These Celebs Are Serving Up Major Braid-Inspo on the Red Carpet

With every major red carpet event comes a new batch of celebrity hair inspiration, and 2018 is shaping up to be no exception. Judging by the versatile styles we’ve spotted on the carpet just this month alone braids aren’t going away anytime soon.

In fact, the sought-after protective style and signature look for Black women has only gotten more popular and far more intricate over the years. If you’re looking for some natural hair inspiration or just anxious to break out of your hair rut, we’ve rounded up our favorite celebrity takes on the staple hairstyle for you to recreate at home.

Scroll down to see everything from plaited ponytails and simple side braids to individual box braids and expert-level fishtail plaits. We promise three interlocked strands never looked so good! 
 

01

Alicia Keys

Though heralded these days for her no-makeup beauty routine, Alicia Keys has always been a trendsetter when it comes to braids. This year proved no different for the musical icon when she showed up to the 2018 Grammys wearing mid-length double braids secured with black zip ties.

02

Jillian Hervey

Jillian Hervey of R&B duo Lion Babe appeared on the red carpet for the #KnockOutHeartDisease event at Burlington’s Union Square in New York City, eschewing her famous curly ‘fro for fiery waist-length box braids.

03

Storm Reid

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ star Storm Reid lit up the AAFCA Awards red carpet with a playful braided updo.

04

Serayah McNeill

‘Empire’s’ Serayah McNeill dominated the amfAR Gala red carpet while sporting a textured braided ponytail to complement her blue sequined gown.

05

Laurieann Gibson

Miss “Boom Kack” herself showed up (and showed out) in platinum blonde box braids to support longtime friend Diddy at the season finale party for FOX’s ‘The Four.’

06

June Ambrose

For an elegant twist on the fishtail braid, copy June Ambrose’s effortless hairstyle, complete with a halo braid around the crown.

07

La La Anthony

It’s all business in the back and a party in the front for La La Anthony. Here, the actress’ hair is flawlessly braided into a faux Mohawk-style, using a hair wrap to secure the base of her high ponytail.

08

Issa Rae

‘Insecure’ creator and star Issa Rae posed on the red carpet at a 2018 DIRECTV Now event. To contrast her see-through patterned top and bold red lip, Rae kept her hair simple with long cornrows gathered into a side-swept ponytail.

09

Amanda Seales

Comedian and naturalista Amanda Seales opted for a single plaited ponytail at the BET Social Awards, adding a slight edge to her blonde-colored coif with some height at the crown.

10

Naturi Naughton

‘Power’s’ Naturi Naughton pulled off this awe-inspiring fishtail braid at a special Black Panther screening in New York City.