We’re talking about hair that makes you do a double take andthendouble tap.
And classic styles are constantly being reinvented and brought to life with a new-school swag.
We’re here to help you navigate it all with some major inspiration spied on celebrities and on Instagram.
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Stitched To Perfection
Marsai Martin’s neatly-parted stitch cornrow braids at theHonk For Jesus.
secure your Soul.premiere features an intricate stitch pattern and thats not even the best part of this look.
The wrapped bun with wispy tendrils in the back is just as eye-catching.
This style is all about the details: Small braids cover the elastics at the base of Lerays pigtails.
Her perfectly laid baby hairs give this nostalgic hairstyle a modern twist.
Micro Swoop
Former First Lady Michelle Obamas recentgoddess braidshave yielded some of her best looks yet.
This look, which she wore onThe Kelly Clarkson Show, is another example of this.
It gathers the box braids with curls into a classic ponytail one with gorgeous texture and body.
Oh, Baby!
Lori Harvey is not immune to the allure ofY2K aesthetic.
Thiscircular masterpiece, done by Hairstylist Issac Poleon, is a testament to how versatile braids can be.
Twist & Turn
This braided updo may just be Martins most standout look yet.
A little bit ofedge controlat the hairline and she was ready to hit the red carpet.
It was a beautiful marriage between two hairstyles so important to Black culture.
Fiyah Bun
You don’t have to do the most to get super gorgeous hair.
A simple braided bun is always a good look, as Issa Rae demonstrates here.
These box braids she’s wearing are decorated with clear beads at the ends.
Meet Me in the Lob-by
Kiki Layne demonstrates a super-cute way to style lob-length box braids.
Sultry Straight Backs
There is no hairstyle more classic than a good set of straight-back cornrows.
For the 2020 American Music Awards, Ciara wore hers with a swooping, swirling set of baby hairs.
Fully Fulani
Taraji P. Hensondecided on a gorgeous set of Fulani braids to promoteEmpirein South Africa.
There’s so much gorgeousness going on here, it’s hard to choose a favorite element.
The braid precisely laid down her middle part?
The plaits left loose at the temples?
Or the big bun of swirling, highlighted braids sitting high atop Henson’s head?
One thing is for sure: It all comes together for an absolutely epic look.
And, of course, the baby hair is slicked to perfection.
HairstylistNikki Nelmsfinished off the look with a golden ring that cleanly seals the tapered end.
Blige chose long box braids that reach her thigh in her signature blonde hue, of course.
Trammel also added wooden beads at the ends of Ash’s braids, tying the whole look together.
Cinnamon Bun Braids
HairstylistSheridan Wardgave Thandie Newton this hairstyle for a panel at Cannes Lions.
An ethereal, mystical style.
Pop the Bubbly
Popular natural hair influencerNneomais the queen of finessing her protective styles in unique ways.
The rest of her hair was left loose in a braid-out pattern at the back.
We love the mix-and-match feel of these braids, adorned with beads and white thread.
The braids, done by YouTuberKersti Pitre, are what she likes to call Kandy Cornrows.
We think the name fits perfectly.
Parris took her Fulani braids to beaded glory with this look.
Tamara, owner ofAncestral Strandshair salon in Brooklyn, created this look on one of her models forCurlFest2017.
The braided loop in the middle, which gives this style a unique flourish.
Theres some legit whip-ability with this braid… and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We especially like the zigzag part in between the braids; its a nice touch.
Reminder: Screenshot this and bring to the salon.
Orange Soda
Pumpkins ain’t got nothing on this adorable orange bob.
The accessories just take the look to the next level.
Granted, they’re not braids but the effect this look gives is similar.
The client’s shaved sides give this style an edgy feel.
She proudly wore her natural hair for many years and often tapped into her roots to inspire her hairdos.
Here she is with a simple-yet-elegant braided bun.
She may be gone, but her proclivity to turn hair into art still influences many today.
Up Top
Fellas love braids, too.
Just ask Michael B. Jordan.
While prepping for the wildly successfulBlack Pantherfilm, Jordan grew out his hair and wore braids.
