Hair Advice at Your Fingertips!

40 Current Stitch Braids Ideas for the New Season

by
Ema Globyte

4. Criss-Cross Cornrows and Plaits. Oh, the wonderful versatility of designs! There are so many options to choose from. You can keep it simple and basic or give it a mesmerizingly complex and intricate look. Replicate this to keep ’em staring at your hair all day.

Stitch braids are among the trendiest styles making waves in the fashion world RN. They are versatile; with unlimited options for length, designs, color, etc. That’s what we need this season, right?

First things first. We need to clarify some definitions and terms before looking into photos. So, here’s everything you need to know.

What Are They

The technique involves creating fascinating cornrows of different sizes on your natural hair using the ‘stitch in’ plaiting method with additional hair. As a result, we get very neat lines and partings.

How to Do

It can be done in two ways – using the rubber-band and no-rubber-band methods. In the rubber band method, the hair is parted into sections and secured with rubber bands before plaiting. The second way, i.e. the no-rubber-band method, involves no rubber bands and entails the use of styling gel and fingers to hold the sections in place as your hair is being plaited. Here is the tutorial on how to do it with rubber bands.

How Long Do They Last?

These last longer than many other types of plaits. With proper maintenance, they can last between 4 – 8 weeks.

We have also rounded up some style inspiration to share with you these top 40 super-chic styles.

1. Small Wavy Cornrows. They can be jumbo-size as well as delicate and thin. Each style has its own charm. She ended her plaits with curly ends and also made the small cornrows a lot more magnificent by plaiting them in a zigzag pattern.

2. Freestyle Scalp Plaits. Why stop at one when you can have them all. Isn’t it good to know you can have sophisticated cornrows and long ponytail plaits in one coif? The beauty of these freestyle cornrows is that they don’t appear too busy and over the top. Everything is just in the right proportion.

3. Chunky Lemonade Plaits. A style made popular by hip-hop queen, Beyonce. This super-gorgeous interwoven swerve style got its name from her album, Lemonade.

4. Criss-Cross Cornrows and Plaits. Oh, the wonderful versatility of designs! There are so many options to choose from. You can keep it simple and basic or give it a mesmerizingly complex and intricate look. Replicate this to keep ’em staring at your hair all day.

5. Elegant Cornrows to the Back. Criss-cross plaits come in many forms. You can opt for cornrows crisscrossed in the shape of scissors for a sassy, fancy flair. This design alone transformed the style from simple to exquisitely cute.

6. Cornrows to Low Curly Bun. The pronounced fishbone pattern on the scalp is one of the most fascinating features of the coif. The neatness and the uniformity are simply captivating. Low buns are so elegantly cute, especially with plaits.

7. 6 Plaits with Wavy Parting. A fabulously neat and picture-perfect handiwork of an expert hairstylist. The neatly divided sections, straight and smooth cornrows, and cute trails running the length of the scalp speak professionalism. Just six stitch braids, but the sophisticated vibes of the coif are outta this world.

8. Swerve and Spiral Plaits. Hairstyling is an art, and your hair is your crown. Express your style through your cornrows; creative, playful, sassy, sophisticated, etc. Let your hair speak your style as this fashionable style does.

9. Upswept Cornrows and a Bun. High buns are unarguably elegant in a glamorous fashion. Suitable for almost every occasion you can think of, from weddings to the office. Add more glitz to your style with some cute and dainty hairpieces.

10. Scalp Plaits with Sew-In. Such cornrows women find adorable. Show off not only plaits but some touchable curls. Versatility is the rule of the game. Pairing cornrows with matching hair extensions is a style option many women love. The extensions could be sewn in as a ponytail – you can wear it loose or rolled up in a bun.

11. Cornrows with Color and Undercut. Are you a lover of colored hair? No problem. You can go for more than a single shade for your plaited coif. Can’t possibly blame you as cornrows with color make for the hottest look.

12. Feed-In Parallel Plaits. Just like the name suggests, hair attachments are fed into the cornrows as the hair is being plaited. The result is a graceful, long, and natural-looking style.

13. Golden Blonde Back and Forth Plaits. Colorful plaits allow you to express your unique personal style. The contrasting shades of blonde on dark locks add tons of oomph to her look.

14. Highlighted Goddess Plaits with Curls. Goddess braids have a knack for making one look cool and gorgeous effortlessly. Bring in some intricate details like this heart pattern and bohemian braids to give your style more allure.

15. High Pony Weave with Cornrows. Show your inner cool fashionista with this braids-and-weave . The long pony in the back offers you an opportunity to style your locks any way you want. A half-up half-down style like hers is definitely attractive.

16. Eye-Catching Spider Design. Everyday plaited designs keep getting more creative and artistic. Hairstylists are becoming more and more innovative with the styles. This intricately woven spider-themed style is a head-turner any time of the day.

17. Goddess Plaits with Bridge Details. Check this stunning style. Sweep half of the plaits into a high bun and let the rest cascade down your shoulders. Smashing plaits for women who love fancy coifs.

18. Heart Design for Disconnected Plaits. Love is in the air! Spread the word with this cheerful and hearty coif. A cute style for adults, younger girls, and kids, too. Perfect for festivals and carnivals for all age groups.

19. Thick and Thin Ghana Plaits. You can never run out of style inspo when it comes to scalp plaits. The styling options are just all over the place. Feel like keeping it cute and classy, try jumbo cornrows to the back with slimmer details in-between. Touch it up with front-facing side plaits to give it a cool Fulani vibe.

