20 Cute Natural Hair Mini Braids & How To Style Ideas
Natural hair mini braids aka natural hair plats/plaits are trending as the protective hairstyle of choice for naturals this summer and we’re in love!
With hot temperatures and constant heatwaves, the girls are swapping out 30 inch boho braids for the cutest mini braids.
These natural hair mini braids are perfect for people who want a low manipulation hairstyle that will promote growth, length retention and let the scalp breathe.
If you’re a 2x a week hair wash natural, this hairstyle will also fit right into your routine.
In our usual fashion, we’ve got all the info you need to make this hairstyle yours.
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How to natural hair mini braids
Start with clean, stretched and product free hair.
Part your hair according to the size and fullness you’re going for and start braiding the hair.
Braid the plats 3/4 way through if you want a curly ends look.
If you’re not keen on too much of the curly ends look, leave just a bit of hair undone at the ends.
Once all your natural hair plats are done, steam the hair using a steamer. This is step one to getting the perfect curly ends look.
After the hair is evenly steamed, apply a styling cream on the ends. Opting for a styling cream with a good hold like the PATTERN Beauty styling cream will make a world of difference.
The Camille Rose Whippled Soufflé Styling Cream is also a great option that will give you bouncy curly ends and control frizz.
Once the styling cream is evenly applied on all your ends, lock the moisture in with a lightweight hair oil.
Natural hair mini braids/plaits pro tips & tricks
- If you want the full length of your hair to be reflected in your mini braids, you’ll need to blow out your hair.
- If you want your mini braids to look full, you’ll need to do smaller parts and plats alike.
- Use bulk human hair if your natural hair is on the shorter side or thin to achieve a fuller look.
- Spray leave in conditioner every day on your mini braids to keep your hair moisturized.
- Ask your stylist for a micro size if you want them to be super small.
- Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or wear a bonnet at night to keep your hair protected and frizz free.
20 Natural Hair Mini Braids Styles Trending Right Now
Now that you have all the information you need, let’s look at some mini braids hairstyles on different textures & how to style ideas that you’ll love.
1) Mini Braids In Two Messy Ponytails
Absolute perfection!

2) Messy High Ponytail With Bangs
We love clean parts ’round here.

3) Mini Braids On Natural Hair With Curly Ends
See? Smaller parts and plats will give you a nice, full look.

4) Long Natural Hair Mini Braids In a Claw Clip
You can never go wrong with a claw clip natural hair style.

5) Mini Braids With Curly Ends In a Ponytail
Look at how moisturised the hair looks. Mini braids are perfect for when you want to moisture-max your natural hair.

6) Two Ponytails Natural Hair Mini Braids
10/10. No notes.

7) Long Natural Hair Mini Braids With Curly Ends
The kind of style that never goes out of style.

8) Claw Clip With Bangs
There’s literally endless ways to style your mini braids.

9) Long Natural Hair Micro Braids In a Ponytail
Have we convinced you to book this look yet?

10) Low Messy Pony Mini Braids
Your favourite scrunchie and a low pony are all you need.

11) Long Natural Hair Micro Braids In a Middle Part
Can’t go wrong with a classic middle part.

12) Messy Ponytail Mini Braids
Curly ends are the cherry on the cake.

13) Mini Braids In Two Messy Buns
“C’est trop mignon,” as the French say.

14) Mini Braids In a Claw Clip
Throw your mini braids in a claw clip and leave some pieces out in front for an adorable look.

15) Messy Bun Natural Hair Mini Braids
There’s just something about a messy bun.

16) Mini Braids On Brown Hair
We’re loving this brown on her.

17) Low Ponytail Long Natural Hair Mini Braids
Low messy pony + curly ends= perfection.

18) Mini Braids In Two Messy Buns
How cute is this messy buns look?

19) Long Natural Hair Micro Braids
Opt for a micro size if you want your natural hair plats to be super small and throw them into two messy ponytails for an effortless look.

20) Short Natural Hair Mini Braids
Who said people with shoulder-length hair can’t rock mini braids?

Whether you’re looking for an in-between style, a stress free gym hairstyle or a low manipulation natural hairstyle, mini braids are the style for you.