Micro braid hairstyles involve braids that are very small in size. These tiny-braid styles undoubtedly require quite a bit of work to achieve. This style may take anywhere from five to twelve hours, but they can be done on hair as short as two inches.
There’s no doubt that micro braids take a lot of time and patience to make but the end result is always worth it. They last for a long period of time—they can stay neat for as long as four to eight weeks.
Micro braids are also low-maintenance and very versatile. Because of their super small thickness, they can be fashioned into almost any style that loose hair can be styled into.
Below are 30 stylish options for micro braids hairstyles that we think are worth trying!
1. Layered Micro Braids
Layered braids are basically braids arranged in layers, with the bottom layer usually being longer than the top layer. It’s done by sectioning the hair horizontally into two or three parts—depending on the number of layers you want—and braiding each layer shorter as you go from the lowest section to the top layer. The individual braids are made in very small sizes so that the ends can be thin and curled properly. The ends of layered braids can be curled with an electric curling iron or curling rods/rollers. Layered braids are versatile and can be styled in many ways.
2. Micro Braids With Human Hair
Micro braids with human hair involves braiding individual micro braids with regular braiding hair or human hair extensions and adding small pieces of human hair on each braid. Using human hair helps to achieve the best messy look for micro braids without any tangles. This technique is a great yet subtle way of switching up regular micro braids.
3. Micro Box Braids
Micro box braids are regular micro braids that are made with box or square parts. The box partings are made small because of the size of the braids. It’s the small size that gives the braids some sort of uniformity and makes them look neater. Micro box braids can feature a side or center part and be styled in a lot of different ways.
4. Invisible Micro Braids
Can’t even see them, can you? What makes these micro braids invisible is that they’re done using the pick and drop method. It involves braiding only a small length of hair and leaving the rest to fall. The concept of invisible micro braids is to make it look like you have a sew-in. However, this style will last longer because your hair is braided at the roots and gives you more options to style your hair.
5. Micro Twists
Micro twists are made by parting the hair into small sections and using small pieces of braiding hair to make individual twists. The twists are achieved by intertwining two strands of hair. Micro twists are much easier than regular micro braids and may take less time to make. They can be done in any color and styled in many ways.
6. Crochet Micro Braids
If you’re one of those people that can’t sit down for long in your salon chair but you’d still like to get micro braids, you can opt for crochet micro braids. Crochet micro braids are achieved by installing pre-made crochet micro braids extensions into cornrows using a crochet pin. This method will cut down on salon time and provide you with the same results. Crochet braids can also be styled in a lot of ways and the extensions are reusable.
7. Curly Micro Braids
Curly micro braids are made by making micro individual braids and curling the whole braid afterwards. The curls usually start at around half way down the braids or where the natural hair stops. This is to avoid putting the natural hair inside hot water when curling the braids. If you want your curls higher or closer to the roots of your hair, it can be achieved using a pre-curled braiding hair.
8. Wet and Wavy Micro Braids
Wet and wavy micro braids are made with wavy hair extensions. These micro braids are achieved by using the wavy hair extensions to braid the hair down from the root only a short way, then leaving the wavy extensions loose halfway or at the ends. The wet look can be achieved using shiny wavy extensions and you can spray a bit of water from time to time to keep the curls popping.
9. Micro Braids Wig
If you want micro braids but you don’t have the time or patience to sit at the salon, there’s another option for you: the always-handy micro braid wig. Micro braid wigs are made by using small pieces of braiding hair to do individual braids on a wig cap. For a more natural look, you can use a closure or full lace frontal on the wig.
10. Extra Small Knotless Braids
Extra small knotless braids involve parting the hair into very small sections and feeding in extra small pieces of braiding hair for each individual braid. When making extra small knotless braids, the parts have to be done carefully and neatly to get the best results. These braids have a more flat appearance than the regular micro braids.
11. Men’s Micro Braids
Men’s micro braids are achieved by making small individual braids. They can be done with or without extensions, all depending on preference. Braids for men generally look best when they’re around shoulder-length because a longer length may get uncomfortable or get in the way when working.
12. Long Micro Braids
A little extra length has never hurt anybody and these long micro braids will look incredible on anyone that chooses to get them. Long micro braids are done by making individual micro braids in a long length. Getting these chic long micro braids will take a longer time than any other shorter length so it’s advisable that two or more braiders work together at one time.
13. Mini Micro Braids
Not a fan of the extra tiny micro braids? You can opt for mini micro braids. Mini micro braids are micro braids that are a bit bigger in size from the extra tiny ones. They can be made with natural hair and with braiding extensions. The only difference between mini micro braids and micro braids is the size of the braids.
14. Micro Braids Bob
Micro braid bobs are a classy and professional look. The style is made by braiding individual micro braids in a short length and curving the ends inward to form a bob. The bob is completed by burning the ends of the braids with a lighter. Dipping the ends of the micro braids will make them straight and won’t form a bob. Micro braid bobs can be done in one length all the way around or done in layers.
