Pop Smoke braids, inspired by the late rapper Pop Smoke, have quickly become a stylish go-to for many. These distinct braids are characterized by their chunky, center-parted cornrows that offer a bold, clean look. They give off a vibe that’s both edgy and polished, perfect for anyone looking to switch up their style with something that’s low-maintenance but high-impact. Whether you're into street fashion or just love a sleek, braided aesthetic, Pop Smoke braids deliver a fresh twist on a timeless hairstyle.
What Are Pop Smoke Braids?
Pop Smoke braids consist of thick cornrows that are typically divided down the middle of the scalp, with 4-6 large braids on each side. The braids themselves are usually quite chunky, giving the hairstyle a bold and prominent appearance. While Pop Smoke braids are often worn by men, they’ve become a unisex hairstyle, embraced by women who enjoy the simplicity, versatility, and protection these braids provide.
The Origins of Pop Smoke Braids
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, bursts onto the music scene in the late 2010s with his gritty voice and hard-hitting drill beats. While he made waves with his music, his signature hairstyle—distinct, center-parted, thick cornrows—also caught the attention of fans and style enthusiasts alike. These braids, now referred to as Pop Smoke braids, became synonymous with the rapper’s look.
The hairstyle itself is a variation of traditional cornrows but with a more modern, oversized twist. Typically, Pop Smoke braids involve four to six large cornrows braided straight back, sometimes with intricate parting or additional details. The size of the braids gives the look a more dramatic and bold appearance compared to smaller, traditional cornrows.
Pop Smoke's influence on fashion and hair was profound, especially within the Black community. His braids not only paid homage to the rich history of braiding but also brought it to a new generation in a fresh, contemporary way. After his untimely death in 2020, fans and admirers of his style began to embrace the braids even more, cementing the name "Pop Smoke braids" in his honor.
The Cultural Impact of Pop Smoke Braids
Pop Smoke braids carry with them a blend of tradition and modern influence. They’re a prime example of how hairstyles within Black culture are more than just trends—they are symbols of identity, pride, and expression. For many, wearing Pop Smoke braids is not just about emulating a famous rapper’s look but also about reclaiming cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
In today’s fashion landscape, these braids have become a popular protective style for both men and women, allowing individuals to shield their hair from daily wear and tear while sporting a bold, polished look. The simplicity and versatility of Pop Smoke braids make them accessible to a wide audience. From casual, everyday wear to red-carpet events, this hairstyle fits in almost anywhere.
Pop Smoke Braids in Contemporary Style
Today, Pop Smoke braids continue to rise in popularity. Their easy maintenance and protective qualities make them a go-to choice for many people looking for a bold, low-effort hairstyle. Whether worn plain or accessorized with beads or hair cuffs, these braids offer a striking look that’s both practical and stylish.
While the hairstyle is named after Pop Smoke, its roots run far deeper. The braids represent the intersection of a rich, cultural history and modern style trends, blending ancient techniques with contemporary aesthetics. As more people recognize the cultural significance of braiding, styles like Pop Smoke braids are being celebrated not just as fashion statements but as symbols of heritage and identity.
Types of Pop Smoke Braids
1. Classic Pop Smoke Braids
The classic Pop Smoke braids stay true to the original style that Pop Smoke was known for. These braids are typically done with four to six large, evenly spaced cornrows, starting from the front of the head and continuing straight back. The middle part is the defining feature of this look, splitting the scalp into two neat sections. This style is perfect for those who want a no-fuss, low-maintenance hairstyle that still makes a statement.
How to Style:
- Keep the classic look simple with neat, smooth edges.
- Use edge control or gel to slick down baby hairs for a polished appearance.
- Accessorize with hair cuffs or beads for a touch of individuality.
The classic Pop Smoke braids are ideal for everyday wear, offering a protective style that’s easy to maintain and looks effortlessly cool.
