Posted by Pop Smoke’s legacy is not only defined by his music but also by his distinctive style, including his iconic braided hairstyles. Pop Smoke’s braids have become a staple of streetwear culture, blending boldness, elegance, and attitude. Whether you’re looking to channel his unique aesthetic or simply want a fresh new look, Pop Smoke braids offer a variety of options for men. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 Pop Smoke braid hairstyles for men to elevate your look in 2025.
Why Pop Smoke Braids Are the Perfect Choice for Men?
Pop Smoke’s braids, often characterized by their clean and structured look, have become a trend that’s synonymous with confidence and individuality. These braids aren’t just a hairstyle; they are a statement. From the sleek, tight cornrows to the more relaxed, creative styles, Pop Smoke braids offer versatility and personality.
One of the main reasons men opt for Pop Smoke braids is their ability to enhance a range of face shapes and hair textures. Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, these braids can be customized to suit your style. Pop Smoke’s braids also represent a strong cultural connection, as braiding has deep roots in African and Caribbean traditions. This style allows men to pay homage to these traditions while staying modern and trendy.
1. Classic Pop Smoke Cornrows
Cornrows are probably the most iconic Pop Smoke braid style. Clean, neat, and structured, this hairstyle involves small, tight braids that are worn close to the scalp. Cornrows are timeless and provide a sharp, polished look that complements almost any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or going for a casual look, classic Pop Smoke cornrows elevate your appearance with their sleek and controlled finish.
How to Style It: To achieve Pop Smoke’s cornrows, the hair is braided in straight lines down the scalp. It’s important to ensure that the braids are uniform in size and the tension is tight enough to hold the shape. This style works best with medium to long hair, allowing for the braids to be tightly woven.
Best for: Men who want a bold and structured look with minimal maintenance once the braids are done.
2. Pop Smoke Box Braids
Box braids are a popular choice in the world of men’s hairstyles, and when done in the style of Pop Smoke, they can give you a streetwise, stylish vibe. Box braids are created by sectioning the hair into square-shaped parts and braiding each section. The braids hang freely and often come in varying lengths, depending on personal preference.
Pop Smoke’s box braids typically feature a medium to long length, with a natural flow that complements the sharp angles of his face. The style gives a sense of movement, making it a great option if you’re aiming for a carefree, laid-back look.
How to Style It: To create box braids, start by sectioning your hair into even boxes, then braid each section from the roots to the ends. You can add hair extensions for extra length and fullness, or keep it natural for a more authentic look.
Best for: Men who want a low-maintenance, yet stylish braid that offers versatility.
3. Pop Smoke Twist Braids
Twist braids are another variation of Pop Smoke’s signature looks. These braids differ from traditional ones as they involve twisting two sections of hair together instead of braiding them. The result is a textured, voluminous look that feels more relaxed and playful than some of the other more structured styles.
Pop Smoke’s twist braids have a distinct, natural texture, which makes them ideal for men who want a bold style that’s not too tight or stiff. The twists give the hair volume, allowing it to stand out in a more casual and laid-back way, making it perfect for everyday wear.
How to Style It: To create twist braids, part your hair into sections, then twist two strands of hair together until you reach the end. You can either leave the twists loose for a relaxed look or secure them with a tie for a cleaner appearance.
Best for: Men with thicker or coarser hair textures who want a style with a bit more volume and movement.
4. Pop Smoke Fade with Braids
A fade combined with braids is a bold way to achieve a stylish and contemporary look. The fade cut involves trimming the sides and back of the hair very short, creating a sharp contrast with the longer braided sections on top. This style is great for men who want a more modern edge to their Pop Smoke braids. The fade gives a clean and fresh feel, while the braids add texture and dimension on top.
How to Style It: Start with a fade cut, ensuring that the fade is clean and sharp. The top section of your hair can then be braided into tight, neat Pop Smoke-style cornrows or box braids. The contrast between the short fade and the long braids creates a striking effect.
Best for: Men looking for a modern, edgy style that’s easy to maintain.
5. Pop Smoke Mohawk Braids
For a truly bold and daring look, the Pop Smoke mohawk braids are an excellent choice. This style involves creating cornrows or box braids down the center of the scalp, with the sides shaved or faded short to resemble a mohawk. The result is a dramatic, eye-catching style that commands attention.
Pop Smoke’s mohawk braids are typically styled to create a clean, neat look, with the braids running straight down the middle. The mohawk adds height and dimension, making it perfect for men who want a daring and unique hairstyle.
How to Style It: Begin by shaving the sides of your head, leaving a strip of hair in the center. The central strip can then be braided into neat rows or sections. To add an extra edge, consider using hair accessories or beads at the ends of your braids.
