The history of braids dates all the way back to 3500 BCE which is nearly 5500 years ago! But the braid trend didn’t kick off until the 1900s. Since then, the protective hairstyle has gone through a rollercoaster of changes.
I’d probably have to dedicate an entire website to list down and describe all the braiding styles to ever exist. That’s actually not a bad idea but for now, I’ll stick to talking about one of the most universally loved braiding styles of all time – butterfly braids.
Since you’ve landed on this page, I can safely assume that you have been dying to try out this hairstyle for quite some time now. But deep down, you’re probably unsure whether this style is for you.
Believe me when I say that butterfly braids are for everyone with natural hair, regardless of age or face shape. In this guide, I’ve grouped together 25 stunning ways to perfect the hairstyle.
But before we get to that, let’s learn some interesting facts about butterfly braids, shall we?
Contents
0.1 What Exactly Are Butterfly Braids?0.2 How Long Does It Take to Create Butterfly Braids?1 Here Are 25 Finest Butterfly Braids Hairstyle Ideas for You to Check Out1.1 1. Butterfly Box Braids1.2 2. Butterfly Knotless Braids1.3 3. Butterfly Braids Locs1.4 4. Butterfly Braid Side-part Ponytail1.5 5. Butterfly Braid Updo1.6 6. Double Bun Butterfly Locs1.7 7. Jumbo Butterfly Braids1.8 8. Crochet Braids Butterfly Locs1.9 9. Two Butterfly Braids1.10 10. Butterfly Braid Coiffure1.11 11. Gypsy Butterfly Box Braids1.12 12. Butterfly Feed-in Braids1.13 13. Goddess Butterfly Braid1.14 14. Two-toned Butterfly Braids with Beads1.15 15. Butterfly Braids with Curly Ends1.16 16. Butterfly French Braids1.17 17. Butterfly Halo Braids1.18 18. Butterfly Braids with Gold Cuffs1.19 19. Butterfly Crown Braids1.20 20. Golden Butterfly Braids1.21 21. Butterfly Mohawk Braid1.22 22. Criss Cross Butterfly Braids1.23 23. High Ponytail Butterfly Braid1.24 24. Multi-colored Butterfly Braid1.25 25. Bold Red Butterfly Braid1.26 Some Awesome Tips for Maintaining Butterfly Braids1.27 Braid up, Buttercup!What Exactly Are Butterfly Braids?
Butterfly braid is a simple and charming feed-in braid that merges two braids from each side of your head into a single braid at the back of your head.
The feed-in method forms the signature butterfly effect this hairstyle is named after. Using braiding hair extensions is essential for achieving the desired volume and length. You might think you don’t need them but trust me, you do.
The addition of hair extensions will help you enjoy a low-maintenance, protective hairstyle that’s fitting for both casual and formal events.
How Long Does It Take to Create Butterfly Braids?
It can take anywhere between half an hour to an hour and a half to complete the styling, depending on your expertise level and the complexity of the desired look.
How to Do Butterfly Braids? – A Step-by-step Guide
The basic idea of butterfly braids is blending two braids into one large, fluffy braid. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process of styling basic butterfly braids –
Moisturize and detangle your strands before you start styling to avoid hair breakage. Use a high-quality, nourishing leave-in conditioner to detangle and smooth out your tresses. Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean and sharp off-center parting. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush to lay down the edges. Apply some edge-control gel onto it if you usually have a hard time taming your curls. Start forming the braid on the right side and wrap the feed hair extension around it. Leave the ends undone towards the nape of your neck. Repeat the process on the left side as well. Bring both braids together and blend them into a single braid towards the right side.There are umpteen ways to get creative with butterfly braids – something I’ll be discussing in detail in the upcoming section.
Here Are 25 Finest Butterfly Braids Hairstyle Ideas for You to Check Out
Butterfly braids can be as versatile as your imagination. To prove my point, I’ve put together a list of 25 chic butterfly braid hair ideas that are both timeless and trendy.
1. Butterfly Box Braids
Add some extra dimension to your classic butterfly braids by blending butterfly twisted braids with knotless box braids. Unlike traditional box braids with an anchor knot, it doesn’t put any tension on your scalp and creates a seamless finish. Get brown or chocolate highlights to elevate the oomph quotient.
Perfect for special events like prom and wedding reception, this painless braiding technique is a brilliant choice for anyone who is getting braids for the first time.
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2. Butterfly Knotless Braids
Also known as passion braids, it is a gorgeous twist on the classic passion twists African-American women have been rocking for ages. Knotless butterfly braids typically last for 3-5 weeks, making it a nice option for anyone who fancies getting butterfly braids but doesn’t want to fully commit to them.
