21 Braided Bob Hairstyle Ideas for Natural Hair

Looking for new ways to style and embrace your natural hair? Lucky for you, some seriously stylish natural hairstyles happen to be totally aligned with one of the hottest beauty trends at the moment: braided bob hairstyles. That’s right, rocking a braided hairstyle doesn’t require a lot of length; short hair that’s above your shoulders can be braided, too! From classic bob braids to bob box braids and more, the possibilities are truly endless. Want some inspiration? Below, we’re sharing 21 bob braids style ideas for natural hair. Pick your favorite and start plaiting!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #1: ASYMMETRICAL BRAIDED BOB

Shorter on one side than the other, asymmetrical bobs are a hair trend that you’ve likely seen sported by some of your favorite celebrities. Combine this cut with a braided mane, and you’ve got an asymmetrical braided bob worthy of the paparazzi!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #2: BRAIDED LOB

Longer in the front and shorter in the back, we’d argue that this braided lob hairstyle is the best of both worlds. You’ll have braids that fall slightly past your shoulders at the front of your head and shorter braids at the back, keeping your hair off your neck and out of the way.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #3: SIDE-SWEPT BRAIDED BOB

Switch things up by parting your bob braids to one side—which may actually be more flattering for your face shape than a middle part (here’s How to Find the Best Part for Your Face Shape and Hair Type). A side-swept ‘do can also create the appearance of a fuller mane—score!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #4: COLORFUL BRAIDED BOB

Add a bit of color to your bob braids hairstyle for a ‘do that’ll steal the show! Pick a vibrant hue (or two) to color your mane. Not sure you’re ready to commit to colorful locks? Use a temporary hair color, like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray or the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color, for color that washes out in just one shampoo.

Editor’s note: Having trouble picking a color? We’re loving hot pink hair right now!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #5: DIMENSIONAL BRAIDED BOB

Want your bob braids to stand out a little more? Then you need a more dimensional hair color. Incorporate a mix of highlights and lowlights throughout your mane, then braid your hair. Your braids will really pop this way! You can also incorporate (short) extension hair in a different color into your braids if you aren't ready to dye your hair.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #6: SHORT BRAIDED BOB

We love shoulder-skimming bobs, but there’s no reason you can’t go a little shorter. Hitting just below the chin, this braided bob style is best suited for those who want to emphasize their jawline.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #7: BLUNT BRAIDED BOB

If you’re looking for a braided bob hairstyle that will make a statement, a blunt braided bob is for you. The blunt cut will add edge to your beauty look while the braids will put a soft twist on the traditional blunt bob.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #8: SHOULDER-LENGTH BOB

You don’t have to commit to a big chop in order to rock a braided bob hairstyle. Braids that sit right at your shoulders suit this trend perfectly. Keep in mind, when you’re getting your hair cut, you may want to leave your hair a little longer—your locks will most likely look shorter when they’re braided.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #9: BOB BOX BRAIDS

Box braids are one of the most popular braided hairstyles, and they look amazing when paired with a bob. Consider this bob box braids style a no-brainer! Complete your look with a little edge control to perfect your baby hairs.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #10: CHUNKY BRAIDED BOB

An easy way to switch up your bob braids style is to play around with varying braid sizes. We love the look of lots of smaller braids, but you can also consider sporting thick, chunky braids to put a whole new spin on the braided bob.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #11: LAYERED BRAIDED BOB

Prefer a textured look? Add dimension and shape to your braided bob with layers. This style includes short, medium, and long braids for layers that will instantly add volume and definition to your braided bob hairstyle.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #12: BRAIDED BOB WITH BANGS

Bangs are totally on-trend at the moment! We love the way side-swept braided bangs complement a bob. To fake the look, part your hair to the side and pull a few braids across your forehead, pinning them in place for instant faux bangs.  

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #13: COLOR BLOCK BRAIDED BOB

You likely know about the color block makeup trend, but did you know that you can rock a color-blocked braided bob? This contrasted look features braids of one color on one side of your head and braids of another color on the opposite side. We love this style with black and brunette braids for a subtle (yet still contrasted) look.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #14: BRAIDED BOB WITH CORNROWS

When it comes to braiding natural hair, you can’t go wrong with cornrows. Try a braided bob with cornrows, and your ‘do will double as a protective hairstyle that shields your strands from the elements and promotes healthy hair.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #15: BOB WITH BUN

Love the idea of bob braids but prefer to keep your strands out of your face? A braided bob with a bun will surely meet your standards. Boasting the short braided look you adore and a trendy bun that gets your hair out of the way, this style will add a playful and flirty vibe to your overall beauty look.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #16: FEED-IN BRAIDED BOB

If you’re obsessed with braids just like us, then you probably know all about the feed-in braids trend. This look features braids that are fed into your hair mid-braid to give your ‘do a more natural and full appearance. In other words, it’s everything you need to take your bob braids hairstyle to the next level.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #17: LACE WIG BRAIDED BOB

Ready to combine two of the hottest trends for natural hair into one? It’s time that we introduce you to the lace wig braided bob. Offering everything you love about both styles, you’ll be able to keep your strands safely tucked away and sport a braided look you’ll love. Best of all, when you’re ready to take a break from your braided look, you can simply remove your wig.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #18: OMBRÉ BRAIDED BOB

Love to play with color? Consider switching up your bob braids hairstyle with the help of an ombré hair color! This trend allows you to rock two eye-catching hues at the same time while adding the right amount of depth and dimension to your mane. It really makes your brands stand out!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #19: MICRO BRAIDED BOB

Classic braided bob hairstyles are showing no signs of slowing down, but the micro braided bob is not too far behind. Flaunting super-thin braids that come together to give your mane a fuller appearance with effortless movement, this style is a great way to take a walk on the retro side.

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #20: CENTER-PART BRAIDED BOB

In the mood for a face-framing bob braids style? You may want to try the center-part braided bob on for size. Designed to call attention your features, this beautifully woven look will have you ready for your close-up in no time!

BRAIDED BOB HAIRSTYLE #21: ASYMMETRICAL BRAIDED LOB

We mentioned an asymmetrical braided bob earlier, but an asymmetrical lob is another option we love. Even if it doesn’t quite qualify as a braided bob thanks to those extra two or three inches of length, it’s well worth a spot on this list!

Next: The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair