The faux hawk hairstyle features a central ridge of hair with the sides slicked upward or gathered back, similar to a mohawk but without shaved sides. While mohawks are typically associated with men’s styles, many women have put feminine twists on this edgy look. Faux hawk refers to a “false” mohawk achieved by styling your hair to mimic the look without actually cutting it. This allows you to experiment with different mohawk shapes.
Faux hawk braids work best on long hair but can also be done on medium lengths. The style can suit straight, curly, wavy, or afro textures, although the final look may vary based on hair type.
Creating faux hawk braids can take 1 hour or longer depending on your hair’s length and thickness, the specific braid style, and your braiding skills. When done properly, the braids can last for days or even weeks.
To achieve faux hawk braids, you’ll typically need a rat-tail comb for sectioning, elastic bands and pins for securing, and styling products like gel or wax to hold the faux hawk shape.
To maintain the style, ensure braids are tightly secured so they don’t unravel. Sleep with a satin bonnet and pillowcase. You can personalize your faux hawk braids by playing with braid size and number, hawk height, and accessories like colored pins, shells, beads, or feathers.
Find out how to style faux hawk braids with these 23 ideas. Get creative and experiment with different faux hawk styles to find your look.
1. Faux Hawk French Braid
The faux hawk French braid is a stylish and edgy way to combine the French braid and the faux hawk look. To achieve this hairstyle, part your hair into three sections: two side sections and one center section. Slick back or clip the sides of your hair to create the faux hawk effect. Then put the center section into a French braid, working toward the back and down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with the hair from the sides using an elastic band. This hairstyle is fantastic for kids and can be decorated with a bow or hair tie for added fun.
2. Mohawk Dutch Braid
The Mohawk Dutch braid, also called the faux hawk Dutch braid, beautifully combines the classy Dutch braid and the faux hawk look. To achieve this hairstyle, part your hair into three sections: two side sections and one center section. Slick back or clip the sides of your hair to create the faux hawk effect. Then put the center section into a Dutch braid, working toward the back and down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with the hair from the sides using an elastic band. You can also pin the ends of the braid up into an updo for a different look.
3. Braided Mohawk Ponytail
The braided mohawk ponytail is a bold and stylish hairstyle that combines elements of a mohawk and a ponytail. To achieve this look, start by combing your hair from both sides of your head toward the center. Braid the center section of hair into a neat braided ponytail, which will be the focal point of the mohawk. You can use headbands, hair pins, or other accessories to accentuate the hairstyle further. This edgy hairstyle is unique and can be worn for various occasions.
4. Fishtail Mohawk Braid
The fishtail mohawk braid is an intricate hairstyle that combines the elements of a fishtail braiding technique and a mohawk. To achieve this look, start by combing your hair from both sides of your head toward the center. Then, braid the center section into a fishtail braid. Keep in mind that creating a fishtail mohawk braid can be challenging, especially if you are new to braiding.
5. Viking Faux Hawk Braid
The Viking faux hawk braid is a bold, adventurous hairstyle that combines the faux hawk look and traditional Viking-inspired braids. Viking braids, made popular by the television show Vikings, consist of two braids on each side of the head and a French braid in the center. Texturize and separate your hair before braiding to achieve sleek Viking faux hawk braids. Then, braid the side portions followed by the top section to complete the look. Finish it off with some hairspray or hair accessories.
6. Mohawk Bubble Braid
Mohawk bubble braids are a trendy and playful variation of the classic faux hawk hairstyle. Bubble braids feature bunches of hair formed into puffy “bubble” sections rather than traditional braids. Some bubble braids are difficult to achieve, while others are quite simple. To get this look, start by combing your hair from both sides of your head toward the center. Then, put the middle section into a bubble braid. To make your bubble braid look more relaxed, pull out any baby hairs and your bangs. Or, keep it tight for a sleek, polished appearance. Tease each “bubble” after braiding to get the desired shape.