This hairstyle can be nailed easily by looping synthetic hair extensions through your butterfly braided hair.
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3. Butterfly Braids Locs
This chic boho hairstyle brings the coolest elements of passion twists and goddess locs together. It’s messy but in a classy way. Butterfly locs are ideal for long and wavy natural hair.
The signature loops of butterfly locs can be achieved by feeding faux locs (something like FreeTress Water Wave) into your braid.
Though there are several different ways to create butterfly locs, the crochet method is by far the easiest method to nail the look. Pro tip: as you wind down your hair, fluff out some of the waves to get the signature distressed locs effect.
4. Butterfly Braid Side-part Ponytail
There’s absolutely no way you can go wrong with a sleek side-part butterfly ponytail. Don’t let its intricate appearance fool you. It’s really not that difficult to get the look right.
Here’s a little pro tip – installing some feed-in braids is the secret to making the ponytail appear thick and fluffy. To add extra flair, decorate the ponytail with pretty pearl-adorned hair clips on both sides.
5. Butterfly Braid Updo
Gold beads are my favorite accessories to pair with butterfly braids. Butterfly braids meticulously styled on top of the head and embellished with gold beads look downright magical.
Fitting for prom, weddings, festivals, as well as everyday casual look – this stylish updo is incredibly easy to create and demands almost no maintenance.
6. Double Bun Butterfly Locs
Think faux locs are boring? Then check out these statement-making double bun butterfly locs – a gorgeous red carpet-worthy hairstyle for highly textured hair.
Twist your butterfly locs into two high buns in front of your head and leave the rest of the locks flowing at the back to conjure up a sort of half up half down look. Keep two or more front locks out of the bun if you are going for a messy look.
7. Jumbo Butterfly Braids
A glamorous hairdo for brides and bridesmaids who don’t want to spend hours arduously styling their hair but still want to look like a million bucks. Jumbo butterfly braids are essentially a twist on the classic passion braids.
Start by tying two jumbo braids on each side and simply combine the two at the center of the head, forming a V shape. Adorn the gorgeous braids with ornate pearl hair brooches or golden cuffs to complete the look.
8. Crochet Braids Butterfly Locs
Make a statement with this trendy hairstyle that requires installing crochet locs into the braids. It’s an excellent alternative to wrapping and cornrows for first-timers.
One small piece of advice for those dealing with hair breakage – if you are using rubber bands, dip them. in some oil before use. It will minimize the breakage. Thank me later.
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9. Two Butterfly Braids
Deck up for a wedding or any special event with two butterfly braids. You can keep it simple or take it a step further by styling the braids around your head like a crown for a regal touch.
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10. Butterfly Braid Coiffure
Instead of blending two braids into one, shape them into a large, relaxed coiffure. This stunning boho hairdo helps to create the illusion of extra volume and definition since both braids are distinctly visible in the coiffure. Make the style stand out with highlights, pretty clips, or any accessories you want and you’re all set to rock!
11. Gypsy Butterfly Box Braids
This classic boho hairdo has been trending on Insta for quite some time now. An elegant twist on knotless butterfly box braids, these chunk boho box brands are such a vibe. To create this style, you will need FreeTress deep twist hair along with pre-stretched braiding hair extensions.
Make sure to use small sections of the extensions to obtain a fuller appearance. The style is such a savior for women who don’t want to sit in the salon for hours getting their hair styled.
12. Butterfly Feed-in Braids
Yet another quick and easy protective style created with hair extensions – butter feed-in braids are a great everyday hairstyle for girls with curly natural hair.
Two braids feeding into each other create tons of volume without the added weight. Consider creating zig-zag parting to draw more attention to your hair.
13. Goddess Butterfly Braid
What I admire the most about these superchic braids is their versatility. Pair it up with any outfit – be it a glamorous gown or gym wear and you are gold. A style fitting for a goddess, this immaculately styled variant of butterfly braids can be customized in a myriad of ways.
For a royal aesthetic, I’d suggest going with extra-large braids with curly ends. Alternatively, for a softer, sweeter look, pull your strands back into a loose ponytail and pair it up with face-framing soft, wispy edges.
14. Two-toned Butterfly Braids with Beads
These sleek and voluminous dual-toned braids look downright magical. When executed properly, it’s every bit as fitting for formal events as it is for everyday use.
I prefer the colors to be subtle but nothing is stopping you from experimenting with bolder shades. Finish off the look with pretty golden beads and you’re all set to slay!
15. Butterfly Braids with Curly Ends
Curly hair and butterfly braids are a match made in heaven. Give your elaborate butterfly braid a soft, laid-back appearance by leaving it with curly ends and enjoy a chic, pain-free hairstyle.
