Looking for the newest braid in town? Braiding trends are constantly changing, with fresh takes on familiar techniques appearing alongside styles inspired by African hair traditions.
From loose, textured ivy braids to eye-catching Fulani-inspired designs and creative updates to cornrows, there is plenty to explore if you want something that feels current without looking like everyone else’s hairstyle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the braid styles making waves right now and what makes each one stand out.
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Newest Braid in Town Style #1: Ivy Braids
One of the most talked-about newer braid styles is ivy braids.
They emerged from hairstylist Susan Oludele’s experimentation with actor Zazie Beetz’s hair in 2025 and became increasingly requested afterward.
Ivy braids have a deliberately loose, slightly undone appearance.
Unlike very neat box braids, the roots are kept loose and somewhat fuzzy. The braiding hair is worked in a way that gives the finished plait a fuller, lived-in texture.
That relaxed finish is part of what makes ivy braids interesting in 2026.
Current braid trends are moving toward styles that put less tension on the scalp rather than extremely tight, highly polished braiding.
Newest Braid in Town Kenya #2: Tanavoho Braids
Another hairstyle receiving renewed attention is Tanavoho braids, a traditional hairstyle associated with the Sakalava people of Madagascar.
The style forms a crown-like arrangement around the head, with the braids ending in rounded puffs.
The look is particularly distinctive because it combines structured braiding with rounded, textured ends.
It has also appeared in contemporary celebrity fashion, including Rihanna‘s 2020 British Vogue cover.
Newest Braid Type in Kenya #3: Tyla-Inspired Fulani Braids
Fulani braids have also received a 2026 update through styles inspired by South African singer Tyla.
The contemporary version combines Fulani-style cornrows at the front with a bob-length installation at the back, with the ends turned upward.
This is quite different from simply getting traditional straight-back cornrows.
The combination of cornrows and the flipped bob creates a distinctive silhouette.
Best Plaiting Styles in Kenya #4: Koroba Braids and Updated Cornrows
Another interesting direction is the return to simpler cornrow arrangements, including Koroba braids, which have Nigerian roots.
One version involves wrapping the ends of cornrows into small pinwheel-like shapes.
Alternating the widths of the rows is another way contemporary braiders are changing up straightforward cornrows.
Kenyan braiding is taking on a fresh and exciting look, with women embracing hairstyles that combine creativity, versatility and personality.
From soft boho braids and lightweight knotless styles to bold tribal cornrows, braided bobs and colourful designs, there is no shortage of ways to update your look.
If you’re searching for the latest braiding styles in Kenya, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the way traditional African braiding techniques are being reimagined with modern textures, lengths, colours and patterns.
Whether you prefer something simple and elegant or eye-catching and adventurous, these trending Kenyan braid styles offer something for every taste.
Keyian Modern Hairstyles #1. Boho Knotless Braids
Boho braids are probably one of the clearest current trends.
They combine regular braids with loose, curly pieces of hair, creating a deliberately undone, textured appearance.
In Kenya, they’re particularly appealing because they can transform ordinary knotless braids into something softer and more expressive. You might see them in long lengths, but medium and shoulder-length versions are becoming attractive alternatives too.
READ ALSO: Beautiful High Ponytail With Braids site:chickabouttown.com 2026 & More
Photo credits: Supa Deals Kenya, FroHub