These aren’t your average braids—and we’re not mad about it
Why have one color when you can have two?! Two tone braided hairstyles are having a serious glow-up—and we’re not just talking about your TikTok feed. These bold, face-framing, scroll-stopping looks are popping off everywhere from fashion week to your BFF’s birthday dinner.
What makes them so major? It’s not just the color contrast (though, yes, caramel + copper is a dream). It’s the way they let you blend protective styling with creativity. Picture platinum peekaboos woven into sleek knotless braids. Rich chocolate tones melting into honey blondes. Or pastel purple and black twists that say ‘main character’ in the best possible way.
Unlike full-on color treatments, two tone braids give you that switch-up without the bleach panic or long-term commitment. They add movement, dimension, and a whole lot of mood while keeping your strands tucked and thriving.
And no, you don’t need to be an IG influencer to pull them off. From subtle fades to high-contrast combos, we’ve got the inspo, trend-forward ideas, and need-to-know tips to help you find your braid moment. Let’s make some magic.
What are two tone braided hairstyles?
Two tone braids are exactly what they sound like—braided styles that combine two distinct hair colors for contrast, dimension, and drama. But don’t get it twisted (pun fully intended)—this isn’t your average highlights situation.
Instead of subtle lowlights or balayage, two tone braids are all about deliberate, high-impact color placements. Think: dark roots feeding into light ends, contrasting strands woven throughout each braid, or even a 50/50 split right down the middle for full-on alter ego behavior.
You can achieve the look using pre-colored braiding hair, clip-ins, or even dyeing your natural strands (if you’re feeling committed). The best part? It’s a super customizable trend that works across all textures and braid styles—from knotless box braids to Dutch braids, lemonade braids, cornrows, twists, and beyond.
It’s expressive, low-maintenance, and way easier to pull off than a full head of permanent color. And unlike dye jobs that fade or grow out weird, two tone braids look fresh from start to finish, making them a go-to for people who want to switch things up without the stress.
Now that we’re clear on what they are… let’s talk about the color combos that are currently ruling everyone's saved folders.
The color pairings everyone’s obsessed with
Two tone braided hairstyles are giving QUEEN energy this season—and it all starts with the right color combo. No matter if you’re leaning into subtle or a full statement, there’s a duo for every mood, every braid, and every vibe shift.
Here’s what’s trending hard right now (and lighting up every inspo board on Pinterest and TikTok).
Blonde + chocolate brown
A classic for a reason. It brings warmth, richness, and that sun-kissed softness. These look *chef’s kiss* in goddess braids, with dimension that moves in every twist and turn.
Jet black + platinum
We’re talking high drama. The contrast is bold, editorial, and 100% on-POINT. Perfect in box braids, chunky twists, or even a power braid pony.
Ginger spice + cinnamon
The softer, moodier sister of bright copper—and just as hot. This blend is made for protective style baddies who want to feel earthy, cozy, and still that girl. Even if you weren’t born a redhead, you can absolutely rock it.
Burgundy + black
Lowkey but impactful. The black keeps it cool, the burgundy brings the spice. It’s rich, versatile, and works on every skin tone. Plus, it’s the spicer version of the cherry cola that we ALL wanted in 2024.
Multidimensional blondes
This isn’t your basic blonde. Think honey, butter, champagne, and even icy tones braided together for soft luxury vibes. Gorgeous on knotless braids or fishtails that catch the light just right.
Pastel pink + lavender
Whimsical. Dreamy. A festival fave that also works in everyday life (especially when paired with soft, wavy braid-outs).
Mocha mousse with ANYTHING
Inspired by Pantone's color of the year—moody, neutral, and a little mysterious. This chocolate-meets-taupe blend is giving understated, quiet luxury and looks unreal in feed-in or halo braids.
Espresso martini brunette with blonde accents
Deep, glossy brunette with ribbons of golden caramel or ash blonde. It’s chic, dimensional, and a flawless match for layered cornrows or jumbo twists.
Emerald + teal
Unexpected? Yup. Show-stopping? Also yes. Jewel tones like this are the shortcut to a braid look that’s equal parts edgy and ethereal.
Not ready to dive head-first into color? Start soft with a few accent pieces—like peekaboo strands in a slightly lighter or cooler tone than your base. It adds dimension and movement without the full-blown commitment.
