Top 10 braid styles Nigerian women rocked in 2025

2025 was a year shaped by rising costs and hair became both beauty and strategy.

Braids have always been a fashion choice for Nigerian women but in 2025, it was a response to economic pressure, lifestyle shifts and evolving trends. As inflation squeezed household budgets and work-life boundaries blurred, hair routines had to do more with less. The result was a year where braids dominated salons and timelines for aesthetics with a potential to last long and protect natural strands.

These were the braid trends that defined 2025.

Knotless braids

Knotless braids are still the default, it retained its position as the most requested braid style and the reason is straightforward, less tension at the roots, a lighter feel and a more natural finish that made the style suitable for long workdays, frequent outings and extended wear.

2025 was a year where many women delayed salon visits to manage costs, but knotless braids offered durability without discomfort. They also aligned with a growing emphasis on scalp health, particularly among young professionals.

French curl bob

The French curl bob, one of the most popular braid hairstyles of 2025, mixes beautiful, voluminous curls at the ends with polished roots. To achieve the fluffy, voluminous effect, parts of the French curl extensions must be left unbraided.

Boho braids and twists

Boho styles really gained momentum as women leaned into softer and fuller aesthetics. Characterised by loose curls and imperfect finishes, boho braids and twists reigned in 2025. Although it could not really be trusted for longevity as many of the available curl extensions were prone to tangle, the style however resonated in creative circles and among social media users. It became popular for celebrations and content creation.

Fulani-inspired braids

Fulani-inspired braids returned, but with cleaner parts, fewer accessories and more refined finishes. Beads and cuffs were used sparingly, often as accents rather than focal points. It was modernised and braiders got creative exploring different patterns.

Short braids

Shorter braid lengths gained grounds. It became increasingly common, driven largely by convenience. Shoulder-length and chin-length braids reduced installation time, cost and weight, while still offering versatility.

Mermaid Braids

Mermaid braids are short hair friendly, women explored different colours of this braid and the countless styling options available for this braid really maid it popular. Although, it can be argued that is is quite difficult to maintain, Nigerian women did not mind at all.

Freestyle Cornrows

Cornrows evolved beyond traditional straight-back designs. Stylists experimented with curved lines, layered patterns and geometric sections, turning the scalp into a design surface.

The style appealed to women seeking low-maintenance options that still felt intentional. It was particularly popular among those who paired cornrows with wigs or preferred a natural, understated look.

Mixed braid techniques

One of the defining characteristics of 2025 was hybrid styling. Braids were no longer confined to single formats. Cornrows fed into knotless braids. Twists blended with plaits. Boho curls was fed into any kind of braids including threading hairstyles…it softened structured bases.

Rather than copying exact styles, women adapted trends to suit their hair texture, lifestyle and budget.

Bora Bora Braids

Ah! Bora Bora braids are one of the big 2025 Lagos trends. Bora Bora braids are bold, eye-catching, and perfect for showing personality. It can be difficult to maintain depending on extension used.

Chioma Onuh is a journalist, social media manager and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in digital storytelling and audience engagement. She writes clear, human-centred stories and profiles, and currently manages digital content and strategy at BusinessDay.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date