuate your features, especially if you have a diamond- or oval-shaped face.
16. Thick Threaded And Beaded Braided Bob
Why settle for thin braids when thick locks give you more volume? And the colorful thread and extensions and gold beads add vibrance to the hairdo. The slight pop of color here and there is a nice touch that adds some dimension to the braided bob.
17. Gold Beaded And Threaded Bob Braids
To look a class apart, all you need are accessories like these gold beads and threads. They transform this braided bob into a masterpiece.
18. Dual Colored Box Braid Bob
Simple, yet very stylish. If you like subtle hair colors, this is the braided bob for you. The best part is that you don’t even need to color your hair. You can achieve this look by using some colored extensions.
19. Undercut Braided Bob
You don’t have to braid your whole bob to look glamorous. If you have a pixie bob, weave your hair on one side into a thin braid. You’ll have to use the French braiding method where you keep adding hair to the side sections of the braid. This hairstyle looks especially great with big earrings!
20. Side Braided Bob
This one is pretty easy to try. Using a straightener, style some waves at the ends of your hair. Part your hair on one side. Take some hair from the front of the side with lesser hair and weave it into a braid. Pin it up underneath some loose hair at the back of your head. This hairstyle looks especially great with coffee brown highlights done on black hair as it adds texture and dimension to the look.
21. Simple Thin Braided Bob
Thin braids can also look very voluminous. The key is to use hair extensions that make your hair look fuller than it is. Simple accessories like classy clip-on beads can add oomph to this hairdo.
22. Free Ended Braided Bob
I love this hairdo. The skinny black braids look brilliant and go well with her overall look. I like how the beads are placed at the front. It looks traditional, yet has a modern feel to it.
Actress Danai Gurira wore her bobbed Fulani braids with fanned or open ends at the 2019 Oscars.
23. Long Braided Bob
Growing out your bob is never wrong, especially if it’s a slanted bob with the back shorter than the front. Weaving the entire bob into thin black braids adds a lot of edge to the look. Add in some beaded hair accessories, and you can wear this hair look just about anywhere.
24. Over-Side Braided Bob
This mix of pink, light purple and red colors adds texture and dimension to the hair. Part your hair on one side. Weave a braid on one side, flip it over to the other side, and pin it underneath loose hair. Pancake the braid to make it look voluminous.
25. Patterned Braided Bob
Black women take a lot of pride in their braids, which is why they spend a lot of time perfecting them. Intricately patterned braids like these look breathtaking, to say the least.
26. Tightly Twisted Braided Bob
These tight twists look like the polished version of dreadlocks. It’s important to remember not to twist or braid your hair too tight, especially near the scalp. This can lead to Traction Alopecia. Apply some gel or mousse near the roots so you get a better grip when braiding or twisting your hair instead of pulling it tightly.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg wore her iconic dreadlocks in a bob hairstyle while filming for the popular show The View.
27. Scarfed Braided Bob
Scarves have been around for ages. They can amp up any hairdo and add vibrance to an ensemble. While there are many ways to tie a scarf around your hair, this almost-turban look is a hot favorite. Now that you know which bob braids are trending right now, here are some maintenance tips to make those braids last longer.
28. Jumbo Bob Box Braids
Jumbo box braids are a bold and stylish hairstyle that adds flair to your look. These braids are larger in size, creating a chunkier and more eye-catching appearance. They are not just a protective style but also a fashion statement. You can experiment with different lengths and colors, making it a versatile choice for expressing your unique style.
29. Butterfly Locs Bob Braids
This trendy look combines the charm of bob braids with the intricate and textured appearance of butterfly locs. The result is a chic and playful hairstyle that adds a touch of sophistication to your overall look. Add a splash of color to those voluminous butterfly locs and take the classic bob hairstyle to a whole new level.
How to Maintain Bob Braids
- Get your braids re-weaved every three months. This way you won’t have to start from scratch, but simply secure the loose ends.
- Wash your hair only once a week. Washing your hair too often can loosen the braids. Concentrate on washing off the buildup on your scalp.
- Kinky hair dries out faster than all other hair types. To remedy this, apply oil to your roots regularly. Use your fingertips to massage hot oil on your scalp.
- Deep condition your hair at least once a week; use a natural leave-in conditioner. This will moisturize your hair follicles.
- Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before you go to sleep. This will prevent your braids from getting frizzy. Also, use silk pillow covers to minimize friction when sleeping.
- Using a blow dryer can dry out and damage your hair. Instead, allow your hair to air dry.
Additionally, Tuera Jacobs offers her expert suggestion, “Scalp treatments, in the form of a dry and itchy scalp shampoo mixed with an antiseptic, can be applied between installs. This will help deter itching and flaking, as well as promote blood circulation, which is key to hair growth.”
