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Home · Hair

The Summer of Braids

Braids have been getting a lot of shine this summer, from lengthy grey micros to burgundy twists. Here are a few of our favorite low maintenance looks to get your through the rest of summer, and ready for fall!
By Nicole Marie Melton · May 13, 2015October 27, 2020
01
Jumbo Braids

When it comes to summer braids, we opt for the bigger the better. Try long, jumbo braids like Janelle Monae. 

Getty Images
02
Fit For a Queen

Michelle Williams looks regal with her Senegalese pulled up in a high bun. 

Michelle Williams Instagram
03
Tried and True

Tracee Ellis Ross is a huge fan of pulling her natural curls back into prairie braids and frankly, we love seeing her rock this look.

04
The Perfect Hue

Monica’s got a new ‘do and a new hue!  These lengthy merlot micros are super low-maintenance and perfect for transitioning into fall.

Monica Brown Instagram
05
Half n’ Half

Jill Scott’s faux “side shave” ’do can be turned into a get-up-and-go style by gathering all of your natural hair into tiny, precise cornrows, and adding loosely waved extensions that fall to one side.

06
Long Locs

Zoë Kravitz gives us braid envy with waist-length hair.  

Instagram
07
Braided Bombshell

Box braids are back and better than ever so take your cues from Eva Marcille who whipped up her pretty plaits into a stunning topper at the Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch.

08
Cute Cornrows

Regina King attended a photocall for the TV series Southland wearing fancy cornrows that are perfect for the beach, too.

09
Waist-Lenth Locks

Kandi Burrus attended the opening of her new series The Kandi Factory in flowing, waist-length braids with loose ends.

10
Over the Top

At a recent awards show, Jada Pinkett Smith rocked a faux-hawk pompadour created entirely of box braids.

11
Twisted Elegance

During a performance at the Summer Block Party in July, Jill Scott switched up her look by adding in twisted extensions swept into an unique updo.

12
Remix Your Topknot

Naturi Naughton put a new spin on the braids trend when she arrived at the Sparkle premiere in Hollywood. This style shows that protective styles can be dressed up for an elegant look, too.

13
Pretty Plaits

A few years ago, Beyonce traveled to Old Havana, Cuba for her fifth wedding anniversary. While there, she sported waist-length braids which she styled in this intricate topknot.

AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
14
Top of the Class

Solange Knowles brought back her braids at the The Miu Miu Galleria opening in Houston and whipped them up into a fierce, oversized topknot.

Federico Villamayor for www.culturemap.com
15
Going Glam

Stunning songstress Goapele looks elegant in tiny cornrows and a decorative headpiece.

16
Flashback ‘Do

After nearly two decades in the music industry, Brandy recently returned back to the hairstyle she helped make trendy in the Nineties.

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