When scrolling Instagram for hair inspiration, as we often do, we're always stunned by the jaw-dropping braided hairstyles we stumble upon. Whether casual or formal, dressed up or down, these intricate plaits look good on virtually every hair texture imaginable. And while braids are always in style (they literally haven't had a moment's rest since Brandy adopted them as her signature look in the '90s), we've noticed a recent uptick in braided looks, like Zendaya's box braids.
Trust us. There's more hair envy where that came from. Beauties like Zoë Kravitz, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and queen Beyoncé are showcasing just how It girls do every kind of braid imaginable. Ahead, check out the 27 best braided hairstyles giving us all the heart eyes.
Accent Braids
Karol G
Karol G demonstrates exactly how to wear the trendy baby braids we've been spotting everywhere.
Zazie Beetz
This gorgeous updo is made even better with a few braided accents.
Ella Balinska
The only thing better than a snatched ponytail is a snatched ponytail with braided details.
Mary-Kate Olsen
This undone style is so dreamy.
Jodie Comer
Braids really elevate this simple ponytail.
Natalie Dormer
This ethereal look is giving us major cottagecore vibes.
Shop it:
This multipurpose product functions as both a dry shampoo and a styling paste, infusing volume and texture into flat or oily hair to create the ideal foundation for braided accents.
Box Braids
Zendaya
Zendaya's small box braids are the epitome of cool.
Zoë Kravitz
We're obsessed with Zoë Kravitz's signature micro-braids.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé has entered the chat.
Jhené Aiko
These '90s-inspired jumbo braids are absolutely stunning.
Amandla Stenberg
And these plaits are so high fashion.
Jourdan Dunn
Still not over Jourdan Dunn's sweet braided-bob moment.
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Scalp care is essential when rocking box braids. This premium oil blend gently moisturizes the scalp without leaving an overly greasy-looking finish.
Braided Ponytails
Kylie Jenner
Now, that's a braid.
Megan Thee Stallion
It's the baby hairs for me.
Sabrina Claudio
The precision of that middle part is so satisfying, but the perfectly woven braid takes the cake.
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This little brush makes creating slicked styles so much easier. From swooping baby hairs to taming flyaways, it does it all.
Braided Updos and Buns
Olivia Wilde
This fishtail crown braid is so cute.
Laura Harrier
So is this perfectly coiled cinnamon-bun braid.
Jourdan Dunn
These braided space buns are absolutely perfect.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
A silk scarf is the perfect accessory for this pretty braided updo.
Kelly Rowland
We love how Rowland scooped her braids into a bun perched atop her head, creating a whole new style.
Shailene Woodley
This intricately braided chignon is so elegant.
Dorit Kemsley
This simple look is so much fun.
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Accessorizing with these chic oversize scrunchies is a quick and easy way to boost any braided style on the cheap.
French Braids and Cornrows
Laura Harrier
Do we love this look? Oui!
Katy Perry
Not mad at Perry's platinum plaits, either.
Janelle Monáe
These middle-parted feed-in braids are perfection.
Laura Harrier
And then, there are these straight-back cornrows that we dream about weekly.
Rihanna
Rihanna can do no wrong in our book, but damn, these intricate cornrows are just beyond.
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Grab a comb with a skinny rattail, like this one, to help create all your precise parts.
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