Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (2024)

Did you know that braids have been around for thousands of years and have been used for a variety of purposes, from religious ceremonies to simply looking fabulous?

Braids come in all sorts of lengths, from short and sassy to extra-long and flowing. But with so many options, it can be tough to figure out which length is right for you. That’s where a braid length chart and guide can help!

Braids are an awesome hairstyle choice because they’re so versatile. Not only can you rock a variety of styles, but braids can also help protect your natural hair from damage.

However, if you’re new to the world of braids, choosing the right length can be tricky. But fear not – a braid length chart and guide is here to save the day!

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (1)

Ready to discover the perfect braid length for your locks? A braid length chart and guide is the ultimate tool for helping you figure out which length is best for your hair.

It covers all the bases, from short, shoulder-length, medium, waist-length, long, and extra-long, and even outlines the pros and cons of each length. By using this guide, you can easily choose a braid length that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and unique style preferences.

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Short Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (17)

Looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle that adds some length and volume to your shorter locks? Short braids might be just what you need! These braids typically range from 8 to 10 inches long and are super easy to manage. You can even style them in a cute bob or pixie cut and add some hair beads or other accessories to jazz them up.

One of the best things about short braids is that they require minimal upkeep, which is perfect for those with busy schedules. Plus, they offer excellent protection for your natural hair by keeping it moisturized and preventing breakage.

However, short braids can be a bit tricky to style, and you’ll need to keep up with maintenance to keep them looking fresh. It’s also essential to make sure they’re not too tight, or they could cause discomfort and even damage to your hair. But as long as you’re mindful of the tension and take care of your hair, short braids are a fantastic option for a fun and easy hairstyle!

Shoulder-Length Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (18)

Shoulder-length braids are typically between 12 to 18 inches long which is in-between the shoulders and shoulder blades and are a popular choice for those who want a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in different styles.

Shoulder-length braids can be styled in various ways, such as a high ponytail or a half-up half-down style, compared to short braids as they provide more length to work with.

They are also relatively easy to maintain and require less maintenance than longer braids. However, they can still be uncomfortable and can cause tension on your scalp if not braided properly.

Medium-Length Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (19)

If you’re looking for a happy medium between short and long braids, medium-length braids might be just what you need! These braids typically fall between 22 to 26 inches long and are perfect for those who want an easy-to-manage style that’s not too short and not too long.

With medium-length braids, you can get creative with your styling. Whether you prefer a high bun, a side braid, or a simple ponytail, there are endless possibilities to try out. Plus, you can add decorative elements like beads or braid wraps to give your braids a personal touch.

The beautiful thing about medium-length braids is that they’re easy to install and maintain. They require less time to install compared to longer braids, which is perfect for those with busy schedules. And, they’re easy to manage and require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for those who want a hassle-free hairstyle.

Waist-length Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (20)

Waist-length braids are approximately 28 to 34 inches long. They are a popular choice among individuals who want to achieve a look that says not long to be long enough and brings attention to the style and less to the length.

Waist-length braids are like the name implies, stipulating that the braid length gets to the waist and waist-length braids also provide ease with styling.

Waist-length braids are perfect for individuals who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.

They are also a popular choice among individuals who have long hair and want to add extra length to their hair. Waist-length braids require more maintenance than shorter braids but are still relatively easy to manage.

Long Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (21)

Long braids are the real deal and are approximately 40 to 50 inches long which accounts for buttlength braids to knee length are a trendy choice among individuals who want to achieve a dramatic and confident look.

Long braids are perfect for individuals who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.

Long braids require more maintenance than shorter braids and are not as easy to manage. Long braids also provide ease of creative stylishness as they can be easily manipulated.

However, a major drawback got folks with long braids is how to sleep with them. Going to bed on long braids isn’t as complicated as it might seem but it can be quite a hassle.

Extra-long Braids

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (22)

Extra-long braids are the drama! They are sure to attract all the attention and turn heads. Ultra-long braids are the baddie move with approximately 50 inches or longer; they are a known choice among individuals who want to achieve an extremely dramatic look.

Extra-long braids are perfect for individuals who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.

