48 Trendy French Braids for Men Styles to Rock in 2023

French Braid styles always stayed popular due to their defining features. Besides looking phenomenal for their attractive styles, French Braids protected people’s hair and contributed to hair growth. Especially, if someone was looking for a protective hairstyle that could save their long hair, a French Braid style always emerged as the best solution.

French Braids used to be a women-exclusive style. But as time changed, this style surpassed the boundary of gender-specificity. Now men too can wear these fashionable and versatile French Braids and express themselves better.

Now, French Braids for Men styles follow the same technique as traditional French Braids. The braiding process involves using three strands of hair. The strands go one over another to create the braid until the process reaches the end of the hair. As a modified technique, adding more hair to the existing strands at each step is also allowed.

Here in our guide to French Braids for Men, we are going to discuss 48 incredible variations with pictures. We will also tell you how to get French Braids for Men in 5 simple steps. Then in the penultimate section of the guide, the FAQs will give you more information about this magnificent style to improve your experience.

Let’s get going!

48 Super French Braids for Men Ideas

Braid styles keep evolving due to various factors. Length, hair type, texture, color, etc. are some of those factors that helped create many variations of French Braids for Men over the years. We have selected 48 of those styles that come with fantastic looks.

We will discuss those styles in this part of our guide. Let’s keep reading!

French Braid Pony

The French Braid Pony is one of the simplest variations of French Braids. It uses a single braid down the middle that is also long enough to create a ponytail at the end. The top hair is braided neatly and tightly following the French braiding process.

The braid ends just below the crown of the head in this style. At that point, a hair band can be used to tie the hair and let the rest of it flow downward as a simple yet good-looking ponytail.

Braided Man Bun

Getting French Braids and then using them to create Man Bun is an excellent approach. There are many ways you can do it. In this example, we are showing you an extravagant style that includes having faded sides.

The top hair produces two large braids as well as some small braids which then join at the crown to form the well-desired Man Bun. That’s it!

French Crown

Using braids to produce crown shapes has been a famous option for any kind of braids in the world. It resembles the Olive Crown from ancient Greece, and it looks out of this world when done correctly. In total, eight curved braids are used to create this stunning look.

First, the hair is parted in the middle. Then each side of the part is again divided into seven sections. Every section produces a single braid that goes outward in a slanted direction. The endings merge together to create the oval-shaped crown as the final step.

Trio Bun

The Trio Bun may seem like a complicated style, but it is one of the easiest and most effective French Bun variations you can get. Only the top hair gets to produce all three braids for this look which construct the Man Bun afterward.

The top hair is sectioned into three parts. The middle section here should be bigger than the two sections on its sides. Then the hair in each section is braided, and they team up on your crown area to create a man bun that is similar to a Samurai bun.

Dollar Design

Braids and designs go hand in hand because it is much more convenient to get specific designs with your braids. And although heart designs seem to be the most popular kind of braids design, the Dollar Design gives it a run for its money as well.

You will need five French Braids to produce the Dollar Design. The outermost two braids will shape the top of the head, and they will also define the area for the design. Then in the middle, two braids will stay side by side with minimum space between them. Finally, the S-shaped braid will be created on top of these two braids to complete the Dollar sign.

Straight French Braids

Straight braids are popular for their usefulness in terms of having a polished look with a low-maintenance style. The case is the same with French Braids too. Moreover, these styles give you the freedom to choose the thickness of your braids depending on your preferences.

In this particular Straight French Braids style, fifteen braids are utilized. They begin at the front of your head and go toward the back in a straight line. And if you want fewer than fifteen braids, simply ask your stylist to follow your direction, and you will get thicker braids but in lower numbers.

Slick Braids

This French Braids variation is inspired by the classic Slick Back haircut. The braids are organized in a similar manner. Here, only five braids make up the whole look.

The braid down the middle will always be bigger than the other four braids for this style. While the middle braid will go directly to the back, the braids on either side will go downward in a slightly angular direction to finish it up.

Afro Man Bun

The Afro Man Bun could be a piece of art in the hands of a capable hairstylist. Afro hair needs extra care with useful products to keep them organized before getting braided into excellent styles.

In this variation, your stylist will use pomade to manage your hair for the braids. Once the braiding process is done, the endings of each braid will combine to form a mini Afro Bun. The bun will take its shape as the pomade wears off.

Closed Boxer

With some exceptions, two French Braid styles are always called Boxers. And in this variation, you are seeing a nice iteration of it. It is called the Closed Boxer because the braids come together just below the crown and leave no identifiable endings of those braids available.

