28 Celebrity-Approved Braid Ideas to Inspire Your Next Protective Style

One protective style that will always stand the test of time is braids. With so many variations to choose from, there's no way to grow tired of this protective hairstyle. And many of our favorite celebrities feel the same way. From Rihanna to Brandy, countless celebs have repeatedly sported chic braided styles on the red carpet and beyond. Their versatile looks—from Fulani braids to decorated cornrows—have proven that there are infinite ways to wear braids.

If you're considering getting braids soon, we've got you covered with some stunning inspiration. Ahead, find 28 celebrity-approved braid ideas.

Honey-Blonde Braids

Braids were Brandy's signature look in the '90s. Today, she still gravitates to the style. Here, she adds flair to her look with honey-blonde braiding hair. Her braids' loose, curly texture gives the style a relaxed, effortless vibe.

Floral Cornrows

Actress Tessa Thompson shows us how to make a low-maintenance hairstyle like cornrows feel a little more glamorous. Her cornrows have been styled into mini buns and accessorized with tiny red roses to complement her dress.

Micro Braid French Twist

Zoe Kravitz is known for sporting micro braids. While they take a fair amount of time to achieve, they're not as heavy or bulky as other braided styles. Here, the actress has styled her tiny braids in a chic French twist. The look has an old Hollywood glamour feel to it.

Knotless Braids

Knotless braids put less tension on the hair and scalp than box braids, making them a popular option these days. Zendaya's take on the trendy hairdo features a mix of dark brown and light brown braiding hair. The style looks so stunning on her.

Twisted Box Braids

There are no limits when it comes to styling your box braids. If you need some ideas, take some inspiration from actress Storm Reid. On one side of her head, half of her braids have been twisted and then plaited all the way down. We also love how she’s elevated her look by adding a few silver braid cuffs and styling her edges.

Half-Up, Half-Down Knotless Braids

Half-up, half-down hairstyles remind us of our childhood, but as Laura Harrier proves, the style can feel very elevated. If you want to add texture and edge to micro braids, leave the ends undone, as Harrier has done.

Bedazzled Braids

Letitia Wright’s braided look is another take on the half-up, half-down style. The actress opted for a neat, bedazzled bun on top and cascading, small braids below. The dazzling silver accessories complement her jewelry really well.

Micro Braid Ponytail

Forever a trendsetter in her own right, Solange shows us all how to wear super long micro braids. Sections of her hair have been pinned back while the rest has been pulled into a mid-ponytail that is snatched to perfection. The curly ends, baby hair, and silver hoops give this look a '90s vibe we love.

Knotless Updo

Copper hair is everywhere, and Amandla Stenberg is another celebrity with an affinity for the color. The actress styled her reddish-brown hair in a classic '90s style, pinning a section to the side and pulling the rest into a high bun.

Swirly Cornrows

Beyoncé is no stranger to braided looks and her swirly cornrows stole the show at The Lion King premiere in 2019. She completed the look with a 1920s-inspired pin curl in the front and perfectly styled sideburns.

Middle-Part Braids

Venus Williams and her sister Serena famously wore beaded braids in their early tennis days, and they've both continued to showcase cool braid hairstyles over the years. For this look, Williams opted for small, middle-part braids. To finish off the look, she added silver jewels throughout her hair.

Sculptural Braided Updo

You can create beautiful, sculptural styles with braids. Alicia Keys' braided updo is one shining example. To get this look, you'll want to start with a high braided ponytail. Then, you can twist and sculpt it to achieve the desired shape. Secure the braid with several pins to ensure it stays in place.

Braided Pigtails

Pigtails can be chic at any age, as Willow Smith perfectly demonstrates. The singer’s knotless braids have been plaited in two pigtails and secured just above the curled ends. Although it’s a quick and easy style to achieve, it still makes a bold statement.

Braided Bow Bun

Skai Jackson has worn many beautiful hairstyles through the years, but this bow-shaped bun is one of our favorites. Leaving out a few pieces in the front creates a cool faux side bang.

Face-Framing Half-Up, Half-Down Braids

We love Gabrielle’s Union’s modern take on the classic half-up, half-down style. Her messy bun and loose ends give the micro braid look an effortless yet elegant aesthetic.

Braided Bob

Braided bobs are here to stay. Actress Marsai Martin put her own spin on the trend, opting for large box braids and a few charms for extra flair.

Large Curly Braids

It's safe to say that Lupita's hair looks alone have proven the beautiful versatility of braids. Here, the actress is wearing jumbo box braids, which have been left unbraided toward the ends. Her loose ends have been crimped, adding more texture and dimension to the style.

Artistic Braided Updo

Janelle Monae is constantly experimenting with her hair. With this style, Monae's hair has been pinned in rounded shapes to create a sculptural style. If you're recreating this style, make sure you have tons of bobby pins on hand.

Fulani Braids

Heads turned when Rihanna wore these Fulani braids on the red carpet, and rightly so. She looks absolutely gorgeous in the style. The Fenty Beauty founder opted for a medium-length take on the unique braid look, adding little details like perfectly laid edges.

Cornrow Curly Bun

Tia Mowry has worn chic braided hairstyles on many occasions. For this red carpet, she elevated her curly bun with a few cornrows in the front. It’s a cute, playful look that works for formal and casual moments.

Braids and Curls

Tamera Mowry-Housley's braided hairstyle is an easy way to enhance your wash-and-go. Part your hair down the middle and create two braids that feed into your ponytails. To secure your braids, you'll want to have tiny elastics on hand (like Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics, $4).

Braided Crown

Actress Yvonne Orji has taken crown braids to another level. The mix of braiding hair colors (from blonde to brown) makes this regal style feel even more elegant.

Braided Curly Ponytail

Tyla is the epitome of cool, so it's no surprise that her hairstyles are just as exciting. For this occasion, she paired her stitch braids with a curly ponytail. The style is perfect for the summer, but we'd definitely wear it year-round.

Braids and Locs

Issa Rae often wears protective styles, and this look combines cornrows and faux locs. She styled the two-for-one look in a twisted updo that reminds us of a 60s-inspired bouffant.

Tribal Braids

Kerry Washington looks like a goddess in these two-tone tribal braids. Adding copper braiding hair gives the look a fun pop of color.

Braided Side Ponytail

Yara Shahidi has proven to be a hair chameleon throughout her career, often wearing braided styles. This braided side ponytail is such an easy-to-achieve look—pull your hair into a sleek high ponytail and create several chunky braids.

Pop of Color Braids

Kelly Rowland went for a mostly classic box braid look. However, she added a subtle twist with a few pastel-colored extensions. Rowland's approach is perfect for those who want to dip their toe into colored box braids.

Intricate Stitch Braids

Joan Smalls' stitch braids are so precise and intricate. The style is so elegant and fitting for any occasion.

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