Protective Styles 101: Must-See Feed-In Braids

Hair braiding is an art form, and like any craft, there’s always room to improve your technique. If you’re ready to step up your hair braiding game this season, then get familiar with feed-in braids: A method that creates an illusion of natural, thicker, and longer cornrows, by feeding synthetic hair into natural plaits.

This approach blends natural and synthetic textures seamlessly and protects the health of your edges by reducing tension along the hairline. If cornrows are your protective style of choice this summer, then this is one hack to master.

To see what feed-in braids look like IRL, take a look at the dope coiffures below.

01

@kitagirl921

This style is feed-in braid goals.

02

@braided_

These space buns are perfect for festival season.

03

@braidsbyreese

These neat and natural-looking cornrows check all the boxes.

04

@amourjah

This style is amazing.

05

@braidsby_trina

We normally hate looking at the back of someone's head, but we can't stop staring at these dope ombre feed-in braids.

06

@the_hairchanic

A little color goes a long way.

07

@encoresalonsuites

We love this braided ponytail.

08

@larbelle_makeover

This style seamlessly blends smaller braids into larger braids.

09

@braided_

What's not to love about these neat heart shaped feed-in braids.

10

@n.skyye_did_it

Reveal fancy parts by fashioning your feed-in braids into a dope updo.

11

@braids.things

Feed-in braids can even be fed into box braids.

12

@ebthastylist

We love this braided bun.

13

@callme_jassy

Make feed-in braids pop by adding color and fun parts.

14

@2soliid

We're always about that bun life.

15

@the_hairchanic

Get your swerve on.

16

@hairby_shrimo

With the feed-in braid technique, even longer braids look natural.