This Closed Boxer is usually worn with faded sides to create prominence. But as you can see here, you may wear it with your regular short sides too! You can also play with the proximity of your braids. However, it is recommended to keep at least two inches distance between the braids for this style to appear as cool as it is.

French Fishbone

French Braids meet Fishbone Braids in this particular variation to give you a strong and bold French Braids style. However, this style is always a controversial one due to the way it looks.

Here, the Fishbone is more of a semi-Fishbone than a full one. The style gets its energy from the French braiding style that creates the half-inward fishbone look. And then there is one more braid on each side to define the area of your French Fishbone style. That’s all.

Middle-Part Quad

The Middle-Part Quad is a fantastic French Braids for Men variation if you are looking for a neat style. It ensures a symmetrical view with its accurate middle part. The four French Braids also fulfill the symmetrical criteria in this style.

After parting the hair in the middle, each side is again sectioned into two parts. One of these two parts should be strictly above your ear, and the other one can occupy the lower back area. Then these sections will produce a braid each. After the completion of the process, you will have a wonderful Middle-Part style with four neatly-done French Braids.

Free French

If you want to enjoy a braid style to the fullest, always make sure to get some Freestyle braids. And it can be done with French Braids too, if that is what you would like to have for your style. In this variation, two braids occupy the top middle, and then each side produces three cornrow-styled French Braids.

Freestyle French Braids tend to be well-balanced in terms of their look and the weight of the braids. One side always mirrors the other side which ensures a staggering view every single time.

French into Back Knot

If you are not a fan of man bun but like wearing knots, this French into Back Knot is an excellent option to try out. The top hair produces straight French Braids that end at the back by maintaining a uniform look.

Afterward, the endings of all those braids create a small knot in your nape area. However, you can change the location of your knot according to your preferences.

Hybrid French

This French Braids for Men variation is inspired by a Mohawk. The top hair has one French Braid that comes in mixed thicknesses. The beginning of that braid almost covers the entire head, but as the braid reaches the crown area, it turns into a thin braid and ends just below in a ponytail form.

The sides and the back hair are trimmed down to half inches length, and it complements the braid perfectly due to the contrasting sizes.

Golden Man Bun with Taper

French Braids styles have many dynamic looks available to interested individuals. This Golden Man Bun with Taper is one of those must-try variations. The hair is dyed golden for this massive look which itself is a huge attraction for many people

There are three French Braids in this look. The middle one is thick and takes up most of the space. Then there are the rest two braids on either side of it. These braids frame the middle braid cleanly. And the side hair is tapered to blend into the braided area. Finally, the braids join at the back to create a small Man Bun to complete the process.

Simple Bun

 

This Simple Bun is as easy as it gets in terms of French Braids and the Man Bun combo. The braids on top of the head go toward the back and then, they are tied together to create a standard man bun.

You can add some extra elements to your look by getting your sides faded. In that case, you can use the look of a Drop Fade to elevate your style.

Loopy French

Loopy designs are usually rare to find because it demands too much work. But if you have the patience for it and find a willing hairstylist to do the job, you must go for this look.

In this style, two bigger braids frame the top of the head. Then on the inside area, two strands from each bigger braid create the loop. It is repeated three times to fill up the space. In the end, you get a fantastic look that everyone keeps admiring.

Sharp Zigzags

Zigzags and braids go a long way. The appearance of the zigzag is manufactured by using various methods, and one of the most popular ways is to produce contrasting braids in opposite directions. The braiding process begins in the middle area of the head and goes outward from there.

If you want more zigzags, your braids must be thin for it. Now, thin braids may need more maintenance, but for the look you achieve through these braids, it is absolutely worth it.

Boxer Tails

Boxer Tails is yet another symmetrical style that looks more like art than a typical hairstyle. The top of the head is divided into two sections for this style. Then the strands in those sections are turned into little braids which come together at the end to produce a single braid from each section.

For the sides, you can opt for a taper to maintain consistency with the tails. Or, if you want to go the length, choose a fade to make things more interesting. The option is open.

Long French

We understand that there are people who only love big braids. This Long French style is dedicated to them. It has a single large braid that has all the capabilities to turn people’s heads.

The French Braid here takes center stage at the back of the head with its huge demeanor. And based on the hair length, you can extend the tail of the braid as long as you would like. The longer the tail is, the better this single French Braid style will appear.

Symmetrical Wave

Creating different kinds of freestyle waves with braids will never become out of trend. There are always some surprising elements in them that keep the style going. In this Symmetrical Wave style, the symmetry works as the energy behind this look.

While the main component of this style is the freestyle braids, the arrangement of them in a natural manner makes the Symmetrical Wave a great option for those who are interested in Freestyle French Braids.