20. Plaits to the Back with Elaborate Details. For a sexy and sultry look, go for Mohawk plaits. The extra length gives the coif an edgy and daring flair. Plaits to the back dangling around the hip pack an irresistible allure.

21. Heart and Lemonade Plaits. We bet Beyonce would be wondering why she didn’t come up with this before anyone else. Asymmetrical lemonade plaits adorned with a neatly woven heart attract the type of attention every woman would love. Powerfully appealing in a gentle manner.

22. Youthful Cornrows and Pigtail Plaits. Cornrows are usually plaited by dividing the hair down the back into several sections. The 4 plaits to the back are classic. Much thinner sections can be added to run between the major pieces.

23. Zig Zag Plaits and Mini Bun. Introducing some extra fanciable details to the hairdo is what makes plaits for women appealing. Zigzag patterns on your scalp lend an edgy flair to your look.

24. Classy Cornrows to Plaits with Curls. Never underrate the elegant vibe of simple cornrows. Classic, sleek, and cute. If you’re looking for a cool, age-defying style, this should be your first choice. Pair your coif with a chunky Chanel O earring for a stunning chic look.

25. Ponytail with Cornrowed Top. Feed your plaits into a low ponytail to create a traffic-stopping hairdo. For a super-chic appearance, leave the ends of your hair unraveled and curly. This is one sexy and cute coif for trendy ladies.

26. Half-Up Tribal Cornrows. Timeless traditional coifs of maidens from the Fulani tribe of Africa. Recently these tribal plaits have been brought to the fashion limelight. The style has got more stylish and a lot fancier, of course.

27. Box Plaits with Half-Up Cornrows. Accentuate your face with half-up cornrows and do box plaits through the rest of your hair down the back. This is a great idea if you would like classic but not too casual-looking plaits. A half-up half-down style is one way you can rock this coif.

28. Jumbo Plaits with Micro Feed-Ins. Jumbo-sized cornrows look ravishingly cute and classy on women of all ages. Though they may not last as long as other slimmer plaits, these are super-trendy and chic while they last.

29. Two Big Plaits and a Bun. Your plaits don’t have to be numerous for the coif to look great. In fact, it seems the fewer the sections the more elegant the style. Check out these romantic pigtails. The hairstyle is protective and perfect for any occasion, from official functions to a jamboree.

30. Sculptured Cornrows and Sew-In Ponytail. Even if you’re not a lover of ponytails, you can’t help but admit that cornrows pair well with ponytails. Though you can substitute the colored tail with a weave of your choice.

31. Half-Up Plaits with Beads. Apart from the styling and design, another thing that breathes fire upon plaited coifs are beads. If you’re looking at getting this authentic African queen look, introduce some beads into the game.

32. Fulani Freestyle . You don’t necessarily have to plait your entire mane to enjoy the glam appearance of textured plaits. Take a look at the style below to see what we mean. Just a few lines and her locks turn into a showstopper.

33. Upswept Big and Small Cornrows with Cuffs. Cornrowed updos are the perfect definition of easy glitz and glamor. Very convenient coifs to wear as a high ponytail or a high bun. Don’t be shy to embellish your plaits with some golden hairpieces.

34. The Most Popular Design. A combination of a few simple details gives your hair an irresistible ‘all-eyes-on-me’ attraction. One product that always takes the stage when discussing styling and maintenance of plaits is edge control gel. Use it to create lovely laid edges and smoothen your plaits.

35. Dollar Sign Cornrows with Little Feed-Ins. You can have it as simple or as complex as you want. From soft and sleek baby hairs alluringly shaped and laid along your hairline to dollar signs, make your locks spark alive with designs.

36. Plaits to the Back with Bun. Details, details, details! Truly, designs and details make the world of plaits go round. Peep this low bun updo. Let the picture do the talking.

37. Blonde Pierced Cornrows. As seen in the image below, blonde cornrows are da bomb. Created with blonde hair attachments, these 12 plaits are charming. If blonde doesn’t sit well on your skin tone, you can choose another color of extensions that suit your complexion best. Purple or red cornrows are great on a dark complexion.

38. Curly Mohawk with Side Cornrows. Mohawks are stylish and edgy. There are ways you can style your locks to resemble a Mohawk coif. Your stylist can fold those long ends into a mohawk or use hair extensions to create a semblance of the style on your plaits.

39. Puffy Plaits with Curly Ends. Of course, curls are the attention-arresting details of any style. Steal the show with your curled plaits. These are sweet and beautiful.

40. Cornrows for Short Locks. Don’t ever think that because your hair isn’t long you are left out of the cornrow wagon. Leave that to hair extensions/attachments to handle. Not a fan of synthetic hair? Your natural hair, regardless of its length, is enough. See how lovely the plaits on her natural hair look.

So, you know almost all about this new trendy type of plaits. Except for the answers to these two questions:

– How to maintain them?

To maintain your plaits, use cotton balls or a small towel with dry shampoo to keep your scalp clean daily. Avoid scratching your locks, and cover your braids with a silk bonnet or scarf during bedtime. You may also wash them, once per week can be enough.

– How much do they cost?

The cost of the plaits depends on your location and the intricacy of your choice – your chosen style. It can range from $50 to $160.

Plaits are what you need for that fashionable change of look you desire this season. All of these styles are so gorgeous and appealing! Select the one (very difficult choice, we know) you find most alluring and head off to your hairdresser.

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