Best 15 Butterfly Braids Hairstyles for Black Women.

Butterfly Braids

If you’ve been looking for a hairstyle that’s as dreamy as it is versatile, butterfly braids are about to be your new obsession. From casual brunch dates to glamorous nights out, butterfly braids hairstyles give you that effortlessly chic, “it’s a girl” vibe.

You can rock butterfly knotless braids for a sleek, lightweight feel, go bold with 2 butterfly braids or 4 butterfly braids or add a flirty twist with a butterfly braided ponytail; there’s a look for every mood.

From intricate, delicate designs to bold and voluminous statements, the best 15 butterfly braids hairstyles for Black women have everything you need to turn heads and feel like the queen you are. So get ready to flutter into your next hairstyle adventure; your crown deserves nothing less.

What are Butterfly Braids​?

Butterfly braids are a stylish and protective hairstyle where hair is braided with small sections of hair pulled out to create a soft, looped effect that looks like butterfly wings. These braids for women are usually done using knotless or feed in braiding techniques, giving them a natural, voluminous appearance.

These braids for women can be worn in various hairstyles, such as loose or tied up, making them versatile and low maintenance. Butterfly braids for women are popular for adding texture and a unique look while protecting natural hair.

How to Create Butterfly Braids?

If you want to try butterfly braids yourself or guide your hairstylist, here is a basic approach:

Tools Needed:

• Fine tooth comb for sectioning
• Hair elastics or small rubber bands
• Hair clips or pins to hold sections
• Optional: styling mousse or gel for hold

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Start with clean, detangled hair. If your hair is naturally straight or wavy, this style will be easier to achieve. You can apply a small amount of styling mousse or gel for better grip and frizz control.

Step 2: Create a Center or Side Part

Butterfly braids can work with either a center part or a deep side part. Choose what best frames your face.

Step 3: Section the Hair

Take two or more horizontal sections of hair on each side of the part. These sections will form the ‘wings’ of the butterfly.

Step 4: Begin Braiding

Start braiding each section using a Dutch braid or a lace braid technique. The key is to pull sections outward slightly as you braid, creating a wider, wing like shape rather than a tight, close to the scalp braid.

Step 5: Secure and Repeat

Secure each braid with a small elastic. For more fullness, you can pancake the braids by gently pulling on the edges of the braid loops to widen them.

Step 6: Connect or Combine Braids

Bring the braids toward the back of the head and join them with another braid or a ponytail or leave them loose for a more ethereal look.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Spray a light hairspray to set the style. Add decorative clips, beads or flowers if desired.

Trends & Types: Butterfly Braids​

1. Butterfly Knotless Braids

Face Shape: Flattering for oval faces
Styling Products: Lightweight mousse for hold
Hair Texture: Works best on natural hair
Maintenance Tips: Moisturize scalp regularly
Occasion: Perfect for casual days

Knotless braids are the ultimate gentle twist on traditional braids and Butterfly Knotless Braids add a soft, romantic flair. These braids for women are super light on your scalp, making them comfortable for all day wear while giving that gorgeous butterfly effect that everyone will notice.

Also Read: Boho Knotless Braids for Women

2. 2 Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Best for heart shaped faces
Styling Products: Shine serum for gloss
Hair Texture: Medium to thick hair ideal
Maintenance Tips: Sleep with silk scarf
Occasion: Great for festivals & casual

Keep it simple yet stunning with 2 Butterfly Braids. This look is sweet and easy to style, framing your face beautifully. It’s perfect if you want something low key but still eye catching. Add a little shine serum to make those braids pop in the sunlight.

3. 4 Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Complements round faces well
Styling Products: Lightweight gel for hold
Hair Texture: Best on straight or wavy hair
Maintenance Tips: Avoid heavy oils
Occasion: Ideal for work or school

Try the fabulous 4 Butterfly Braids for a more intricate and stylish vibe. These braids for women give volume and structure, making your hairstyle the centerpiece of your whole look. Pair it with a bit of gel to keep those edges neat and fresh.

