If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve seen them. Those chunky, sleek, slightly chaotic but perfectly polished braids. We call them Coi Leray braids. Originally, the New Jersey rapper made the look famous with a shoulder-length, "bob" vibe that felt sporty and fresh. But it’s 2026, and the trend has mutated into something much more dramatic. We’re talking Coi Leray braids long—waist-length, floor-skimming, "look at me" inches that take the original cool-girl aesthetic and crank the volume to ten.
Honestly, the appeal is pretty simple. It's the perfect middle ground for anyone who hates sitting in a chair for ten hours but still wants that "just stepped out of a music video" energy.
What Makes These Different From Your Standard Jumbo Knotless?
You might look at these and think, "Okay, so they're just big braids?" Well, yeah, but also no. While they definitely fall under the jumbo knotless umbrella, the signature Coi Leray look has a specific DNA.
First off, it’s about the density. You usually only have about 10 to 16 braids total. That’s it. Because the sections are so large, you get these juicy, thick plaits that stand out. But the real "secret sauce" is the ends. Traditional box braids are usually sealed with hot water to a point. Coi Leray braids? They end in a tight, springy curl.
When you go for the Coi Leray braids long version, that curl hits differently. Instead of bouncing around your neck, those curls are swaying at your hips. It gives the style a much more feminine, goddess-like silhouette compared to the original short version.
The Anatomy of the Look
- The Parting: High-definition, crisp square or triangle parts. Because the braids are so big, your scalp is part of the outfit.
- The Knotless Start: No bulky knots at the root. It starts flat, which is why it looks so "natural" even when the braids are the size of a marker.
- The Curly Tail: This isn't a loose wave. It’s a defined, often rubber-banded curl that stays intact.
Why the Long Version Is Dominating Right Now
Let's be real: short hair is a vibe, but long hair is a moment. In the early days of this trend (around 2021-2022), the short version was everywhere because it was fast. You could get it done in two hours.
But as the "Clean Girl" aesthetic evolved into something a bit more maximalist, people started adding length. The long version offers a versatility the short one just can’t touch. You can throw them into a massive high bun that looks like a crown. You can do the half-up, half-down look without it looking stubby.
Celebrity stylists like Tiara’s Way, who has worked with Coi Leray herself, have shown that playing with length and color—like those icy blondes or deep burgundy reds—completely changes the mood of the style.
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How to Get the Look (Without Breaking Your Neck)
If you're planning to DIY these or head to a stylist, there are a few things you need to know. Since the braids are jumbo, they can get heavy. Weight is the enemy of your edges.
What You’ll Need
- 3 to 6 packs of pre-stretched braiding hair: (Depending on how long you're going).
- Shine n Jam or a heavy-duty braiding gel: This is non-negotiable for those crisp parts.
- Perm rods: For the ends.
- Small rubber bands: To secure the braid before the curl starts.
Basically, you start the knotless braid as usual. You feed in the hair until you hit your desired length. When you get to the bottom, you don't braid to the very tip. You stop, wrap a rubber band around it, and then use a perm rod on that leftover tail. A quick dip in hot water sets the curl, and you’re golden.
A Note on Scalp Health
One thing people get wrong? They think because there are fewer braids, there’s less tension. Actually, it’s often the opposite. Because each braid is holding more extension hair, that single section of your natural hair is carrying a lot of weight. If you're going for Coi Leray braids long, tell your stylist not to make the parts too small. You need enough of your own hair in that base to support the "inches" you're adding.
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Maintenance: Keeping the Curls from Looking Like a Bird's Nest
The biggest tragedy of this style is when the curls at the bottom get matted. Since it's synthetic hair, it loves to tangle.
Every couple of days, you should probably apply a bit of mousse to the ends. It helps keep the curl definition and stops them from frizzy-ing out. And please, wear a silk bonnet. A regular pillowcase will eat this style alive in three days.
How Long Do They Actually Last?
I’ll be honest with you—they don't last as long as micro-braids. Because the parts are so large, your new growth shows much faster. Most people get about 3 to 5 weeks out of them. If you’re a perfectionist about your edges, you might be looking at 4 weeks tops. But hey, the install only takes 3 hours, so the trade-off is pretty fair.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Appointment
If you're sold on the long look, here’s how to make sure it turns out perfect:
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- Pick the right hair: Use pre-stretched hair. It tapers at the ends, which makes the transition to the curl look way more seamless.
- Don't skimp on the gel: The "sleek" look is what makes this style "Coi Leray" and not just "jumbo braids."
- Request "Goddess" additions: Some people are now mixing in pieces of curly crochet hair throughout the braid (not just the ends). This gives it a "Boho" vibe that looks incredible with extra length.
- Edge Control is your best friend: Since the parts are huge, your baby hairs are front and center. Grab a long-lasting edge control to keep everything looking sharp.
Ready to try it? Start by picking out your hair color. If you're feeling bold, a mix of 1B (off-black) and a honey blonde (27) can give the long braids a highlighted look that really pops against the scalp. Secure your appointment, grab your mousse, and get ready for the compliments.