2. Pop Smoke Braids with Curved Parts
One of the ways to add flair to the standard Pop Smoke braids is by incorporating curved or zigzag parts instead of the traditional straight middle part. Curved parts can add more dimension and personality to the look, giving the hairstyle a unique, artistic twist. The braids themselves can still remain thick and chunky, but the creative parting makes this style stand out.
How to Style:
- Experiment with different parting designs, from simple curves to more intricate patterns.
- Enhance the curved parts by adding hair cuffs or colorful strings along the braids.
- Opt for a sleek finish by using mousse or oil sheen spray to keep the braids shiny and frizz-free.
This variation is great for anyone who wants to personalize their Pop Smoke braids while still maintaining the classic, protective structure of the style.
3. Pop Smoke Braids with Extensions
For those who want extra length or volume, adding hair extensions to your Pop Smoke braids is a great option. This allows you to play with longer or fuller braids, making the hairstyle more dramatic. Whether you want waist-length braids or something more subtle, extensions provide flexibility and customization.
How to Style:
- Opt for extensions that match your natural hair color for a seamless look, or try bold, vibrant colors for a more daring approach.
- You can go for long, flowing braids or shorter, shoulder-length versions, depending on your preference.
- If you want to add even more volume, consider installing multiple braids on each side rather than sticking to the usual 4-6.
Extensions are a fantastic way to level up the Pop Smoke braid look, giving you the versatility to try different lengths, colors, and thicknesses without compromising the protective nature of the hairstyle.
4. Pop Smoke Braids with Feed-in Technique
The feed-in technique is a method where the braids start small at the roots and gradually get thicker as additional hair is fed into the braid. This creates a smooth, natural-looking transition from the scalp to the thicker part of the braid. Pop Smoke braids with the feed-in technique give a more natural appearance while adding volume and length without the braids looking bulky at the scalp.
How to Style:
- The feed-in technique works well with both long and short braids, offering a seamless blend.
- Pair the feed-in style with beads or other decorative elements toward the ends of the braids to draw attention to the gradual thickening effect.
- Use lightweight extensions if you’re concerned about tension at the scalp, as feed-in braids distribute weight more evenly.
Feed-in braids are perfect for anyone looking for a more subtle, gradual style that still offers the volume and length that Pop Smoke braids are known for.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down Pop Smoke Braids
If you want to switch up your Pop Smoke braids into something more dynamic, the half-up, half-down style might be the right choice for you. This variation involves braiding the front section of the hair while leaving the back section either loose or in another protective style, such as twists or smaller braids. This creates a playful contrast and allows for more movement and volume at the back while keeping the classic Pop Smoke look at the front.
How to Style:
- Secure the front braids into a high ponytail or bun while allowing the back to flow freely.
- You can mix and match different braid sizes in the back for added texture and dimension.
- Accessorize with beads, cuffs, or even small ribbons to enhance the style’s versatility.
The half-up, half-down variation is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, youthful twist on Pop Smoke braids that offers both practicality and a sense of freedom.
6. Pop Smoke Braids with Beads or Cuffs
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to make Pop Smoke braids your own. Beads and hair cuffs are popular choices for enhancing the look of your braids, adding a pop of color or a touch of shine. This style works well with any variation of Pop Smoke braids, whether you’re sporting the classic version, curved parts, or extensions.
How to Style:
- Choose beads that complement your outfit or personal style, ranging from colorful wooden beads to metallic accents.
- Place beads at the ends of your braids, or scatter them throughout for a more intricate look.
- Hair cuffs can be clipped onto different sections of the braids for added flair without the need for threading.
Beads and cuffs bring a sense of individuality and creativity to Pop Smoke braids, making them perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to stand out.
7. Pop Smoke Braids with a Fade or Undercut
For a more edgy, modern take on Pop Smoke braids, consider pairing the braids with a fade or undercut. This style incorporates the clean, defined look of a fade at the sides and back, with the thick, bold Pop Smoke braids sitting at the top of the head. The contrast between the sharp fade and the fullness of the braids creates a striking appearance that’s hard to ignore.