And if you are ready to go bold? Extensions are calling your name. They let you experiment with any combo under the sun, minus the bleach, damage, or dye remorse.
Best braid styles to show off your two tone moment
Us protective-style girlies? We love a good braid moment—and with summer almost here (hello, sweat-proof hair that still slays), there’s no better time to book your next salon appointment. Especially if you're thinking of going bold with two tone braided hairstyles that bring all the vibes.
The best part? This trend works across pretty much every braid type. But these styles? They were made for double the color, double the impact.
Box braids
Classic for a reason. Their defined structure makes it easy to alternate colors, create patterns, or build in a statement ombré. Want the tea? Go jumbo and let those two tones speak for themselves.
Knotless braids
Smoother at the root, lighter on the scalp, and so versatile. Knotless styles are great for more natural-looking color blends, especially if you’re playing with subtle highlights or gradient effects.
Feed-in braids
This is where two tone REALLY gets to show off. Feed-ins build color as they go, giving you that sleek-to-bold progression that looks amazing in both low-key and high-contrast combos.
Fulani braids
If you want your braids to double as art, Fulani’s the one. Two tone color helps highlight those intricate parts and face-framing details. Add beads or cuffs to amp it up even more.
Cornrows + braided buns
Functional meets fab. Cornrows swept into a bun or ponytail make every movement feel intentional, and when your two tones peek through the twists? Instant hair envy.
Halo and crown braids
Going for a softer, whimsical vibe? A halo braid with layered shades (like ginger spice or pastel blends) creates a dreamy wraparound effect that looks chic from every angle.
Regardless if you're team box braid or living for a halo moment, layering in two tones instantly levels up your look—more dimension, more personality, and way more ‘who did your hair?!’ energy.
How to get the perfect two tone braided look
Okay, girl. You’ve picked your dream color combo. Now it’s time to bring your two tone vision to life. Whether you’re headed to the salon or going the DIY route, here’s a foolproof breakdown to help you prep, plan, and slay your look.
Step 1: Choose your color pairing
Start with how you’re feeling. Do you want soft and romantic? Go for pastels or warm blends like copper and honey. Want something high-impact? Try jet black with platinum, or even emerald and teal for a little edge. Your skin tone, personal style, and comfort level with bold shades can all guide your pick.
Step 2: Decide on braid type
Not all braids are built the same when it comes to showing off your two-tone moment. Think box braids for chunky color blocks or cornrows or feed-in braids for sleek color weaving. Think goddess or boho styles for layered, flowing dimension, or think fishtail or Dutch braids for that intricate, peek-through effect.
Step 3: Gather your hair (and tools)
If you're doing it yourself or prepping for a stylist, make sure you’ve got the right color extensions. Try to match the tones as closely as possible to your inspo pics. You’ll also need:
– A rat-tail comb for clean parting
– Braiding gel or pomade for grip and control
– A spray bottle with water for hydration
– Small rubber bands to secure the ends
– Edge control and a brush for that snatched finish
Step 4: Section and prep your hair
On clean, detangled hair, create your parts using a comb and clips to hold each section. Moisturize and apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil for extra protection. This will help prevent any breakage during the braiding process.
Step 5: Start braiding
Now for the fun part. Blend your colors depending on the look you’re going for—alternating strands for a candy-cane effect, stacking shades top to bottom for a gradient vibe, or weaving them side-by-side for contrast. Take your time and focus on consistency. Braids don’t have to be perfect, but a neat base makes a big difference.
Step 6: Set and slay
Once you’re done, seal the ends (hot water dip for synthetic hair), then set your style with mousse and tie it down with a scarf to lock it all in. Add accessories—cuffs, beads, thread—if you're feeling extra.
And there you have it. Your two tone braids? The best of the best.
Summer’s a click away—this is your moment
Sunshine season is creeping in, and what better way to step into your main character era than with a braid transformation that actually turns heads? Two tone braided hairstyles give you the perfect blend of function and flair—protective styling that looks editorial but feels effortless.
This isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about showing up to brunch, rooftop hangs, or your cousin’s wedding with hair that says yes, I planned this, and yes, it slaps. If you go for face-framing contrast or full multi-tonal magic, now’s your time to experiment, express, and maybe even overshare it on your feed like the icon you are.
Summer is almost here. Make the appointment. Pick your palette. The braid glow-up is calling, and you’ve never looked better answering it.