French Fishtail Mohawk

In a French-styled Fishtail Braid, this variation lives on as a Mohawk with its astonishing characteristics. It is a multilayered style where the French Braid blends into Fishtail Braid, and on top of that, the fusion of these two creates a Mohawk style on the head.

The braiding process for this style is tricky. First, the top hair is separate from the sides. Then, three strands are sectioned with that hair. When the braiding process starts, it begins as a French Braid but halfway through, the braiding technique changes into the Fishtail method. And that’s it!

Samurai Bun in French

 

In case you are looking for loose-styled French Braids for Men look, this variation right here can be your friend. The top hair has a French Braid that looks so natural due to its relaxed appearance.

Afterward, the braid is tied at the crown with a small loop to give it the Samurai Bun look. The top hair produces almost a Mohawk with the French Braid, and the Samurai Bun is completely a cherry on top for this style.

Long & Straight

Sometimes, people want to take a break from everything. It may also include wanting to avoid wearing complex hairstyles. Now, if you have long hair and are going through a time like this, this Long & Straight style can be an excellent choice for you.

The French Braid is done in a cornrow manner for this style. All the hair is sectioned into four similar parts. Then each section produces a single braid respectively that goes toward the back. And if your hair is long enough, the braid can continue until reaching the end.

Classic Boxer

The Classic Boxer gives you two medium French Braids that are clean and simple. It looks fantastic if you have smooth hair for it. These standard two braids also make this style absolutely low maintenance.

The process is super easy. The hair gets divided down the middle and is turned into two braids. Then the braids hang at the back freely. Finally, you can use hair bands to tie the end of those braids to keep them neat-looking.

Linear Bun

This French Braids for Men variation is highly appreciated for its simplicity. It comes with straight French Braids that turn into a Man Bun. The size and formation of the braids can be customized based on individual preferences.

Usually, braids of two thicknesses are used in this style. It helps with creating a nice contrast within the hairstyle. Also, you can get fades for the sides to accompany the braids if you wish. It’s up to you.

Double French with Drop Fade

This Double French with Drop Fade style stands out as one of the most aggressive French Braids for Men. The two braids form an oval shape on top of the head with much space left in the middle.

The sides underneath those braids get bold-looking Drop Fade to ramp up the appearance. In particular, a High Drop Fade looks best with this Double French style.

Rattail Duo

Rattails are not everyone’s favorite. Some people would rather cut their hair shorter and opt for a suitable haircut. However, if you have long enough hair and also have the taste for it, the rattail looks awesome and can make you stand out anywhere.

The rattail becomes better when you couple it with French Braids. As you can see here, two French Braids on the sides are extended to produce a rattail look. The shiny tails add some boost to your French Braids that are sometimes necessary to appear unique.

French Cornrow

Cornrows are one of the most popular braids for anyone out there. They get their admiration from both their practical as well as stylistic features. Cornrows can be combined with other types of braids too, as has been done here.

The style is pretty straightforward. You follow the Cornrow technique for braiding close to the skin, but in terms of braiding itself, simply maintain the French Braids approach. And there you have it, the French Cornrow is ready!

French Braids in Crop Top

Crop Top hairstyles always stay on trend. People keep trying out various customizations with it. The French Braids in Crop Top is an excellent result of such attempts. You have the opportunity to rock French Braids within the Crop Top in this magnificent variation.

The characteristics of the Crop Top in this style are visible due to the faded sides and the short bangs at the front of the head. And the French Braids occupy the central area of the head by leaving out an inch of hair around it. This way, both Crop Top and French Braids live to give you one of the best hairstyles you will ever get.

Zigzag Boxer

The Zigzag Boxer is a simple style that can give you a complex look with its presence. The two French Braids build the Boxer view, and these braids then get separated by zigzag-styled parting down the middle of the head.

The zigzags turn almost at a 90-degree angle here, and it makes the braids appear more noticeable. Now, for the sides, you can try out a standard Taper which will go wonderfully with your Zigzag Boxer.

French Bun with Extensions

If you want your braids to appear colorful, you can apply highlights of bright tones to them. However, a non-destructive way to add color to your hair has always been through the use of extensions. They give your hair the color you want without being a permanent thing.

This French Bun with Extensions is a good example of this instance. Only a couple of blonde extensions were included in the French Braids that turned into a bun at the end. Specifically because of those extensions, now a simple French Braids with Man Bun style has more vibrant features available in it!

Long Octagon

The Long Octagon is yet another easy French Braids for Men style that comes with a strong vibe. All the hair on the head gets to work for creating this particular style. The hair is divided into eight sections, and those sections produce a braid each for this look.

