Pop Smoke braids, named after the late rapper Pop Smoke, have become a trendy and stylish choice in the world of hairstyles. These braids, known for their unique and edgy look, have gained popularity due to their association with the artist and their distinctive appearance.

NO.1 Intricate Cornrows

This image features a girl with beautifully braided hair, showcasing a series of meticulously crafted cornrows. Each braid is neatly aligned, creating a symmetrical pattern across her scalp. The braids extend downwards, ending in thicker, chunkier sections that hang freely. A touch of gold thread woven into one braid adds a hint of sparkle, enhancing the overall look.

Style:
Traditional yet modern cornrows, perfect for both casual and formal settings.

Maintenance Tips:
To keep cornrows looking fresh, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizz and breakage. Regularly moisturize your scalp to keep it healthy and avoid itching.

NO.2 Gorgeous Braided Hairstyles

Wow, those thick, neat braids really catch the eye! The woman’s hair is styled into large, chunky braids that are perfectly parted down the middle. The braids are long, almost reaching her waist, giving a striking, fashionable look.

Style: Bold and beautiful

Styling Advice: To keep your braids looking fresh, wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf. This prevents frizz and helps maintain the style longer.

NO.3 Box Braids

This stunning hairstyle features neatly parted, large box braids. The braids are thick and uniform, perfectly framing the face and enhancing her natural beauty. Edges are sleekly laid, adding to the polished look. You can see the attention to detail in each braid, making it both practical and stylish.

Style: Bold, protective, and elegant.

Styling Tips: To keep this style looking fresh, regularly oil your scalp and wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf.

NO.4 Cool Braid Style

Check out these fresh braids and topknot combo. The intricate braids, running clean and tight from the forehead to the top, show a lot of precision. The sides are neatly faded, giving it a sharp, modern look. Perfect for those who love to stand out.

Style: Urban chic, bold, and trendy.

Styling Tips: To maintain this look, regular touch-ups and moisturizing the scalp are essential to keep the braids looking fresh and the hair healthy.

NO.5 Protective braids

I see a woman with stunning cornrows, tightly and neatly braided. Her hair is parted with precision, and each braid runs parallel to the next, creating a sleek and uniform look. The braids are long and extend beyond her shoulders, adding elegance to her style. The edges are laid perfectly, enhancing the neat appearance.

Style: Cornrows with long braids.

Styling Advice: To maintain this style, keep the scalp moisturized and wrap your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf to prevent frizz and maintain neatness. Regular touch-ups around the edges will also keep the style looking fresh.

NO.6 Braided Cornrows

Check out this cool braided cornrow hairstyle. The guy has neatly braided rows running from the front to the back of his head, showing off his tattoos and a facial piercing. His black shirt contrasts with his intricate hair design, making it pop.

Style: Modern and edgy.

Maintenance Tips: Keep the scalp moisturized and protect the braids at night with a silk scarf to maintain the style longer.

NO.7 Cornrows Hairstyle

A young man rocks classic cornrows that are neatly braided, showcasing a bold and stylish look. The braids are tight, symmetrical, and run parallel from the front to the back of his head. He also has a tattoo that says “MOB” near his ear and wears a cross earring, adding a personal touch to his style.

Style:
Neat and tight cornrows.

Styling Tips:
To keep cornrows looking fresh, regularly moisturize the scalp and use a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizz.

NO.8 Rap Culture

Look at this guy’s intricate braids and gold chains. His serious expression and stylish glasses add to his fierce, confident vibe. The braids are tight and neat, running back into a sleek pattern.

Style: Urban, bold, and meticulously groomed.

Styling Tips: Keep the braids fresh by regularly moisturizing your scalp. Maintain the clean lines and sharp parts to keep the look polished.

NO.9 Street Style Portrait

Check out this guy rocking cornrows with a crisp center part. He’s got two neat braids on each side, perfectly aligned. The braids are tight and clean, adding a sharp look to his serious expression. His blue patterned jacket and gold chains complete the bold, stylish vibe.

Style: Crisp Cornrows

Maintenance Tips: Keep your cornrows fresh by moisturizing your scalp regularly and protecting your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf.

NO.10 Cornrow Braids

The guy in the picture is rocking some clean, tight cornrow braids. The sections are neat, with each braid uniformly parted. You can see the precision in how the braids line up, creating a cool pattern on his scalp.

Style: Neat and symmetrical cornrow braids.

Maintenance Tips: To keep this look fresh, moisturize your scalp regularly and wrap your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf. This helps prevent frizz and keeps the braids looking sharp longer.

NO.11 Box Braids with Cornrows

This girl rocks stunning box braids with neat cornrows. The braids are thick and well-defined, beautifully cascading down her shoulders. Her scalp is intricately patterned, creating a mesmerizing contrast between her natural hair and the braids. The overall look is both stylish and practical, perfect for hot weather or an active lifestyle.

