It’s protective style season, people! And if you’re tired of the same old classic box braid, Nubian twists, or soft locs, passion braids are said to be the most effortless and prettiest hairstyles to try in 2023.
If you need to know more about them (because you can’t try things blindly), here’s a detailed guide on passion braids and how to do them, plus get plenty of inspiration from 25 of our favorite and incredibly stunning passion braid styles.
What Are Passion Braids?
Passion braids are the newest kids on the block and are the box braids version of passion twists.
They’re usually braided into thick curly braids with a freetress waterwave and prestretched braiding hair incorporated into your natural hair to give it a distressed and flawlessly fluffy look.
They are also known are knotless butterfly braids or distressed braids.
What Types Of Hair Are Used, And How Many packs Do You Need For Passion Braids?
To do passion braids, you need pre-stretched braiding hair and freetress waterwave hair.
The number of passion braid hair packs you need depends on your hair volume and the style length you want. For most people, though, 3-4 packs of pre-stretched braiding hair and 4-6 packs of freetress waterwave hair is enough.
If you want thigh-long braids, 6-10 braids will be enough.
How To Do Passion Braids
There are two ways to do butterfly braids:
The Knotless Method
If you decide to DIY passion braids, make sure to:
1. Start on freshly cleaned and stretched hair.
2. Part the hair into sections.
3. Apply a braiding gel to the root of your hair to get a neat look and proper hold.
4. Begin braiding the hair as you would with normal hair until your base is formed.
5. Take your prestretched braiding hair and keep feeding in small amounts slowly as you’re braiding your hair.
6. Add in the freetress waterwave hair as you move along the braid.
7. Remember to loosen your hold as you move along the braid’s length to make the end process easier.
8. After the braid is done, use your fingers to lightly pull the waterwave braiding strand and freetress hair to create a loose and slightly messy look (what passion braids are).
You could also watch this passion braids tutorial:
The Crochet Method
Crochet passion braids are easy to do. All you need to do is:
1. Start with clean and stretched hair.
2. Section your hair into the desired size and then secure it at the root using rubber bands.
3. Rub coconut or avocado oil on the rubber bands to avoid breakage.
4. Take your crochet need and loop your waterwave hair through the rubber band sections.
5. Pull the looped hair on one side, braid the freetress, and waterwave with your hair.
6. If you prefer tightly braided butterfly braids, braid your hair tightly all the way down.
7. If you like it loose, do that instead.
For visuals, you can watch this butterfly braids tutorial:
25 Stunning Passion Braid Hairstyles
Center-Parted Butterfly Braids
If you want a style that balances out your features and draws attention to your face, get these sleek center-parted distressed braids.
Short Black Passion Braids
If you hate hair touching your shoulders or back, try these short passion braids. They’re not only perfect for any occasion, but they also help minimize scalp tension.
Golden Blonde Butterfly Braids
If you’re looking for a bold way to switch up your braids, try going for a golden blonde look like this Queen here. These butterfly braids are incredibly fluffy and stunning – putting them on our hairstyle mood board ASAP!
Long Black Jumbo Passion Braids
Passion braids are an excellent option when you’re going for a super long, jumbo braid look. Just make sure to oil your scalp regularly to minimize tension and keep your hair healthy.
Bob Butterfly Braids
K, these distressed braids are already dazzling, but this cuffed middle-parted bob takes it to the next level.
Middle-Parted Ombre Passion Braids
Look closely, and you’ll notice the subtle ombre color in these passion butterfly braids. The cool contrast between light and dark-brown braids is always so damn beautiful. And this here is proof!
Barbiecore Passion Braids
Yup. The Barbiecore wave is still on, and one of the best ways to get on with the program is by rocking these pink braids. Of course, they’re not for the faint of heart, but if you want to turn heads and get people talking, this is the only way to go!
Platinum Butterfly Braids
Sorry, but how gorgeous are these platinum passion braids? If you’ve been searching for a reason to go bold with color, consider this look your sign.
Jumbo Knotless Passion Butterfly Braids
Not into micro passion braids (they take waaayy too long)? These jumbo knotless distressed braids are just as sexy – and take a fraction of the time to install.
Undoing them is also effortless, making them the perfect lazy girl hairstyle!
High-Pony Passion Braids With Face-Framing Tendrils
Rock this high pony during the day, then wear your passion braids down before bed. And don’t forget to spritz some anti-itch oil and put on a satin scarf to maintain the fresh look.
Thigh-Long Passion Butterfly Braids
Why would you not want to give Rapunzel and Pocahontas a run for their money? We deserve a Black Disney princess (apart from Ariel) with long-ass hair, too, right?