If you feel like introducing some twists to this style, you may take the help of accessories like hair rings and bands. They will make your Long Octagon more visible with not too much effort.

Two Braids with 1 On the Sides

Some people are always on the lookout for bold hairstyles. In case it applies to you, this Two Braids with 1 On the Sides variation can be a top option. The two French Braids in this style do half the job perfectly due to their immense presence.

For the sides, the 1 On the Sides approach is the best here. With your two braids, the short sides will create a radiant look that will serve you perfectly.

Long & Straight with Extensions

In this variation, you will see how to use more than a single-colored hair extension to take your look to the next level. Here, the brown, white, and dark extensions are utilized to give French Braids for Men some color.

Using the extensions will also make the hair appear more voluminous than it naturally is. For this reason, wearing hair extensions with braids is much favored among people with thin hair. We also suggest this French Braids variation highly if you are one of those individuals.

French Braid Undercut

Undercut is an all-time classic. They have their own strong zone for being a great haircut. And in this fabulous variation of French Braids for Men, we are showing you the combination of Undercut with French Braids.

The principle is easy for this style. The braids will be done in a round shape on top of the head. Then the area below those braids on the sides will have fades to accomplish the French Braid Undercut look. And for this masterful style, you have the freedom to use any kind of fade you want.

Mini Zigzag with Long Tails

What are the chances that you have long hair and are looking for an extraordinary French Braid style for yourself? If that is the case, this Mini Zigzag with Long Tails should be your next choice. It is a perfect style for men who have long hair and love braids for their looks.

This style is based on a standard long-tail look, but there is a catch. The hair is sectioned in small zigzags to give it an extra touch of awesomeness. And when the braiding process is done, you get to witness and appreciate the wholesome beauty of this variation.

Condensed Straight

While we have seen most people go for styles with thicker but fewer braids, we also understand when some others prefer to wear styles that come with many braids. This Condensed Straight style is especially for those people.

When you look at the picture here, you can guess that many things are going on at the same time. The braids are done by maintaining close proximity in order to give them a fuller look. But that’s not all. In the end, the braids are also tied together to form a single Ponytail. In a way, it is two looks in one style because there may be so many braids on top of the head, but they also end up in a single braid afterward.

Wave with Accessories

You can use various accessories with your French Braids easily. Take a look at this variation. There are already hair extensions involved in the style. But the use of ornamental hair rings has elevated the style effortlessly.

You can also use colorful beads if you are up for it. It will add more character to your French Braids style without being too much of a pain.

Middle-Part Highlights

When you wear French Braids for your style, you can modify their look easily even when you are wearing them. The easiest way is to use extensions, as we showed you earlier. But if you are looking to apply color directly to your hair, using highlights is the best possible action for it.

However, you need to consult an expert stylist for this approach. Otherwise, your braids may get destroyed and even lose their natural shine in the process.

Upright Short Tails

This French Braids for men style involves having short tails at the back as an extension of straight braids. It is one of the cleanest French Braids variations for men to try out.

The hair should be touching the shoulder for this style to work out. And if you want to add something more to it, some zigzag-styled parting can be enough to keep it clean still. Super simple!

Serpentine French

The Serpentine French is a perfect style for lovers of curved braids. This variation usually has six braids that create strong curves on top of the head. The two braids in the middle look almost straight due to the other four curved braids on their sides.

Now, you can get some fades to add some life to the sides. But if fades seem too much, there is still an option to get a traditional Taper to keep things easy.

Twisty Middle-Part

In terms of French Braids that have zigzags involved, this Twisty Middle-Part beats all of them effortlessly with its clean look. Everything is so smooth about this style.

This variation uses a zigzag middle part as the beginning of the process. The French Braids take their places on the boundary of the top of the head. Finally, the braids are tied at the back to help maintain the neat look of this style.

Long French with Heart Design

Here comes the much anticipated Heart Design! Any discussion on a specific braiding style is always incomplete without the inclusion of a heart design variation in it.

The French Braids too understand the assignment about looking out of this world with a Heart design. Now, people usually get one heart to accompany only one of their braids. However, if you feel like rocking two hearts on each side of the head, you can create a nice symmetrical style by yourself. Think about it!

Center Connection

If you are looking for an absolutely unique French Braids for Men style, this Center Connection variation is here to save the day. It comes with four traditional French Braids. But things get interesting in the middle area.

The two braids that are adjacent to the middle part establish a connection with each other through a triangle. Two triangles are placed close to those braids. And a strand of hair comes out from those triangles to get included in the braid that is on the opposite of it. That’s all.