7. Faux Hawk Undercut Braid
The faux hawk undercut braid hairstyle is a bold and stylish look that combines a faux hawk with an undercut and incorporates braids. To achieve this hairstyle, begin with the undercut. The sides of your hair should be closely clipped, leaving a strip of hair down the middle. This center strip can then be braided from the front of the head toward the back. This creates a unique look that is both edgy and feminine. You can customize the center braid with different braid types, sizes, and colors.
8. Half up Half Down Mohawk Braids
The half up half down mohawk braids hairstyle combines the edgy mohawk look with a more casual, everyday style as the half up half down look. To achieve this look, part your hair horizontally, dividing it into top and bottom halves. Put the top section into a center mohawk braid and leave the bottom half down, styling it as desired for a curled, straight, or wavy look. This is a great choice to add a soft feminine touch to the edginess of the mohawk hairstyle.
9. Faux Hawk Updo
The faux hawk updo is an elegant blend of the faux hawk and a classy updo look. The updo can be styled on the top of the head, in the middle, or made to run across the head from crown to nape. To achieve this hairstyle, start by sectioning your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Create a ponytail with the center section and then wrap it into an updo wherever you want it placed. Comb the side sections toward the updo and secure around its base, or slick them back and pin them into the faux mohawk shape.
10. Faux Hawk Braid for Men
Faux hawk braids can also be rocked by men with long hair. The faux hawk hairstyle is one of the most popular cuts for men because it provides an edgy appearance while remaining formal enough for business settings. Long hair is ideal for achieving men’s braided faux hawks. Once the braids are in place, the look can last for an extended period. Faux hawk braids allow men to fuse edgy faux hawks with intricate braiding for a bold, standout style.
11. Faux Hawk With Twist Braids
Creating a faux hawk with twist braids is a unique and fashionable way to wear your twist braids. To achieve this look, first put your hair into twist braids. You can either do single braids or cornrow the sides working from the edges toward the center, as pictured. For single twist braids, secure the braids toward the middle and braid them together across the top of your head. For cornrowed sides, leave the center section out and style it into a faux hawk shape. To finish, use hairspray to add shine and prevent frizz. The faux hawk with twist braids blends edgy faux hawks with slick twisted braids.
12. Faux Hawk Bun
The faux hawk bun is a stylish updo that combines the edginess of a faux hawk with the elegance of a bun. The bun can be styled as a high, center, or low bun. To achieve this look, first section the hair into three parts – two sides and one center strip. Pull the center into a ponytail, then wrap it into a neat bun shape. Comb the side sections toward the bun and secure tightly around the base, or slick them back and clip them into the faux mohawk shape. This fuses the soft femininity of an updo bun with the bold faux hawk for a head-turning yet sophisticated hairstyle.
13. Faux Hawk With Cornrows
The faux hawk with cornrows hairstyle typically features cornrows on the sides of the head and a mohawk in the center. To achieve this look, first section the hair into three parts – two sides and one middle strip. Braid the sides into cornrows, keeping them simple or elaborate based on preference. Leave the center section out and style it into a faux mohawk shape, either braided or in a voluminous afro texture. This creative combo fuses the sleek sophistication of cornrows with an edgy faux mohawk for a stylish look.
14. Faux Hawk With Locs
Creating a faux hawk with locs is a chic way to style your locs. To achieve this look, first prepare and retwist your natural locs. If you don’t have locs, you can get artificial locs installed using loc extensions. Gather and secure the locs toward the center of your head, then braid them together into a faux hawk shape running across the top. Alternatively, simply roll and shape the locs into a faux mohawk form. Finish with hairspray for added shine and hold.
15. Red Faux Hawk
The red faux hawk is a bold, eye-catching hairstyle where the center mohawk section is colored red. This can be achieved on natural hair using red hair dye, or by installing red braids, twists, or locs using hair extensions. For a vibrant statement, go for a bright, saturated red. For a more subtle look, try a natural red hue. Maintain the red color by using color-protecting products and avoiding fading factors like excessive sun exposure and frequent shampooing.