How to Style:
- Keep the fade low and tight for a subtle contrast, or go for a high fade if you want a more dramatic look.
- If you opt for an undercut, experiment with designs shaved into the sides for added edge.
- This style pairs well with both long and short Pop Smoke braids, so you can decide based on your desired level of volume.
A fade or undercut adds a sharp, modern edge to the traditional Pop Smoke braids, making it a great choice for those who want a bold, eye-catching style.
Are Pop Smoke Braids Easy to Maintain?
1. Initial Installation: Professional vs. DIY
The first step in maintaining Pop Smoke braids is the installation. While some people may choose to do their braids at home, many opt for a professional stylist to ensure the braids are done correctly, neatly, and with minimal tension on the scalp.
If done by a professional, Pop Smoke braids typically take 2-3 hours to install, depending on the length and thickness of your natural hair and whether you choose to add extensions. The braids should be installed tightly but not too tight, as excessive tension can lead to breakage or discomfort. A professional can also ensure that the parting is clean and even, which is essential to achieving the iconic look of Pop Smoke braids.
Maintenance Tip: If you're doing the braids yourself, take your time to part the hair neatly and braid each section tightly but comfortably. Using a good quality braiding gel can help you achieve clean parts and smooth braids.
2. Low-Maintenance Nature of Pop Smoke Braids
One of the biggest appeals of Pop Smoke braids is that, once installed, they require minimal daily maintenance. Unlike hairstyles that need constant washing, brushing, or heat styling, Pop Smoke braids allow you to wake up and go. This makes them ideal for people with busy lifestyles or those who want to give their hair a break from frequent manipulation.
With Pop Smoke braids, you don't have to worry about tangling, frizz, or breakage from daily styling, as the braids keep your natural hair tucked away and protected. This makes the hairstyle a great option for those looking to protect their natural hair while still maintaining a polished and put-together appearance.
3. Scalp Care While Wearing Pop Smoke Braids
While the braids themselves require little day-to-day maintenance, scalp care is crucial to ensure the health of your hair and skin underneath. With cornrows, including Pop Smoke braids, it’s common for the scalp to become dry or itchy over time. To prevent this, it’s important to regularly moisturize your scalp while wearing the braids. Use a light oil or a scalp serum designed for braided hairstyles, focusing on areas that feel dry or itchy.
Maintenance Tip: Apply the oil or serum directly to your scalp using an applicator bottle with a pointed tip. Massage it gently to stimulate blood flow and distribute the product evenly. Avoid over-applying, as too much product can cause build-up, leading to clogged pores and irritation.
Another important aspect of scalp care is keeping your scalp clean. While washing your braids frequently isn't necessary, you should cleanse your scalp every couple of weeks to remove sweat, oil, and product build-up. You can do this by using a diluted shampoo in a spray bottle or applying a dry shampoo specifically made for braids. Gently cleanse the scalp without rubbing the braids too much, as this can cause frizz or loosen the braids prematurely.
4. Sleeping with Pop Smoke Braids
Protecting your braids while you sleep is essential to ensuring they stay neat and tidy throughout their duration. Friction from your pillow can cause your braids to frizz or unravel over time, so it’s important to take preventative measures before bed.
Maintenance Tip: Wrap your braids in a satin or silk scarf before going to sleep, or use a satin pillowcase. This helps reduce friction and keeps the braids smooth and intact. You can also loosely tie the braids in a ponytail or bun to prevent them from moving around too much while you sleep.
5. Longevity of Pop Smoke Braids
On average, Pop Smoke braids can last between 4 to 6 weeks if properly maintained. After this time, the braids may start to loosen, and new hair growth will become visible at the roots. How long you keep your braids in depends on how well you maintain them and your hair’s natural growth rate.
