Criss Cross braids have a unique, woven design that attracts the eye. With strands that overlap in an X pattern, these standout braids are great for both casual and formal occasions.
No matter your hair type—straight, wavy, or curly—these criss cross braids shine, especially on medium to long lengths. Got short hair? No worries, just know it’ll require smaller sections and a bit more scalp tension.
Criss cross braids typically take 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the length, thickness, and style of your hair. The hairstyle can last anywhere from one to five weeks if it is properly cared for and maintained.
To create criss cross braids, use a rat tail comb for sectioning your hair, and hair ties or elastic bands to secure and keep the criss cross sections in place. You may also use a styling gel or mousse to control frizz and give your hair a sleek appearance.
Criss cross braids may require some practice to achieve a symetrical design that looks neat and tidy. Make sure the criss cross sections are not too tight to prevent discomfort, headaches, and hair breakage. You can play around with the angles and directions of the criss crossing sections and use hair accessories to enhance their look for those special moments.
Ready to switch up your look? Here are 25 ways to look stunning with criss cross braids.
1. Criss Cross Knotless Braids
Criss cross knotless braids are a popular and sleek hairstyle that involves wearing a section of the natural hair in a criss cross pattern while putting the rest into knotless braids using hair extensions. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in different lengths and thicknesses. This protective style is known for its durability and ability to last many weeks. It’s best to consult a professional braider to ensure a neat and long-lasting result.
2. Criss Cross Braids with Rubber Bands
Criss cross braids with rubber bands are a decorative variation of the classic criss cross braiding style. In this technique, small colorful rubber bands are used to secure the criss cross sections. To create criss cross braids with rubber bands, you would typically start by sectioning the hair, securing the sections using the rubber bands, then crossing the hair over each other in a criss cross pattern while adding more colorful rubber bands along the way. This style can be a fun way to wear braids with added flair.
3. Criss Cross Stitch Braids
Criss cross stitch braids are a stylish way of combining the criss cross braiding pattern with the stitch braid technique. To achieve this hairstyle, you simply need to weave your stitch braid cornrows in an overlapping pattern. When creating stitch braids, the braider usually uses their pinky fingernail to produce neat lines and stitching effects.
4. Criss Cross Feed In Braids
Criss cross feed in braids are a popular hairstyling technique that involves creating feed in cornrows in a criss cross pattern, which gives a unique and stylish look. In the feed in braids technique, the braider “feeds in” hair extensions into your natural hair to give the appearance of thicker or longer braids. These braids can be worn in various styles and sizes making them a versatile choice for protective hairstyles.
5. Criss Cross Braids with Heart
Criss cross braids with a heart are a creative and intricate way of wearing the criss cross style. These braids are created by putting a heart-shaped design into the criss cross braid pattern, typically as cornrows. This adds a unique and visually appealing element to the hairstyle that’s great for all occasions.
6. Criss Cross Pop Smoke Braids
Criss cross Pop Smoke braids are a variant of the criss cross hairstyle inspired by the late rapper Pop Smoke. Pop Smoke was known for this hairstyle, often featuring cornrows that crisscrossed on his scalp, typically running from the middle of the head towards the edges. It is a bold and trendy hairstyle that has gained popularity particularly in hip-hop and street fashion culture.
7. Criss Cross All Back Braids
Criss cross all back braids usually refer to a hairstyle with cornrows done in a criss cross pattern from the front of the head to the neck in an all back style. People often favor this look for its neat, uniform appearance. You can wear it in different sizes and lengths. It’s popular for its versatility and being low maintenance.
8. Criss Cross Ponytail Braids
Criss cross ponytail braids is a style where the hair is braided in a crisscross pattern and then gathered into a ponytail. This style combines the sleek, elegant braided ponytail with the intricate criss cross braids. It’s an excellent pick for special occasions when you want a unique, eye-catching look.
9. Criss Cross Braids with Bun
Criss cross braids with a bun is a fashionable and elegant hairstyle. It involves creating crisscrossed braids and gathering them into a bun. This style combines the elegant braided bun with the intricate criss cross braids. It’s perfect when you want a sophisticated, formal look.
10. Criss Cross Tribal Braids
Criss cross tribal braids have elements of the ethnic-inspired Fulani braid and intricate criss cross patterns. These braids can be both culturally statement and visually striking. This type of braid often requires a high level of skill and precision. Therefore, it’s best to be done by a professional hairstylist to get the best results.
11. Criss Cross Braids for Men
Criss cross braids offer a trendy and slick way for men to change up their look. They cross across the scalp in a stylish pattern, making them popular among guys looking for something different. For crisis cross braids, you’ll want to find a skilled hairstylist or barber specializing in braiding techniques.
