Micro Braids Are Having a Moment Again—Here are 12 Ways to Wear the Style

Micro braids (aka tiny box braids) have regained popularity in recent years, but they first came to prominence decades ago. In the '90s, singer and actress Brandy introduced a generation to the now iconic protective style, followed by Beyoncé in the early aughts. Micro braid hairstyles are appealing for a few reasons. While the small braids take hours to achieve, they are far from bulky, can be styled in various ways, and last a while. If you would like to give micro braids a try, we've got you covered with a stunning selection of hairstyles that showcase the beauty of the protective hairdo. Plus, Rebundle's founder Ciara Imani May shares tips on how to achieve each look.

Micro Braid Ponytail

A micro braided ponytail adds a playful touch to the protective style. May says that leaving the ends unbraided at the halfway point, as beauty creator Alissa Ashley did here, is a great way to add texture to the style.

Micro Braid Bob

Flippy braided bobs are a fresh take on the classic '90s style. This look is eye-catching, innovative, and versatile, as Naked Beauty podcast host Brooke Devard Ozaydinli demonstrates. May recommends using Rebundle's Braidbetter ($45) in the shade Jet to recreate the look. "Trim the braids to chin length before creating a flip like Devard," she adds.

Cascading Micro Braids

Last year, Solange Knowles showed off her super-long micro braids at the New York City Ballet. The addition of the curly ends adds new life to the style while also giving it a playful vibe. May recommends using 30-inch braiding hair to get the look.

Micro Braid High Ponytail

We love Laura Harrier's ultra-high ponytail. To achieve a ponytail that sits right at the top of your head, use a gentle yet secure hair elastic like Kitsch's Bungee Hair Ties ($6). For a finishing touch, use the Baby Tress x Rebundle Edge Brush ($15) or Pattern Beauty's Edge Tool ($12) to create delicate swoops along your hairline.

Micro Braid Half-Up Half-Down

If anyone knows how to make micro braids look amazing, it’s Gabrielle Union. Her messy topknot paired with the face-framing braids create the perfect look.

Micro Braid Mohawk

Jada Pinkett Smith's micro braid mohawk is an edgy and unexpected take on the style. The beauty of this look is that it's not super meticulous to create—all you need to do is create a loose knot on top and use a few pins to secure it.

Micro Braid French Twist

Here, Zoe Kravitz’s beautiful micro braids have been pulled into a French twist. The key to achieving this effortlessly glamorous look is to leave the ends unfinished and lightly styling your edges.

Microbraid Tucked Updo

Blonde micro braids make such a statement that you don't have to do much styling. To recreate Kravitz's tucked look, tie your hair back into a low, messy bun and secure it with a hair tie and a few bobby pins to keep it in place. "Keep the sides loose to create the bob-like effect," May adds.

Micro Braid Bun

Eva Marcille's loose bun is such an effortless, elegant style to achieve. Her usage of two braiding hair colors adds a unique touch to the look. May recommends Rebundle's Braidbetter ($45) in Chocolate and Honey to achieve this look.

Mid-Length Micro Braids

Mid-length micro braid hairstyles are perfect for those who don’t want to be in the salon for hours on end. For a more natural look, Susan’s braids have been left unfinished at the ends. "To keep ends glossy and shiny, spray them with some dry oil," May suggests.

Flipped Micro Braids

There’s a reason why Brandy is often called the queen of micro braid styles. Her ultra-tiny, mid-length braids look absolutely stunning on her. The fluffy, flipped ends are the most flattering finishing touch.

Micro Braid Cornrows

Micro braid cornrows are a timeless style. May suggests using Rebundle’s Braidbetter ($45) in the shade Honey to achieve a warm, buttery blonde look like Bey.

Up Next: The 14 Different Types of Braids and How to Create Them, According to Stylists

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