Blue Gradient Passion Butterfly Braids
Sometimes all you need is some pop of color to make your braids stand out. This combination of black and blue is winning!
Cuffed Passion Braids
It’s always cuffing season – and if you’re not “cuffing, cuffing” it, maybe some cuffed passion braids will give you some joy!
Two-Toned Passion Butterfly Braids
If you’re unsure what color to go with, combining your top two is the only way—the golden brown contrasts with the dark natural shade to give you a stunning summer style.
Burnt Orange Butterfly Braids
Basic is boring – but color, especially burnt orange braids, is fun, edgy, and freakin’ sexy. Plus, they look really sexy on dark skin! That’s what we call a win-win!
Adorned Passion Braids
You don’t have to go with traditional adornments. Get these orange beads with a subtle heart design and paint the town red, hun. I mean, YOLO!
Fiery Red Butterly Braids
Red, Ariel-level hair is da ting! And if you’re a Disney fan, this look should be high on your #forfallhairstyles list.
Jumbo Feed-In Passion Braid
These feed-in butterfly braids are anything but basic. The cornrows are flawless and chic, reminding us of the “good old” high school days. The curly strips add flair to the style, making it playful and fun.
Deep Brown With Light Brown Highlights
One of the best things about crochet passion braids is the freedom to pick whatever color you want – like this deep brown shade. Ain’t it pretty?
Passion Ponytail Braid
Looking for an easy (but sophisticated) way to wear your passion braids this fall? Consider this passion pony. It keeps all the pieces in place and gives you an elegant and bad bih kinda vibe!
Plus, it’s perfect for weddings, date nights, nights out, or work.
Black X Purple Passion Distressed Braids
There’s no reason you shouldn’t play with some pop of color, especially when your passion braids look jaw-dropping.
The purple and attention to detail in this style are just marvelous!
Jumbo Burgundy Passion Braids
If you want to don some red color to your braids but aren’t a fan of super-bold shades. These wine/burgundy butterfly braids are your best bet.
They’re toned down and have an eye-catching element that’ll satisfy all your Ariel hair desires.
Passion Braids With Butterfly Clips & Ribbons
Turns out it’s pretty effortless to level up your braids. Just clip in your prettiest butterfly clips and strategically place some scrunchies at the bottom to achieve this stunning look.
Half-Up, Half-Down Passion Braids
If you want a stunning style that keeps hair out of your face while allowing you to show off your best features, the classic half-up, half-down look is your best bet.
Bubble x Space Bun Passion Braids
These small space bun passion braids are e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!! And the hearts in between the braids, whoever styled this needs an award ASAP. We love?!
Goddess Passion Braids
Can’t decide between braids or curls? You don’t have to. Just take a cue from lil sis here and get some goddess braids and remember to keep a good oil mist on hand for moisture and added shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Passion Braids Last?
Passion braids can last for three to six weeks. Just ensure not to keep them too long or risk your natural hair’s health.
As for how long they take, depending on your hair volume and stylist, passion braids might be anything between two to six hours.
How Much Do Passion Braids Cost?
Depending on the length of the braids and your stylist, passion braids can cost from $80 – $200.
The price might be slightly higher in some towns, but it shouldn’t cost you more than $300.
If you find a stylist charging over $300 for butterfly braids, girl, run for the hills!
How Do You Maintain Passion Braids?
When caring for your butterfly braids, less is always better. So, ensure to:
Avoid Over-Styling – yes, you might want to rock a crown, high bun, pigtail, or side-swept look, but minimizing the styling to one or two styles per week is vital. And also, remember not to style too tightly, or you’ll end up hurting your roots and triggering hair loss.
Spritz On Some Hair Spray – you don’t want your braids looking all dull now. Add hair spray or mousse for shine and luster to bring them back to life every three days.
How Do You Care For Your Natural Hair While In Passion Braids?
Yes, passion braids are a protective style meant to reduce the manipulation of natural strands, but caring for the hair underneath is vital.
You can do so by oiling your scalp twice a week, moisturizing the roots and other parts with a hydrating hair cream, and covering your strands with a satin scarf or bonnet before bed.
And since your hair will get dirty (by the third or fourth week or rocking passion braids), you need to clean it up by dipping a cotton ball in shampoo and rubbing it on your scalp.
Afterward, rinse off the shampoo by dipping another cotton ball in the water. Then condition your roots using the cotton-bud method. Rinse off the conditioner, then apply some moisturizer.