4. Butterfly Braided Ponytail

Face Shape: Suits all face shapes
Styling Products: Texturizing spray for grip
Hair Texture: Great for long hair
Maintenance Tips: Refresh with dry shampoo
Occasion: Perfect for workouts & outings

For a chic, sporty look, the Butterfly Braided Ponytail is your go to. It combines the elegance of braids with the practicality of a ponytail, so you stay cute and comfortable no matter what you’re up to. Use some texturizing spray to keep that ponytail in place with tons of style.

5. Butterfly Braids Box Braids

Face Shape: Flatters square faces
Styling Products: Coconut oil for moisture
Hair Texture: Ideal for coarse hair
Maintenance Tips: Wash scalp weekly
Occasion: Fabulous for vacations & parties

Butterfly Braids Box Braids are edgy and beautiful, giving you that perfect blend of classic box braids with butterfly braid accents. Keep your scalp happy with coconut oil and rock this look confidently everywhere you go.

Also Read: Box Braids Women

6. Butterfly Braids with Curls

Face Shape: Softens angular faces
Styling Products: Curl enhancer cream
Hair Texture: Perfect for curly hair
Maintenance Tips: Refresh curls with water
Occasion: Romantic dates & parties

If you love a bit of bounce and flair, Butterfly Braids with Curls are pure magic. These braids flow seamlessly into gorgeous curls, creating a romantic, whimsical look that’s perfect for date night or any special occasion where you want to turn heads.

7. Butterfly Stitch Braids

Face Shape: Highlights cheekbones
Styling Products: Edge control gel
Hair Texture: Works well on all types
Maintenance Tips: Keep edges smooth
Occasion: Fashion forward events

For the braid lovers who want something unique, Butterfly Stitch Braids offer an artsy twist. This braids hairstyle for women features intricate stitching patterns that add texture and dimension, making your hair look like a masterpiece. Edge control is key for a polished finish.

8. Butterfly Locs Braids

Face Shape: Flattering for oblong faces
Styling Products: Lightweight hair oil
Hair Texture: Best for thick hair
Maintenance Tips: Avoid heavy buildup
Occasion: Perfect for everyday glam

Mix tradition with trend by trying Butterfly Locs Braids. These locs bring a soft, butterfly inspired texture to your braids, giving your look a boho chic edge. Keep your locks silky smooth with a light hair oil for that effortless glow.

9. Butterfly Braids Cornrows

Face Shape: Enhances oval faces
Styling Products: Braiding spray
Hair Texture: Great for natural hair
Maintenance Tips: Scalp massage regularly
Occasion: Sporty & casual vibes

Keep it sleek and sporty with Butterfly Braids Cornrows. These braids hug your scalp beautifully, blending classic cornrows with butterfly braid flair for a dynamic style that works from gym to coffee runs. A good braiding spray helps with hold and shine.

10. Jumbo Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Great for all face types
Styling Products: Hydrating leave in conditioner
Hair Texture: Ideal for thick hair
Maintenance Tips: Avoid tension on scalp
Occasion: Bold statement look

Jumbo Butterfly Braids are big, bold and beautiful. These chunky braids give you maximum volume and drama while keeping the butterfly detail front and center. Hydrating your hair is a must to keep these braids healthy and vibrant.

11. Boho Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Flattering for oval faces
Styling Products: Sea salt spray
Hair Texture: Perfect for wavy hair
Maintenance Tips: Air dry for natural texture
Occasion: Festivals and beach days

If you’re all about that laid back, effortlessly cool vibe, Boho Butterfly Braids are calling your name. These loose, carefree braids pair beautifully with beachy waves and a sprinkle of sea salt spray for that perfect bohemian look.

Also Read: Boho Braids for Women

12. Crochet Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Works for all face shapes
Styling Products: Light hair mousse
Hair Texture: Great for extensions
Maintenance Tips: Clean scalp weekly
Occasion: Quick and chic everyday

Crochet Butterfly Braids combine the ease of crochet braiding with butterfly braid charm. They’re super versatile and gentle on your natural hair; perfect when you want to switch things up fast.

