Braids are a timeless and versatile protective style for black women’s hair. They allow you to give your natural hair a break from manipulation and styling while still looking fashionable. Two layer braids, where two sections of hair are braided in different directions, have become an increasingly popular braided style over the last few years. The two layers create a fun, unique look that stands out.
Two layer braids are one of the trendiest box braid styles right now. They allow for so much creativity – you can play with braid size, color, accessories, and partings. Whether you want a simple everyday style or a braided updo for an event, two layer braids are a great option. In this article, we’ll look at 30 hot two layer braided styles for black women.
Cotton Candy Pink Braids
Add a pop of color with cotton candy pink two layer braids! These braids are styled with a side part, and the pink color creates fun contrast against the dark roots. Pink braids are perfect for spring and summer. Go for a glossy finish to really make the pink shade stand out.
Medium Two Layer Braids
For an easy, versatile braided style, medium two layer braids are perfect. Not too small and not too chunky, medium box braids hit a nice balance that looks great on everyone. Part your braids down the middle or to the side, whichever you prefer. This is an effortless protective style that can be dressed up or down.
Braids with Beads
Elevate your two layer braids by adding beads! Wooden, metal, or plastic beads in colors and patterns add personality to your braids. You can space beads randomly throughout your braids or create a pattern. This is one of the most popular ways to accessorize feed in braids.
Small Brunette Braids
If you want long, waist-length two layer braids, opt for small, thin braids. Small braids use less hair, so you won’t have to deal with as much weight on your scalp. Part your hair down the middle and sweep your braids back into a low ponytail or bun for a sleek, elegant look.
Feed In Braids
One easy way to install two layer braids is by feeding in the hair extensions as you braid. After sectioning your natural hair horizontally, start cornrowing and add braiding hair close to the roots as you go. Feed in braids allow you to quickly DIY braids at home.
Half-Up Style
For a cute semi-updo, sweep the top layer of your two layer braids into a half ponytail or bun! This leaves the bottom layer down and Showcases the dynamic horizontal nature of the braids. It’s an easy way to switch up your style when your braids start to feel boring.
Braids for Girls
Two layer braids aren’t just for adults – they look adorable on kids too! Little girls will love the fun look of layered braids. Part their hair down the middle or to the side, and add beads or charms if desired. Two layered braids keep hair neatly styled and minimize maintenance for busy kids.
Lemonade Braids
Recreate Beyonce’s iconic Lemonade braids with two layered cornrows and goddess locs! With this style, cornrows at the top meet lovely free-flowing curls at the bottom. The braided rows combined with the curly texture keep the style interesting.
Braids With Baby Hair
Baby hairs complete your braided look! Use gel and a toothbrush to swoop and style the edges around your temples and nape. Defined, laid edges take your braids to the next level with minimal effort. Customize your baby hair to match the rest of your braids.
Two Layer Bob
Why stick to only long braids? A two layer braided bob is chic and fun! The layered dimensions are easy to see with a short, chin or shoulder length cut. Keep your bob sleek and blunt or add a curly flip at the ends. This modern braided style works for all face shapes.
Jumbo Two Layer Braids
Go big and bold with chunky, jumbo box braids! Thick two layer braids make a statement and show off cool braiding patterns along the part. Make them even bigger by curling or crimping the ends. Jumbo braids also minimize tension on your edges.
Electric Blue Braids
Make a vibrant statement with electric blue two layer braids! Vivid blue braiding hair creates eye-catching contrast against dark roots. Work this bright color into thin braids for a mermaid or unicorn vibe. Colored braids are fun for festivals and summer.
Funky Space Bun Style
Buns work with two layer braids too! Gather your braids into a neat topknot or messy bun at the crown of your head. Let a few pieces hang down to frame your face. Buns are easy protective styles that keep your braids from getting in the way, perfect for workouts.
Soft Half-Up Style
For a relaxed half-updo, simply sweep back the front two braids on each side of your part. Pin the four braids together at the back of your crown. This half up style keeps hair out of your face while leaving the rest of your braids down. It only takes a minute!
