The Best Braided Hairstyles to Wear This Autumn, According to a Celebrity Braider

When it comes to protective styles [1], no style is better at keeping the manipulation of your natural hair at an all-time minimum than braids. The beautiful thing about them is that not only do they allow you to style your hair in a hurry and keep your natural texture protected from the elements [2] for a few weeks, but these days, there's also a variety of braided hairstyles [3] to choose from, and many of them are perfect to wear during the autumn and winter months.

From knotless box braids [4] to low-maintenance Marley twists [5], read ahead as celebrity braider Xia Charles [6] breaks down the best braided hairstyles to wear this season.

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Knotless Box Braids

Knotless box braids have exploded in popularity over the last few years and are convenient enough to wear year-round. Another variation of box braids, this style is characterised by braids that don't feature a knot at the base, and are created using a feed-in technique in which braiding hair is added to to a person's natural hair in small pieces. The result is a plait that lies flat and isn't as heavy on the scalp.

"These are lightweight and versatile, and much like straight-back cornrows, they don't add much volume at the roots," Charles said. "You can easily put them into high buns, offering a difference as there is little tension at the roots."

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Knotless Box Braids

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Faux Locs

Faux locs [7] are the ultimate cool girl hairstyle, as evidenced by people like Zendaya [8], who wore them on the Oscars red carpet [9] back in 2015.

"Faux locs make a perfect hairstyle for the autumn because the natural hair is completely tucked away from the elements," Charles said. "[This style] can last at least three months, leaving the natural hair sealed away without much manipulation, ensuring complete protection and keeping moisture locked in."

The great thing about this style, as Charles notes, is that as it starts to get chilly, you can put them under wool and cotton beanies without worrying about them becoming frizzy. "The style offers a frizzy look, so friction with these materials doesn't change the appearance," she said.

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Faux Locs

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Straight-Back Cornrows

Of all the braided hairstyles out there, cornrows are about as classic as it gets. "Cornrows lie flat along the scalp, thus reducing bulkiness and making it easy to wear a hat or scarf," Charles said. "You can dress them up, put them into a bun or leave them hanging."

Since this style leaves much of the scalp exposed, Charles recommends using a product like the African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil [10] to ensure the scalp and new growth stay moisturised.

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Straight-Back Cornrows

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Fulani Braids

Another style that Charles recommends is Fulani braids [11], which as the last year has shown, is both Beyoncé and Willow Smith-approved [12].

"These are ideal for the fall because they don't add much volume to your head when wearing hats and scarves," she said.

There's no one way to wear Fulani braids (also known as tribal braids). Most of the time when you see someone with them, the pattern will consist of one cornrow going down the middle of the scalp, with other braids surrounding it on either side. They can also be decorated with accessories like beads and cowrie shells.

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Fulani Braids

Autumn2021 Braid Trend: Fulani Braids

Autumn 2021 Braid Trend: Marley Twists

On the low-maintenance end of things are Marley twists, which were named after late reggae musician Bob Marley. According to Charles, these are a go-to during the chillier months because "they last a long while and blend well with the natural texture of your hair", but they can also protect your hair from the elements.

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