From Twists To Braids: Stars Slaying In Protective Styles This Summer

Need some style inspiration for braids before hot girl summer is completely over? Look no further than the stars. Plenty of your favorite leading ladies and singers decided to switch things up for a few weeks (in some cases, just a few days), and the looks have been some of our favorites. Take for example, Tessa Thompson in her choppy box braid bob that she shared over the weekend:

Or how about Yara Shahidi’s braided bang that’s giving us Patrice Rushen vibes?

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So many well-known ladies are giving your everyday braids some flair, whether it’s through color, accessories or designs. Hit the flip to see who took their looks to the next level and have us wanting to play around with these unique takes on protective styles.

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Rihanna

The Bajan bad girl jazzed up cornrows with some baby hair and a rich red hue.

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Solange

The “Don’t Touch My Hair” singer is always innovative, including when it comes to her braided styles. Check out this look, which is more art than simple protective style.

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Issa Rae

Issa let her edges breathe and went for a blend of brown shades with her box braids.

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Skai Jackson

The young starlet made her individual twists into three very chic braids, and finished up the look with fresh baby hair.

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Beyoncé

Let’s not forget that Bey spent a good chunk of her career (the Writings on the Wall days) wearing braids. She has been bringing them back more and more lately, and having fun with the look — like with these cornrows at the Lion King premiere.

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Gabrielle Union

The beauty’s box braids are some of the neatest we’ve seen. The look is also parted and braided in a very sleek horizontal direction if you’re thinking about trying it.

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Keke Palmer

The newest Strahan and Sara host is bringing braids to daytime, including these simple but very chic straight back cornrows.

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Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia took her box braids to the next level with some bold color.

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Meagan Good

The queen of goddess locs brought back the look for the summer with a warm brown shade and her favorite shaven side.

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Laura Harrier

The BlacKkKlansman star took her box braids to the next level with Rapunzel-like length and loose, curled ends.

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Missy Elliott

The legendary rapper’s blend of very long braid and curl with ornament-like accessories is a bold and beautiful look.

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Jill Scott

Leave it to Jilly from Philly to decorate her box braids in some unique and gilded accessories (and is that a side pony?).

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Brandy

The singer’s brown twists are truly set off by this soft brown hue — and her funky style.

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Regina Hall

If you really want to play with color, take a cue from Regina King and go purple rain on your braids.