Women have worn braids all over the world for thousands of years. The style is one of the most flexible, ranging from unbelievably complicated designs to simple plaits. Braids are ideal for virtually every occasion, too.

There’s a braided hairstyle that’s right for you, whether you’re in the workplace, at school, in the gym, or even at a wedding.

Even better, braids will shield your strands from damage and help you grow your mane longer, depending on your hair type. To discover all the different braided hairstyles for females, keep scrolling.

For Afro-textured hair, traditional box braids are one of the most iconic types. To get this look, all the hair will be sectioned into squares and worked into individual plaits. You can use your hair or have braided extensions that will give you long full locks for head-turning. They are considered a defensive style and can be any length or thickness, but go for smaller box braids if you have naturally thin or fine hair, so there is less stress on your scalp. While box braids take a long time to put in, they last for weeks once finished and are very low-maintenance.