Closed Blue & Teal Boxer

We already showed a Closed Boxer variation early in this article. If you would like some color with that style, this Closed Blue & Teal Boxer is here to show you the way.

Typically, if it is about applying color to the hair, people choose to apply their favorite color to almost the entire hair. But the approach is different for this variation. The Blue and Teal colors are applied only to the back portion of the braids. And if you like it, you can follow this method for other French Braids styles as well.

Half Fishbone

Half Fishbone style for French Braids offers something great to the interested party. The Half Fishbone comes from the Fishbone braids where the style gets its resemblance from a full fishbone. However, for this Half Fishbone look, only the half-side of the Fishbone is considered.

This is a style with two big enough French Braids on either side of the head. Then some small braids come from those braids at an angle to create the Half Fishbone look. But if you don’t want to maintain the angle then you will get a Sharp Zigzag look with the same hair.

Bald Top French Post

This style gives some hope to men who have a bald top. It is normal to lose top hair as men age. Nevertheless, it should not stop them from wearing any braids styles.

As you have seen throughout this guide, the French Braids usually take place on top of the head. But since there is no hair on the top here, we are making the French Braids at the back where some hair is still available. Looks excellent still, doesn’t it?

How to Get French Braids for Men?

In this part of the guide, we will tell you how you can braid your hair by following the French Braids technique easily in 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Washing

Start the process by washing your hair. Use a good sulfur-free shampoo for the best result. And also make sure to use a suitable conditioner to keep the moisture locked in for your hair. Afterward, air-dry your hair with patience.

Step 2: Combing

Now, comb your hair carefully. You can use a brush with a soft bristle for the best result. You can also get a wooden comb to do the job without damaging your hair.

Step 3: Sectioning

Separate your hair in the middle area, and then section them into three equal strands. Make sure that the strands have almost similar amounts of hair before you move on to the next step. Hold the strands tightly as you begin the braiding process.

Step 4: Braiding

In this step, take the rightmost strand of your sectioned hair, and move it over the middle section toward the left. And then take the left strand from your sectioned hair, and move it across the middle section. Make sure that you are holding the strands tight enough.

Now, take some more hair from the area adjacent to your right section and include them in your right strand. Then cross that right section over the middle part. Afterward, in a similar manner, take some more hair from the left area and include them in the left section of strands. Now move them over the middle section toward the right.

Continue this process until you are done braiding your hair.

Step 5: Maintenance

To keep your braids looking good, you need to follow some directions for maintenance that we are discussing below.

• Wash your braids at least once a week.
• Use a leave-in conditioner to save your hair from getting dried up.
• Do not wear your braids too tight.
• Wear a sleep cap when you go to sleep.
• Be careful not to tangle your braids with something when you are moving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Since we intend this article to be your ultimate guide for French Braids for Men, we have included more pertinent information in this section. We have collected some of the most asked questions, and we will provide answers to those questions in this section.

Q: Can I add extensions to my hair for a longer French braid?

Ans: Yes, you can. We have discussed some styles in this guide that use extensions to create stunning looks. Make sure to check them out.

Q: Do French Braids for Men work well for different hair types?

Ans: Yes. French Braids for Men are one of those rare styles that work perfectly with any type of hair.

Q: Are French Braids and Dutch Braids the same for men?

Ans: No. There are stark differences between these two styles. In French Braids, hair strands go over one another while in Dutch Braids, strands go one under the other. You can find a detailed comparison guide between Dutch Braids and French Braids on our website.

Q: Are French Braids for men suitable for formal events?

Ans: Not really. However, you can blend yourself in with the use of proper formal attire. This way, your French Braids may avoid drawing too much attention.

Q: How can I make my French Braids look more polished?

Ans: You can use styling gel to appear polished with your French Braids. However, we strongly suggest that you condition your hair frequently before even getting a French Braids style. This is a more permanent solution.

Q: Do I need any special styling tool for getting French Braids for Men style?

Ans: No. French Braids can be done easily with the help of a comb or hair brush, and by using your hands.

Concluding Thoughts

French Braids for Men styles exist with some specific missions. They make lives easier from many perspectives. Not only are they some of the most versatile styles in the world for men, but they also provide the opportunity to look astonishing with some easy yet gorgeous looks.

In our extensive guide, we covered everything you may need to know about French Braids for Men. We have discussed 48 tremendous variations of this style with pictures. We have also included an easy 5-Steps guide on how to get French Braids for Men. In the end, we have shared more information regarding this style in the form of FAQs.

If you are still looking for something regarding either your style selection or anything at all about French Braids for Men, you can reach out to us through the comment section below. Until next time!

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