Not just for schoolgirls, braids have come of age recently and are sprouting up all over the heads of our favourite leading ladies, songstresses and It Girl crushes. Yup, everyone from smokin’ hot mama-to-be Chrissy Teigen to newcomer Daisy Ridley and the ever-ethereal Rooney Mara are backing the sexy, sassy, oftentimes bohemian trend. With braids all grown up and hot as hell, it’s time to find your signature style.
For Long-Haired Ladies
Braid Crown
As seen on: Ciara
Bow down to the reigning kween of braids. Ciara’s crowning glory is the perfect foil to her tribal-vibe dress, combining a French and fishtail braid with a relaxed, textured finish. Perf.
Another day, another banging braided style from the stylish singer. This fishtail version is far from severe, working a treat with all that golden volume up top. #braidboss
The lush Blake Lively is walking, talking proof that long hair needn’t be boring. A long time fan of plaits, twists and boho styling, she’s done it again with these craftily concealed braids, adding an undone, youthful edge to her otherwise old-school glam ‘do.
Another bombshell who loves a good braid, expecting mum Teigen sported a textured maxi-braid to this year’s Oscars. The roughed-up texture and imperfect finish makes this a good choice for curly-haired cuties.
You can always count on Rooney to eschew the traditional glamazon route in favour of something more esoteric and edgy. Case in point, her slicked back, double duty braid at the Golden Globes. Not for everyone, but she pulls it off with panache. Love.
Sometimes the wheel doesn’t need to be recreated, as Br-It Girl Alexa proves with her sleek and simple plaited pigtails. Bonus points for that high-gloss finish.
We may not all be able to weave a $4000 necklace into our barnet for some added interest, but mid-length, fine haired ladies will look stellar with this ultra feminine up-do.
The Star Wars honey loves teaming her fresh face with even fresher hairstyles. Her tousled bun is spiced up with the addition of a face-framing French braid.
LC may be growing out her golden girl locks, but we’re still crushing on that killer, tousled bob. Especially when she wore it half-up half-down with this macramé-look braid. So pretty.
Growing out a fringe can be a right royal pain in the butt, but you needn’t stick to hats for six months. This twisted braid style is super cute on Sienna, the perfect way to jazz up a bored bob, and would look just as good in a shorter crop or pixie.