10 braided hairstyles you should steal from Lupita Nyong'o, Tracee Ellis Ross, and others this summer

Jacqueline Laurean Yates
Lupita Nyong'o, Alicia Keys, and Tracee Ellis Ross show off some of the best braid hair looks. (Photo: Getty Images)
Lupita Nyong’o, Alicia Keys, and Tracee Ellis Ross show off some of the best braided hair looks. (Photo: Getty Images)

Summer is the best season to give your hot blow dryers, flatirons, and wand curlers a much-needed cool down. What’s a great hairstyle alternative? Braids! Try a fresh new braided ’do, and you may be surprised at how many compliments you receive.

If you are searching for the best braids to go along with your summer maxi dresses and crop tops, trust us, there’s inspiration ev-ery-where. From Lupita Nyong’o’s evolving two-strand twists and Tracee Ellis Ross’s red carpet-ready cornrows to Instagram feeds such as Braidsgang, which are dedicated to providing endless ideas, there are enough styles to go around for everyone.

Keep reading to be dazzled by 10 unique braided hairstyles that are absolutely everything.

@jasmeannnn – HAIIIIRRRR @joyjah

A post shared by BRAIDS GANG LTD (@braidsgang) on Apr 7, 2018 at 7:38am PDT

Topknots and baby hair are a great combo indeed.

NAACP ~ @naacpimageawards wearing a @narciso_rodriguez dress, @tiffanyandco jewelry, @louboutinworld pumps, @tylerellis_official clutch, along with a vintage @ysl feather jacket from my closet styling by @karlawelchstylist hair by @araxi_by_appointment_only makeup by @stephensollitto #blackish

A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) on Jan 15, 2018 at 5:42pm PST

Ross’s NAACP fishtail ponytail equals summer hair goals 2.0.

Weekend ready #hotd by @hairbytashalouisec

A post shared by DREAMDRY (@dreamdry) on Apr 26, 2018 at 5:00pm PDT

Just when you thought Dutch braids couldn’t get any cooler — they did!

Hair swaaaanngging in the sun ☀️#thisweathergotmelike #springhassprung . care of @manrepeller head there to check out my #hair routine while I’m braided up #linkinbio (thank you @amilli0naire ) #babyhairsonfleek

A post shared by Tiffany Reid (@tiffanyreid) on Apr 13, 2018 at 1:29pm PDT

Looks like box braids and hair jewels are a win-win summer situation.

Beautiful CROWN BRAIDS created by @cayleejolene @cayleejolene ✨ #beyondtheponytail

A post shared by BRAIDS | UPDOS | INSPIRATION (@beyondtheponytail) on Apr 4, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

Piecey crown braids are fit for a queen with a little edge.

A post shared by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:42pm PDT

Keys’s Starburst-colored ’do is as sweet as her music.

A braided Wade' n crop toppin'

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Apr 17, 2018 at 1:30pm PDT

Union’s mid-length box braids and tribal beads deserve a permanent spot on your Pinterest #hairgoals board.

Wish List: -Peace of Mind Hairstyle by @pedropsvstudio #braidstyles #purplehair #colors #underhaircut #braids #purplegirl #minipsylocke

A post shared by Eira Caballero Vergara (@cookiefitpty) on Jun 6, 2018 at 8:49am PDT

Give ultimate unicorn vibes with this plum-tastic braided Mohawk.

I love how plants seem to glow after it rains.Now Watch Me do the same #quickhaiku #frommetoyou #35mm @pbbt

A post shared by Shani Crowe (@crowezilla) on Aug 11, 2017 at 12:15pm PDT

Go green this summer. No regrets!

Refreshing dragon fruit pit stop! The food in Tulum and at @HotelEsencia was phenomenal. || ¡Disfrutando una parada de pitaya refrescante! La comida en Tulum y en @HotelEsencia estuvo sabrosísima. #promoted

A post shared by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Jul 18, 2017 at 2:59pm PDT

Nyong’o’s twisted bob will blend perfectly into your vacation bae looks.

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