13. Goddess Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Highlights heart shaped faces
Styling Products: Glow enhancing hair oil
Hair Texture: Ideal for thick hair
Maintenance Tips: Keep braids shiny
Occasion: Elegant events and weddings

Channel your inner queen with Goddess Butterfly Braids. This regal style features delicate, intricate butterfly braids accented with shimmering hair oil for that radiant glow. It’s perfect for weddings, galas or any moment you want to shine like royalty.

Also Read: Boho Goddess Braids for Women

14. Butterfly Twist Braids

Face Shape: Complements round faces
Styling Products: Curl defining cream
Hair Texture: Best for natural hair
Maintenance Tips: Hydrate twists regularly
Occasion: Casual to semi formal looks

For a twist on traditional braids, try Butterfly Twist Braids. This braids style for women mixes smooth twists with butterfly braiding patterns to create a playful and chic look that’s perfect for almost any occasion, from brunch dates to work meetings.

15. Criss Cross Butterfly Braids

Face Shape: Great for square faces
Styling Products: Holding spray
Hair Texture: Works best on thick hair
Maintenance Tips: Secure ends tightly
Occasion: Trendy street style

If you love a bit of geometric flair, Criss Cross Butterfly Braids are your go to. The crisscross pattern adds eye catching detail, making your hairstyle stand out in any crowd. Use holding spray to keep everything locked in place all day long.

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Final Thoughts

Butterfly braids truly embody the perfect blend of artistry, tradition and modern style, making them one of the most versatile and stunning hairstyles for Black women. These best 15 butterfly braids hairstyles showcase just how beautifully you can play with texture, volume and pattern to create looks that are uniquely yours; whether you prefer delicate, intricate designs or bold, statement making braids.

Beyond their undeniable beauty, butterfly braids also offer excellent protection for natural hair, helping to retain moisture and reduce breakage while giving you the freedom to experiment with endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re gearing up for a special occasion, a casual day out or simply want to refresh your everyday style, there’s a butterfly braid here to suit every mood and personality.

So embrace your crown, let your hair flutter freely and celebrate your individuality with these gorgeous, empowering hairstyles that truly stand out.

FAQs: Butterfly Braids​

1. What are butterfly braids?

Butterfly braids are a trendy, decorative braiding style that creates delicate, wing like patterns resembling butterflies. They add a whimsical, feminine touch to traditional braids and can be styled in various creative ways for both casual and special occasions.

2. Which hair is used for butterfly braids?

Butterfly braids can be done using your natural hair or with synthetic hair extensions like kanekalon or Marley hair. Extensions add length and volume, making the butterfly patterns more defined and eye catching.

3. What shape is a butterfly haircut?

A butterfly haircut usually features layered hair with soft, feathered edges that frame the face, resembling butterfly wings. It often includes volume at the crown and tapering ends for a fluttery, light look.

4. What are rat tail braids?

Rat tail braids are thin, tight braids that often start from a very small, pointed section of hair at the nape or the sides. They get their name from the “rat tail” appearance; long, skinny and sleek; and are popular for adding texture and edge to hairstyles.

5. How many packs of hair for butterfly braids?

Usually, 3 to 4 packs of hair extensions are enough for a full head of butterfly braids, depending on the length and thickness you want. For jumbo or extra long hairstyles, you might need 5 or more packs.

6. How to maintain butterfly braids at home?

Keep your butterfly braids fresh by moisturizing your scalp regularly, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night and avoiding heavy oils that can weigh down your braids. Gently cleanse your scalp every 1 to 2 weeks with a light shampoo or braid spray.

7. Which braids are best for?

The best braids depend on your hair type and the look you want. Knotless and box braids are gentle and great for natural hair, while jumbo braids add drama. Butterfly braids are perfect for a stylish, feminine twist that works on almost all hair textures.

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