13 Celebrity Braided Updos To Add To Your Mood BoardsASAP
Our take
The resurgence of braided updos among celebrities isn't merely a fleeting trend; it’s a reflection of a broader shift towards understated elegance and a considered approach to personal style. We’ve seen this movement play out across fashion recently, with pieces like those featured in If You're Stuck in an Outfit Rut, Here Are 7 Easy Looks Fashion People Are Wearing to the Pub This Summer demonstrating a desire for accessible, yet stylish, choices. This article, showcasing celebrity-inspired braided updos, taps directly into that same sensibility – offering attainable aspiration rather than overtly extravagant displays. The emphasis on protective styling, as highlighted in the article, further underscores a growing awareness of hair health and a move away from styles solely driven by fleeting trends, demonstrating a more holistic approach to beauty that prioritizes long-term care. The subtle elevation of everyday styling, as embraced in 8 Specific Summer Trends Fashion People Are Wearing With Their Basic Tank Tops This Summer, resonates here – taking a foundational element (braids) and transforming it into something refined and impactful.
The appeal of braided updos lies in their inherent versatility; they can be dressed up for a gala or worn with a relaxed air for a summer gathering. This duality aligns perfectly with the contemporary desire for pieces that seamlessly transition between occasions, reflecting a life lived with intention and fluidity. While elaborate hairstyles certainly have their place, the current cultural moment favors a more quiet confidence – a sense of effortless chic that doesn’t require constant attention. This echoes the broader luxury landscape, moving away from ostentatious displays of wealth toward a more subtle, discerning appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. The examples provided in the article, from chignons to space buns, offer a range of options to suit different preferences and hair textures, reinforcing the idea that elevated style is achievable for almost anyone willing to invest a little time and effort. It’s about creating a mood, cultivating a feeling of polished serenity that emanates from within – a core tenet of the modern muse aesthetic.
Furthermore, the rise of protective styles like braids speaks to a deeper cultural conversation about celebrating natural hair textures and embracing heritage. For many, braids are more than just a hairstyle; they are a connection to ancestry and a powerful statement of identity. Seeing these styles embraced by celebrities normalizes and validates these traditions, encouraging broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse beauty standards. Even the subtle details showcased, like the incorporation of delicate accessories within the braids as seen in Dior’s recent collection, as explored in My Dior Rewrites House Codes With New Jewelry, demonstrates how high fashion is increasingly drawing inspiration from global aesthetics and cultural narratives. This isn’t simply about replicating a look; it's about honoring the history and artistry behind it.
Ultimately, the popularity of celebrity braided updos signifies a broader shift away from fleeting trends and towards a more enduring aesthetic rooted in self-expression, cultural appreciation, and quiet confidence. The focus on attainable elegance and versatility resonates deeply with the modern woman seeking to cultivate a polished, yet effortless style that reflects her inner self. As we move forward, it will be interesting to observe how this trend evolves and whether we see further integration of cultural influences and protective styling techniques into mainstream fashion and beauty. Will braided updos become a permanent fixture in the celebrity style lexicon, or will this be a cyclical trend, destined to fade as quickly as it rose?
Protective styles, specifically braids, are my go-to during the summer months. They give my hair a break from daily manipulation and maintenance, heat styling, and the ever-looming threat of humidity-induced frizz. But, if I’m being honest, braids are more than just a summer staple — they’re a timeless statement look. Not only do they protect and promote hair growth, but they also deliver major style moments with minimal upkeep. But you know what truly sets braids apart? Their versatility. Whether you're running errands, hanging out with friends, or lounging on vacation, braids can adapt to suit any vibe. And they don’t have to be worn straight down your back, either — braids can be styled into updos like top knots, buns, high ponytails, and half-up, half-down looks for even more variety. You can keep things sleek and simple or go bold with added accessories, color, or more intricate patterns — the possibilities are truly endless. It’s no wonder so many celebrities, including Zoë Kravitz, Tia Mowry, and Chase Infiniti, have fully embraced the look at events and on the red carpet.
Ahead, TZR has rounded up the best celebrity braided updos that’ll give you some major inspiration for your next hairstyle. Get ready to book that braiding appointment.
Keke Palmer
Palmer channeled her inner ‘90s vixen at the premiere of her film I Love Boosters, wrapping her coppery boho braids into an effortless, tousled updo with a few romantic tendrils left out on the side.
Kerry Washington
For the Sundance Film Festival (the last to be held in Park City, Utah), Washington opted for blonde boho braids, swept up into a ponytail at the crown. The gorgeous style perfectly framed her face, showcasing her pretty, rosy makeup.
Chase Infiniti
Infiniti has become something of a natural hair It Girl in recent months; it seems as though every time she hits a red carpet, she presents an exciting new way to wear braids, twists, or coils. Case in point: This braided ballerina bun, completely slicked-back save for one dainty braided curl.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Crisp partings, accent braids circling the ears to the front of the face, the bright blonde color; every single element of Emmanuel’s Bantu knot is eye-catching. Combining so many stylistic elements into one look is a bold move — and it paid off big time.
Alicia Keys
When it comes to wearing braided hairstyles on the red carpet and during performances, Keys is true to this, not new to this. The chanteuse has been committed to cornrows, plaits, and Fulanis for over two decades now — and still finds fresh ways to wear them, like these jumbo space buns.
Wunmi Mosaku
During the press tour for Sinners, Mosaku served up nonstop protective-style inspo. It’s all but impossible to pick a best, but this elegant box-braided chignon was certainly among the many standouts.
Laura Harrier
Harrier’s sleek, small box braids are styled into a half-up, half-down ponytail, creating a look that’s polished yet playful. The braids have undone ends that fall freely down her back, adding length, texture, and movement.
Jourdan Dunn
Gathered into a high ponytail, Dunn’s braided updo brings all the drama. Paired with sleek, laid edges, this look commands attention.
Gabrielle Union
Union styled her box braids into a high top knot, leaving out a few face-framing pieces for a soft, effortless touch. The result? A quick and easy style that still looks super put-together.
Ayo Edebiri
A side-swept updo, like Edebiri’s, is an easy way to switch up your braids. Throw on some claw clips or pins, and you’ve instantly leveled up a simple, everyday look.
Zoë Kravitz
For the 2021 Met Gala, Kravitz’s micro-braids were parted down the middle, then swept into a polished French twist for an effortless yet sophisticated look.
Tia Mowry
For a film premiere, Mowry took her curly bun up a notch by adding cornrows, giving her look a cool and modern edge.
Tyla
For GQ’s Man of the Year event in 2023, Tyla paired her sleek stitch braids with a curly ponytail for an attention-grabbing style.
Yara Shahidi
Shahidi is a seasoned pro when it comes to braided styles. For this look, her hair was slicked back before a few thick, cropped braids were added for a fresh take on the classic ponytail.
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