While I personally like to keep the curls free-flowing, you can also partially twist them for a sharper, more formal look.
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16. Butterfly French Braids
The royal charm of French braids meets the elegance of butterfly braids – it simply doesn’t get better than this. This mesmerizing hairdo has been worn by countless celebrities on the red carpet. Flaunt your freshly highlighted tresses through these intricately woven plaits.
If you’re going for a more nuanced sensuous look, pull the butterfly French braid into a loose bun. Ley a few sections of your hair at the front hanging loose for a soft, wispy finish.
17. Butterfly Halo Braids
Halo braid is a mesmerizing hairstyle created by interweaving two Dutch braids and pinning them around the head like a crown. The key to getting a chunky, full wrap is using two bundles unless you are blessed with really long and thick hair. This look is well-suited for both everyday wear as well as a variety of formal occasions.
18. Butterfly Braids with Gold Cuffs
Add some characters and oomph to your classic butterfly braids with some gold butterfly clips or gold cuffs. It’s hands down one of the easiest to wear bridal hairstyles for black hair. For a more subtle, boho-chic look, you can replace the gold cuffs with pretty silver cuffs as well.
19. Butterfly Crown Braids
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this hairstyle is worthy of a princess. Granted, it does take some serious time and patience to meticulously weave and pin down the butterfly braids in the shape of a crown but the final look is worth all the hard work.
Wear it as it is or add some bring with vibrant accessories or pretty flowers to glam up your bridesmaid look.
20. Golden Butterfly Braids
Set the tone for this attention-grabbing hairstyle with sparkly golden highlights on thick and lush black hair that’s styled into a dazzling butterfly braid with a neat side sectioning.
Yes, it is a lot of work but if you are in a mood to experiment and have the right hair length and thickness for this hairstyle, don’t hold yourself back. The fab retro look is sure to make heads turn.
21. Butterfly Mohawk Braid
A bold hairstyle for my bold ladies who don’t shy away from experiments, give your simple butterfly braids an edgy makeover by styling the braid on top of the head in a way that mimics the mohawk hairstyle. Add some spark and definition with gold beads if you are decking up for a party.
22. Criss Cross Butterfly Braids
Upgrade your butterfly braids with a quirky top by decorating the crown with dope criss-cross patterns. The style looks classy with long, chunky, highlighted braids flowing down.
Highlights will help you flaunt the intricate weaving pattern of your braids. And for some extra bling, use any accessory you have on hand.
23. High Ponytail Butterfly Braid
This high-fashion, magazine cover-worthy hairdo is definitely worth a shot if you are madly in love with butterfly braids. Suitable for waist-length hair, to create the style, twist and secure your hair into a snazzy high ponytail and let a few braids loose at the front for the effortlessly bohemian vibe.
24. Multi-colored Butterfly Braid
Looking for hairstyle inspirations that perfectly encapsulate the frenzy of festivity? Check this one out:
A messy braid with the butterfly effect and rainbow highlights dope in pictures and even doper in person. If you have really long and thick hair, I can’t think of a better way to flaunt it. Loosen up the double ponytail a bit for the messy effect.
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25. Bold Red Butterfly Braid
Another dope butterfly braid hairstyle for colored-hair beauties, the red shade looks absolutely kickass with chunky butterfly braids. You can go with any bold hair color of your choice and even accessorize with cute golden beads for some extra definition and character.
Some Awesome Tips for Maintaining Butterfly Braids
Even though butterfly braids are relatively low-maintenance, taking care of them from time to time will boost the growth, texture, and overall health of your hair.
Pamper your protective hairstyle using the following methods:
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized to combat dryness. Spritz a leave-in conditioner and occasionally use a replenishing hair serum to keep your scalp hydrated. Tame the flyaways and keep your style locked into place by wrapping a satin or silk bonnet when you’re home or at least during the nighttime. Swap out your cotton pillowcase with a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize frizz. Before you go out, apply a hair mousse to keep the flyaways out of the way.How Long Does a Butterfly Braid Last?
With daily maintenance, butterfly braids can easily last for 3 to 4 weeks or even more, depending on the texture of your hair.
Are Butterfly Braids Heavy?
Ans. Butterfly knotless braids don’t usually put much tension on the scalp unless you use too much hair in the extensions.
Braid up, Buttercup!
While it’s true that it takes a while to master the art of butterfly braiding, the reward is worth the hard work. Butterfly braids are low-maintenance and go with just about any outfit and occasion.
I hope this guide becomes your go-to reference anytime you need some extra inspo to slay your butterfly braid look.
That’s all for today. Thank you so much for reading and engaging.
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