Make It Rain

Raindrop Braids Are the Box Braid Upgrade You’ve Been Looking For

TikTok's latest protective style fixation is absolutely mesmerizing.

May 23, 2023

Three side by side images of rain drop braids

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As someone whose hair is always in a protective style, I’m constantly in search of my next look and TikTok is my hunting ground. The app is full of natural hair inspiration and the latest trend to flood For You pages is raindrop braids. The style’s hashtag already has 4.3 million views and with one scroll through the videos, you’ll see why it's trending.

Raindrop braids are a whimsical twist on classic box braids. The style incorporates clear beads to create the illusion that raindrops are delicately placed on each plait. Adding beads and other adornments to box braids is certainly not new, but the technique for raindrop braids is a bit different.

Maryland-based creator and braider Bethany Nché is credited for starting the trend when she posted a video of her sister modeling knotless braids adorned with clear bubble beads. It wasn’t long before praise started flooding in the comments and requests for a tutorial followed.

Bethany Nché

“The style came about spontaneously,” says Nché. “My sister wanted beads on her hair, but the size of the beads was too small so I wondered what would happen if the beads went throughout the hair instead of at the bottom.” After seeing the results, the braider knew she’d created something innovative.

“She [Nché] did such an amazing job transforming box braids into an art piece and I knew immediately that I wanted to re-create this look,” says Amencis Berquin, another hair content creator who tried the style on TikTok.

TikTok content

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If you already know how to give yourself box braids, upgrading them to raindrop braids is fairly simple. Both Nché and Berquin use a bead applicator (you can find one on Amazon) to install the beads into each braid. “As you braid one box braid downward, pull out a small section of hair and use it to slide a bead through, then continue braiding,” Nché explains.

Add as many beads throughout your braids as you please and, although clear beads look the most like raindrops, don’t be afraid to play around with different colors. Below, some tools to get you started.