Best for: Men who are confident and want to make a bold statement with their hairstyle.
6. Pop Smoke Braided Bun
The braided bun is an ideal choice for men who want a refined, polished look with a twist. This style involves gathering the braids into a high or low bun, allowing you to keep your hair out of your face while maintaining the structured look of Pop Smoke braids. The bun adds an element of sophistication to the braids, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings.
How to Style It: Once your braids are in place, gather them at the top or back of your head and secure them into a bun with hair ties. You can either leave some braids hanging loose for a more relaxed style or pin them neatly for a more formal appearance.
Best for: Men looking for a clean and polished look that keeps their hair off their face.
7. Pop Smoke Braids with Beard
Pop Smoke’s braids paired with a well-groomed beard create a powerful combination. This look exudes masculinity and style, perfect for men who want to add some edge to their appearance. The contrast between the structured braids and a thick, full beard makes a bold statement, showcasing both facial hair and braided hair as integral parts of the overall style.
How to Style It: For this look, focus on maintaining both your braids and beard in top condition. Keep your Pop Smoke braids neat and tight, while shaping your beard for a well-groomed, balanced appearance. Depending on the length of your beard, you can go for a full, bushy style or trim it neatly for a more refined look.
Best for: Men who are growing their beard and want to pair it with their braided hairstyle for an ultra-masculine and balanced aesthetic.
8. Pop Smoke Side Braids
Side braids add a unique twist to the traditional Pop Smoke hairstyle. Instead of straight back cornrows or box braids, side braids sweep across the head in a diagonal or curved fashion. This gives the look a bit more movement and personality. Side braids are ideal for men who want a more creative variation while still maintaining the essence of Pop Smoke’s signature style.
How to Style It: Begin by creating diagonal or curved sections on the scalp, braiding them into tight, neat rows. You can decide whether to keep the side braids simple or add more elaborate designs, such as twists or crisscross patterns, for extra flair.
Best for: Men who want a creative yet structured hairstyle that still channels the Pop Smoke vibe but with a bit of individuality.
9. Pop Smoke Braids with Shaved Designs
If you want to take your Pop Smoke braids to the next level, consider adding shaved designs to the sides of your head. This bold style often incorporates intricate patterns, lines, or geometric shapes shaved into the scalp, creating a sharp contrast against the braids. These designs make your braids stand out even more and elevate the overall impact of your hairstyle.
How to Style It: After you get your Pop Smoke braids, visit your barber to shave unique designs into the sides of your head. Popular patterns include zig-zags, lines, or even symbols that hold personal significance. The key is to make sure the shaved designs are clean and complement the braids above.
Best for: Men who love to stand out and want to make their hairstyle an artistic expression of their personality.
10. Pop Smoke Half Braids, Half Loose
For a style that balances both structured and natural looks, try Pop Smoke’s half braids, half loose hair combination. This hairstyle features a section of your hair braided into neat, tight rows, while the rest of the hair is left loose, flowing naturally. The half-braid, half-loose style is versatile and allows you to show off both the discipline of braiding and the freedom of natural hair.
How to Style It: Braid a portion of your hair on the top or sides, leaving the rest free to fall naturally. This is a great style if you want the neatness of braids but the flexibility of loose hair for a more relaxed look.
Best for: Men who like the idea of braids but want to balance them with the laid-back vibe of loose hair.
11. Pop Smoke Braided Dreads
Another variation of Pop Smoke’s iconic braids is the braided dreadlock look. This style is ideal for men who want to combine the durability of dreadlocks with the structured look of braids. Braided dreads have a clean and unique aesthetic, giving a natural yet stylish vibe. The twist of braiding sections of dreadlocks adds an elevated dimension to the classic dread style.
How to Style It: Start with traditional dreadlocks, and then braid sections of your hair for added texture and definition. You can decide how thick or thin to make the braids, depending on your personal preference and hair type.
Best for: Men who have dreads and want to combine them with braids for a fresh, new look.
12. Pop Smoke Braids with Fade and Design
Combine the fade cut with a stylish braided design for a modern, edgy look. A fade paired with Pop Smoke braids with additional designs shaved into the scalp is the ultimate streetwear hairstyle. This look is perfect for men who want a contemporary, attention-grabbing style.
How to Style It: Begin with a high fade, leaving a clean and sharp contrast between the short hair on the sides and the longer braids on top. Afterward, shave patterns such as geometric shapes or lines into the fade area. This makes the braids pop even more.
Best for: Men who want to incorporate design into their fade for a fashion-forward, bold hairstyle.