12. Criss Cross Dutch Braids
Criss cross Dutch braids feature Dutch braids, also known as inverted braids or inside-out braids, woven in a criss cross pattern. Dutch braids involve adding sections of hair under the braid instead of over it. When the criss cross pattern is added, the braids form an appealing and unique design.
13. Criss Cross Braids with Curls
Criss cross braids with curls are the perfect combination of intricate braiding and natural curls, serving up both class and style. To pull off this look, you’ll want to use curly hair extensions. Start by laying down your criss cross cornrows, then tie it all together with a curly ponytail or bun to add that extra style to your braids.
14. Criss Cross Braids with Beads
Criss cross braids with beads are a decorative way to wear your classic criss cross braids. In this technique, the braids are finished with transparent or colorful beads to add that extra detail. It’s a fun style, suitable for both adults and kids looking to wear criss cross braids.
15. Criss Cross Lemonade Braids
Criss cross Lemonade braids offer a pretty pattern that looks fantastic, especially when paired with hair extensions. Also known as Criss Cross Beyonce braids, this style rose to fame following Beyonce’s Lemonade album. The design involves cornrow braids laid out in a criss cross pattern on one side of the head, falling freely on the other. It’s versatile and can be worn for all kinds of things.
16. Criss Cross Boho Braids
Essentially, criss cross Boho braids, also known as criss cross Bohemian braids, feature criss cross braids with undone, curled ends. Additional curly strands are attached to each braid, creating the illusion of bigger, more voluminous braids. If you’re a fan of long, stunning braids, this protective hairstyle is definitely for you.
17. Criss Cross Jumbo Knotless Braids
Criss Cross Jumbo Knotless braids are a style that combines a criss cross natural look in one section of the hair with Jumbo knotless braids in the rest. This is done using hair extensions. The hairstyle can be worn in various lengths and colors and is popular for its durability and protective qualities. For a neat and long-lasting result, it’s advisable to consult a professional hair braider. To really make the style pop, opt for extra-long hair extensions.
18. Criss Cross Braids with Weaves
Criss Cross Braids with Weaves are a mix of sleek criss cross braids and sew-in weaves. To get this look, style the top section of your hair in a criss cross pattern, while turning the bottom part into small cornrows. Attach the weaves to these cornrows using either a crochet pin or needle and thread. You can wear this hairstyle to formal events as well as casual get-togethers.
19. Criss Cross Locs
Criss Cross Locs are a style where one section of the hair showcases a criss cross natural look, and the remaining hair is styled into locs. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in different lengths and thicknesses and is known for its durability and protective qualities. However, just be aware that this style can be heavy and create tension on the scalp. So, it’s crucial to consider the weight of the loc extensions you plan to install.
20. Half-Up Half-Down Criss Cross Braids
Half-up half-down criss cross braids let you enjoy the best of both worlds. The top section of your hair is styled in criss cross cornrows, while the bottom is done in either single braids or additional cornrows. You have the option to extend the criss cross pattern to the bottom cornrows as well. This half-up half-down hairstyle is the go-to if you’re aiming for an updo but still want those lovely tresses flowing down your back.
21. Criss Cross Braids with Curly Ends
Criss Cross braids with curly ends merge the intricate criss cross braid pattern with free-flowing curls at the ends. To pull off this look, you’ll want to use curly hair extensions. Start by creating criss cross cornrows, and cap it off with a curly ponytail. Whether you opt for long or medium curly ends, adding ombre colors can elevate the drama.
22. Criss Cross Passion Twists
Criss Cross Passion Twists are a trendy take on the classic Passion Twist hairstyle. Passion Twists are a protective style that uses Passion Twist hair extensions to form twist braids. For Criss Cross Passion Twists, the top section is woven in a criss cross pattern, while the remaining hair is made into Passion Twists.
23. Criss Cross Twists with Natural Hair
Criss cross twists with natural hair make a great way to show off twist braids that criss cross right on your natural locks. In this technique, you’ll twist sections of your hair so they intersect to make an appealing pattern across your scalp. This style is a great way to show off your beautiful natural hair and express your personal style.
24. Criss Cross Bantu Knots
Criss Cross Bantu knots give a creative spin on the traditional Bantu Knots hairstyle. In classic Bantu Knots, you twist your hair into knots close to the scalp. For criss cross Bantu knots, simply twist select sections of your hair into criss cross patterns, then secure the remaining hair into Bantu knots. This style makes a striking choice for anyone looking to showcase their natural hair or locs in a distinctive way.
25. Criss Cross Space Buns
Criss cross Space Buns give a trendy and playful take on the classic Space Buns hairstyle. Traditional space buns involve making two buns on either side of your head. To add the criss cross pattern, simply style select sections of your hair into criss cross patterns, then secure the remaining hair into space buns. The result is a stylish and unique effect that’s sure to turn heads.