Style: Bold and eye-catching with a cultural flair.

Maintenance Tips: Keep your scalp moisturized and avoid heavy products to prevent buildup.

NO.12 Braided Hairstyle

Check out these sleek, intricate cornrows that radiate from the center of the head. They create a beautiful pattern that is both neat and stylish. The braids are tight and uniform, giving a clean look perfect for any occasion.

Style: Cornrows

Styling Tips: To maintain this look, keep your scalp moisturized and wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf to prevent frizz.

NO.13 Box Braids with Curls

Long, thick braids blend with bouncy curls, creating a stylish look. Her baby hairs are perfectly styled into swoops, adding a touch of finesse. The symmetrical parting highlights her face beautifully, complementing her overall appearance.

Style: Classic box braids with a twist of curly ends.

Maintenance Tips: Keep the scalp moisturized and the curls defined using a light oil or curl cream. Protect the braids while sleeping with a silk scarf or bonnet to maintain the look longer.

NO.14 Box Braids Perfection

Check out these stunning box braids! She’s rocking long, sleek braids that are neat and polished. The braids are parted down the middle, and her edges are laid perfectly. The glossy finish adds an extra touch of elegance, and her confident pose says it all.

Style: Neat, long box braids with a middle part and well-defined edges.

Maintenance Tips: To keep your braids looking fresh, regularly oil your scalp and edges. Sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet to protect your braids from frizz and breakage.

NO.15 Cornrows hairstyle

This guy’s rocking tight, clean cornrows that start from his forehead and run straight back, creating a sleek look. The braids are perfectly aligned and close to the scalp. You can see the neat parts between each braid. He’s got a tattoo behind his ear, adding an extra edge to his style.

Style: Simple, traditional cornrows with a modern twist.

Styling Tips: Keep the scalp moisturized to prevent dryness and ensure the braids stay neat and tidy for longer.

NO.16 Beautiful Braids

Her long, neat braids fall gracefully over her shoulders. The sunlight highlights the intricate weaving and her flawless makeup complements the look perfectly. You can see the care put into each strand, making it a stunning hairstyle.

Style: Bold and elegant.

Styling Tips: Keep your braids looking fresh by regularly moisturizing your scalp and wrapping your hair at night to prevent frizz.

NO.17 Cornrows

The picture shows a person with neatly braided cornrows radiating from the center of the head. Each braid is tight and evenly spaced, creating a striking geometric pattern. The look is both stylish and practical, keeping hair secure and low-maintenance.

Style: Clean, organized, and symmetrical.

Maintenance Tips: To keep your cornrows looking fresh, cover them with a silk or satin scarf while sleeping. Regularly moisturize your scalp to prevent dryness and flaking.

NO.18 Cornrow Braids

These clean and tight cornrow braids create a stunning zigzag pattern on the scalp. The braids are neat and well-defined, making a strong style statement. The intricate design draws attention to the scalp, highlighting the symmetry and precision of the braiding technique.

Style: Casual, Bold

Styling Tips: To maintain this look, regularly oil your scalp and braids to keep them moisturized and prevent frizz. Avoid over-styling and give your hair breaks between braiding to keep it healthy.

NO.19 Cornrow Braids

The girl is sporting a vibrant smile with sleek, neatly aligned cornrow braids. Each braid is thick and runs parallel to the others, giving a clean and polished look. Her hair is intricately braided close to the scalp, showing off the precise pattern.

Style: Traditional African-inspired cornrow braids.

Maintenance Tips: To keep cornrows looking fresh, wrap your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf. Use light oil to maintain shine and prevent dryness.

NO.20 Braided Hairstyles

Check out these sleek cornrows! The intricate design with crisscrossed patterns gives a stylish and bold look. The braids are tight and neat, showing off a clean finish. The symmetry and precision in the parting add to its appeal. Perfect for a modern, edgy vibe.

Style: Cornrows with intricate crisscross patterns.

Maintenance Tips: Keep your scalp moisturized and avoid excessive manipulation to maintain the neatness and longevity of the braids.

What Are Pop Smoke Braids?

The Basics

Pop Smoke braids are essentially a variation of traditional cornrows, but with a modern twist. They are characterized by medium to large-sized braids that are usually parted straight back from the front of the head to the nape of the neck. These braids are often thicker than standard cornrows and are designed to give a more pronounced, robust look.

The Inspiration

The style is named after Pop Smoke, a rapper who was known for his music and distinctive look. He often wore his hair in these chunky braids, which contributed to his iconic style. After his untimely death, fans and fashion enthusiasts alike began adopting this hairstyle as a tribute and a fashion statement.

