French Curl Braids Are Trending — Here's What You Should Know

The evolution of protective styles over the last few years has been nothing short of mind boggling to witness. From Bantu knots to box braids, trying to decide on a look to keep your natural hair out of our face has become exponentially harder, thanks to the sheer amount of options available. Still, options are always a good thing, so allow us to introduce to you the latest protective hairstyle making its rounds: french curl braids.

It's a style you've likely seen before, as it was extremely popular in the '90s and early '00s. "Back then, there were several Black sitcoms like 'Girlfriends,' 'Moesha,' and 'The Parkers,' whose main characters were all wearing this super-flirty look," Brooklyn-based hairstylist Martika Cogdell tells POPSUGAR. "Of course, it was a no-brainer that many of us were right behind them in copying the look."

French curl braids are all but inescapable at this point, so it would be understandable if you've considered trying them for yourself. Keep reading to learn everything you need to about the trend below from different versions of the look you can try to how to achieve the braids at home.

"French curl braids are similar to your traditional box braids, but instead of using the classic Kanekalon, the aptly named french curl braiding hair is used in its place," Cogdell says. "The style is still extremely popular today but over the years it has been spotted on people like Beyoncé, Zoë Kravitz, Keyshia Cole, and more."

Like its predecessor, the box braid, french curl braids are a versatile protective style that can take you from the office to the beach without you ever having to stress about what to do with your hair. Because the lower end of the plait is undone, they also give the look of voluminous, loose waves, so if you look to look red-carpet ready at a moment's notice, this may be the style for you.

Whether you're better than the rest of us and know how to braid your own hair, or are heading to a salon to get the look, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to french curl braids.

"You'll need a few packs of french curl braiding hair ($15) in the color of your choice — opt for at least four to be on the safe side," Cogdell says. Anytime you're going for a braided style it's imperative to start off with clean, blow-dried hair, this will be the foundation for a clean, long-lasting style. "Make sure your hair is free of product to reduce excessive build-up," Cogdell says. "Once you're all set up, that's when the braiding begins."

Since this look is typically done in smaller sections, Cogdell recommends pre-parting your rows. "This acts as a guide for you to keep an eye on how many sections you have remaining as you go throughout the process," she says. "It also aids in creating cleaner, more precise parts."

Since the main reason for using this hair is for the curl pattern, you will want to leave at least three to six inches of hair loose at the ends depending on how long and how full you want your braids to be. "You won't be braiding these all the way to the ends, but when you reach to the point in the braid when you stop, keep an eye out to make sure that you are remaining consistent in size and length for a neat and precise end result," Cogdell says. Once you've finished the entire look, oil your scalp and you are ready to enjoy your new style.

As you've probably realized by now, french curl braids are perfect to add an extra touch of elegance to your everyday look. So if you're ready for your own, get some inspiration for your version of the trend below.