While Pop Smoke braids are relatively low-maintenance, it’s important not to leave them in for too long, as keeping them in past 6 weeks can lead to tangling and matting at the roots, which can be difficult to detangle when the braids are removed.
Maintenance Tip: Once the braids begin to loosen or show too much new growth, it’s time to take them out. After removing the braids, give your natural hair a break by deep conditioning and moisturizing before re-installing any new braids or protective styles.
6. Moisturizing Your Natural Hair Under the Braids
Although Pop Smoke braids help protect your hair, you still need to keep your natural hair moisturized while it’s tucked away. Without proper hydration, your hair can become dry and brittle, leading to breakage when the braids are taken down.
Maintenance Tip: Use a light leave-in conditioner spray every few days to keep your hair moisturized. You can also use a braid spray formulated for natural hair and protective styles. Be careful not to saturate the braids with too much product, as this can weigh them down and cause build-up.
7. Managing Frizz and Loose Hairs
Frizz is inevitable with any braided hairstyle, including Pop Smoke braids. However, there are simple ways to manage it without needing to redo your entire hairstyle. Over time, as your hair grows and loosens, small hairs may start to poke out of the braids. To keep them looking fresh, you can use a lightweight mousse to smooth down any frizz or flyaways. Simply apply the mousse to the braids, then gently tie them down with a silk scarf for 10-15 minutes to help the mousse set and smooth out the hair.
Maintenance Tip: Edge control can also be used to smooth down baby hairs around the hairline, keeping the overall style neat and polished.
8. Taking Down Pop Smoke Braids
While Pop Smoke braids are easy to maintain, taking them down requires patience. Since the braids are larger, they’re typically easier to unravel than smaller braids, but it’s still essential to be gentle to avoid breakage. Start by spraying a detangling solution or water on the braids to soften them, then carefully unravel each braid. Once all the braids are removed, be sure to gently detangle your natural hair and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
Pop Smoke Braids on Different Hair Types
Pop Smoke Braids on Straight Hair
For individuals with naturally straight hair, Pop Smoke braids can still be a great option, though achieving the desired look may require a bit more effort. Straight hair tends to be smoother and less textured, which can make it more challenging to create the grip needed for thick cornrows to stay intact for long periods.
Straight hair is more prone to frizz and flyaways, so regular touch-ups with mousse or light hairspray can help keep the braids looking neat and polished. Despite these challenges, straight hair can rock Pop Smoke braids with the right techniques and maintenance.
Pop Smoke Braids on Wavy Hair
Wavy hair falls somewhere between straight and curly, offering a bit more texture than straight hair but without the tight coils that define curly and kinky hair types. This added texture makes it easier to braid compared to straight hair, but wavy hair still requires some preparation to ensure the braids hold their shape over time.
Pop Smoke braids on wavy hair are a great protective style that can be worn for weeks with minimal upkeep, as long as you maintain the scalp and keep the braids moisturized.
Pop Smoke Braids on Curly Hair
Curly hair, with its natural volume and defined curls, is one of the best textures for achieving long-lasting Pop Smoke braids. The inherent texture of curly hair allows for a strong grip, making it easier to create thick, durable braids that stay in place for extended periods.
Curly hair provides the volume and texture needed for thick Pop Smoke braids, and the natural fullness of curly hair allows for dramatic, show-stopping braids without needing a lot of added extensions.
Pop Smoke Braids on Kinky/Coily Hair
Kinky or coily hair (often referred to as type 4 hair) is the most textured and voluminous of all hair types, and it’s also one of the best for creating long-lasting braids. Kinky hair naturally holds braids in place, making Pop Smoke braids on this hair type especially easy to manage and maintain.
For people with kinky or coily hair, Pop Smoke braids offer a protective, low-maintenance style that can last up to six weeks with proper care. The natural texture of kinky hair allows the braids to look full and thick without the need for additional hair extensions.