16. Crochet Faux Hawk
The crochet faux hawk features slicked or cornrowed sides with a middle faux hawk made using crochet hair extensions. To achieve this, first section the hair into three parts – two sides and one center strip. Cornrow or slick back the sides toward the middle. Then cornrow the center section into small braids. Install crochet hair extensions into the center braids using a crochet needle and thread. Choose straight, curly, wavy, or afro textures in any length and color – there are many crochet style options.
17. Messy Faux Hawk Updo
The messy faux hawk updo features a faux hawk combined with a relaxed, undone updo. The updo can be styled on top, in the middle, or running from crown to nape. To get this look, section the hair into three parts – two sides and one center. Pull the center into a ponytail, then wrap it into a messy updo wherever desired. Gently tug pieces out for an imperfect finish. Comb the side sections towards the updo and secure them around its base or slick them to the back. Secure it with an elastic band and clip it into the mohawk. Decorate with accessories or flowers for a bridal style.
18. Faux Hawk With Box Braids
The faux hawk with box braids hairstyle is a great way to wear your box braids when you do not want them flowing over your shoulders or down your back. To achieve this look, first put your hair into single box braids or put the sides into cornrows first, working from the edges towards the center. Then, put the center into box braids. For single twist braids, you can secure the braids towards the center of the hair and put them into a braid that runs across the top of your head. For the box braids with cornrowed sides, you can choose to let down the mohawk or put the braids into a single braid or an updo. Use hairspray to add shine and prevent frizz.
19. Faux Hawk With Braided Sides
The faux hawk with braided sides typically features cornrows on the sides of the head and a mohawk in the center. To achieve this hairstyle, first section your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Braid the side sections into cornrows and style the center section into a mohawk braid or an afro. The side braids can run from the sides of the head toward the center or be done in a back braid fashion. You can opt for simple cornrows or more intricate ones and accessorize to enhance your look further. You can also put the center section into an updo, a single braid, or a ponytail.
20. 5 Strand Faux Hawk Braid
The 5-strand faux hawk braid is an intricate and eye-catching hairstyle that combines the faux hawk look with a 5-strand braid down the center of the head. To achieve this style, first section your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Braid the sides into cornrows or slick them back towards the center or back of the head. Then, braid the center section into a 5-strand braid. A five-strand braid adds complex, romantic flair to any style. Although it appears complicated at first, once you get the hang of it, it’s simple, fun, and sure to impress.
21. Faux Hawk With Stitch Braids
The faux hawk with stitch braid hairstyle typically features stitch braids on the sides of the head and a mohawk in the center. To achieve this look, first section your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Braid the side sections into cornrows using the stitch braid technique and style the center into a mohawk. Stitch braids are created by sectioning natural hair into thick or thin horizontal lines and braiding the natural hair with hair extensions. This on-trend, eye-catching hairstyle can make you stand out for any occasion.
22. Boho Faux Hawk Braid
The boho faux hawk braid hairstyle is a stylish, bohemian-inspired take on the classic faux hawk braid. This look combines the edginess of the mohawk with a more relaxed, tousled bohemian style. To get this look, first section your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Braid the sides into messy, loose cornrows and style the center into a loose, messy bun or updo. The side braids can be done in a back braid fashion to accentuate the boho look further. Accessorize with boho-inspired hairpins or flowers to enhance the style.
23. Faux Hawk Braids With Low Bun
The faux hawk with a low bun is a stylish faux hawk style that combines the edginess of the faux hawk with the elegance of a low bun. To get this look, first section your hair into three parts: two side sections and one center section. Pull the center section into a ponytail, then wrap it into a neat, low bun. Slick the side sections back, secure with an elastic band, then tuck or clip them into the bun. This edgy yet polished look is great for formal occasions when you want an elegant style with some edge.