15. Wavy Micro Braids
Wavy micro braids can be done with either regular braiding hair or wavy extensions. They are formed by using wavy extensions to make individual micro braids or by using regular braiding hair to do individual micro braids and then using a big-sized flexi rod or hair roller to curl the braids into a wavy pattern.
16. Short Micro Braids
If you are trying to save some time while getting micro braids, short micro braids are the way to go. Short micro braids are made by using small pieces of braiding hair to create individual micro braids in a short length. Even though they’re not long, they can still be styled in many ways and can be done in any color of your choice.
17. Micro Braids With Shaved Sides
Micro braids with shaved sides involve getting the natural hair shaved down on each side of the head and making individual micro braids in the middle. One great thing about getting micro braids with shaved sides is that you can still drop your braids and wear them down to cover the shaved sides when they start to grow back or look rough.
18. Micro Braids Updo
Micro braids updos involve making extra small cornrows, starting from the front of the head and adding small pieces of braiding hair gradually until it reaches the middle. The same process is repeated from the nape of the neck to the middle of the head. In the middle of the head, the cornrows are secured into a ponytail or bun. This braided updo style looks great on professional women who need to keep their hair out of their face for work.
19. Micro Braids With Curly Ends
Micro braids with curly ends involve making individual micro braids and adding curls on each of the ends. The curls can be made by wrapping the ends of the braids around a flexi rod, hair roller, or thread. Pre-made curly extensions can also be added to the ends of the micro braids if you don’t want to curl them yourself. This hairstyle can be executed in any color or length you like.
20. Micro Braids With Natural Hair
The micro braids with natural hair style is achieved by making individual micro braids without using any hair extensions. This flattering protective style won’t cost you anything because all you need is your natural hair. Micro braids with natural hair can be done on both short and long natural hair—not to mention that they can also be used as starter locs.
21. Micro Cornrows
Micro cornrows involve parting the hair into the desired style or pattern and using very small pieces of braiding hair to braid the hair very close to the scalp. This cornrow hairstyle gives a minimal look that uplifts the face and lasts for a long while. They can be made with or without braiding extensions.
22. Micro Kinky Twist
Micro kinky twists are a wonderfully voluminous hairstyle for any natural hair length. It involves using very small pieces of kinky hair to make individual micro twists. It’s a great protective hairstyle choice because it lasts for a very long time and blends with the natural hair. So even when it gets old, it still looks fabulous. Kinky twists can be styled in many ways and are actually very lightweight despite their full look.
23. Colored Micro Braids
Colored micro braids are a perfect way to add some flavor to the regular black micro braids. These are successfully done by using any color of braiding hair to make individual micro braids. Braiding hair comes in various different colors such as red, blue, purple, blonde, burgundy, etc. and you can select any color you like. It’s all about what look you’re going for.
24. Tree Micro Braids
Tree micro braids involve using curly hair extensions to make individual micro braids from the roots of the hair only to a very short length—just enough to secure each braid. After the braid is secured to the root of the hair, it is tied and the remaining part of the extension is left to drop. These tree braids are made using the pick and drop method.
25. Micro Goddess Braids
Micro goddess braids involve using braiding hair to make individual micro braids and attaching curls alongside the braids. This goddess style can be done by adding pre-made curly extensions to the braids using a crochet pin or by leaving small strands of braiding hair out while you’re braiding and then curling them with any preferred curling method. Adding curls to the micro braids give the hairstyle a lot more volume and dimension.
26. Micro Braids With Bangs
Micro braids with bangs involve making individual micro braids and adding braided bangs in front. The bangs are made by using short pieces of braiding hair to make short individual braids at the front of the head and burning the ends so that they can make a small curve. This style is so unique and versatile as it can be styled in many ways.
27. Blonde Micro Braids
There’s a saying that blondes always do it better and these blonde micro braids confirm just that! Blonde micro braids are made using braiding hair that’s a blonde color. These can be done in any length and blonde is a great color for a bold hairstyle option.
28. Micro Pixie Braids
Micro pixie braids is a short and edgy hairstyle. You can make this by forming extra short individual micro braids in different layers. The micro braids are usually longer at the top to slightly cover the face, while the remaining sides are shorter.
29. Micro Braids With Loose Ends
This micro braids with loose ends hairstyle gives bohemian vibes and is the perfect hairstyle for the summer! All you have to do is make individual micro braids and leave the ends loose. The loose ends can be achieved with regular braiding hair or human hair extensions.
30. Micro Braids With French Curls
Micro braids with French curls is another way to switch up the regular micro braids. For this one, you’ll want to use pre-curled braiding extensions to do individual micro braids. The pre-curled extensions usually have a silky texture and they come in different colors to choose from.
