Welcome to Texture Talk, a column that celebrates and deep dives into the dynamic world of curly hair, from crowns of curls that are free flowing to strands that are tucked away in a protective style.
Braids have become seriously popular this summer. With influencers and celebrities embracing them more than ever before, plus the fact that countless stylists were locked down for months on end, perfecting their crafts, they are everywhere. Braids have always been a staple in the textured hair community but, like with many style and beauty trends, each generation puts their own spin on things. Now, a new crop of braiders are adding their own 2021 flair to traditional braided styles.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest continue to be a source of inspiration but it’s TikTok that has become the go-to destination for those looking for a little braid inspiration. Here we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite TikTok creators to turn to when searching for new braided styles to try.
For passion braids and baby hairs styled to perfection: Follow @yingabby
This Washington, D.C. hairstylist gets our number one spot because of the impressive variety of styles she features on her page. She is adept at all styles of braids, but impeccable passion and feed-in braids (or stitch braids, as they are often called) at ground-grazing lengths are where her true talent shines through. Most importantly, @yingabby lives by the rule that no braid up is complete until your baby hairs are slicked and styled flawlessly.
@yingabbyI’m a work in progress, I’m so proud of myself! New styles ALL 2021 😘🥰 #fyp #4u #protectivestyles #travelingstylist #dmvstylist♬ TikTok sync challenge General do NOT credit EvVie – EvVieArts
For Coi LeRay-inspired braids: Follow @slayedbyesete_
If you’ve been following the latest braid trends religiously, chances are you’ve probably run into a few (hundred) TikToks with people rocking jumbo box braids curled at the ends. The style recently shot to popularity after budding rapper Coi LeRay began wearing them, and we’ve since seen stylists like @slayedbyesete_ offer up their own interpretations. Not only does she execute the style easily, but her parts are so clean you could eat off of them.
@slayedbyesete_#coileraybraids #PerfectAsWeAre #fyp♬ HateSonny “kill bill (fast)” – .
For the tidiest feed-in braids on TikTok: Follow @braidsbykayy
This Buffalo, New York-based TikTok creator has perfected the art of feed-in braids. While her page features a fun assortment of styles, her talent for creating feed-in braids is truly enviable. Not only does @braidsbykayy nevr shy away from colour, she experiments with patterns and parts, too.
@braidsbykayyEnjoyed do this style🥰🔥#knotlessbraids #fypシ #foryoupage #hairtok #stitchbraids #viral #summervibes #coloredbraids #neatbraids #fypchallenge♬ Chanel (Go Get It) [feat. Gunna & Lil Baby] – Young Thug & Young Stoner Life
For styling tips for long braids: Follow @certified.jesss
Knotless box braids look beautiful with little to no styling. In fact, part of their appeal is the fact that they require minimal maintenance. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean the style couldn’t use a refresh from time to time. When you are in the mood to change things up, @certified.jesss has got you covered. Her page is full of fresh takes on traditional single braids, from space buns to interesting ways to incorporate scarves.
@certified.jesssknotless braid hairstyles. 😋 #knotlessbraids #blackhairstyle #fypシ #viral #longbraidstyles #hairstyle #edges (don’t mind my shirt 🤦🏽♀️)♬ Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child
For the best soft loc inspiration on TikTok: Follow @itsthacatshow
TikTok creator Nyaisha has many talents and creating captivating tutorials showing the process of installing soft locs is one of them. Her page is brimming with different lengths, sizes and colours of the increasingly popular style. If you’ve been obsessed with the look of locs but are weary of the commitment they require, @itsthacatshow is a must-follow account for natural-looking soft locs that look like they’re growing out of your scalp.
@itsthacatshowI did some 36in locs on me …how I do 🥺? #hairtransformation #hairstylesforblackgirls #distressedlocs #houstonhairstylist #locstyles #hairtutorials♬ original sound – Byrum
For some of the neatest and longest braids on TikTok: Follow @doseofdena1
This TikToker lives by one rule and one rule only: the longer the better. Look to her for inspiration on achieving glamorous floor-grazing box braids in fun colours that compliment every skin tone. With some of the neatest parts on TikTok, @doseofdena1 is a small dose of perfection.
@doseofdena1Still my favorite #fyo #foryou #trending #knotlessbraids #orlandobraider #blackgirlhair♬ original sound – Kane Trujillo
For a wide variety of styles: Follow @braidzbyrenee
If variety is the spice of life, then @braidzbyrenee is the spice of TikTok. This Mississauga, Ontario-based hairstylist has a little bit of everything on her page. From box braids to jungle braids, if you’re looking for protective styling there’s a good chance you can find it on her TikTok account. With aerial views of her precisely parting hair, it’s also a great place to start if you’re looking for tips on how to get those razor-sharp parts.
@braidzbyreneeEnjoy #braids#fy #viral #torontobraider #tiktokfun♬ Jildo ft. Backyardigans and Meghan Stallion – Jillian 🤡
For easy and comprehensive tutorials for every style of braids: Follow @dsybhair
TikTok creator Daniella (who goes by @dsybhair) has some of the best braiding tutorials on the entire app, point blank. Not only does she alternate between using mannequin heads and her own natural hair as a model, you can find everything from fishtail braids to stitch braids on her page.
@dsybhairKnotless Tutorial , Easy Method ✌🏽 #tutorials #hairtutorials #fyp #foryoupage #viral #braidstutorial #knotlessbraids #howto♬ Ski Mask The Slump God – Foot Fungus – Kiersten
For different lengths and colours of knotless box braids: Follow @knotlessgang
This Toronto-based hairstylist has all her latest client work on display on TikTok for us to marvel at. No matter the length, texture or colour, if you’re thinking of getting knotless box braids, it’s likely @knotlessgang has a video depicting a style you’ll love.
@knotlessgangI am obsessed 😍😍😍😍 ##jumbobraidsbox ##blackgirlmagic ##braidsgang♬ Cognac Queen – Megan Thee Stallion
For complex parts and styles: Follow @braidsbykamesha
@braidsbykamesha is perhaps one of the most innovative braiders on our entire list, expertly pulling off intricate and complex designs in an assortment of styles. From tribal braids to diamond-parted box braids, if you’re looking for a style that will make people stop and stare in awe, this is the only account you need to follow.
@braidsbykamesha♬ Drip 4 Sale – Plies
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