20 Stylish Ways to Style Braids with Curls

Some love braids, some love curls but no one can say no to a combination of braids and curls – curled braids – because it is one hairstyle that never misses. This is why in today’s article, I’ll be providing you with 20 of these hairstyles to choose from for your next curled braids so stick with me.

What are Curled Braids?

Curled braids are braids that have curls at their ends (most popular), middle, or just a few inches from the beginning of the braids. Curling the braiding hair can result in a fresh protective style look with the texture and movement of curls, and they can be achieved with the following methods.

How to Curl Your Braids

1. Curl braids with hair rollers and hot water

Hair rollers or roller sets are hair styling tools that are used to create curls on hair. To achieve curled braids, individual braids are wrapped around a hair roller, dipped in hot water for a few seconds, and taken out. Holding with a thick towel so as not to burn the hand, each roller is then removed from each braid carefully following the newly-created curl pattern. Hair rollers are of different types and they include perm rods, flexi rods, curl formers, ribbon curlers, and steam rollers, among others. The curls on the braids could be tight or loose, depending on whichever one you prefer and which type of hair rollers you use (the smaller ones give tighter curls while the larger ones produce loose curls).

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2. Curl braids with hair rollers

Although not as common as the first method, curled braids can be achieved without the use of heat. The first thing to do is spritz the parts of the braids you want to be curled with water and then follow this with a styling foam application. Next, wrap the braids around the hair rollers and leave them overnight. The next day, gently take out the hair rollers from the braids. It is important to mention that this method may not result in well-defined curls as other methods that use heat application.

3. Curl braids with a curling iron

Before you do this, it is imperative to mention that this method only works on hair braided with human hair and not synthetic hair. This is because using a curling iron on synthetic hair can burn or melt it. To create curled braids on human hair (extension), simply wrap the parts of the braids (you can do three or four individual braids at once) you want to be curled along with the curling iron. Hold for some seconds and gently release them. The curls you’ll get from this will be loose bouncy waves so if this result is what you want, then go for a curling iron.

4. Curl braids using thread, string or yarn

You can use pieces of thread, yarn, or string to create well-defined curls on your braids. This method can be used if there are no hair rollers available. You start by tying the piece of string or thread or yarn around the part of the braids you want to be curled (this can be done in sections) and then you push the braids (with the string on) all the way up, from the ends to where the tying started from. Secure this in a knot with the same piece of string at the ends of the braids. When you’re done tying the braids and pushing them up, dip them in hot water and leave them for some seconds before taking them out. Cut out the straight ends which were not tied with the rest of the braids for a neat finish. Finally, untie or cut out the strings, threads, or yarns.

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5. Curl braids by braiding them

Yes, you can achieve curls on your braids by braiding the braids. Simply weave sections of individual braids into a large one, starting from wherever you want your curls to begin all the way down. When you’re done, dip each section in hot water, leave for some seconds, and take out. Use a thick towel or a hair dryer to first dry the hair so your hands do not come in contact with hot water. Gently loosen each large braid to get your newly-created curls.

6. Use pre-curled braiding hair

If you’re going for goddess braids a.k.a boho braids, you can achieve this by using pre-curled hair extensions. This is done by adding the pre-curled hair to the braids during the braiding process to result in a unique curled braids appearance.