How to Achieve Pop Smoke Braids

Preparation

Before you start braiding, it’s essential to prepare your hair. Wash and condition your hair thoroughly to ensure it’s clean and moisturized. Detangle your hair to remove any knots, making it easier to braid.

Sectioning the Hair

The first step in creating Pop Smoke braids is sectioning the hair. Use a comb to divide your hair into medium to large sections. The size of the sections will determine the thickness of the braids. For a more authentic Pop Smoke look, aim for larger sections.

Braiding Technique

Start at the front of your head and braid each section straight back. To achieve the characteristic thickness, you can use extensions or additional hair if your natural hair is not thick enough. Ensure that the braids are tight and neat, as this will help them last longer and look more polished.

Finishing Touches

Once all the sections are braided, you can dip the ends in hot water to seal them if you’re using synthetic hair. This helps prevent the braids from unraveling. You can also accessorize with beads or other hair accessories to add a personal touch.

The Cultural Significance of Pop Smoke Braids

A Tribute to Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke braids have become a way for fans to pay homage to the late rapper. By wearing this hairstyle, people can show their appreciation for his music and his impact on fashion and culture.

A Modern Twist on Cornrows

Cornrows have been a staple in African and African-American communities for centuries. Pop Smoke braids bring a modern twist to this traditional hairstyle, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. This fusion of old and new highlights the evolving nature of cultural expressions.

Empowerment and Identity

For many, wearing Pop Smoke braids is a statement of identity and empowerment. It allows individuals to connect with their cultural heritage while embracing a contemporary and trendy look. This hairstyle is a celebration of individuality and a nod to cultural roots.

Why Pop Smoke Braids Are So Popular

Versatility

One of the reasons Pop Smoke braids have become so popular is their versatility. They can be worn in various settings, from casual outings to formal events. The braids can be styled in different ways, making them suitable for various occasions.

Low Maintenance

Pop Smoke braids are relatively low maintenance. Once the braids are in place, they can last for several weeks with proper care. This makes them an excellent option for those with busy lifestyles who still want to look stylish.

Protective Hairstyle

Like other braiding styles, Pop Smoke braids offer protection for natural hair. They help reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth by keeping the hair neatly tucked away.

How to Maintain Pop Smoke Braids

Regular Cleaning

It’s essential to keep your scalp clean while wearing Pop Smoke braids. Use a diluted shampoo to gently cleanse your scalp and remove any buildup. Be careful not to disturb the braids too much during washing.

Moisturizing

Keep your braids and scalp moisturized to prevent dryness and itching. Use a light oil or leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture levels. This will also help keep your braids looking shiny and healthy.

Protecting at Night

Protect your braids while you sleep by wearing a satin or silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase. This helps reduce friction and prevents the braids from frizzing or unraveling.

Styling Ideas for Pop Smoke Braids

Half-Up, Half-Down

One popular way to style Pop Smoke braids is the half-up, half-down look. Gather the top half of your braids into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest to hang loose. This style is both trendy and practical.

High Ponytail

A high ponytail is a chic and easy way to style your Pop Smoke braids. It keeps the braids out of your face and showcases the length and thickness of the braids.

Accessorizing

Add beads, cuffs, or ribbons to your Pop Smoke braids for a personalized touch. Accessories can enhance the look and make your braids stand out even more.

Conclusion

Pop Smoke braids are more than just a hairstyle—they’re a cultural statement, a tribute, and a fashion trend all rolled into one. Whether you’re a fan of the rapper Pop Smoke or just looking for a fresh and stylish look, these braids offer versatility, low maintenance, and a unique aesthetic. With proper care and a bit of creativity, Pop Smoke braids can be a fantastic addition to your hairstyle repertoire.

FAQs about Pop Smoke Braids

1. What are Pop Smoke braids? Pop Smoke braids are medium to large-sized cornrows that are braided straight back, named after the late rapper Pop Smoke who popularized the style.
2. How long do Pop Smoke braids last? With proper care, Pop Smoke braids can last between 4 to 6 weeks.
3. Can I achieve Pop Smoke braids with short hair? Yes, extensions can be added to short hair to achieve the desired length and thickness for Pop Smoke braids.
4. Are Pop Smoke braids suitable for all hair types? Yes, Pop Smoke braids can be done on various hair types, though the technique might be adjusted to suit different textures.
5. How can I prevent my Pop Smoke braids from frizzing? Regular moisturizing, protecting your braids at night with a satin scarf, and avoiding excessive manipulation can help prevent frizz.
6. Can I wash my hair while wearing Pop Smoke braids? Yes, you can wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and gently rinse your braids to keep them clean.
7. What products should I use to maintain my Pop Smoke braids? Use light oils for moisturizing, a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated, and a gentle shampoo for scalp cleansing.