Thick Cornrows
Chunky cornrows along your hairline take your two layer braids up a notch. Creating width at the roots helps your braids stand up instead of collapsing flat. Bold cornrows also let you show off cool geometric or curved braiding patterns.
S Braids
Intricate, curving S-shaped parts create dimension within your two layer braids. Cornrow wavy lines on top, then braid straight back on the bottom for an extra dose of style. Defined side cornrow braids are another way to incorporate the S-shape.
Intricate Pattern Braids
Get creative with your parts! Znag, zig-zag, curved, and geometric parts make your two layer braids special. Try interlocking square shapes, hearts, or triangles. Use curved sections to border the intricate patterns. Unique parts take time but deliver major impact.
Viking Hairstyle
Channel your inner warrior with these Viking inspired braids! Thick cornrows on each side lead into a fishtail braid down the back. Pair with cuffed front braids for a edgy, fashion-forward look. This style works well with curly natural hair textures.
Braided Bob
A braided bob with two layers looks edgy and sleek. For an unexpected pop, try this style on brightly colored hair! Usembre or ombre techniques like this pink combo work beautifully to show off the dimensions of the bob. Accessorize with metal cuffs for extra bling.
Feathered Part
A feathered, zig-zag part amps up your two layer braids. This uneven part creates visual interest and volume while framing the face. Pair it with big, loose curls spilling out the bottom. The contrast of curly and braided textures is stunning.
Wedding Braids
Two layer braids make a gorgeous bridal hairstyle when styled into an updo. Start with cornrows or Dutch braids above the ears, then gather into an elegant rolled bun in back, securing with pins. Finish off your wedding style with flowers, pearls, or jeweled accessories.
Beautiful Chunky Braids
These chin-length chunky box braids are simple yet beautiful. The blend of braid sizes and stacked shape keeps them interesting. Part down the center and frame the sides of your face with slightly curved braids for a flattering shape. This is an easy protective style for beginners.
Trendy Zig Zag Braids
Jazz up a basic two layer braid style with a zig-zag side part! This artsy off-center part creates visual impact and volume. Pair the geometric part with thin, waist-length braids for a touch of trendy edge. Zig-zag parts work on short braids too.
Feed in Two Layer Braids
Installing two layer braids is a breeze by feeding in hair as you braid. Divide your natural hair into two horizontal sections, then start braiding downward while adding extensions at the root. Pull the braids taut as you work your way down.
Chunky Two Layer Braids
If you like the look of jumbo braids but want a lighter style, try chunky two layer braids. The thick size minimizes tension on your edges, while the two layer technique reduces weight compared to all-over jumbo braids. Play with different partings to find a shape you love.
Braids with Gorgeous Pattern
Why stick to straight back braiding patterns? Get creative with curves, waves, and geometric shapes! Use curved parts to accent straight braids in the other layer. Mixing patterns creates a cool effect. Let your stylist customize a trendy pattern for you or come with inspiration pictures.
Long and Stylish Braids
Extra long box braids never go out of style. Simple, sleek braids that hit below the waist make a statement. They look amazing on all hair types and textures. For maximum length, start with knee-length braiding hair and braid it to the ends. Consider added length if you’ll be curling the ends.
Dark Blue Braids
Deep blue makes a rich alternative to black braiding hair. Navy blue and midnight blue braids look almost black indoors, then reveal a pop of color outside. Blue ombre braids are fun too. This color works year-round and complements all skin tones.
Bold and Long Two Layer Braids
Why not combine length and vibrancy? These electric long box braids start black at the root then transition from red to platinum blonde. The vivid ombre effect is easier to achieve with extra long braids. Finish the look with curly ends for mermaid-worthy hair!
Chic Braids with Accessories
Elevate simple two layer braids with accessories! Wooden beads give an earthy, boho vibe. Place them randomly throughout your braids or create patterns. For special events, bling it up with glitter beads or jewel embellishments. Hair accessories instantly make braids feel fresh.
