• Braids make for a versatile hairstyle.african american girl on black background image by monamakela.com from Fotolia.com
  
  If you wear braids and are looking for great new hairstyles, several options are available. One of the best things about braids is that you can wear them differently for versatile looks. The options are endless. For a more formal occasion, consider wearing a few loose braids pinned up. For business, you can pin them into a bun. For that casual outdoor picnic, wear them free flowing or back in a loose ponytail.
  
  

Free Flowing

• Braids are a creative style that can be worn in many different ways. If going for a more casual look, consider wearing them free flowing. They can either be kept straight or you can use a curling iron to curl up the edges for a more dramatic look that's great for that special dinner with your boyfriend. The free-flowing look can be used with microbraids as well. With microbraids, the hair extension is braided to your own hair and the bottom is either left free flowing or is braided. For the free-flowing microbraid style, simply use a curling iron to twirl the edges. If hesitant to use heat, consider using a dollop of mousse to rub onto the wet ends for a more natural curl.
  
  

Pinned Up

• The best thing about this look is that it can be used for a business meeting or any formal occasion. For a formal event, simply pull the braids up to the crown of the head (or middle if you prefer) and pin them together with either bobby pins or barrettes. For a more flirty look, leave a few braids loose to cascade around your face and the nape of your neck. Add a few accessories like flowers (fake or real) for a more decorative look. For that business meeting, pin up all strands. You can even pull the braids into a sleek and tight bun that looks great for any occasion.
  
  

Ponytail

• Nothing is worse than trying to go for that jog with hair bouncing in your face. If you want to find a simple way to hold the braids into place, consider going the ponytail route. This is very easy to do and requires little or no maintenance. To pull your braids into a ponytail, gently gather all hair together. Pull up the braids to either the crown of your head, the middle or the nape of your neck. Use an elastic piece to hold it together. You can either braid the loose hair in the back or leave it out. Once done, head out for that relaxing run.