However, caring for extra-long braids can be quite tasking but doable as they require the most maintenance out of all the braid lengths and are not easy to manage. A perk with extra long braids is their ease of styling, the outcomes are always fabulous!

Braiding Hair Length Chart and Guide – Forever Braids (2024)

FAQs

How long is long enough for braids? ›

Generally, hair should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) long for most braiding styles [1]. However, some specific styles may require slightly longer hair.

What length braid hair for waist-length braids? ›

We are talking about braiding hair lengths. So Rua 24in. It's perfect for waist length. This is the equivalent to the Orange Pack, Expression 48in, also great for waist length.

What's the longest you should keep braids in? ›

How long should you keep your braids on? According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.

Is 3 inches enough to braid hair? ›

Good news-- the answer is probably YES! With 2-3 inches of hair you can create small cornrows or micro braids close to the scalp.

How long does it take to grow 3 inches of hair? ›

If you are wondering how long it takes for hair to grow, here's how much you should expect to see in these time frames: 4 months of hair growth: 2-4 inches. 9 months of hair growth: 4-6 inches. 1 year of hair growth: 6-8 inches.

How much hair do I need for braids? ›

To achieve this look, with the standard medium width braids, 5-6 packs of braiding hair should be enough. But a good rule of thumb is to get a couple more packs, if you'd like them smaller or you have a lot of hair.

Is 4 inches good for braids? ›

You need hair that is at least 2 inches (minimum) long, but it's best to have hair 4-5 inches. Know that braiding short hair is a little more challenging than longer hair. But any hair type – coily, curly, wavy, and straight – will look great in braids.

How many inches is waist length hair? ›

This hair extensions length chart will help – use it to choose the right length of hair:
InchesCentimetersStraight hair
2460Lower back
2665Lower back
2870Waist
3075Hips
6 more rows
Aug 3, 2023

What length is 18 inch hair? ›

Depending on the person's height, even hair of the same length will appear quite different on them. For instance, an 18-inch bundle will almost reach the waist on a short lady whereas it will fall just below the shoulders on a taller female.

Can you leave braids in for too long? ›

The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.

How often should I put mousse on my braids? ›

Ideally a couple of times a week or as needed for refreshment. Mousse is the unsung hero in the world of braided hairstyles, providing not just the holding power you need but also a host of benefits that look after your hair's health and appearance.

How to make braids last longer? ›

Keep Your Scalp Moist

This will help prevent your hair from drying out and eventually breaking. It also keeps your hair soft and shiny. Water is the best thing for your hair, so make sure to spritz your hair every morning with a water-based solution with natural oils such as coconut oil or almond oil.

What's the shortest your hair can be for braids? ›

What is the shortest length of hair that can be braided? You can create braids on hair that is about ear length.

How long is medium length hair? ›

Defining 'Mid-Length' : “There are two camps of mid-length hair: Classic Mid-Length, which is below the jawline and above the collarbone, and Grown-Out Mid-Length, which is between the collarbone and the chest. It's a great look because it's super simple.

How long should you wait between braid styles? ›

Stylists often recommend that you let your natural hair and scalp relax and breathe before putting another protective style in. If you can allow at least one week between styles, then you'll have time to see the state of your hair.

How long to wait between braids? ›

Give your hair a break. As much wearing braids is a great protective style, it's really important to have a break between braided styles. Personally, I normally do 6 weeks on and never re-install braids when the next month after to ensure I'm giving my hair time to breathe.

Is three months too long for braids? ›

Most experts say that although it's fine to leave your braids in for one month, you don't want to keep them in any longer than two months.

How long does my hair need to be for knotless braids? ›

Celebrity hairstylist T. Cooper says this size of knotless braid is best for those who have two inches of hair or longer. “If your hair is too short, the medium style may not be best because it will be harder for the braider to grip and the style may not last as long.”

What not to do before getting braids? ›

Here's a good rule of thumb: never braid dirty hair or wet hair. This means that you need to wash your hair really well. To make sure that your hair is clean, you should use a clarifying shampoo to help get rid of all of the dirt and build-up from your scalp and hair.

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