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Home • Braids

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired

With temperatures rising (not to mention the humidity), you might be wondering "what now?!" when it comes to your hair. Thankfully, there's no better time than summertime to kick back, relax and enjoy a fuss-free protective hairstyle. Listen up—braids are the epitome of chic for the office, vacation, and everywhere in between. With so many styles to choose from ranging from daring to demure, we deem braids the "it" hairstyle that never left. Here's 35 ideas we think you can 100% get on board with!
By Janell M. Hickman · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
French Braids: @Mahoganycurls

Tap into your romantic side with a lovely side braid. Accessorize with flower for a bohemian twist.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Mahoganycurls via Instagram
02
Box Braids: @kerihilson

Try your hand at this casual look—a half-up/half-down bun never fails to impress.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@kerihilson via Instagram
03
Box Braids: @Naturally_Candace

Forgo the traditional back-length braid extensions for a dramatically longer look.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Naturally_Candace via Instagram
04
Box Braids: @Naturallytemi

You can do no wrong in a gorgeous up-do. Wear this style to your next summer wedding or dinner party.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Naturallytemi via Instagram
05
Box Braids: @Beyoncé

Bey slayed with traditional box braids in her iconic video, “Formation.” We covet her ability to rock any style.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Beyoncé via Instagram
06
Box Braids: @Lolaraemusic

 Get creative and style your plaits into a sculptural work of art.
(Styling by, @bernardsmiless)

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Lolaraemusic via Instagram
07
Jumbo Braids: @Joyvivre

Crocheted locks are a refreshing take on individual braids, plus they’re effortless and beautiful.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Joyvivre/@rastafribraid via Instagram
08
Jumbo Braids: @kekepalmer

Keke Palmer kept it cool in long jumbo braids styled in a low ponytail with loose strands framing her face.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@kekepalmer via Instagram
09
Jumbo Braids: @Mac_bxtch

Thicker braids look amazing in color—better yet, colors that contrast like this rich plum hue.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Mac_bxtch via Instagram
10
Jumbo Braids: @imadamejay

 Elevate your look by pinning back a small portion of your front plaits. It’s a simple style that’s sure to stun.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@imadamejay via Instagram
11
Shorter Styles: @olaj_arel

The 90’s are back in full swing and box braid hair bobs are giving us all kinds of Maxine Shaw from “Living Single” vibes.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@olaj_arel via Instagram
12
Jumbo Braids: @Indialove

Less is more. Make your plaits more natural looking by only rocking 10-20 braids—and work that baby hair.

 

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Indialove via Instagram
13
Cornrows: @tameraofficial

Chunky cornrows are perfect for warmer weather. These could be easily worn to the office or an off-day at the beach.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@tameraofficial via Instagram
14
Cornrows: @tia_becca_

Spruce up this sporty-inspired look with long sleek strands.

 

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@tia_becca_ via Instagram
15
Cornrows: @ravenelyse

Cornrows offer a safe way to try out haute hues without damaging your hair. Don’t be afraid to find your favorite shade of blonde, brown, or even blue!

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@ravenelyse via Instagram
16
French Braids: @lemybeauty

Low messy plaits are smoking hot right now. Add as much hair as you wish to enhance volume.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@lemybeauty via Instagram
17
Cornrows: @ravenelyse

Cornrows offer a safe way to try out haute hues without damaging your hair. Don’t be afraid to find your favorite shade of blonde, brown, or even blue!

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@ravenelyse via Instagram
18
French Braids: @janellemonae

Want drama? Bring it like natural hair icon and singer Janelle Monáe with a long intricate due that sure to wow.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@janellemonae via Instagram
19
French Braids: @naptural85

Deviate from the traditional French braid look with a deep statement side part. Instead of braiding all the way down, stop mid-braid and twist your locks into a fashionable bun.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@naptural85 via Instagram
20
Goddess Braids: @aliyahraey

Chunky oversized braids with a dash of baby hair are subtly sweet.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@aliyahraey via Instagram
21
Goddess Braids: @drayamichele

The new mom makes an edgy choice with this regal hairstyle.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@drayamichele via Instagram
22
Goddess Braids: @iam_queenroe

Make an unforgettable statement with a braided hybrid updo.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@iam_queenroe via Instgram
23
Goddess Braids: @aaliyahjay

Between this makeup, hair, and outfit, we can’t figure out where to focus on!

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@aaliyahjay via Instagram
24
Goddess Braids: @fkatwigs

We’d expect nothing less from the eccentric artist.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@fkatwigs via Instagram
25
Braided Crown: @kellyrowland

The perfect style to show off the “Chasing Destiny’s” natural beauty.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@kellyrowland via Instagram
26
Braided Crown: @ciara

This double braided crown sent the internet abuzz for good reason.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@ciara via Instagram
27
Braided Crown: @karrueche

We were floored when we found out this was a customized wig created by the one-and-only Toyko Stylez.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@karrueche via Instagram
28
Braided Crown: @tee.withlove

In a rush? Style damp strands in an elegant braided style to beat frizz.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@tee.withlove via Instagram
29
Briaded Crown: @nicolegibbonsstyle

Get ready for your close-up (and big night out) in this fiercely feminine style.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@nicolegibbonsstyle via Instagram
30
Braided Crown: @tikasumpter

Sumpter looks perfectly regal in a sleek double braid next to Naomie Harris.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@tikasumpter via Instagram
31
Micro-braids: @Folayanless

When it comes to mini braids—the brighter the better.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@Folayanless via Instagram
32
Micro-braids: @kayrayejayy

Who said bigger means better? These colorful mini braids show otherwise.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@kayrayejayy via Instagram
33
Micro-braids: @zoeisabellakravitz

Effortless and undone never looked so cool.

 

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@zoeisabellakravitz via Instagram
34
Micro-braids: @gabunion

Gabby took a break from her signature waves for a wake-up-and-go braided style.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@gabunion via Instagram
35
Micro-braids: @Studiomucci

Pretty in pink, with a big side of confidence.

#BraidGang: 35 Looks to Get You Inspired
@studiomucci via Instagram
TOPICS:  Ciara Gabrielle Union Kelly Rowland Keri Hilson Zoe Kravitz