Multi Tone Layer Braids
Two tone, two layer braids increase the visual interest even more. Try pairing warmer brown hues on top with golden blonde underneath. Or do a deeper burgundy with lighter red. Having different colors in each layer makes the dimension pop.
Trendy Patterned Braids
Why not combine two hot trends – cool braid patterns and two layer braiding? This style has cornrows sweeping around the hairline and intricate zig-zags and curves on top. Underneath, simple straight-back braids create contrast. It’s protective and artistic!
Burgundy Two Layer Braids
Rich burgundy braids look gorgeous on dark skin tones. This reddish brown shade is deep enough to show off dimension, while still providing a color pop. Transition from your natural black to the burgundy color using a cinnamon brown. Outline your face with curved braids.
Braids with Zig Zag Parts
Zig-zags aren’t just for middle parts! Create zig-zag side parts that extend back into your two layer braids. This adds major visual appeal. Pair the geometric parts with waist-length box braids for an unexpected combo. Your braids will turn heads.
Elegant Swept Back Braids
Half-up, half-down styles work beautifully on two layer braids. Simply sweep the top layer up while leaving the bottom layer down. Pin the braids into a low bun or ponytail at the nape of your neck. This instantly makes your braids look dressy and polished.
Stunning Long Braids
Long, waist-skimming box braids ensure you’ll get noticed. Go for smaller, micro-sized braids if you want length that falls below your booty! Focus on keep braiding tight and consistent. Finish with curled ends or beads on the tips to offset the length.
Braids with Curls
The best of both worlds – combine curly natural hair with sleek braids! Leave the bottom half of your hair out in loose curls, then braid the top in horizontal rows. Pull some curls out along the hairline to blend with your edges. This half braided, half curly style is perfect for summer.
Cute Beaded Braids
Mini braids look extra sweet when decorated with beads! Use colorful wooden beads to create fun patterns throughout your two layer braids. You can also match beads to your outfit, mood, or event. Multi-colored beads would be perfect for Pride or music festivals.
Braided Half Up Bun
Trade your basic top knot for a braided top knot! This style takes thin two layer braids and sweeps the top section into a high messy bun. Pair it with a bold pop of color underneath, like this red. The combo of braids and bold bun is edgy and chic.
Stylish Copper Braids
Warm up your look with copper box braids. The reddish brown color is rich and dimensional on dark hair. The metallic sheen of copper makes it perfect for fall and winter events. Finish with coils or cuffs on the ends for texture.
Unique Patterned Braids
This criss-cross braid pattern is bold and beautiful! The geometric cornrows frame the head then meet in the back. Defined side parts keep the shape intact. Let your stylist customize a pattern braid style that flatters your face shape and highlights your best features.
Blonde Ombre Braids
Ombre box braids let you gradually lighten your look. Transition from your natural black roots to light champagne blonde ends. The color shift looks amazing on long, waist-length braids. The contrast pop will brighten your complexion.
Super Long Beaded Braids
Give your extra long two layer braids an accessory boost with metallic beads! The beaded look is pretty on braids of all lengths and sizes. But the impact is especially striking on such long, thin braids. The beads catch the light, creating little shimmers of shine.
Statement Making Blue Braids
Bold blue braids on one side make for an eye-catching asymmetric style. Pair electric blue with classic black braids on the other side. Or do split neon colors like this pink and blue combination. The contrasting colors in each layer is cool and fun.
Beautiful Color Blended Braids
Why choose just one braid color when you can gradually blend and fade between hues? Style your two layer braids going from your natural black to rich brown to honey blonde. The smooth color gradient in ombre braiding hair looks amazing.
Two layer braids let you combine dimension, length, color, patterns, and accessories for infinite styling possibilities. Whether you want to make a vivid color statement or keep it simple and classic, two layer braiding techniques open up so many options. These trendy box braid styles highlighted just a fraction of the potential.
What’s your favorite way to wear two layer braids? Do you prefer chunky, thin, short, or long? Are you tempted to try a bright color or fun new parting style? Let your personality and personal style inspire your next protective braided hairstyle. Get creative with your two layer braids!
