Photo: NA/Photos.com/Getty Images
Having your hair in braids doesn't mean your styling options are nil. You automatically add more interest to any style because of the braids in your hair. Whether you have short, black braids or a long, braided style, you have lots of different ideas you can try to show off your braids and rock a chic do.
Sideswept
To get a stylish sideswept look in your hair, sweep your braids over to one side of your head, over your shoulder. If you make a part in your hair, gathering your hair over the opposite shoulder looks nicest; having your part on one side and the bulk of your hair on the other creates the most-balanced look. Slide a couple of large bobby pins in over the hair at the back of your head to keep it secure.
Swept-Back
A simple swept-back style looks really chic and polished with your ebony-colored braids. Rake the top section of your braids back with your fingers, from temple to temple or ear to ear, depending on how much hair you want to include. Hold the hair together in a ponytail shape at the back of your head and slide a couple of bobby pins or a large barrette in over the hair to hold it in place.
Sidewinder
Styling your braids into a loose sidewinder style -- or chignon, or bun -- on the side of your head creates a really chic look with your black braids. Hold your braids together in a ponytail over one ear. Twist the hair around and form it into a knotted bun against the side of your head, covering your ear. Secure it in place with a couple of bobby pins.
Low Ponytail
The best way to style your hair in a ponytail is to put it into a low ponytail. This way you get your hair up out of your face into a ponytail style, but without the hair on top looking bunchy and messy. Gather all of your hair together into a ponytail shape on one side of your head, then secure it with an elastic.