DIY Pop Smoke Braids
What You’ll Need for DIY Pop Smoke Braids
To get started with your DIY Pop Smoke braids, you’ll need a few essential tools and products to ensure a clean, polished look:
- Rat-tail comb for parting
- Braiding gel or edge control for smoothing the hair and creating clean parts
- Hair clips or ties to hold sections of hair while you work
- Hair extensions (optional) for added length or volume
- Edge brush for detailing baby hairs
- Hair oil or leave-in conditioner to keep your scalp and hair moisturized
- Satin or silk scarf for protecting your braids at night
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to start the braiding process!
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Pop Smoke Braids
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before you begin braiding, it’s important to prep your hair properly. Start by washing and conditioning your hair thoroughly. Clean hair is easier to braid, and conditioning ensures that your hair is moisturized and protected while in the braids. If your hair is particularly dry, consider doing a deep conditioning treatment beforehand to lock in moisture.
Once your hair is clean, gently detangle it with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight hair oil to keep your hair soft and manageable during the braiding process.
Step 2: Part the Hair
One of the key features of Pop Smoke braids is the middle part, which divides the hair into two equal sections. Use your rat-tail comb to create a clean, straight part down the middle of your scalp. This part should run from the forehead all the way to the nape of your neck.
After creating the middle part, divide each side of your head into 2 or 3 sections, depending on how many braids you want. For a traditional Pop Smoke braid look, aim for 4-6 large sections in total.
Tip: Be as precise as possible when parting the hair. Clean, even parts are crucial for achieving that neat and polished look. Using a little bit of braiding gel along the parts can help keep the lines defined and the hair smooth.
Step 3: Start Braiding
Once your hair is sectioned, it’s time to start braiding. If you’re adding extensions, this is where you’ll feed them into the braids. Here’s how to begin:
- Start at the top of each section. Take a small portion of hair at the beginning of the section (near your hairline) and split it into three smaller strands to start the cornrow.
- Begin braiding tightly by crossing the outer strands under the middle one, working your way down the scalp. As you continue, incorporate small amounts of hair from the section into the braid, keeping it close to the scalp.
- Continue braiding to the end of the hair. Once you’ve braided down the scalp, finish off the braid by continuing the traditional three-strand braid down the rest of the section. If you’re using extensions, be sure to blend them smoothly with your natural hair for a seamless look.
- Repeat this process on all sections, ensuring that each braid lies flat and tight against the scalp.
If you’re a beginner, take your time with the first few braids to ensure they’re neat and consistent. It may take some practice to get the right tension and rhythm, but patience is key!
Step 4: Detail the Edges
After braiding all sections, focus on detailing the edges of your hairline for a more polished look. Use an edge control product or gel to smooth down baby hairs around your forehead, temples, and nape of the neck. An edge brush or a fine-tooth comb works well for this.
Feel free to get creative with your edges by shaping them into sleek swoops or waves, depending on your personal style.
Step 5: Seal the Ends
If your natural hair or extensions are long enough, you’ll need to seal the ends of your braids to keep them from unraveling. You can do this by dipping the ends of the braids in hot water (for synthetic hair extensions) or securing them with small elastics if you’re working with natural hair.
For a more personalized look, consider adding beads, hair cuffs, or decorative ties to the ends of the braids.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
To finish your Pop Smoke braids, apply a light oil or mousse over the braids to keep them moisturized and shiny. This helps tame any flyaways and ensures that your braids look fresh and sleek.
In conclusion, Pop Smoke braids represent a bold fusion of culture, music, and fashion. Whether you're opting for a protective style, looking to make a statement, or simply experimenting with a new look, Pop Smoke braids offer versatility and edge. With their roots in traditional African braiding and their modern appeal, these braids continue to evolve, allowing anyone to personalize them to their own style. By mastering the technique or working with a professional, you can enjoy the benefits of this striking, low-maintenance look while embracing its cultural significance.
