Halo braids are a stunning staple hairstyle. Here are some gorgeous ways to rock the look and how to do it yourself.

Over the years, braided hairstyles have evolved at an almost break-neck speed. Gone are the straight forward box braids and simple cornrows of our youths. In their places? Elevated versions of the classics like goddess braids, braided bobs, and more. Still, just like fashion, beauty trends often look to the past for inspiration, even more so when it comes to classic protective hairstyle inspiration. It makes sense then, that you’ve likely added halo braids to your arsenal of protective-hairstyle-inspiration photos.

Meet the expert

Marie Nino is a New York City-based hair stylist and colorist.

“Halo braids are a type of hairstyle where the hair is plaited around the head, creating a crown-like or ‘halo’ effect,” says New York City-based hairstylist, Marie Nino. The result resembles an angelic ring (hence the name,) that keeps your hair up and out of the way and simultaneously looking extremely elegant. If you’re as ready to bring back the halo-braid era as we are, Nino explains everything you should know to achieve the iconic style.

What Are Halo Braids?

Halo braids consist of plaited Dutch or French braids, wrapped around the perimeter of the head. 

How to Achieve Halo Braids

If you know how to cornrow your hair, you're miles ahead of the curve when it comes to perfecting the halo braid of your dreams. “Begin a Dutch or French braid at the nape of the neck, gradually adding more hair as you braid around the perimeter of your head,” Nino says. “Continue braiding in a circular motion until you’ve reached the point where you started. Then you’ll tuck and secure the ends of the braid underneath the braid itself with bobby pins or small elastics.”

Depending on the type of look you’re going for you can leave the braid looking a little tighter and closer to the head. You can also lightly pull on different sections of the braid to give it a fuller, more voluminous look. To take the style up a notch, add accessories like flowers or hair jewels.

Best Halo Braid Hairstyles

Like the majority of protective styles, halo braids are incredibly versatile and can be worn in numerous ways. “You can mix in twists, play with braids of different sizes, or add fun embellishments to the style,” Nino says. “Another option is the half-up halo braid, where the braid crowns the top while the rest of the hair is left down for a more laid-back vibe.” Other styling options include the double halo braid, which features smaller braids overlapping in front of the original, halo braids made out of cornrows, and even a halo-braid bun. The possibilities are truly endless with this look. 

Regardless of the style you choose, maintaining your halo braids is the same process as with any other protective style. “Make sure that you’re wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or using a silk pillowcase,” Nino says. “A little lightweight oil or spray can help manage frizz, and try to avoid getting the braids wet to help the style last longer.”

Keep reading to find some timely halo braid inspiration.

Braided Halo

What do you get when you combine the versatility of halo braids and a classic protective style like cornrows? This stunning braided halo that features cornrows in the front and middle of the head, and a dutch braid around the perimeter of the head, bring the entire look together.

Jumbo Halo Braid

If you’re on the hunt for inspiration for a classic version of the halo braid, look no further than at this jumbo version of the style. The plaits are larger, so the style resembles a crown sitting on top of the head. Ethereal doesn’t even begin to describe this stunning hairstyle. 

Double Halo Braid

Yes a single halo braid is one thing, but a double halo is proof that the hairstyle can be as elegant as it is practical. If you want to wear this look for a formal occasion like a wedding or graduation, add in a few hair accessories like the pearl pins seen here or gold cuffs scattered throughout the style for a touch of something extra. 

Halo Braid Locs

Yes, you can braid locs and they can make an absolutely stunning halo braid. This version has the traditional halo spanning the outer crown of the head, accompanied by a braid in the center for a gorgeous take on a protective style.

Halo Braid With Curls

You don’t have braid all of your hair when doing halos, in fact the addition of a few loose curls gives the style an ultra boho chic. If you want to recreate the look, stick to your natural hair color for a classic, cohesive version of the style or add a few highlights for some dimension and visual interest. 

Halo Braid With Middle Part

While the middle versus side-part debate rages on, rest assured that you won't have to sacrifice your favorite to try out halo braids. All you have to do is push the braid back closer to the middle of your head, so you can keep the front of your hair (and preferred part) exposed. 

Halo Braid With Zig-Zag Parts

If you’re a fan of the zig-zag part that was popular in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, then this halo braid belongs on your mood board. Not only is the warm red shade woven throughout the look mesmerizing, but the parts give this look a distinctly vintage feel that falls perfectly in line with the y2k beauty resurgence. 

Halo Bun

Sometimes, your halo braid doesn’t have to span the perimeter of your entire head. In fact, this halo bun is the perfect way to jazz up a traditional faux hawk and you’ll be guaranteed to have some stunning curls once you take the style down, allowing you a few more days of eye-catching hairstyles before wash day. A win-win if you ask us. 

Halo Braid With Side Part

Remember that middle part halo? Well say hello to it’s counterpart. This ends of this halo braid meet toward the side of the head rather than in the middle, making it an easy style to keep your hair up and out of your face—i.e. the perfect vacation hairstyle. 

Halo Braid With Subtle Highlights

If you don’t want a bold color like red when doing your halo braid, opt for subtle brown highlights, especially if you have a darker hair color. The lighter shade will show in certain lighting, making your halo braid look even more elegant for special occasions like weddings. 

Ombré Halo Locs

Another stunning example of the versatility of locs, this halo braid beautifully displays the ombré color of each loc, and leaves the intricate geometric parting on full display. 

Two-Toned Halo Braid

If you just can’t decide on your next hair color, when opting for your halo braid use two colors in the style instead of one. Here, the center of the style is a beep brown color, but the braid itself is a beautiful burgundy red—the best of both worlds. 

Reverse Halo Braid

For this style, instead of the halo spanning the entirety of the head and being seen primarily in the front, the halo is focused toward the back of the head. The reverse hairstyle is great if you want to keep the front of your hair on display (and is likely lessening the tension in that area too).