13. Pop Smoke Braided Top Knot
For a more refined, urban look, consider pairing your Pop Smoke braids with a top knot. This style is excellent for men who want to keep their hair out of their face but still maintain a fresh, street-style vibe. The top knot brings a bit of sophistication, while the braids add texture and personality.
How to Style It: After braiding your hair, gather the braids into a top knot, securing them with a tie. You can either keep the braids tightly arranged or let them have a little more texture for a relaxed style.
Best for: Men who want a high-fashion look with a streetwear twist, keeping their hair neat and out of the way.
14. Pop Smoke Braided Fade with Long Top
This style is perfect for men who want to combine the clean lines of a fade with the length and volume of braids on top. The long top paired with a fade creates a dynamic contrast, giving a balanced, modern look. The braids can be styled in various ways, from tight cornrows to loose box braids, depending on your preference.
How to Style It: Ask your barber for a fade on the sides and leave the top long enough to braid into your desired style. You can either go for a more structured look with tightly woven braids or a looser, more relaxed feel.
Best for: Men looking for a versatile look that balances length and neatness.
15. Pop Smoke Braid with Beads
Adding beads to your Pop Smoke braids brings a touch of personality and flair. Beads are a classic accessory that can elevate the look of your braids, giving them a cultural and artistic dimension. Pop Smoke’s braids often feature beads at the ends, giving the look a unique touch.
How to Style It: After braiding your hair, simply add beads to the ends of your braids. You can choose beads in various colors, sizes, or patterns that reflect your style and personality.
Best for: Men who want to personalize their Pop Smoke braids and add a unique cultural element to their style.
Final Thoughts
Pop Smoke’s braids were more than just a hairstyle; they were a part of his identity, his culture, and his influence on modern streetwear. Whether you choose the timeless classic cornrows or the bold and creative shaved designs, Pop Smoke braids for men are a versatile and stylish way to elevate your look. By experimenting with different styles, you can find the one that perfectly matches your personality and flair.
As you rock these braids, remember that confidence is key. No matter which variation you choose, make sure you wear it proudly—after all, Pop Smoke’s braids were as much about the attitude as they were about the hairstyle itself.
Stay ahead of the curve and get inspired by these 15 Pop Smoke braid styles for men, ready to elevate your look in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long do Pop Smoke braids typically last?
Pop Smoke braids can last anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on the type of braids you get and how well you maintain them. Cornrows and box braids generally last longer, while twist braids might need retouching sooner due to their looser structure.
2. Can Pop Smoke braids work with short hair?
While Pop Smoke braids are often associated with medium to long hair, they can work with shorter hair too. You can opt for smaller braids or use hair extensions to achieve the look, making it possible to enjoy this style even with shorter hair.
3. Do Pop Smoke braids require a lot of maintenance?
Pop Smoke braids are relatively low-maintenance once they are installed, but it’s essential to keep your scalp clean and moisturized. You should avoid excessive pulling or tension on the braids to prevent breakage, and regular scalp massages or applying leave-in conditioner can help maintain the health of your hair underneath.
4. How can I make my Pop Smoke braids look fresh for longer?
To keep your Pop Smoke braids looking fresh, avoid excessive scratching, and try to protect your hair at night by wearing a satin or silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase. You can also use light oils or hair sprays to maintain shine and prevent frizz.
5. Are Pop Smoke braids suitable for all face shapes?
Yes, Pop Smoke braids can be adapted to suit any face shape. For example, men with round faces may prefer longer, tighter braids like cornrows, while those with square faces can go for styles that add height, such as mohawk braids. Your barber or stylist can help customize the look based on your face shape.
6. Can I add color to my Pop Smoke braids?
Absolutely! Adding color to your Pop Smoke braids is a great way to personalize the look. Whether it’s subtle highlights or bold, vibrant hues, colored braids can elevate your style and give your braids a fresh twist. Just make sure to take care of your hair when dyeing it to avoid damage.
7. How much does it cost to get Pop Smoke braids?
The cost of Pop Smoke braids varies depending on factors like location, the complexity of the style, and the length of your hair. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a professional braiding session. This price may increase if you opt for additional services like hair extensions or intricate designs.
8. Can I remove Pop Smoke braids myself?
While it’s possible to remove braids at home, it’s best to visit a professional stylist to ensure the process is done safely without causing damage to your hair. If you choose to remove them yourself, be sure to do it slowly and carefully to avoid hair breakage.
By embracing Pop Smoke’s iconic braids, you’re not only paying tribute to a legend, but you’re also adopting a style that is versatile, creative, and timeless. Whether you’re going for the classic look or trying something new and unique, the options are endless!