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We're calling it—2024 is the year of French curl braids. The look, which is a box braid done with silky, pre-curled braiding hair, started gaining steam last year and fully took off in the spring. Take it from this editor: It's a fun and bouncy look that gives you the body and movement of unbraided tresses without the heat or maintenance.
“These braids are popular for being lightweight and voluminous,” says Theola Carbon, a Brooklyn-based braider. “They also come in various color blends, so it’s the perfect style to get creative with.” Instead of sealing the braids with hot water like usual, French curls are sealed differently. Once you hit the base of the braid, you tie a knot to hold it in place and “leave the remaining hair out for the bouncy curls to show,” explains Carbon.
If you haven't tried this look yet, what on Earth are you waiting for?! Below are 14 French curl braids styles to help bring you to the bouncy side.
All Black
Jet-black French curls are perfect for a dark look for fall while maintaining a bouncy and vibrant vibe.
Platinum
Braids are the perfect way to play with color! Carbon and I did this platinum look last fall and I've been wearing some variation of blonde ever since.
Honey Blonde
This honey-blonde look takes the brightness from root to tip. It's a style that lets you change up your vibe without dyeing your hair. Note that with all-over color changes, the line of demarcation between the braids and your hair will be intense.
Caramel Blend
This style blends a mix of caramel and blonde to fake highlights for a warm and dimensional look.
"The best way to care for French curls is by wrapping them at night to maintain the neatness," says Carbon. "If you have extra time, wrapping the curls in flexi rods will help them to last longer. Using a small amount of product, like mousse or hair oil, will also help keep up this look, but only add a tiny amount when the braids dry. This low-maintenance style should last up to eight weeks if tied down every night. One last maintenance tip is to keep these braids out of water to keep the curls shiny and voluminous!"
Warm-Toned Ombré
I'm deeply in love with ombré braiding hair, as it creates such a soft and pretty gradient. Carbon did this look on me and cut in layers to give the curls a ton of bounce.
Black Honey
Dark brown hair at the roots fades into a warm honey shade at the ends for a pretty, varied look. Because the roots are dark, her natural hair will be less noticeable as it grows in.
Vivid Copper
There’s no better time to play with copper hair than during fall. Her braids are nice and long, adding body and movement to her look.
Red & Blonde
A sprinkling of blonde braids adds a fun pop of color to this deep aubergine color. Additionally, the braids are cut to have face-framing layers for movement.
Cozy Caramel
This style features a cozy caramel shade in monochrome fashion. The braids are long, while the curled, loose ends are shorter than usual, yielding a look with a touch more structure.
Caramel Ends
This two-toned brown look starts with dark brown hair at the roots then fades to caramel just before the curls start.
Deep Ombré
Ombré looks can be soft and subtle when you want them to be. In this style, the color is concentrated towards the end of the hair, adding just a touch of sparkling lightness.
Blonde in the Back
This look is all about contrast. It features a cool-toned blend of black and blonde in the front and bright platinum in the back.
Touch of Pink
Braids are the perfect time to play with pops of color. This gradient style features caramel ends spiced up with bubblegum pink.
Platinum Highlights
For a starker take on highlights, opt for jet-black hair with blonde woven in a few pieces. It creates a striking and high-contrast look.