50 Stunning Criss Cross Braids Hairstyles to Experiment with in 2024

Are you tired of the same old hairstyles and looking to switch things up in 2024? Look no further than criss cross braids! These intricate and stylish braided hairstyles are perfect for anyone looking to add some flair to their look. With 50 different styles to choose from, there is a criss cross braid hairstyle for every occasion. Whether you’re headed to a formal event or just want to add some fun to your everyday look, these braids are sure to turn heads. So why wait? Dive into the world of criss cross braids and elevate your style in 2024!

Criss cross braids are braided hairstyles that feature different braided sections crossed over on either side to form a criss cross.

While most criss cross braids typically feature rubber banded sections criss crossed on either side, criss cross braids can be done without rubber bands too.

The criss cross braids trend while not new is taking over and we’ve got all the details you need to know about criss cross braids hairstyles.

From Criss cross braids with rubber bands to criss cross knotless braids and criss cross stitch braids.

How to do criss cross knotless braids

Knotless Criss cross braids are easy to do regardless of whether you’re doing it yourself or on a client.

Before you start, you’ll need:

1. Pre-stretched braiding hair.
2. Super stretch rubber bands.
3. A rat trail comb.
4. Shine n jam.
5. Mousse.
6. Edge control.

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There are 2 methods you can use to part the hair depending on whether you want to start by doing the Criss cross section with rubber bands or the knotless braids at the back.

Either method will require you to section off about 1/4 of the hair at the front.

For this article, we’ll start with the Criss cross section with rubber bands.

Start by sectioning off 1/4 of the hair at the front. 

Part the sectioned hair into 2 and further divide it into 3s or 4s if you’d like.

Apply shine n jam on both the parted sections and the individual sections that you’ll use rubber bands on. 

This helps with creating that sleek and clean/neat look.

It is important to note that whichever rubber bands you’ll use need to be dipped in oil prior to using them, to avoid any hair breakage. 

Start working on your rubber band sections by parting the hair into small sections, applying shine n jam and securing the hair at the base using the rubber bands.

Once you’ve done this to the first two sections, cross over one side to a freshly parted side and secure it using a rubber band. 

While you can use a different method where you cross over the already rubber ‘banded’ sections after doing each individually, the earlier mentioned method ensures that you’re:

1. Not running out of hair to work with.
2. Going to have a clean finish/end result. 

Repeat this for all your Criss cross rubber band sections at the front.

All the Criss cross rubber band sections are then transitioned into a braid. This is achieved by using the same method you use for the Knotless braids where you feed in the braiding hair gradually until you have one braid.

After you’re done, start working on the back section where you’ll do your Knotless braids. For a detailed step by step tutorial on how to do Knotless braids Read more…

Finish off the look by laying your edges using your preferred edge control and applying mousse to the whole head.

If you’re a visual learner, refer to the video linked below. 

How to do criss cross knotless braids on yourself

Like we always say, if you’re one of God’s favourites and you can diy any braided hairstyle, here are some helpful videos.

The method is the same as the first one.

Things to note:

1. If you plan on keeping your knotless braids in for long, you might need to do frequent touch ups to the criss cross rubber band sections at the front.
2. Criss cross knotless braids just like regular knotless braids are pain free and lightweight.
3. Don’t forget to oil the rubber bands you’ll use.
4. You can use colored rubber bands instead of black rubber bands if you’re feeling adventurous.
5. This hairstyle can be done on old knotless braids by undoing the front part. This would be a great way of getting to keep the hair in for longer than you already had.
6. Make sure you use super stretch rubber bands (we’ve linked the ones we recommend highlighted in yellow). This helps to prevent the rubber bands breaking/popping off.

How to do criss cross stitch braids

The most popular criss cross stitch braids variant is the one that has 4 braids that are tied into two buns (with or without curly hair).

Before starting you’ll need:

1. 2 packs of pre-stretched hair.
2. 1 pack waterwave hair.
3. Shine n jam.
4. Rat tail comb.
5. Edge control.
6. Mousse.

Start by using a rat tail comb to part the hair into two sections, then dividing the two sections into 4 sections on each side. Two at the top and two at the bottom.

Make sure you part the hair evenly.

Apply shine n jam at the roots of your parted sections to create a sleek & clean look. This also helps your lines look extra neat.

There are a lot of methods you can use to do your stitch lines. Some of which are:

1. Using a rat tail comb.
2. Rubber bands.
3. Using your pinky finger nails.
4. A claw like object.

Regardless of the method you’ll use, you’ll want to make sure you’re parting the stitch lines diagonally and not horizontally like you would in regular stitch braids.

Take your time while parting the stitch lines ensuring that every line is clean and then gradually feed in the braiding hair as you move along.

The only confusing part in criss cross stitch braids is the part where they criss cross.

It might be helpful to note that one of the stitch lines lies on top of the other one.

Use the same method on the other side and then add a few pieces of the water wave hair as you braid the hair at the base.

Tie the two braids on each side into a bun, lay your edges, apply the mousse and you’re done.

As always, refer to the videos below for a detailed visual.

How to do criss cross soft locs

You can also do the criss cross trend on soft locs. Here’s a step by step tutorial.

Criss cross butterfly locs

With the exception of the type of hair used in soft locs and butterfly locs, the criss cross method is similar in all hairstyles.

Hair is parted 3 times in different sections, criss crossed to the opposite sides after which the locs are done.

For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.

50 criss cross braids hairstyles

Now that you know how to do the criss cross trend on your braids, here’s 50 different criss cross braids hairstyles you should definitely get at your next hair appointment.

Criss cross knotless braids

The criss cross trend on knotless braids are the cherry on top of an already perfect hairstyle.

@stacybraids

@stacybraids

@shi.doll15

@stylezgalore

@stylezgalore

@hairbychelci

@dadouhair

@dadouhair

@dadouhair

@dadouhair

@dadouhair

@dadouhair

>>Check out 25 more criss cross knotless braids here <<

Criss cross stitch braids

The criss cross trend on cornrows is one for the books. We’ve lost count of the number of times we gasp when we come across one of these.

@hiiraven

simplybraidsbyney

@trutrootsbraids

@lovedbyloni

@lovedbyloni

@hairbychelci

@hairbychelci

@getstitchedin

braidsbykeyzz_

@stylezgalore

@stylezgalore

@nistylesss_

@nistylesss_

@touchedxney

@touchedxney

@thetoouchofnature_

@braided__

@braided__

Criss cross soft locs

The criss cross trend looks equally as good on soft locs.

Find step by step tutorials and hair info on soft locs here.

@styledbypk

@_thedrews.xperience

@_thedrews.xperience

@bydesiraek

Criss cross senegalese twists

Senegalese twists aka rope twists can be spruced up using the criss cross trend too.

@braid_vixen

@braid_vixen

@braidsby_veronica

@braidsby_veronica

@braidsby_veronica

Criss cross butterfly locs

The criss cross trend can also be done on butterfly locs.

@locsbydej

@loccedbyki

@eccentricbeauty

@pinterest

@eccentricbeauty

@goddess.handz

Criss cross passion twists

Passion twists haven’t been left behind in the criss cross trend either.

@styledby.tm

@styledby.tm

Which one of these criss cross braids hairstyles will you be trying?

In conclusion, the trend of criss cross braids is a versatile and stylish choice for anyone looking to switch up their hairstyle in 2024. With endless variations and styles to choose from, these braids offer a unique and eye-catching look that can be worn for any occasion. Whether you prefer a classic and elegant braided look or a more edgy and bold style, the criss cross braids are sure to make a statement. So why not give one of these 50 stunning hairstyles a try this year and elevate your look?