This It Girl–Approved Hairstyle Is Having Another Moment

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

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(Image credit: @patrickta)

Karol G demonstrates exactly how to wear the trendy baby braids we've been spotting everywhere.

Zazie Beetz

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(Image credit: @lacyredway)

This gorgeous updo is made even better with a few braided accents.

Ella Balinska

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

The only thing better than a snatched ponytail is a snatched ponytail with braided details.

Mary-Kate Olsen

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(Image credit: @marktownsend1)

This undone style is so dreamy.

Jodie Comer

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(Image credit: @marktownsend1)

Braids really elevate this simple ponytail.

Natalie Dormer

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(Image credit: @marktownsend1)

This ethereal look is giving us major cottagecore vibes.

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Box Braids

Zendaya

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(Image credit: @zendaya)

Zendaya's small box braids are the epitome of cool.

Zoë Kravitz

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(Image credit: @zoeisabellakravitz)

We're obsessed with Zoë Kravitz's signature micro-braids.

Beyoncé

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(Image credit: @beyonce)

Beyoncé has entered the chat.

Jhené Aiko

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(Image credit: @jheneaiko)

These '90s-inspired jumbo braids are absolutely stunning.

Amandla Stenberg

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(Image credit: @amandlastenberg)

And these plaits are so high fashion.

Jourdan Dunn

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(Image credit: @jourdandunn)

Still not over Jourdan Dunn's sweet braided-bob moment.

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Braided Ponytails

Kylie Jenner

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(Image credit: @kyliejenner)

Now, that's a braid.

Megan Thee Stallion

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(Image credit: @theestallion)

It's the baby hairs for me.

Sabrina Claudio

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(Image credit: @jesushair)

The precision of that middle part is so satisfying, but the perfectly woven braid takes the cake.

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Braided Updos and Buns

Olivia Wilde

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(Image credit: @mararoszak)

This fishtail crown braid is so cute.

Laura Harrier

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(Image credit: @lauraharrier)

So is this perfectly coiled cinnamon-bun braid.

Jourdan Dunn

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(Image credit: @jourdandunn)

These braided space buns are absolutely perfect.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

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(Image credit: @cwoodhair)

A silk scarf is the perfect accessory for this pretty braided updo.

Kelly Rowland

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(Image credit: @kellyrowland)

We love how Rowland scooped her braids into a bun perched atop her head, creating a whole new style.

Shailene Woodley

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(Image credit: @marktownsend1)

This intricately braided chignon is so elegant.

Dorit Kemsley

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

This simple look is so much fun.

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French Braids and Cornrows

Laura Harrier

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(Image credit: @lauraharrier)

Do we love this look? Oui!

Katy Perry

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(Image credit: @chrisappleton1)

Not mad at Perry's platinum plaits, either.

Janelle Monáe

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(Image credit: @janellemonae)

These middle-parted feed-in braids are perfection.

Laura Harrier

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(Image credit: @lauraharrier)

And then, there are these straight-back cornrows that we dream about weekly.

Rihanna

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Rihanna can do no wrong in our book, but damn, these intricate cornrows are just beyond.

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Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.