Traditional braiding that follows a set pattern or technique will always have its place in the world of textured hairstyling, but in recent years, freestyle braiding has been growing in popularity, driven by those who want to express their own creativity and personality while alluding to the cultural heritage of braiding. With over 190,000 Instagram tags and counting, this unique style of braiding is destined to gain even more traction as influencers and celebrities contribute to the trend!
Freestyle braids are like the rebellious cousin of traditional braids. With this style, you can throw caution to the wind with asymmetry, unconventional patterns and unexpected textures or embellishments. Unlike the rules that come with box braiding or cornrows, freestyle braids push boundaries. Anything is possible.
While freestyle braids are nothing new (one could argue that the use of map designs in braided hair during the era of the Atlantic slave trade was, by definition, freestyle), the style has hit the mainstream thanks to textured hairfluencers, as well as artists such as Tyla and Rema.
Interested in freestyling your braiding? Browse our gallery below for inspiration.
