10 Braided Mohawk Ideas Perfect for Bold Hair Days

Janelle Monae wearing faux hawk — Rabbani and Solimene Photography / Getty Images

When it comes to punk rock hairstyles, mohawks have a corner on the market. Characterized by height at the crown and shorn sides, these cuts have stood the test of time since the early aughts. But the spiky look comes with some pretty serious hair-cutting commitment.

However, if you aren't ready to go all in the style, you're in luck. You can achieve the same edgy look with a braided faux mohawk—which can be achieved on your natural texture or with extensions. There are tons of different ways to try the style out for yourself, and we've rounded up our favorite celeb-approved inspiration below. Keep scrolling for 10 braided mohawk ideas.

01 of 10

Braided Pompadour Mohawk

Dominique Morisseau wearing braided mohawk — Sean Zanni /Patrick McMullan / Getty Images

When your hair’s already in braids, creating a faux hawk can be as easy as twisting them up and pinning them to the top of your head in a pompadour-style updo. The sculptural, voluminous style is stunning.

02 of 10

Cascading Braid Faux Hawk

Janelle Monae wearing braided faux hawk — Rabbani and Solimene Photography / Getty Images

Deemed a "Wondabraid" by Caprice Monae, the stylist behind Janelle Monae's look, this braided mohawk is one of the singer's coolest braided hairstyles. You can achieve the style by weaving together smaller French braids and flat twists from the crown with braided extensions to create one giant braid. Finish with a few spritzes of Bed Head's Masterpiece Shiny Hairspray ($26) for extra shine.

03 of 10

Golden Braided Faux Hawk

Ester dean wearing braided ponytail with shaved sides — Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

A braided mohawk is statement-making enough, but adding some artfully-placed gold cuffs? Now, we’re talking. Actor and musician Ester Dean twisted her knotless braids into a half-bun, letting her lengths cascade down her back and show off her sleek undercut.

04 of 10

Full-Braid Faux Hawk

Jennifer Morrison wearing braided faux hawk — Randy Brooke / Getty Images

The 2013 Met Gala’s Punk: From Chaos to Couture theme meant that the red carpet saw its fair share of faux hawks that year, but Jennifer Morrison’s braided iteration might be our favorite. The intentional messiness of the look—complete with flyaways—dials down some of the intensity that tends to come with a sleeker braid. The red lip pairing adds another element of glam to the '80s-inspired grunge look.

05 of 10

Mohawk Meets Braid

Keke palmer wearing braided faux hawk — Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images

Part faux hawk, part braid, Keke Palmer combined two of the coolest crown-lifting styles into one look. The teasing at the roots brings the style to new heights (and looks extra dramatic paired with shaved sides). Her loose "I just woke up like this" long braid gives the 'do an air of effortlessness and edge.

06 of 10

Braided Pompadour Pony

Jada Pinkett Smith wearing braided faux hawk — Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Jada Pinkett Smith's ultra-long braids were on full display with this "pompadour ponytail." In pinning up two sections of her hair into loose topknots, the actress made the style feel even more unique.

07 of 10

Fishtail Braid Mohawk

Audrina patridge wearing faux hawk braided ponytail — Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images

The beauty of Audrina Patridge’s faux hawk is that its height doesn’t actually come from the braid—it comes from a lot of teasing at the crown. The messy, textured fishtail starts with combing back the front section of your hair and pinning it into a pompadour. Toss the back section up into a ponytail and put it in a fishtail braid. Finish off the look by loosening up the braid to give it an undone feel.

08 of 10

Pulled-Back Mohawk Ponytail

MC Lyte wearing braided faux hawk ponytail — Mindy Small / Getty Images

A braided mohawk doesn’t have to be complicated—you can achieve the desired look by simply pulling your braids back into a high ponytail. Loosen things up at the crown to add more volume.

09 of 10

Pinned Ponytail Mohawk

emily blunt wearing braided faux hawk — Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Emily Blunt's braided mohawk combines glamour with rocker chic. The pinned ponytail style has a slightly undone feel to it, which gives the look texture and an added edge.

10 of 10

Draped Braided Mohawk

Alicia Keys wearing braided mohawk — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Alicia Keys is known for her braided hairstyles. While she usually wears cornrows or box braids, she's also sported a braided faux hawk. Her sleek and sophisticated look features perfectly sleek sides and a draped, braided faux hawk on top.

23 Stunning Examples of Mohawks on Natural Hair